Your Opinions Please: About To Purchase Maytag Or Samsung Laundry Pair

[frigilux]

OK, kids, it's crunch time. By this time tomorrow I will probably have ordered a new washer and dryer. For reasons I don't have time to go into right now, I've decided it's either the Maytag 8100 pair or the Samsung 6300 pair. The Speed Queen front-loader and LG 4270 were the other two in play, but they have been eliminated. Please advise only on Samsung and Maytag. I will find time later tonight to explain why I chose the two finalists.

Samsung Pros: Many great user reviews. Machine is more technologically advanced than the Maytag. Has recirculation feature similar to Turbo-Wash on LG. Ranks immediately after LG for reliability at CR. I'm not aware that many at AW have a new Samsung, so I can provide up-to-date information how the newest models perform. Price including pedestals, installation and state tax: $3200.00

Samsung Cons: Slightly concerned about Power Foam feature in very soft water. It uses air/detergent/water to make a foam which supposedly penetrates fabrics. Parts availability: Local dealer is being assured by sales rep more parts are available stateside than there used to be. However, some would have to come from Korea. Local dealership does their own servicing. Most howls of disdain about Samsung service (or lack thereof) were from people using 3rd party servicers. (Does everyone buy appliances at Lowes and Home Depot these days?!)

Maytag Pros: Corporate parent is American. All parts available in the U.S. Nice styling. Currently offering a $350 rebate on a pair, which negates the otherwise major price difference between Samsung and Maytag. Same dealer as Samsung; does own servicing. Price: Including pedestals, tax, installation and rebate: $3375.00

Maytag Cons: No recirculation system ala Speed Wash/Turbo Wash. Machine not as technologically advanced as Samsung.

I couldn't find a decent photo of the Samsung pair in Onyx, but that's the color I'm going with.

OK, go! Thanks in advance for your thoughts/opinions/experiences.
[this post was last edited: 9/3/2015-15:44]

 

[henene4]

Not knowing how it is about the WP based systems, but the Samsungs have really, REALLY dumbed down temps on the Normal cycles. Keep in mind, hot is "swimming pool" hot.

The Maytag has the fill spray however. Saturates pretty fast as well, I guess.

The Maytag features the automatic dosing system.

The Maytag has more "standard" cycles.

Personally, the Samsungs cycles and options would attrackt me more, however I'd be concerned about the temperatures on Normal AND Heavy Duty.

 

[stricklybojack]

I can't speak to specs and options..

.
but have you seen the machines in question in person?
If it were me, one of the two sets would no doubt make a superior impression; unless of course neither was satisfactory.
I hate stuff that feels chinsy, especially appliance knobs, doors etc.
The FL SQ set's weakest point, amid an otherwise solid tactile impression, is the doors.
Not bad per se, but no Mercedes Benz either.
On this score I like our Samsung French-door refrigerator, and the Samsung dishwashers i looked at (didn't buy though), but recall the Samsung washing machines had a flimsy feel common to other plasticky FL offings.
[this post was last edited: 9/3/2015-18:16]

 

[lorainfurniture]

Samsungs have really tiny holes in the tub that have a difficult time passing lint.

If you can negotiate a bit I'm sure you can snag a set of white speed queens with pedastals for around $3700. Delivered. You will also be supporting a small business, and an American manufacture.

Also, the sq will last twice as long as either one of your choices.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

MT hands down!

Let me ask a simple question. If the Samsung design is so good, where is the commercial version? Or can't it handle that workload?
There are 10's of 1000's of WP/MT FL machine with coin meters strapped on their backs working in laundromats and multi-housing units every day.
I would not have a W/D set in my laundry room that did not have a time proven commercial brother.
Just my opinion.
WK78

 

[nmassman44]

I was strolling in my local Home depot today and was looking at the Samsungs...they are impressive but that said my experience with Samsung built washer and dryer.aka the Maytag Neptunes, they have come a long way since then. Would I buy them? I might. They are rated well and the dryer may even have a good sized rebate on it from your utility. Ours has a $200 rebate on it since its an Energy Star dryer.
The Maytags on the other hand, I was told by a dealer here when I was looking at a new set that she will not carry any Maytag front load washer since the control boards crap out after 6 to 8 months. Then Whirlpool has them on back order and at the time it was a 6 week backlog. Every Maytag front load washer she sold had board issues. Her words not mine.
So I would go with reliability and performance and go from there. Too bad you nixed the LG's, they are very impressive and a lot of fun to use. Plus very quiet.

 

[frigilux]

Sneaking in a quick post during pause at rehearsal.

1. Saw the LG 4270, SQ, Maytag 7100's (similar to 8100) and Samsung 5600's (similar to 6300) in person over the past couple of days.

2. I tend to buy a new laundry pair every 5-8 years. My car, on the other hand, is 21.5 years old, LOL. If I wanted a set to last 20 years, Speed Queen would be the obvious choice. For my purposes, when I weighed durability against features, I went with features. Decided against the SQ for reasons I've mentioned before: No internal water heater; relatively small 3.4 cu. ft. drum; don't know that pedestals are available for SQ.

3. Liked the look and feel of controls on Samsung, but also took note of tiny drain holes. That may be an issue now that white bath towels covering the couch and desk (cat hair) get washed every few days and the cats' comforters get washed every couple of weeks. I'll be honest, I'm more curious about Samsung because it's a new brand to me. People who weren't complaining about service really liked their 6300.

4. Maytags have a 17" pedestal, making reaching in very easy. Samsungs have 14" pedestal.

5. Maytag literature says Maxima line (includes TOL 8100's) is designed, engineered and assembled in US. Parent Whirlpool is an American company. If I decide to buy American, I'd feel pretty good choosing Maytag.

6. I'm not concerned that Samsung doesn't have a commercial sibling. I doubt commercial Maytag front-loaders have much in common with their residential line. SQ's residential machine has more in common with its commercial sibling. Again, will probably be looking for something new and different in 5-8 years, anyway.

7. I've steered a number of people to LG, all of whom like their machines. Several here have many positive things to say about their LG set. You'd think my finalists would come down to LG and Maytag. For some reason, am more curious about Samsung than LG for myself.

8. Does anyone here own a recent Samsung? If so, I'd love to hear from you. Several here have commented positively about their Whirlpool and Maytag washers, but don't recall anyone talking about their Samsung since the disastrous line badged as Maytags.

Will have to think long and hard when I get home tonight. Could have new machines installed by end of next week if I place my order tomorrow. The Maytag rebate going on may be the tipping point...or my curiosity about Samsung may win out.

Gotta get back to rehearsal.


[this post was last edited: 9/3/2015-21:30]

 

[combo52]

New Samsung Appliances

NEVER until they get serious about parts and service, We have run into several SS appliances in the last two months that were not even 3 years old, and important parts like control panels, water valves, and even a control board for a refrigerator were NLA for all three of these appliances that were not even THREE YEARS OLD.

 

And we don't even work on SS appliances, also note: most SS appliances are now made in China.

 

[jkbff]

From what I understand from the service guys, the motors on samsung washers are aluminum wound and copper plated.

I am very seriously wanting the LG wm5000hva pair. I just need to sell my profiles but Mom may take them.

 

[appnut]

Maytag.  I think more flexibility.  I've read the Samsung manual. 

 

[washerdude]

On my Whirlpool WFW72HEDW the water temp is only dumbed down on the normal cycle. The rest (except for cold wash) give you hot when you select hot with no dumbing down. Including the quick wash cycle. So my suggestion is that the Maytag set would be your best bet. Good luck!

 

[cam2s]

I have a Maxima XL 7000 series set, they will be 2 years old in December. I haven't had any reliability issues with them and the performance is excellent. I don't use the normal cycle as I generally use the aggressive cycles, sanitize, power wash, and allergen. This is really just more of a preference, as I like to wash on the most aggressive settings for a given load type. The Duets/Maximas have the fan fresh system which is actually really handy. It uses a fan to circulate air through the drum after the load has finished. It will go for up to 8 hours I believe and keeps the load fresh if you can't get to it. It also can be activated while the machine is off to help dry out the drum and prevent mold.

 

[frigilux]

And the winner is....Maytag! It's the first time I've purchased something that isn't a WCI/Electrolux-made washer. Been using front-loaders since the mid-1980's and every one of them has been a Gibson or Frigidaire WCI or a FrigiLux. 

While I'm admittedly more curious about Samsung, several things helped tip me to over to the Maytag 8100's.

> Read manuals for both machines a couple of times; Maytag, as Bob pointed out, offers more flexibility with water temperatures, cycles, etc.

> Many positive user reviews at various places online, plus fewer complaints about service when it was needed.

> John's experience with Samsung parts being no longer available on appliances barely three years old. That's just not something I want to risk on a $3,000+ investment.

 

> Current Maytag rebate makes price competitive with Samsung.

 

> I feel good about supporting an American company and workforce.

 

Thanks, everyone, for your input.  I'll post photos when the machines have been installed. Barring a backorder, that should be late next week.

 

[mrb627]

Good Choice

I looked at the SS machines and for the most part, they are very impressive. The only negative I had with them were the spongy membrane buttons on the control panel.

The MT machines have that glass touch panel that I think is much smarter in the long run.

Malcolm

 

[logixx]

Would have chosen the Maytag as well.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I'm SO glad you got a Maytag

instead of a Samsung. I think that's what my next FL purchase will be. I may have mentioned this but I will always repeat it, plug it into a surge protector. I had the worst trouble with the control board on my Duet after just over a year, and it was not plugged into a surge protector. It got replaced and the tech told me to keep it in a surge protector and I haven't had a single error code and I'm on year 11 with it....could be luck? I don't know -

can't wait to see the pics and hear your thoughts on the machine..

 

[appnut]

YAY!!!!!!

 

[frigilux]

Thanks, guys! Believe me, I didn't take your input lightly. Although I read user reviews at  Lowe's/Home Depot/Best Buy/etc., I know that everyone here really knows washers.  Case in point:  Had to chuckle at one disgruntled Maytag 8100 owner's review.  He said, "The tub spins one way, then stops and spins the other way.  It can't seem to make up its mind!"  He thought the reverse tumbling was a defect.  When someone at AW has something positive (or negative) to say about an appliance, you know it's reliable information.

 

Mike-- Part of the reason I eliminated Speed Queen and LG was because I wanted to support the young couple who recently purchased the Maytag/Frigidaire dealership.  They've already brought two new brands to our little town (Samsung and KitchenAid) and are very nice people to deal with.  I've known the wife's family since she was a little kid.  

 

Speaking of KitchenAid, I looked at a couple of the models on the floor and they were sweet!  Racks, door, etc. were solid compared to my GE. 

 

Mark-- What surge protector do you use?  The only ones I've seen look like a power strip. Sounds like good insurance to use one for this spend investment.

 

 

 

[frigilux]

More good news: Just found out that in additon to Maytag's $350 rebate, I'll get a $200 prepaid card/rebate from Home Design (the credit card I was going to use), as well as rebates for the Energy Star certification on both the washer and dryer. Awesome!