Impressive Difference - Don't wait to buy
Pros:
Quiet, fits more, fast, nice variety of cycle options.
Cons:
Door not reversible, some moisture still in unit after cycle, expensive without sale/discount/rebate.
The Bottom Line:
Every bit the machine as my old Maytag washer. As affordable as the competition, but still built well. I would buy it again and wouldn't have hesitated.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Bought the Maytag Epic washer and dryer (9600 series) to replace a 1995 super-capacity Maytag (upright washer) set. Dryer was going, but my family has had really good luck with Maytag for the last 30+ years. This is what made us lean to Maytag. From the reviews of front-loaders, I expected the washer to be noisier, especially considering the 9700 has the better sound insulation. Was very impressed by the washer. The washer is much quieter than the old Maytag. As with the other front-load units, the clothes come out with much less moisture, so the dryer is actually faster than my washer now (both cycle times dropped compared to old units). I noticed an increase of about 2-3 bath towels due to the lack of the agitator. Clothes seem to be as clean. Will have to see how clothes wear plays out, but the old unit wore heavily on clothes. The see-through door is a nice feature, but this appears to be standard between all the current front-loaders. The time left in cycle does not appear to be accurate, but it least it is in the ballpark. Did decide to stack the units. The pair sits on tile over a cement slab. Decided to reposition the pair after installation, and they weigh a ton. I would be hesitant to stack these on anything but a strong floor. Vibration is less than my old top-loader, which itself was good. Overall noise is quiet. Quite a number of available cycles and options. Bought the washer and dryer at the orange hardware store (HD). At the time, had an energy star discount. Local department store that sells Kenmores as well (Sears) had the unit for less before the energy star discount and also had a 10% rebate. The orange hardware store matched and beat the Kenmore place to give me a price at or below most of the front-load units. As a note, the door is not reversible, but apparently this is also a common downfall of front-load units. While I did not buy a warranty on my last Maytag units, I opted for the 5 year extended service plan. After seeing so many negative comments about current Maytag and most every other brand's units, I figure the money is worth the peace of mind. The extended warranty was another pro for the orange store. The extended warranty was about 1/4 the price of the Kenmore place. Have noticed some moisture still in unit after done. I leave the door slightly ajar when not in use just in case. So far, this unit is everything I think a Maytag should be.
