Yes, that is what I thought. I am asking if the machines are the same or do they do something different with the Maytags that make them better quality? From what I have found so far, it does appear Maytag has a 10 year limited warranty for Whirlpool only has 1, so I am guessing that is an indication..

They both come off the same assembly line and all but the cosmetics are shared from the same parts bins.

Longer warranty is a factor of price.

I would call a few appliance repair businesses and ask them if both refrigerators are made from the same parts. I also would call or email Maytag and Whirlpool and ask them. The Whirlpool Corporation owns both brands.

Comparing warranty info you get a 10 year warranty on the Maytag compressor but you still pay for labor if the compressor has a problem. On the Whirlpool you get a 5 year warranty on the compressor AND Whirlpool also pays for the labor to repair it. The Whirlpool warranty looks like it covers some other parts and also the compressor in years 2 - 5 while the Maytag covers only the compressor in years 2 - 10 and no other parts.

From the Maytag Warranty Manual MFF2558FEZ

"SECOND THROUGH TENTH YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
(COMPRESSOR ONLY - LABOR NOT INCLUDED)

In the second through tenth years from the date of original
purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated
and maintained according to instructions attached to or
furnished with the product, Maytag will pay for a factory
specified replacement compressor to correct non-cosmetic
defects in materials or workmanship in this part that prevent
function of the refrigerator and that existed when this major
appliance was purchased. This limited 10-year warranty is
for the compressor only and does not include labor.

YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS
PROVIDED HEREIN. Service must be provided by a Maytag
designated service company. This limited warranty is valid
only in the United States or Canada and applies only when
the major appliance is used in the country in which it was
purchased. This limited warranty is effective from the date of
original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date
is required to obtain service under this limited warranty."

From the Whirlpool Warranty Manual WRF535SMBM

"SECOND THROUGH FIFTH YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON
CAVITY LINER AND SEALED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

In the second through fifth years from the date of purchase, when
this major appliance is installed, operated and maintained according
to the instructions attached to or furnished with the product,
Whirlpool brand will pay for factory specified replacement parts and
repair labor for the following components to correct non-cosmetic
defects in materials and workmanship in this part that prevent
function of the refrigerator and that existed when this major
appliance was purchased:

• Refrigerator/freezer cavity liner if the part cracks due to defective

  materials or workmanship.

• Sealed Refrigeration system (includes compressor, evaporator,

  condenser, dryer and connecting tubing).

  YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED
  WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED
  HEREIN. Service must be provided by a Whirlpool designated
  service company. This limited warranty is valid only in the United
  States or Canada and applies only when the major appliance is
  used in the country in which it was purchased. This limited warranty
  is effective from the date of original consumer purchase. Proof of
  original purchase date is required to obtain service under this
  limited warranty."

Hm. This is interesting feedback. I might need to send a couple of emails before I make a decision.

I swear, deciding on a new fridge has been so stressful for me. I figure no matter which way I go, I am going to end up getting screwed one way or another and buying a new fridge in 5 years.

As a tech you see certain things that identify the product as being the same as another. In the case of these 2 products the visible things you can see right away are.. the hinges are the same the vents are the same, the shelf supports, the control module, the toe kick, the door panels, etc. are all the same. You can see all this in the photos on the website. The only physical difference is the handles and some of the interior trim pieces. If I remember correctly both of these products are produced in the Iowa refrigeration plant that used to be the Amana plant. (Whirlpool owns Amana too) This is just "Badge Engineering"

Why not buy the Whirlpool at $1098 and save yourself $431 over the cost of the Maytag at $1529. If you want the security of the extended warranty buy one at around $200 and you are still saving money.

That is what I am thinking too. I just need to convince my hubby it's time for a new fridge. ;)

Wow, prices of these refrigerators have really risen. I want to know if the maytag bottom freezer refrigerator mbf1958fez is the same as whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator wrb329dmbm?

The freezer in whirlpool opens right over the floor with just a wire basket. Is this the same for the maytag?

they are both selling in NJ for about $2000. this is the 30” wide model.

thank you