I think I've gone deaf!
Written: Oct 22 '00 (Updated May 12 '03)
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Pros: Read and find out!
Cons: None so far!
The Bottom Line: You wont be disappointed. The Maytag Neptune Washer is a pleasure.
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| ttee06's Full Review: Maytag Neptune MAH4000 Front Loader Washer |
whhhsssshhhhh.....shhhhhhhhhh........whhhsssshhhhhh That's the sound our new Maytag Neptune barely makes.
For the last 5 years, we have used coin-op or rented washers. When we bought our house, my parents treated us to a brand new washer and dryer. I used to sell appliances and had my eye on the Neptune set ever since they were released. Fortunately, I had to wait, which gave Maytag a chance to work out all the bugs in previous versions.
Here's my list of top reasons to buy this washer:
This sucker's quiet! After the delivery guys left, we watched the video that comes with the machine. We piled the tub full of clothes,loaded the detergent in the handy top-mounted compartment and shut the door. We then proceeded to set it up to wash and waited with baited breath after pushing the start button. Hmmm....hello?...is this thing on? I could hear the water filling, I could hear a low hum....but that was it. We opened the door...yep....there was water and the tub was winding down from spinning...okay, let's try again. "hummmmmmmm....shhhhhhhhhhhhh.....hummmmmm". Wow!
If the quiet operation isn't enough for you to go out and spend 1000 smacks on a washer, hang onto your hats...cuz there's MORE!
Save on your energy bill - The Neptune uses very little water...far less than a conventional top-loader. Over the life of the machine, a family can realize significant savings here. On top of that, many of the utility companies are offering rebates to consumers who buy energy-efficient washers. In my city, I got one from the gas company AND the water company. Not only does it use less water, but it know how much water to use for your load based upon the load size and type of load you have put in. And, the tub is huge, so you can do fewer loads by doing larger loads!
Pretty smart, huh? Okay, let's go on.
Keeps those clothes looking great - When it's time to donate your wardrobe to goodwill, the less fortunate will think they are getting brand new goods! The washer has no agitator, so it works with a gentle tumbling motion. This action is better for the fabric than that agitator which would drag the items thru the washer and clean the clothes with the "fins" of the agitator.
Let me just throw in a bit of personal experience here. We have these hand towels that we, well, dry our hands on in our main bathroom. (Hmmm...who'd of thunk it!)Anyway, they seem to stay wet because we are always washing our hands. (Good thing, huh!) So, we washed them over and over again in the "rented" machine and they always seemed to smell mildewy. Just before we were going to toss them, we threw them in the new Maytag. Man! They came out smelling brand new! And they looked bright because the machine got out all the stuff that was imbedded in them from repeated use!
Okay, there's my testimonial...now on with the show.
Here are a few things that make using the Neptune a sheer pleasure:
CYCLES: The machine has settings for Whites, colors, delicates, and hand washables. I hate doing hand washing because afterward, the clothes drip water everywhere when you hang them to dry. Here, because it's so gentle, I can do my hand-washables with confidence.
TEMPERATURE: As with most machines, the Maytag has Hot/Cold, Warm/Warm, Warm/Cold and Cold/Cold wash and rinse cycles. This lets you set it for maximum fabric care for your type of load.
OPTIONS: This part is my fav! There is a Max Extract which removes more of the water from the load to decrease drying time. (Another $$ saving feature!) Also, the washer has a Stain setting, which contrary to the way I've stated it, does NOT stain your clothes, but is intended to REMOVE stains! This is an extra long wash with an extra rinse built-in. If you are not using the stain feature, you still can get the extra rinse by simply depressing the button that says...yeah, you guessed it....extra rinse. I always use this because my sweetie is sensitive to detergent.
One of the options I find particularly useless, is the delayed time setting. Theoretically, you could set the machine to start up to 8 hours after you put the load in to take advantage of the lower energy rates that occur off-peak. Never used it...never will.
COOL DIPENSERS: The Neptune, as I told you before, is smart. On top of the machine is a flap, which when lifted, offers an array of various dispensers. There is one for the detergent (which, by the way, it is recommended that you use the special "High Efficiency" type that is supposed to make the machine work optimally.) You just fill up the dispenser and it releases the stuff into the load. The next dispenser is for bleach and there's another for fabric softener. These are filled up before turning on the machine, so there's no worry about remembering to do it later.
AWESOME WARRANTY: Okay, here it is. Lifetime on tub parts, 10 years on the parts for washer motor and rusting of the cabinet, and 2 years parts/ 1 year labor on the rest. Most manufacturers offer 1 year parts and labor and 5 years on the motor.
PRIORITY ONE SERVICE: I don't anticipate needing this, but basically, its an 800 number that answers questions if you have them. Also, you're supposed to get priority scheduling should you need service.
So, after all this, are you worried about whether or not the washer will fit in your space? I wouldn't because it's actually narrower than most, but just in case, here are some dimensions:
Height to top of backsplash: 43 1/4 inches
Depth: 28 1/4 inches
Depth w/ door opened: 50 1/2 inches
Width: 27 inches
So there it is. So far we love our machine and expect it will last a very long time.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 900
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Epinions.com ID:
ttee06
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Location: The Capitol, CA
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 25 members
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