Maytag Vs. Whirlpool Appliances: What One Is Better?

When it comes to washing machines, there are a few names that stand a cut above the rest. Maytag and Whirlpool are two of the most recognizable brands in the world for a number of appliances, not the least of which are washing machines.

How do the two giants of the industry stack up side by side when comparing their washers? The similarities are so close that it really is difficult to choose a winner. Ultimately, personal preference is going to be the deal-breaker. Both appliances are among the top in their class and there is no “wrong” choice.

Throughout the years, both brands have built a solid reputation when it comes to washing machines. What you may not have realized is that one owns the other. That’s right, in 2006, Whirlpool acquired Maytag.

Despite the acquisition, the two brands remain completely separate. It is entirely conceivable that some consumers may not even realize that they are owned by the same company. Despite being under the same umbrella, there are some differences between the two brands.

Identifying those differences and pitting the two against one another is why we are here. So, let’s take a closer look at both Maytag and Whirlpool washing machines.

When it comes down to it, one of the most important factors in any product is the cost. The vast majority of us operate within a certain budget and finding a brand that meets our criteria while falling within that budget is essential.

Maytag’s washing machines start around the $600 mark. The higher-end Maytag models will top out at about $1,200-$1,300, though the most popular selections will fall between the two ranges. For instance, the Maytag MVW7232HW is about $1,000 depending on where you get it. This smart top load washer delivers a great array of features at a relatively affordable price.

The Whirlpool offerings tend to start a little less than Maytag’s bottom tier offerings, but their high-end goes a bit higher. So, you may find a low-end Whirlpool washing machine for $400-$500 but they will top out at about $1,500 by comparison.

There are more budget-friendly options on both sides of the fence. That said, Whirlpool would get the slight advantage. They simply have a wider price range at both ends of the spectrum, creating more options for a wider array of customers.

Advantage: Whirlpool

Maytag washers come with a number of different options to provide a unique washing experience. Their washers have an Extra Power button that helps to boost the machine’s stain-fighting performance no matter the cycle. Whether hot, cold, or the industry-exclusive dual temperature wash, you can get as much cleaning power as you need to get the job done.

The internal water head in Maytag’s washers is another great way to boost cleaning power. When you are cleaning whites or just hard-to-clean stains, a little extra power goes a long, long way.

There is also a Steam Clean option that is meant to get deep into your clothing’s fabrics. Combined with increased heat and wash action. That means more help than ever when it comes to removing those everyday stains.

All that said, Whirlpool certainly has its own set of benefits. Like Maytag, Whirlpool washers have the Steam Clean function for a deeper cleaning. Whether that is for everyday stains or something much deeper and tougher, it certainly comes in handy.

Whirlpool also has an automatic temperature control function. This function ensures that the water remains the right temperature in any washing situation. It can be used on lights, darks, and will even prevent shrinkage.

The cold was cycle is the most efficient option. It uses adaptive washing actions in tandem with a concentrated solution of cold water and detergent to lift out even the toughest soils and stains. All this while keeping the fabrics protected from heat damage. And if that weren’t enough, it uses less energy than the other cycles.

When it comes to the choice here, it comes down to preference. Both brands more than deliver in terms of cleaning quality. You may prefer extra heat provided by the Maytag model or the energy savings of the cold wash that Whirlpool provides.

Advantage: None

You can’t talk about Maytag washing machines without turning to the Extra Power Button first. The extra power functionality works to boost the stain-fighting performance regardless of the wash cycle. When the main purpose of the appliance is to remove stains, the extra power becomes one of the most crucial features.

Perhaps, more importantly, is the Maytag commercial technology. Their patented design provides reassurance that your Maytag washer will stand the test of time. After all, no one wants to spend $1,000 or more only to have to replace their washing machine in short order.

There is a variety of cleaning features, too. The Steam Clean option works to get deep into the fabrics, providing increased heat and washing power. It works great for particularly deep soil and tough stains. The 16-hour fresh hold feature also keeps your wash smelling fresher for longer. Who among us has not left their laundry in the washing machine for a while after the cycle completed?

Maytag also comes with some more common, yet still effective, features. The quick-wash cycle allows for a quick 30-minute cycle, great for smaller loads. The late add feature means that you can pause the washer to add additional items to your load.

The Whirlpool line of washing machines also features the Steam Clean option that gets deep into the fabric of your garments, providing increased heat and cleaning power. It also has a sanitize cycle that gets up to 99.9% of household bacteria out of your clothes.

The real selling point of Whirlpool’s washers is in the Cold Wash cycle. The cold wash works to remove soil and stains from fabrics in a gentler manner. The cold water helps to preserve the quality and life of the clothing over several cycles.

There are also a couple of things unique to Whirlpool. For one, it is Energy Star Certified. That means it uses less water, is better for the environment, and can even help you save on your utility costs. Helping the environment and saving a little money along the way is never a bad thing.

The other major feature is the Automatic Temperature Control. This feature means getting the right wash environment regardless of the load. For clothing that is temperature-sensitive, it can mean all the difference in the world.

When it comes down to features, the differences are minimal. Both have their own set of unique features that differentiate them from one another. Consumers would be hard-pressed to go wrong with either option.

Advantage: None

Here we are, the moment of truth. While it may sound like a bit of a cop-out, there really is no clear-cut choice between the two brands. Each has its own unique set of offerings and features that differentiates one from the other.

Maytag has slightly strong cleaning power thanks to the Extra Power Button. Whirlpool has a cold cleaning setting that works to get a deeper clean while also conserving water. The features, though slightly different, but the two brands on even footing.

When it comes down to it, the slight edge goes to Whirlpool and that edge is razor-thin. The slight difference is that Whirlpool’s beginner models are slightly cheaper and they have a broader range of prices and products than Maytag. In any event, you can’t go wrong with either one of these brands.

Those familiar with the acquisition of Maytag by Whirlpool back in 2006 may be wondering about the quality of the former. After all, if Whirlpool could acquire Maytag, is that an indication of a lack of quality?

The simple fact of the matter is that Maytag is one of the best brands out there. They have been in the industry of making washing machines for well over a century now. Moreover, they offer a unique set of features in comparison to Whirlpool despite being under the same umbrella. That helps them stand out as a brand in a marketplace that can seem a bit crowded at times.

And despite the acquisition, Maytag remains a completely separate brand from Whirlpool. You can rest assured that you are getting a quality product when you go with Maytag all despite the fact that they are actually owned by Whirlpool.

Whirlpool remains one of the most relevant and popular names in the washing machine industry. Customers continue to choose them over the competition more and more frequently. That said, consumers may have questions about the overall reliability of Whirlpool washing machines.

On the whole, Whirlpool makes a very reliable appliance. Whirlpool has a track record of quality, dependability, and reliability in its washing machines. When purchasing a Whirlpool washing machine, it is a durable investment that will last for years to come.