My Thoughts..
I have the Maytag mvwp575gw made in 2018 when even more regulations took effect. I can wash any a load in 30 minutes (Normal) half tub wash/spray rinse to 45 minutes (Bulky, Delicates, Mixed, or Powerwash) full tub wash / full tub rinse. There is plenty of water and wash action to get the clothes clean, so I was able to get two out of three by choosing this model. However, there is no hot tap only wash! Fortunately, there is a way to fix that in the model I have. Hot tap only water washes are needed. For other times, I am happy to save money and be kinder to our environment using cold rinses and cooler temps when possible. These energy-saving features should be options and not mandatory settings that cripple a washer's performance.
These new models also are primarily virtual modular washers. This can be an advantage as many similar models will share the same parts making it easier to fix and find parts for. They can be a disadvantage because in the beginning, some of the parts were not holding up including the actuator (mode shifter), splutch, and belt. I noticed many of the parts have had revisions to them. Hopefully, they have been improved and will last longer now. Fortunately, they are less expensive parts that most consumers can replace themselves. On my old-style Whirlpool set, I only replaced a less than $2 package of dogs in the fifteen years I had it. It looks like the new washers will require a new belt, actuator, splutch, and other small parts in this same time period.
The commercial LWN432 (which is hard to find) has mechanical controls, a transmission, and good motor and is the closest one can find to the older style and durable washers that lasted for years. However, I think this washer and the Maytag mvwp575gw will last about ten to fifteen years without needing any major repairs including bearings, transmissions/gearboxes, motors, etc. I am not sure I would be able to find parts for the Speed Queen one since only one model is made with those parts now (and at some point in the near future could be discontinued). It is more likely I can find parts for my VMW in the future, but will it be cost effective to repair at that point?
Mine has one control board that I know of. If it goes out, it would be about $300 to $400 to replace.
The new regulations were passed with the intentions of saving energy and water, but in real-life they do not. People are using more water (repeated washes/rinses) and more time (extended cycles or to rewash/rerinse) to get clothes as clean as they were in the previous older models that most of us older on this board had and can appreciate. They also wind up in the landfills in only five to ten years (or to the curb sooner for poor performance) since they are not made with the same quality parts and are expensive to repair. It is my understanding the control board almost had to be added to regulate the new features, and it is over half to almost the entire cost of the washer to replace. How does any of these save our resources and/or environment? The DOE needs to rethink this one.
I am careful not to overload my washer. I also think this is key to being happier with the new models and them meeting expectations.
I appreciate all the great information on this board and YouTube.
