Maytag Washer and Dryer Review: Made Like They Used to Be

They always say that appliances aren't made like they used to be. I disagree, especially after testing the Maytag washer dryer combo with a 16-hour fresh hold (they sure didn't have that feature on a 1950's washer/dryer set).

After testing this set for the past three months, I've seen how it performs with dark clothing, hairy pet beds, extra-large comforters, and smelly workout clothes. Here's what you need to know.

What is the Maytag washer and dryer?

The Maytag Front Load Electric Washer with Extra Power and 16-Hr Fresh Hold and matching Front Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power and Quick Dry Cycle are stackable, large capacity laundry appliances designed for busy households, pet owners and families handling bulky loads.

Both appliances are Energy Star certified and available in multiple finishes, including volcano black, white and metallic slate. The washer offers optional Wi-Fi connectivity through a Maytag app for remote start, cycle notifications and stain removal guidance.

Maytag, now owned by Whirlpool Corporation, has recently expanded its laundry lineup with features geared toward pet owners, including its popular Pet Pro system designed to help catch pet hair and reduce odors. According to Matthew Morrison, home appliance technician at JustAnswer, front-load washers also tend to handle bulky laundry more effectively because “the tumbling action is ideal for the proper washing of bulky items as they lift and drop repeatedly.”

The washer and dryer each include a 10-year limited parts warranty covering key components, including the direct-drive motor.

Maytag Stacked Washer and Dryer Features

Washer Features

• 4.8-cubic-foot front-load capacity
• 14 wash cycles, including Quick Wash, Sanitize and Bulky Items
• Extra Power button for enhanced stain removal
• Steam-enhanced cleaning option
• 16-hour Fresh Hold feature to prevent musty odors
• Wi-Fi connectivity through the Maytag app
• Energy Star-certified design
• Stackable configuration
• Stainless steel wash basket
• 10-year limited parts warranty on the motor and basket

According to Morrison, front-load washers use significantly less water than traditional top-load models while also extracting more moisture during the spin cycle, helping reduce drying times.

Dryer Features

• 7.3-cubic-foot front-load capacity
• 12 drying cycles
• Quick Dry cycle for small loads
• Steam Refresh option
• Wrinkle Prevent setting with periodic tumbling
• Reduce Static feature
• Extra Power option for additional drying time
• Sanitize cycle
• Optional stackable setup
• 10-year limited parts warranty on the motor and drum

How We Tested It

I washed two small dog beds, which used to cause trouble in my old machine. They would never come out fully clean, and afterward I’d usually have to wipe down the washer and dryer because they’d be coated in dirt and pet hair. That wasn’t the case with the Maytag set. The dog beds came out noticeably cleaner, and I didn’t have to reach for a lint roller to remove fur from the fabric.

To test cleaning performance, I used the Bulky Items setting on both the washer and dryer and tested everything from pet beds and king-sized comforters to heavily worn workout gear and dark clothing. The washer handled oversized loads without becoming unbalanced, while the dryer removed lingering moisture in a single cycle. Morrison explains that front-load washers generally perform better with bulky items because they lack a center agitator that can trap or twist fabrics during washing. At the end of the dryer cycle, any remaining pet hair was easy to remove from the lint trap instead of sticking to the fabric or inside the drum.

Cleaning a Comforter

I also wanted to wash a new king-sized comforter before using it because it was smelly. It fits with ease inside both the washing machine and dryer, and it couldn’t have been easier. Previously, when I washed comforters or heavy blankets, the washing machine would tilt and stop working—requiring a reset. And with the dryer, multiple cycles were needed to get the comforters or blankets dry. This time, the comforter handled the wash cycle flawlessly. I think the lack of an agitator on the front loading machine allowed a better washing function.

Things did not get off-kilter, and the comforter came out fresh and clean. It took one cycle to dry it in the dryer, and it turned out perfectly warm and dry. I was so gleeful about it!

Washing Dark Clothing

For the next load, I washed a variety of dark clothing, including black leggings and black dress clothes. With our old machine, when I would wash dark clothes, they would come out covered in lint and/or dog hair. There was nothing that frustrated me more when that would happen. I can’t tell you how many things were ruined. With the new machine, I set the clothes to the normal setting. At the end of the cycle, when I pulled everything out, I was so thrilled not to have anything stuck to my clothes. The washing machine delivered with flying colors.

Workout Gear

Next, I wanted to do a load of workout gear that had been sitting in the laundry basket all week. Everything was dirty and smelly when it went in, and it came out clean and fresh. The extra power buttons are fantastic: I honestly wasn’t sure if they were necessary, but it’s a great feature. Be sure to add extra detergent to the extra power compartment.

Front-Loading Washer vs Top-Loading Washer

Let’s talk about what it’s like to have a front-loading wash machine versus a top loader. Ourprevious washer was a traditional top-load machine with an extra-large capacity. The size was nice, and you could select a pre-soak button that would fill up the machine halfway and then let your stained clothes sit in the water and detergent to get some extra attention. But, as I mentioned earlier, our old machine would tend to freeze up with bulky loads. It would also make a lot of noise. And when the load was finished, I usually had to stand on my tip toes to get things out of the bottom of the drum.

With the front load machine, there is no pre-soak setting. I suppose you could stick everything in the bin, start a wash and hit pause to create the same effect. But maybe it’s not necessary with all of the great settings on this machine. Plus, I’ve seen a number of comments from experts online that suggest your laundry will touch the laundry soap and water more often on a front-loading machine than it would on a top-loader that uses an agitator.

After using the front-loading washer for a while, I feel that it’s hard to tell when the machine is full. Maytag says the washer can handle 30 towels at once, but well before you get to that number, you start to feel like you’re piling up pancakes on the breakfast plate and wonder if the syrup will make it to the bottom of the stack. But they’re right. I’ve overstuffed the machine multiple times with two weeks of clothes, and everything is getting clean!

Pros

• Stackable or side-by-side
• Steam setting
• Comes in multiple colors
• Extra power feature gets clothing very clean
• 16-hour fresh hold
• 10-year warranty
• Available in electric or gas

Cons

• Hard to hear end-of-load alerts
• Some buttons are similar or duplicative, which is confusing

What other reviewers/experts had to say

“The dryer is as nice as the matching washer,” said a verified Best Buy reviewer. “It auto senses dampness and dries accordingly. It is also quiet, perhaps even more so than the washer.”

“Steam is nice, as is the wrinkle guard,” said a verified Best Buy reviewer. “The dryer seems to actively adjust the time remaining based on sensors and usually ends up drying faster than anticipated.”

“We have had this washing machine and the matching dryer, both on pedestals for the last month,” said a Maytag reviewer. “They are FANTASTIC.”

Product Comparison

Maytag vs Whirlpool

Maytag and Whirlpool are closely related brands because Whirlpool Corporation acquired Maytag in 2006, but the two brands target slightly different buyers. Whirlpool often leans toward versatility and innovation, while Maytag emphasizes durability, heavy-duty performance and straightforward usability.

For example, the Whirlpool 2-in-1 Removable Agitator Washer focuses heavily on flexibility, which lets you switch between an agitator and impeller setup depending on the load. It also includes convenience-focused features like a Load & Go detergent dispenser and a built-in pretreat station.

The Maytag combo is a little more focused on cleaning power and large-load performance. Features like the Extra Power setting, Fresh Hold option and strong bulky-item handling are great for households with pets, kids or lots of laundry.

Maytag vs LG

LG washers and dryers are praised for their sleek look, advanced smart technology and space-saving designs. The LG WashTower, for example, combines a stacked washer and dryer into a single integrated unit with AI-powered cycle adjustments and extensive app controls. Nifty!

Compared to LG, Maytag’s interface feels more traditional and straightforward. While the Maytag combo includes smart features, the controls prioritize simple operation over app-heavy customization. The LG WashTower also has more advanced app integrations and specialty cycles, while Maytag focuses a little more on durability-focused features like the Extra Power cycle and long motor warranty coverage.

In testing, the Maytag machines felt particularly strong with bulky loads and pet-related laundry, while LG stands out more for compact laundry spaces, modern aesthetics and smart-home integration.

Maytag vs Speed Queen

Speed Queen has built a reputation around commercial-grade durability and long-term reliability. Unlike some laundry brands that emphasize smart technology and design, Speed Queen went a different direction to focus on mechanical simplicity and heavy-duty construction.

Compared to Speed Queen, Maytag offers a more modern feature set with Wi-Fi connectivity, steam functions, Fresh Hold technology and a wider variety of specialty cycles. Buyers often tend to go for Speed Queen if they're looking for longevity above all else, while Maytag strikes more of a balance between modern convenience, cleaning performance and price.

For most households, Maytag’s broader feature set and softer front-load washing action may feel more user-friendly. However, shoppers looking for an extremely rugged, no-frills machine built for very frequent use may still gravitate toward Speed Queen.

Final Verdict

This Maytag washer/dryer combo delivers everything you would want for a large or small household. These machines can easily handle bigger jobs like comforters, dog beds and jumbo loads of towels. They can also pivot to smaller loads, delicates, or a quick wash of clothes if needed on short notice. This dynamic duo does an amazing job at everything I throw at them.

You will not be disappointed in the washing machine's cleaning power or the dryer's drying power. These good-looking machines are also stackable, so they can fit into a smaller space. I highly recommend them.

Where to Buy the Maytag Washer and Dryer

This Maytag front load washer and dryer set is available at Maytag, The Home Depot, and Best Buy. The washer is just under $900, and the dryer is around $800.

FAQ

What is the advantage of leaving the door open on the washer when it’s not in use?

You need to leave the door open all of the time when not in use so it doesn’t develop mold or mildew.

Can I do a full load on a quick wash and quick dry?

No. The settings are not meant for that. Quick Wash and Quick Dry should be used for small loads.

The dryer has both a 'Regular' and a 'Normal' setting. What’s the difference?

Though they sound similar, they are slightly different. The Regular setting lasts for 57 minutes on the second temperature setting out of four. The Normal setting uses hotter temperatures and lasts longer. It goes for an hour and 27 minutes and uses the third temperature setting out of four.

Where is Maytag made?

Though the various parts for the machines might be sourced from around the globe, these washers are assembled in Clyde, Ohio, and the dryers are assembled in Marion, Ohio.

Who owns Maytag now?

Maytag was a standalone company for more than 100 years before it was acquired by Whirlpool in 2006. In addition to washers and dryers, the Maytag brand makes refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges and microwave ovens. Other Whirlpool-owned brands include KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana.

Is Maytag a good brand?

Yes, Maytag is widely considered a reliable washer and dryer brand. It’s known for durable, heavy-duty machines with strong cleaning performance, large capacities and useful features like steam and sanitize cycles. While Maytag may offer fewer smart features than some competitors, many homeowners appreciate its simple controls, solid warranty coverage and dependable performance.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a senior shopping editor for Vernl, Caroline Lubinsky oversees product-focused content across the site and has tested dozens of products spanning the home, DIY and outdoor categories. She has extensive experience evaluating products for performance, usability and long-term value, and she develops detailed testing methodologies for everything from lawn care equipment to home appliances.

In addition to her work at Vernl, Caroline’s writing has appeared in major publications including Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Everyday Health and Reader’s Digest. She previously led cardio equipment content for Garage Gym Reviews and brings a hands-on, research-driven approach to every review. For this article, Caroline tested the Maytag washer and dryer with real-world household laundry, including bulky comforters, pet beds, workout clothing and dark fabrics, while also consulting appliance expert Matthew Morrison for additional insight into front-load washer performance and maintenance.

Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Vernl, also updated and contributed research to this article. Paul also writes for Reader's Digest, Bob Vila and Taste of Home and has written shopping guides since 2021.

We also reached out to Matthew Morrison, home appliance technician at JustAnswer, who provided expert commentary on washers and dryers to fully round out our review.