Whirlpool vs. Maytag washing machines

Whirlpool and Maytag are two of the most recognizable names in washing machines, but you may not know that they’re actually part of the same company: two brands that co-exist within the Whirlpool Corporation. But they’re hardly clones of each other. Each brand has its own storied history and designs its products for different types of customers. They also make some of our favorite top-loaders and front-loaders. In this comparison, we’ll break down how Whirlpool and Maytag compare in terms of design, features, reliability, and more—all to help you decide which is best for your home. We’ll also highlight each brand’s standout washer and explain key features in plain language.

• What are the overall brand differences between Whirlpool and Maytag?
• Where are Whirlpool and Maytag products made?
• Whirlpool and Maytag: which is more reliable?
• Which has better warranty coverage, Whirlpool or Maytag?
• What styles of washing machines do Whirlpool and Maytag make?
• Our top-rated Whirlpool washing machine
• Our top-rated Maytag washing machine
• Whirlpool laundry feature highlights, explained
• Maytag laundry feature highlights, explained
• Conclusion: Should I buy a Whirlpool or a Maytag washing machine?

What are the overall brand differences between Whirlpool and Maytag?

At a high level, Whirlpool and Maytag washing machines are more alike than different. Both brands have been American staples for nearly the entirety of the twentieth century. They’re practically synonymous with “American appliances.” And while they’ve been refreshed year after year with more features and tech, both brands are a far cry from the cutting-edge looks of overseas competitors like Samsung and LG.

However, Whirlpool and Maytag do have distinct brand identities. Whirlpool washers tend to emphasize innovation and a more modern design, often introducing unique features or tech-forward touches (e.g., a 2-in-1 removable agitator system). Whirlpool itself sometimes characterizes its customers as people who like to micromanage their laundry. Think: buttons, features, and options.

Maytag, by contrast, leans into a “tough and durable” image. After all, it’s the brand known historically for the bored Maytag repairman, implying that their machines just don’t break. In practice, Maytag models often have a more classic, heavy-duty aesthetic and slightly fewer high-tech frills.

Each has a unique aesthetic, as well. Whirlpool front-loaders have round doors, while Maytags have square doors. Many Whirlpool top-loaders have adopted sleek glass lids and digital controls, while Maytag top-loaders often feature chunky knobs and a sturdy vibe. The design lines do get blurred, though; it’s not a hard-and-fast rule.

Whirlpool’s lineup spans a broad price range from entry-level to premium (approx. $520 - $1,400), whereas Maytag generally targets entry to mid-range (approx. $550 - $1,100), with an emphasis on extra-powerful cycles and commercial-grade components in its higher-end units.

Despite their differences in marketing, it’s worth remembering that under the hood, there’s shared engineering and parts–but the user experience and feature sets differ.

Where are Whirlpool and Maytag products made?

Both Whirlpool and Maytag washing machines are largely made in the United States, though components come from all over the world. And because they’re the same company, many or all of the washers are assembled in the same place: Clyde, Ohio. That’s a factory that’s been producing Whirlpool products for 73 years and, despite many changes over the generations, is deeply woven into the fabric of Sandusky County.

Whirlpool or Maytag: Which is more reliable?

When it comes to reliability, Whirlpool and Maytag are on a very similar playing field. Despite the “built tough” marketing of Maytag, there’s not a substantially different reliability that we could detect. They share many internal components and manufacturing processes. In fact, many service technicians note that Whirlpool and Maytag are known for being relatively easy to repair, due in part to good customer service and easy-to-find replacement parts.

Anecdotally, you can expect about 10+ years of service from either a Whirlpool or Maytag washing machine with proper care, which is on par with other reputable brands.

Reliability is, of course, only statistical and may not apply to the exact model that you own. That’s where warranties come in, and interestingly, Whirlpool and Maytag differ there, impacting how much repairs may cost you down the road.

Which has better warranty coverage, Whirlpool or Maytag?

This is one area where we see a concrete difference between the brands. Maytag offers a more extensive warranty on its washers, giving it a clear advantage. All Maytag washing machines come with a standard 1-year parts-and-labor warranty, plus a 10-year limited parts warranty on the drive motor and wash basket. This 10-year parts coverage is a standout in the industry (few brands offer as long a term on key parts, aside from niche brands like Speed Queen), underscoring Maytag’s focus on durability.

Whirlpool-brand washers, on the other hand, come with the industry-standard 1-year warranty on the whole machine and no extended coverage on specific parts. After the first year, if something like the motor were to fail, you’d be on your own for both parts and labor (unless you purchased an aftermarket extended service plan). Whirlpool doesn’t provide the built-in, decade-long guarantees that Maytag does. That means if you choose a Maytag, you get a bit more peace of mind, at least on paper.

What styles of washing machines do Whirlpool and Maytag make?

Between the two brands, Whirlpool and Maytag cover the full spectrum of washing machine sizes and styles. However, each brand has a couple of blind spots compared to the other. Below is an overview of their offerings:

Washing Machine Style	Whirlpool	Maytag
Top-Load: Agitator	Yes – Approx. 7 models	Yes – Approx. 7 models
Top-Load: Impeller (HE)	Yes – Approx. 9 models	Yes – Approx. 4 models
Front-Load	Yes – Approx. 11 models	Yes – Approx. 4 models
Stacked Washer-Dryer (One-Piece Laundry Center)	Yes – Approx. 2 models	No
Washer-Dryer Combo (All-in-One)	Yes – Approx. 1 model	No
Laundry Center (one-piece unit with top-load washer & front-load dryer)	Yes – Approx. 6 models	No
Commercial-Grade Washers	No	Yes – Approx. 1 model

As you can see, both brands have plenty to offer in the most common styles. You can get a Whirlpool or a Maytag in the form of a traditional top-load washer with an agitator (the pole in the middle that’s tougher on clothes but great for heavy soils), a high-efficiency top-load washer with an impeller plate (no pole, gentler on fabrics), or a front-loading washer (door on the front, typically best cleaning performance and efficiency). Features will vary between brands and increase as you step up in price.

Where the brands diverge is in the more niche formats. Whirlpool offers some integrated laundry centers—a single combined unit with a top-load washer and a dryer on top (often ideal for apartments or tight spaces).

Whirlpool also has a washer-dryer combo unit (an all-in-one machine that washes and then dries in the same drum).

Maytag offers one commercial-grade washer and dryer set that consumers can readily bring into their homes. This thing is built tough and designed to deliver aggressive wash cycles, going head-to-head with Speed Queen. Note that the warranty is also different: 5-year limited parts & labor.

Whirlpool also has a commercial-grade washer on its site, but it’s literally a coin-operated machine and doesn’t make sense for consumers.

Notably, neither brand has a stacked front-load washer-dryer comparable to the LG WashTower or Samsung Laundry Hub. But as this category grows, it’s reasonable to expect one soon.

Whirlpool laundry feature highlights, explained

• 2-in-1 Removable Agitator – This novel Whirlpool feature (found on select models like the WTW8127LC) lets you literally remove the center agitator post. It means one washer can function as an agitator washer (for tough cleaning) or an impeller washer (for bulky loads or gentler care)

• Load & Go Dispenser – A convenience feature on many higher-end Whirlpool washers, Load & Go is a bulk detergent dispenser. You fill a reservoir with a large amount of detergent (often enough for about 20 loads), and the washer automatically releases the right amount each cycle.

• Pretreat Station Plus (Built-in Faucet and Brush) – A built-in faucet and scrubbing brush is included in some washers (like the WTW8127LC) to help tackle stains. You can treat spots on clothes with water (hot or cold) and a detergent-filled brush right on the washer before the cycle starts.

• What to Wash / How to Wash Controls – This is the branded name of their interface design on the control panel. Instead of the typical dial with preset cycles, it’s a two-step control panel. First, you select what you’re washing (for example, Jeans, Towels, Delicates), then select how you want them washed (e.g., Normal, Heavy Duty, Quick). The machine automatically adjusts settings based on those choices. In testing, we really liked it.

Maytag laundry feature highlights, explained

• Extra Power Button – When activated, it kicks off a dual-temperature wash: it uses hot water to help attack stains like oils, then cold water to tackle others like blood or sweat, all in one cycle. We’ve found that using Extra Power can noticeably improve stain removal for tough loads.

• Pet Pro Filter & Option – Featured on the Maytag Pet Pro washer (and likely to appear in future models catering to pet owners), this system includes a dedicated Pet Pro cycle option and a built-in pet hair filter in the agitator.

• Deep Fill – Many Maytag top-loaders come with a Deep Fill setting that lets you override the auto-sensing water levels and fill the tub to the max with water. This appeals to those who feel modern HE washers don’t use enough water. While, as we often note, more water isn’t always better for cleaning, Deep Fill can be useful for saturating bulky items or if you just want that extra reassurance of a full tub wash. It’s an example of Maytag giving users control to do laundry their way.

• Fresh Hold – Available on select Maytag front-load washers, Fresh Hold is essentially a built-in fan system that keeps air circulating inside the drum after the cycle ends.

Conclusion: Should I buy a Whirlpool or a Maytag washing machine?

Both Whirlpool and Maytag offer excellent washing machines, and because they share engineering and quality standards, you won’t go terribly wrong with either. In these head-to-head reviews, we really do try to pick a winner, but it’s nearly impossible here. The best choice for you comes down to your priorities and aesthetics.

Choose Whirlpool if you appreciate its look, modern digital interface, and fancy features. They also have a few styles, like washer-dryer combo units and laundry centers, that Maytag does not.

Choose Maytag if you value their aesthetic, straightforward operation, and a bit of extra warranty security. Maytag is a great fit for families that put their washer through heavy use and want to feel confident it can handle the stress. It’s also a top pick if pet hair is a constant battle in your home, as the Pet Pro model is something Whirlpool doesn’t directly offer in its own line.

Reliability and repair experience will be similar for both, since they’re built by the same company. Maintenance, availability of parts, and service technician familiarity are equally strong for both brands (Whirlpool Corp’s large service network covers both). Price-wise, they compete closely model-for-model, so the true value lies in the specific features you want.

You can also shop sales and wait for a model you like to go on sale, as they do several times each year. Happy shopping!

Read More About Washing Machines and Laundry

The Best Top-Load Washing Machines: This is our complete roundup of all the top-performing top-load washing machines, including GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, LG, Speed Queen, and more.

The Best Top-Loading Agitator Washing Machines We've Tested: If you specifically want a top-load washer with an agitator pole, this list covers those exclusively.

Front-load vs. top-load washer: What's best for you?: This feature takes into consideration all sorts of laundry needs, from space considerations to cleaning performance, in pitting these two washer categories against each other.

The Best Front-Load Washers We’ve Tested: Whether you’re shopping for a standalone front-loader, a stackable pair, or a full laundry center, this roundup identifies the top-performing front-load washing machines for every setup.

The Best Laundry Centers We've Tested: Step beyond a standard stacked washer and dryer with these integrated laundry towers—coordinated systems that combine both appliances into one streamlined unit with shared controls for seamless performance.

Samsung vs LG Washing Machines: The tech titans both make fantastic, beautiful washing machines, but which one is right for you?

Speed Queen vs Maytag Washing Machines: Two old-school top-load washers with agitator poles go head to head.