Whirlpool: Maytag is now owned by Whirlpool, and their appliances share some similarities. However, Whirlpool appliances may offer a wider range of features at a slightly higher price point.
Following the Maytag headquarters closure, all brand administration was transferred to Whirlpool's headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Maytag name would now be used on Whirlpool-designed appliances.
When Maytag closed its doors in 2007, it was a rough transition. At the time, some 2,000 people were building washers and dryers at the old Maytag manufacturing facility.
As one of the longest-standing and most reputable major appliance brands in the industry, Maytag has been a part of the Whirlpool corporation since 2006. Since this merger took place 15 years ago, these brands have become a constant in quality and reliability.
Since 2006, Whirlpool has owned Maytag, but they are independent appliance manufacturers.
Maytag might edge out if you're all about cleaning power and durability. GE could be your go-to if you're into smart features and cutting-edge technology. Both brands offer solid options that will leave your dishes sparkling clean.
Whirlpool and LG were the two washing machine brands recommended by Puls who said they had the fewest problems and were the cheapest to repair, on average. Maytag came in at third.
They consistently rank well in reliability surveys by organizations like J.D. Power. Focus on Essentials: Maytag appliances often prioritize core functionalities over fancy features. This can make them a good choice for those who value simplicity and practicality.
Maytag (10-12 Years)
Maytag machines are known for being tough and built to handle heavy loads. With an average lifespan of 10-12 years, they're an excellent option for busy households that need a reliable workhorse. Maytag's reputation for dependability has made it a favorite for families who do a lot of laundry.
Whirlpool sells products under a wide variety of other brand names that include KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Consul. The company began in 1908 when Lou Upton first sold electric washing machines to Sears. Whirlpool grew from there to a 2024 market cap of $4.91 billion in 2024.
The average lifespan for a Maytag washer is 11 years. That puts it on the higher end of the average lifespan for most household appliances.
Maytag, which also owns Jenn-Air and MagicChef, puts its date code at the end of the serial number using letters from the alphabet. The first letter in the code is the year, and the second letter represents the month.
Both companies have developed a strong reputation for appliances over the years. You might not have known that one belongs to the other. Yes, Whirlpool purchased Maytag in 2006. Despite the merger, the two brands are still entirely distinct.
Both brands excel in different areas. LG offers advanced features, such as AI cycles and TurboWash technology, ideal for tech-savvy users. Maytag is known for durability and powerful cleaning cycles, making it great for heavy-duty laundry. The better choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Our brands — Amana®, Whirlpool®, Maytag®, KitchenAid® and JennAir® — have become trusted household names that live under the Whirlpool Corporation umbrella.
When it comes to performance and reliability, both brands are top-notch. Maytag and Whirlpool have earned their spot at the top of the industry by consistently delivering reliable products that perform well over time. That being said, Whirlpool has some unique features that give it an edge in performance.
The most common reasons your Maytag washer is not working are a jammed door lock assembly, malfunctioning electronic control board or a defective timer.
Factors to Consider
If you spent $650 on your washer seven years ago and you're doing seven loads per week (a lot of wear and tear), a new washer purchase makes sense. But if the machine is 3 years old and you spent $1,000 for it, a repair may be the better financial choice.
LG has consistently emerged as the best washer brand, often vying for the top spot with Speed Queen in Consumer Reports. This reputation cements LG's status as one of the best brand washers. A key factor in LG's popularity is its impressively low repair rates, making it a reliable choice in the appliance market.
Maytag factory closes its doors in Newton, Iowa. Oct. 26, 2007 — -- Who doesn't remember the Maytag repairman? The old television commercials featuring the Maytag appliance repairman showed a perpetually lonely older man, with nothing to do.
Compared to a top load impeller washer, front load washers are still 25% more energy and water efficient. Furthermore, front load washers help save on drying time and energy by spinning clothes much faster than top load washers to extract more water out of clothes.
James King invented the first mechanical washing machine in 1851. He created a drum-based device that used water pressure to agitate clothes and remove dirt. Hamilton Smith patented the rotary version of this design in 1858, which soon became more popular than its predecessor.