| |
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
I just read this morning that Whirlpool brands include Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid and Jenn-Air. A few years ago Consumer's Report listed Whirlpool as having some of the best washers and dryers. We have a Whirlpool set and my wife dislikes the dryer's cool down cycle since it leaves the clothes wrinkled. We have a GE microwave and flat top stove that both seem to work great. The KitchenAid dishwasher also works great. Their all about 10 years old now.
|
|
 Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
Speed Queen still has the SS tub on both washer and dryer and has metal gears rather than plastic in the transmission. Wife loves the machines. Sears uses Whirlpool for the top loader, at least they used to and were great machines. The front loaders are rebadged Frigidaire and perhaps some others now.
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
Kt;I'm remewmbering the same guy who used to be here on TP, but I can't remember what he used for a user name either. I think he moved to Wisconsin after Maytag closwd. Frank.
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
|
Quote:
|
Kt;I'm remewmbering the same guy who used to be here on TP, but I can't remember what he used for a user name either. I think he moved to Wisconsin after Maytag closwd.Frank.
|
|
I think that was IowaFun.
Dennis
Link:
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
Thank you Dennis. There was conversation about what he would change that to due to the move. Good the finger does not affect the brain.  kt
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
I just seen an article where GE is looking at selling off their consumer appliance divison as it doesn't 'fit' into their business model.
On made in the USA has anyone seen or heard of the Staber brand -they are made in Ohio. They be expensive- base washer is $1300. from their web site they show the entire production and guts of the unit. Stainless steel drum and tub and they claim to use mechanical switches vs electonic switches and controls. JUST one weird thing about the washer is --its a top loader but the drum is mounted horizontal! We used a machine in Germany very similar to the Staber, but on a smaller scale...my wife was impressed with the quality of the wash and how much dryer the clothes came out, that prompted my search for other washers like that one in Germany and came across the Staber. So I'm wondering to hear if anyone has had or knows of experiences of Staber. They sell mostly direct to user and say you don't need a svc tech -- they will walk you thru the repairs over the phone.
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
A lot of the choices are made by manufacturers based on different criteria:
Metal gears: Stronger but noisier
Plastic (usually nylon) Not as durable but VERY quiet
So if you spec the strength or durability needed for the gear and the nylon one matches or exceeds it which gear is better - the nylon one of course (it will function as spec'ed but will be quieter.
The simple comparison of metal vs plastic or stainless steel vs enameled is WAY too simplistic. I have had numerous sales men tell me to buy stainless steel facade appliances just because they are in fashion (and they are way more expensive). I will tell you from experience that stainless steel shows off ALL the dirt and fingerprints really well, give me the white painted sheet metal any day my, you wont be able to see the dirt or marks on my fridge. Now all of a sudden which one is better?
Which is better: a thin crappy grade stainless steel drum (which will eventually rust by the way) or a thick high quality enameled or (in my Maytag) plastic drum. Who knows since you don't get the specs on the steel quality used or the other information needed to make the choice appropriate for YOU.
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
Some of the design choices are more complex than they seem on the surface but others certainly are not. For example, on our Frigidaire front loader the drive belt is about the size of a thick rubber band. The service guy called replacement of those belts their "bread and butter". Then there's the cost-cutting choice they made to eliminate any sort of screen to prevent loose change from getting into the pump and destroying the impeller. And the entire drum assembly is suspended by springs that fatigue and break every ~500 loads, dropping the heavy water-laden drum right on top of the motor. Don't get me started on the dryer.
They put some real thought into the criteria specified for those designs 
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
I generally look at the entire package when I determine if something is well built or not. I have yet to see plastic wear better than metal when it comes to gearing, at least not any plastic a washing machine company would pay for.
I could not agree more relative to those Frigidaire units. The dryer belts were not as big a problem as the plastic and felt that the drum rides on, what a joke. You could always tell when they needed replacing, some clothes would get stuck between the drum and frame and were ruined.
As for the washer, I did the shock absorber replacement as well. What a rotten setup.
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
|
Is a Maytag still a Maytag
Yeah, I forgot about the el-cheapo press fit plastic-and-felt gizmo that served as a front "bearing" for the drum. What a joke!
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
|
|
Gas Generator Weather Protecti
07-23-2008, 08:45 
Pics
Reply
Digg It 
Del.icio.us 
