Maytag / Asko?

[JonM]

I'm considering the purchase of a Maytag MAF9601AEW washing machine.

I understand that these machines are built by Asko for Maytag.

Does anyone have any experience of this model, (or of any others in Maytag's 60 Series washer range?)

I have a slight concern with Maytag's backup as I know these machines are not too common in the UK. Would getting spare parts be a problem or take an inordinate length of time to locate?

Many Thanks,

Jon

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello Jon. It looks like a quality washing machine. I've recently examined one of these and in my opinion it is a lot better build quality than an average washing machine - though not in the same league as Miele. I would say it sits roughly in between the Siemens and Miele washing machines in quality and price range. As with Miele, the majority of independent service engineers may not repair them because of difficulties getting spares and technical information. However, there will always be authorised or manufacturer's engineers available.

The sad truth is that all of the real quality washing machines have the same servicing issues. Although they are much less likely to break down, if they do there are a lot less people repairing them.

What we need is a real quality washing machine produced in the UK, or at least one from a manufacturer that welcomes the independent trade and gives them genuine technical assistance and spares at a good discount. The problem is that the higher the quality, the less the company wants to let everyone and anyone repair them because they believe their product also requires a high standard of repair service. They are afraid that lackadaisical engineers and cowboys would undermine their quality image. I have to say that I do understand this point. However, this attitude also causes all the independent repairers and engineers to recommend that people do not buy these brands.

Ultimately if you want a washing machine that's really well made, you have to accept that as well as the higher price tag you are likely to be tied to using the manufacturer for servicing. In a way though, it's like buying a BMW car, would you take it to your local independent garage or would you take it to the BMW dealer?

[JonM]

Many thanks for your response.

It's interesting that you placed the Asko between Siemens & Miele in build quality.

I'd be interested to know how the Mile differs in build quality terms?

Many thanks

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

leaky_drum said:

It's interesting that you placed the Asko between Siemens & Miele in build quality.

I'd be interested to know how the Miele differs in build quality terms?

This washing machine is definitely well built, but not in the same class as a Miele. Here's a quick summary of my main observations -

• The lowest price for the Maytag MAF9601AEW (on a quick search only) was £476. The lowest price I saw for the nearest equivalent Miele W 3922 WPS (i.e. 1600 spin, 6Kg drum) was £844. The two washing machines are just in a different class. I have yet to see a washing machine in the UK that is even almost as well built as a Miele washing machine
• The inner door is plastic, the door latch and door hinge are also plastic. Plastic per se is not synonymous with poor quality but it's highly unlikely they will be as robust and hard wearing as the Miele's solid metal hinge, metal/chrome door and metal catch
• The Miele equivalent has a silent professional motor that is larger, quieter and of better build quality
• The Miele has the patented honeycomb drum which is much gentler on laundry producing less wear and tear on clothes over the years
• The Maytag appears to have either a 2 or 3 year guarantee (it varied) but the Miele has a 10 year guarantee
• The Miele's direct enamel front is guaranteed never to scratch or fade during the washing machines lifetime. You can't even lightly mark it by hitting it as hard as you can with a coin
• Asko-Maytag say "we’re happy your (washing) machine could last for up to 15 years" (the emphasis on "could" is mine) whereas Miele say, "All products are designed for 20 years use". The Miele statement is firm and confident. In my opinion it's also conservative

I'm not knocking the Maytag, it looks very good, but I can't see how it's in the same league as the Miele. However, this is reflected in the higher Miele cost.

( Related: Miele washing machines: Build quality overview )

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It's interesting that you placed the Asko between Siemens & Miele in build quality.

I will be reviewing a Siemens washing machine very soon. I'll get a better idea of the quality of the very latest Siemens washing machines.