Debating on buying a washer from Maytag vs. Whirlpool? Here's everything you need to know about these top two appliance brands.
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Maytag vs Whirlpool Washer: Which Reigns Supreme?
Published on Oct. 16, 2024
If it’s time to replace your washing machine, odds are you’ve been going back and forth between Maytag vs. Whirlpool. These two reputable washer brands have been around for decades and make some of the best washing machines on the market. Both offer a variety of models at a wide range of price points, so there’s a machine for every household.
To help settle the Maytag vs. Whirlpool debate—and help you make an informed decision on which brand is the best for you—we talked to an industry expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience and tested a popular model from each brand. We then took all of the input and testing results into this handy comparison guide. Once you decide where you stand on the Maytag vs. Whirlpool discussion, you can get busy shopping.
Get ready for the cleanest laundry around—here’s everything you need to know about Maytag vs. Whirlpool.
Maytag and Whirlpool Washers: At a Glance
Maytag and Whirlpool are two leading brands in the appliance industry. Both companies strive to provide innovative and dependable appliances. Maytag built its first washing machine in 1907. This rudimentary washer consisted of a wooden tub with a hand crank. As the crank was turned, the clothes were pulled through the water. Their models have come a long way in their nearly 120 years of business. Today, Maytag is known for producing durable yet affordable machines.
Whirlpool, on the other hand, was founded in 1911 and focused on electric washers. Their electric wringer-washer evolved, and the brand now offers a wide range of appliances, including refrigerators, cooktops, dishwashers and more. Whirlpool washers are generally easy to use and come with a plethora of additional features and options for different types of loads. The Whirlpool Corporation purchased Maytag in 2006. However, the two brands continue to operate as independent appliance manufacturers and have several differences.
The Best Maytag and Whirlpool Washers
Senior Shopping Editor Caroline Lubinsky tested the Maytag Front Load Washer with Extra Power and 12-Hr Fresh Spin exclusively for several months. This washer, which has a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet, is actually smaller than Lubinsky’s old washing machine. Admittedly, she was skeptical of a smaller machine at first. However, she was delighted to find that it was still able to meet her needs. “I’m able to wash my king-sized comforter easily, which is all I was concerned about fitting,” she explains.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Maytag Front Load Washer with Extra Power and 12-Hr Fresh Spin
Maytag washers can be purchased directly from the manufacturer or at a variety of retailers. In addition to your local appliance store, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy all carry Maytag washing machines.
Associate Product Tester Sheri Kaz replaced her old Kenmore washer with the Whirlpool Top-Load Washer with a 2-in-1 Removable Agitator. After a year of use, Kaz has found plenty to love about her Whirlpool washer, but the removable agitator is number one. “The thing that I appreciate the most is how gentle it is on my clothes when I take the agitator out,” she says.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Whirlpool Smart Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator
You can purchase a Whirlpool washer directly from Whirlpool or at several retailers. You will likely find Whirlpool washers at your local appliance store and big-box retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy.
Maytag vs. Whirlpool: What’s Different?
According to Dennis G., Lead Appliance Expert at Comfort Appliance Repair in Tennessee, Maytag washers are built tough. “They are known for their durability and can handle heavy-duty loads, which is great if you’re running large loads on a regular basis,” he says. Maytag washing machines are built to last and feature technology to improve cleaning power.
On the other hand, Dennis says that Whirlpool washers are more versatile than Maytag washers thanks to their advanced smart features. “Whirlpool focuses on making your laundry process smoother with smart features and more energy-efficient cycles,” he explains. The Whirlpool brand has embraced smart technology, and many of its washing machines have features like Wi-Fi connectivity and app compatibility.
Maytag vs. Whirlpool: What’s Similar?
Both Maytag and Whirlpool offer durable, dependable washing machines. We found Maytag and Whirlpool top-load washers similar in load capacity and features. Plus, both brands also sell a variety of washing machine models at well-known hardware stores like The Home Depot.
In terms of price, Maytag and Whirlpool are pretty comparable. Both brands offer several models priced under $1,000. You might find that Whirlpool has a broader range of washing machines at various price points and that Maytag tends to be just slightly more expensive. However, price point won’t likely be a determining factor when deciding between the two brands.
Additionally, both washers come with similar limited one-year warranties, including select parts and labor. With Maytag, you can opt for extended warranty coverage from 2 to 10 years; with Whirlpool, you can opt for extended warranty coverage from 2 to 5 years.
How We Tested Maytag and Whirlpool Washing Machines
Senior shopping editor Caroline Lubinsky tested the Maytag Front Load Washer with Extra Power and 12-Hr Fresh Spin for several months. In addition to handling large loads of clothes and bedding, Lubinsky appreciates how well this machine actually cleans her laundry. “I have three dogs, and pet hair was a real issue with the old set,” she says. “This washing machine seems to get most of the embedded dog hairs on clothing and bedding.”
According to Lubinsky, the average load takes around an hour to complete but can change depending on which of the 10 wash cycles you select. It also has an auto-hold feature, which Lubinsky finds especially helpful. This feature lets your clothes stay fresh even if you forget to put them immediately in the dryer. “I constantly forget to throw things in the dryer after washing them and frequently have to rewash them. Now, I don’t have to do that,” she says.
Associate product tester Sheri Kaz tested the Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator for an entire year. While she loves the removable agitator, she also loves this washer’s large capacity. At 5.3 cubic feet, it holds twice as much as her old washer. Kaz often finds that retrieving her items from this top loader’s deep drum isn’t the most convenient thing. “I curse the machine every time I have to stand on my tippy toes or grab a stool to fish my socks out of the super deep drum,” she says.
On laundry days, Kaz prefers the machine’s deep-fill water option to the standard setting. “I feel that it needs more water in the tub to really clean and rinse the clothes properly,” she explains. “Also, rather than using the auto detergent dispense function, I tend to like using powder detergent in a cardboard box rather than liquid in a plastic bottle. As a result, I dissolve the detergent in hot water, then pour it into the machine.”
If you prefer liquid detergent, you’re in luck. According to Kaz, using the liquid detergent with the auto dispense function cleans very well. However, this function isn’t perfect. “The downside is that when using this function, the rinse water doesn’t run clear – it’s always very soapy,” says Kaz. “Therefore, I prefer using two rinses when using the auto dispense mode. Either way, I’m using more water.”
FAQ
Do Maytag washers last long?
Dennis says a Maytag washer will last 10 to 12 years with proper care and maintenance. “Simple maintenance like cleaning the filters and avoiding overloading can help extend its life,” he explains.
Is a Maytag washer better than a Whirlpool?
When it comes to Maytag vs. Whirlpool, Dennis says that one isn’t necessarily better than the other. It depends on your needs. If you often have heavy-duty loads, Dennis recommends a Maytag washer. But if you want more control over settings and efficiency, Whirlpool might be the better fit.
What is the difference between Whirlpool and Maytag?
As Dennis pointed out above, Maytag washers are built tough. “These washers are perfect for heavy loads and long-term use. If you’re looking for something that can take a beating, Maytag is great,” he explains.
On the other hand, Whirlpool is more versatile and has advanced features. “Whirlpool focuses on making your laundry process smoother with smart features and more energy-efficient cycles,” says Dennis.
Should your machine ever go on the fritz, you can rest assured knowing that whichever brand you buy can likely be repaired. According to Dennis, Maytag and Whirlpool machines share some parts, so it’s not hard to find technicians who can work on both brands. “Whirlpool parts might be a little easier to find just because it’s a more common brand, but both Whirlpool and Maytag are pretty well-supported in the U.S. for parts and repairs,” he explains.
Why You Should Trust Us
We asked two of our expert product testers and shopping editors to test new Maytag and Whirlpool washing machines in their homes, doing their laundry for several months to a year. That’s right; our staff got rid of their old washing machines to test new units from each big brand. During the testing period, they reported on everything from delivery and setup to usage and issues.
We also consulted lead appliance expert Dennis G. to weigh in on what he sees as the main differences between the two major appliance brands, based on his more than 15 years of work in appliance repair.
The Maytag vs Whirlpool Bottom Line
You can’t go wrong with either a Maytag or Whirlpool washer. Both brands offer durable, dependable machines to keep your clothes clean and fresh. Of the models we tested, we found the Maytag front load washer and Whirlpool top load washer to be the most similar in terms of price point, size and features. Each model also has a coordinating dryer in case you’re looking for a complete washer and dryer set. If you frequently wash clothing and bedding or do heavily soiled laundry for a large family, stick with a Maytag. But if you prefer the convenience of smart features and want a more energy-efficient washer, go for a Whirlpool.
Sources:
- Dennis G. is the lead appliance expert at Comfort Appliance Repair
- Brittanica: Frederick L. Maytag
- Whirlpool Corporation: History
- Whirlpool Corporation Completes Acquisition of Maytag Corporation (Press Release)
