Notwithstanding the ongoing controversy (your Maytag Neptune is an early entry and has become the eye of the storm) I'm now over three years with my Duet9400 and it has been more-or-less flawless from day one. I would never return to TL after this experience. Everything is easier and better. I did my part by reading/heeding manual instructions. The machine has done it's part by performing as represented.

Unfortunately, the reliability thing compared to previous machine designs remains an unanswered question for this relatively-new batch of HE machines. All I can say is that, for myself, longevity/reliability is, indeed, the only question. Will post again 10 years from now and let you know. Everything else is superior.

On balance, the remaining conventional machines available aren't built like they used to be either so I'm not sure you'll find any relief from this worry by considering other designs.

Before this, I had a TL Whirlpool that came with the house we bought in 1983. It lasted 17 years.

From reading here and elsewhere and talking with countless engineering and sales-types within the industry, I've not heard anyone except for Miele folks speak in terms of reliability/longevity expectations of the new machines beyond 7-10 years. This is the range of "design life" I've encountered.

I understand this is anecdotal. And I also know that even the Meile folks have had their problems. What do do? The eternal question, indeed.

I bought an HE toploader which is saving me a lot of money on water and electricity - the Maytag Bravos MTW6700. It's an Energy Star top loader with the HE advantage - no agitator, even bigger capacity than frontloaders (4.6 cu ft).

I've heard that Maytags are much better now that Whirlpool has bought the company, and I really, really like mine.

I've not had any problem at all with mold, mildew, or vibration. I do leave the top open after I've put wet laundry into the dryer; it's only shut when clothes are washing.

ALL my experiences thus far with this washer have been excellent - far beyond good. There haven't been any cons to this point.

The settings are very easy to use. I like it that I can choose water temp, spin speed, everything. It's unbelievably quiet, even when spinning.

I like the detergent, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers. When I wash towels, I use vinegar in the f/s dispenser, which helps to keep the towels soft and fluffy (there's no residual odor), as well as cleaning out the dispenser, too.

I can wash many more clothes or laundry items per load in this washer than in the traditional top loader I had, which had the largest capacity on the market at the time I bought it. I have washed king-size comforters in my washer with no problem. Whereas I used to wash at least one, often two, loads a day, now I'm washing less than half that many loads each week because I can wash so many things at once.

This washer gets my laundry much cleaner than any other washer I've ever owned, and it is gentle, even with the fast spin. When I wash sheets, they don't tangle at all as they used to do in my old washer w/agitator, and they dry much smoother, too. I haven't had any problem with my clothes wrinkling.

I use liquid Tide HE w/ bleach for whites and towels and Sears HE Ultra Stain-Fighter powdered detergent (very inexpensive) for everything else except dress clothes and delicates. I use liquid Cheer HE ColorGuard for nice dark clothes, and Woolite HE for delicates and light dress clothes. ALL of these detergents clean very well in my washer.

I too am fed up with my Whirlpool Duet 9200, and Im not alone, there are alot of complaints on the Maytag & Whirlpool Washers.
I have been researching the Speed Queen TL, I cant find any bad about them, I am thinking of selling my FL Duet 9200 and replaceing it with Speed Queen. I also went to their site and it looks well built, and they have a great warranty 3 yrs, 5yrs,10 yrs, and lifetime I think on the transmission, it tells all about the warranties on their site.
Its hard to know what will be good now days. And that is sad.

Speed Queen top loaders are very well built. No plastic gears are used, all metal. The SS tub is much more gentle on your clothes than a porcalin tub. This is how SQ can offer such a long warranty. You aren't hit for a fee for an extended warranty either. One of these machines will easily last 15 years or more.
You usually will find Speed Queen machines at appliance stores rather than big box stores.

I love my Fisher Paykel top loaders. I wanted some Bosch front loaders but they would not fit in a tight closet designed for top loaders. The Fisher Paykel are energy star rated. Furthermore, the dryer is a top loader so I simply lift the clothes out of the washer and drop them down into the dryer. The washer spins very fast like a front loader so the clothes need less drying time. I purchased them about 3 years ago at Lowes and I have not had any problems with them.

Whirlpool, Roper, Inglis, Kenmore DD, best TL for the money. No electronics, easy to repair.

#2...Speed Queen. Pricier, but built like a tank.

LOVE my MAYTAG Top Loader! Wouldn't own anything else..have NO interest in ever owning a Front Loader after seeing how very little water streams in when washing.

Another Fisher Pakel top loader fan here. I've had mine for a couple of years. It does a great job getting clothes clean and it is very gentle on the handwashing cycle.
Elizabeth

Will be shopping for a top loader this weekend.

I found my receipts from when I bought my Maytag washer and dryer back in 2000. They cost $1,000 each! What was I thinking?

I told my husband I don't want to spend that much on a washer, but I want one that won't crap out on me.

My top choices would be Whirlpool, Fisher Paykel, LG.

Definitely no Maytag; not crazy about GE either.

mc 58,

After all your months of laundry hell I think you will be so pleased with a TL again.
I wish they sold Speed Queens in my neck of the woods as I would have really considered one.

Instead I got to trade my Whirlpool CabrioHE for a Cabrio with an agitator.

I was never so happy to just be able to do the wash without a problem.

I wish you good luck as you contemplate your return to a TL. Sometimes the old fashioned ways are just better!

Let us know what you bought and how it works.

Cheerful1,

You say you are considering Whirlpool, but Maytag is out. There's no need to be afraid of Maytag toploaders. The current machines (model numbers beginning with MTW5) are mechanically *identical* to Whirlpool machines (models beginning with WTW5). Same goes for comparable models from Kenmore, Roper, Inglis, Estate, Admiral, and Amana -- they're ALL the same mechanical design.

Interestingly, Whirlpool Cabrio models, Kenmore Oasis, and Maytag Bravos are designed based on Fisher & Paykel mechanicals.

If you have decided on a top loader I'll throw another consideration in for you that hasn't been mentioned here and that's the GE Harmony. There's a model that has a heater which is interesting and works on the same principle as does the F&P and Cabrio/Oasis/Bravos (can I call these the "COB" machines?), using a wash plate in place of an agitator.

Not knowing your budget, the Harmony and the COBs (I like that name!) are on the higher end, the Speed Queen in the middle, Estate/Roper/Inglis/Amana are usually low-end price points. Whirlpool & Kenmore have different price points from low to high. So, my point is that you have a big difference in price and capacity options too so that could be something else to consider.

Good luck in your search! Hope you let us know your decision. Inquiring minds (and nosy people) want to know...

Cheerful 1,

I hope that you can get a machine that does what you want it to, ask alot of questions, if they cant answer get a different salesman.
I bought my Whirlpool Duet wanting the option to do alot of clothes at once to make it easier on me, but it had too many problems. Yesterday I found out that I might not be loading it enough, I was told that it is to be loaded FULL real full, but when I tried it the first few xs it wouldnt spin, and I was told by the first tech that came out in Oct. not to load more than a TL because it would cause major problems. So I will be trying a few different things. I wish I would have been told that I couldnt wash med size loads I wouldnt have bought it, because I dont always have that much stuff to wash, I might have to go buy more clothes. I guess I just didnt ask enough questions when I bought my washer.

It looks like you have alot of good advice, Good Luck!!!

lulundave,

I am glad that you was able to trade for one that is better for you.

As soon as I find out what is going on with this one, and still decide I want to get the Speed Queen, it might be awhile, I would like to find a place that has one set up to show how they work, I dont know if that is possible but I would like to see it before I buy again, if you know what I mean, plus I have to travel 50 or 150 miles to the stores that sell them.

But I will definately let everyone know, I think you all have gone through alot with me, I really appreciate you all talking to me, and I am sorry if I have been rude or drove anyone crazy with my problems, it has been so upsetting to go thru, what I have gone thru this past 9 months of washer problems.

Thanks again!!!
Marie

Right now I'm leaning toward the Harmony TL. It got good reviews. The Home Depot in my neighborhood has it on sale; they have Sunday deliveries, and I can get a rebate for the delivery charge.

I was agonizing over this decision (should I spend less and possibly get what I paid for; should I spend a lot and get some bells and whistles).

I had also thought of getting a dryer as well, so that both appliances are the same age. But my Maytag Neptune dryer (unlike my Neptune washer) has never had problems, so the money I save on a dryer can go toward a nicer machine.

I'll keep everyone posted - thanks!

I can empathize. I bought when you did. Today I'm going to start looking again. Wiped down the soap dispenser and rust fell into it, lovely, just want you want in your clothes. At the time it was rated well by consumer company.

cheerful1

We were in the same situation a few weeks back, wanting to replace a 17 yr old Whirlpool TL washer, but we decided there was no need to replace our dryer. (A depemdable 14 yr old Speed Queen gas dryer, which seems much larger than those new FL dryers).

We chose the newer model GE Harmony 9150 (no heater, no LCD display) and, so far, have no regrets. We liked the simpler control panel - sometimes, less is best!

Our big ticket purchases always seem to happen around the same time (we bought a new Energy Star refrigerator on the same day as the washer!) - so it may be easier on the budget to hold on to that Neptune dryer for now.

Good luck with your purchase.

My wife has had a new Maytag 6700 TL machine for two months now. She loves it. We shopped all over and got the best deal at Home Depot for $854. plus both a delivery rebate and a $75 cash card (tools !).

Be sure to get a Maytag / Whirlpool 6700. There is an improvement over the 6600 models.

Buy American !! Most FL machines are made overseas !!

"Right now I'm leaning toward the Harmony TL. It got good reviews. The Home Depot in my neighborhood has it on sale; they have Sunday deliveries, and I can get a rebate for the delivery charge".

Well, we did go out and buy the Harmony TL. However, when we went to Home Depot, they said they do not have Sunday or Monday deliveries. We told the salesman that the person I spoke to on the phone said they had Sunday deliveries. I also think the salesman was the same person as the phone person. We just walked out. Ended up going to Lowes, who does have Sunday deliveries. It's a special order; will be delivered on August 10. Can't wait.

A little ticked off at Home Depot, especially since I think it was the same person in the store that I spoke with on the phone! I don't want to say why I think that, because it may come out wrong and I don't want to offend anyone.

I HIGHLY recommend the F&P washer.

I have had mine for six years with not a problem. I had never heard of this brand and did not do careful shopping. The appliance saleslady had one and was sold on them (hers is still going strong- older than mine). I had intended on getting a FL as that was the new hot thing at the time....Bosch in particular.

This is why I love my F&P:

I never have any mildew smells of mold problems ( lid up or down). My wash smells CLEAN.

I can soak really soiled clothes for as long as I want.

Really extracts the water during the spin cycle and then requires very short dryer cycle.

Variety of cycles that really work.

Can choose between eco cycles and traditional wash.

Very versatile

Takes a large load.

I came close to making a big mistake and buying a FL. For me that would not have worked. I don't want the door hanging open all the time when I walk into the room. I don't want any chance of MILDEW in the washer. Detergent is not a problem with this washer. Definite energy saver!

doral,
I am glad that your F&P washer works out great for you. I have never used one of them, so I can't compare it to a FL.

I have the Bosch Nexxt 500 plus washer and am very happy with it. It is 10 monyhs old now and doesn't have the slightest smell of mildew. I do let it dry out after use, but the door is never "hanging open". The washer sits right next to a wall, so the door won't even stay open by itself. I adapted the idea of another poster, Joanne, who said she used a tennis ball, cut a slit in it and popped that over the door latch. It woks great. The door is just cracked open enough to let the drum and gasket dry completely within a few hours.

Like I said, I am happy for you that you like the F&P so much. I am just not sure how you can say that buying a FL would have been a big mistake...

looser-
A response to your question:

For me, the FL would have been a mistake because of the mildew problem.

My sister bought the top of the line Bosch FL ---which I thought was really great. About six months later....her mildew problems began. Bosch replaced seals, etc.

We live in the sweaty, humid south. I noticed that my sister's wash started to have mildew smell whenever it got a bit damp...or her kids played outside. It has never been cured. She leaves her washer open and dries the inside.

I would lose my mind if my laundry had that smell. This is why I ruled out a FL. Subsequently, I have heard others complain of the same problem. I am fullfilling my "green" responsibility with my F&P but I have NO problems with mildew or mold. NOR.....do I worry about having any in the future. Not having to be on the "lookout" for that problem is worth it to me.

I think FLs look really neat. I have used them when in Europe. I am happier with a "green" TL.

i choose a TL because of the possibility of mold/musty smell. lots of people never have problems but i wasn't going to take that chance. nobody could guarantee me.

went with a GE profile TL. it's hydro wash feature. it's not suppose to beat your clothes to death like a lot of agitators.
may not be as beautiful as a FL but i don't have any problems with it.

doral,
I agree that a mildew smell in the washer and clothes would be unacceptable. I know that there are quite a few complains about FLs having that problem.
However, for the most part, IMO, that issue is caused by using the wrong and/or too much detergent and fabric softener. If there is a residue buildup present on the outer drum, that's a breeding ground for mold and germs.
Choosing a good, clean rinsing detergent and doing hot or sanitary cycles at least ocasionally is normally all it takes to prevent that problem.

My Bosch is not the first FL I have ever used, I grew up in Germany where everybody has them. I have never had a mildew smell on clothes that was caused by a washer.

I am glad that HE TLs are available now. I have never liked the traditional TLs design and water consumption...

Until about 20 years ago most European front loaders were bigger water hogs than top loaders. Standard capacity was 4.5 kilos (small) and they used as much as (and sometimes even more than) 160 liters per cycle, but they washed and rinsed to the highest possible standards. My current (traditional) SQ top loader has 7.5 kilo capacity and uses maximum 150 liters (or less) per cycle and it performs exceptionally well. Washing machines should use lots of water. We don't want to go back to the days of the great unwashed. We all know what will happen if we do. Government mandates place too much emphasis on resource efficiency at the expense of overall performance and quality.

We have owned a Whirlpool Gold TL and dryer pair for 18 years. We have repaired the washer and dryer several times over the last five years with inexpensive Whirlpool replacement parts that we purchase from a local appliance parts store. This is as green as it gets. There is no better use of resources for us. It is good that this machine uses little, if any, electronics.

Lowes called us to say the Harmony washer arrived earlier at the warehouse than scheduled. We ended up having it delivered this past Sunday. I love it! I already did 3 loads that first day. It has so many settings that I can choose from. I also bought the 4-year extended warranty for peace of mind.

When the guys were taking out the old Maytag (which had been sitting unused for 2 weeks), water started coming out of the hose, and smelled to high heaven. It's almost like the Maytag had to have the last word in this controversy!

"Washing machines should use lots of water."

Disagree. They should use as much as they need to accomplish the task and no more.

My own experience over the last 3.5 years is that the Duet9400, for one, does just fine. About 1.5-2x the capacity of the TL it replaced, uses much less water, uses much less detergent, uses much less energy, cleans better and is quieter. Only unanswered question is durability/reliabilty which will take another decade to determine. So far, it's been trouble-free.

There's more to the equation than merely "lots of water".