One model of Maytag washer ranked first among top-loaders – while another was last among front-loaders – in performance ratings in the February issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
The Newton-based appliance maker, which uses dependability as a central theme in its advertising, also got mixed scores on washer and dryer repairs and problems reported by Consumer Reports readers.
Consumer Reports is published by the Consumers Union of Yonkers, N.Y., an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization.
The magazine tested washers sold under about a dozen brand names.
Maytag’s new Neptune top-loading washer, introduced in 2004, topped the list of 17 top-loaders tested by the magazine.
An Amana top-loader ranked No. 10, and an Admiral ranked No. 16, putting them in the “good” category. Maytag Corp. is the parent company of the Maytag, Amana and Admiral brands.
Maytag’s Neptune front-loader ranked last among 12 front-loaders, but still rated in the “very good” category, along with its 11 competitors.
Maytag introduced the Neptune front-loader in 1997 and has acknowledged problems with early versions of the machine. Maytag has agreed to a settlement of a class action consumers’ lawsuit about the problems.
Among dryers, the Maytag Neptune ranked third in a list topped by the General Electric Profile.
A reader questionnaire was used to rate washers and dryers on reliability, based on the percentage of machines that had ever been repaired or had a serious problem. The ratings referred to brand names in general, and, in some cases, were based on responses about more than one model.
Readers reported on about 102,000 washers and 92,000 dryers purchased new between 2000 and the first half of 2004.
“Among five front-load washers, Maytag ranked last, with most repairs. General Electric was No. 1, with the fewest repairs.
“Among top-loading washers, Maytag ranked fifth out of 11; Amana ranked No. 8. Roper ranked first with the fewest repairs.
“Maytag ranked No. 1 for fewest repairs among five brands of gas dryers. Maytag was No. 2, behind Roper, among eight brands of electric dryers.
Maytag spokeswoman Karen Lynn said Maytag was pleased with the No. 1 ranking for its Neptune top-loader.
Since introducing the Neptune front-loader in 1997, Maytag has been “continuously improving the category and Maytag product offerings,” Lynn said.
From Des Moines Register