Credit:
Whirlpool / Reviewed
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Credit:
Whirlpool / Reviewed
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The Whirlpool WTW8127LC is a one-shop stop for all your laundry needs. You can scrub stains, soak them, and even hand wash them all from this machine. Read More
The Maytag MVW6500MBK top-load washing machine is a solid pick. Its PetPro System filter is effective at removing the majority of pet hair. Read More
Both the Whirlpool WTW8127LC and the Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK are high-capacity top-load washing machines that blend traditional design with new innovations. Notably, Whirlpool introduced an industry-first 2-in-1 removable agitator in the WTW8127LC, allowing for powerful wash cycles with the pole installed, or gentler cycles using only the impeller at the bottom of the tub. The Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK, on the other hand, has its own speciality: the Pet Pro filter system to trap pet hair.
While Maytag and Whirlpool are owned by the same parent company (Whirlpool Corp.) and sometimes even come from the same factories, the two brands maintain distinct identities in design, features, and especially warranties. Here's how these two top-loaders differ.
Good cleaning
Built-in faucet
Removable agitator
Rougher on clothes with pole in place
Catches a lot of pet hair
Decent cleaning power
Slow-close lid and built-in faucet
Delicates cycle is rough
Spin cycle doesn't get out much water
When it comes to pure stain removal power, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC has the edge, though it’s notably more effective with the pole agitator in rather than out—an entirely predictable outcome that we nevertheless were able to confirm in our lab testing. With the pole installed, the Whirlpool the Regular/Heavy Duty cycle removed around 78% of test stains, outperforming most top-load washers. With the agitator removed, using impeller mode, it still achieved a respectable 68% stain removal, giving users a gentler option that doesn’t sacrifice too much cleaning power.
The Maytag Pet Pro, by contrast, performed average to slightly above average in stain removal. Its Normal and Heavy cycles will get everyday laundry clean, but they aren’t quite up to the Whirlpool’s level. The Maytag’s Delicates cycle, in particular, was found to be almost as rough as its Normal cycle—not the gentlest for fragile fabrics. Where the Maytag does excel is in removing pet hair – an aspect of “clean” that our standard lab tests don’t measure. Thanks to the Pet Pro filter and cycle options, the Maytag removes the bulk of pet fur from your clothes. We were able to confirm the effectiveness in our own tests. For pure dirt and stain removal, the Whirlpool delivers a deeper clean. If pet hair is your primary concern, the Maytag is your best choice.
Neither of these washing machines could be called “basic” or entry-level; they’re both packed with features. However, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC takes the win thanks to its 2-in-1 removable agitator, which is currently offered only by Whirlpool. This allows you to switch between an agitator wash (for an old-fashioned vigorous cleaning cycle) and an impeller wash (for gentle treatment of delicates or bulky items). Essentially, you’re getting two washing machines in one. That’s a level of versatility the Maytag can’t match. In addition, the Whirlpool packs in an automatic detergent dispenser that holds enough detergent for 20 loads, a faucet called a “Pretreat Station+” built right into the tub, and a bunch of sensors to optimize for load size and soil level. It even has Wi-Fi connectivity with support for app control and voice assistants, allowing for remote start, cycle notifications, and maintenance alerts.
The Maytag Pet Pro is more narrowly focused on the needs of pet owners. The Pet Pro filter, built into the agitator pole, along with the Pet Pro wash cycles, work together to remove pet hair with outstanding results. The Maytag also includes a Deep Fill option to add extra water, an Extra Rinse option, and—like the Whirlpool WTW8127LC—a built-in water faucet for pre-treating clothes. One feature Maytag has that the Whirlpool misses: a slow-close glass lid. It doesn’t affect performance, but it’s a nice touch that prevents slamming.
For the tech-enthusiast or anyone who wants maximum flexibility from their washer, the Whirlpool is the winner.
Despite the lengthy list of features, we found this Whirlpool quite easy to use, thanks to the brand’s unique “What to Wash / How to Wash” interface. Rather than a traditional cycle selector knob, the layout guides users through first choosing the type of load (e.g., “Towels”, “Delicates”, “Whites”), and then how you want it washed (“Normal”, “Quick”, “Heavy Duty”, etc.). It’s non-traditional but intuitive, even if you’re not laundry-savvy. Moreover, Whirlpool uses the largest print size we’ve seen on a washer panel, which makes it very easy to read. (Older eyes will really appreciate it!) Another thoughtful feature is the Load & Go dispenser that stores and automatically dispenses detergent for up to 20 cycles.
The Maytag Pet Pro is more old-school in its design: a large knob for setting the cycle and water temperature, plus a few buttons for options like Deep Fill. There is no LCD screen, just indicator lights for cycle status. For those who find modern appliances too computer-like in their interface, the physical knobs and overall simplicity may be a welcome change. However, the simplicity comes at the expense of some functionality. For example, you can’t customize or save cycle settings like you can on the Whirlpool, and there are fewer cycles overall. Notably, this Maytag is also not “smart” or connected. There’s no Wi-Fi, and it’s not compatible with the Maytag app.
Overall, both are easy to operate. The Maytag will cater to those who want a decided traditional, non-smart-home era appliance. But in many ways, we think the Whirlpool is ultimately more intuitive while still offering more features and wash options.
The Whirlpool WTW8127LC can get through laundry cycles faster, or at least offer you more control over cycle times, than the Maytag. Of course, when you have a lot of sensors in the drum like this washer does, cycle times can vary widely depending on the load. We clocked the Regular/Quick Wash combo at a speedy 28 minutes. Your results may vary.
Another thing to consider is the speed of the final spin cycle. When clothes have less moisture coming out of the washer, you’ll cut down on the time needed in the dryer. The Whirlpool manages a blazing 850 RPM.
The Maytag’s fastest cycle time in our tests was 31 minutes, far from the quickest compared to all washers, but only lagging Whirlpool by a few minutes. Normal cycles ranged from 45-60 minutes, depending on the load. The maximum spin speed is 750 RPM, which is also slower than the Whirlpool.
Because the Whirlpool gives you more options to expedite cycles, and because its more aggressive spin cycle, it wins on cycle time.
The Whirlpool WTW8127LC holds more laundry than the Maytag, with or without the removable agitator pole detached. The drum measures 5.2 cu. ft. of capacity according to official measurements, but Whirlpool markets it as 5.3 cu. ft. when using the impeller mode.
The Maytag Pet Pro’s drum is 4.7 cu. ft., notably smaller. In real-world terms, that’s no more than an extra towel or a few shirts. Both machines have tall, deep tubs, as is common with high-capacity top-loaders. In fact, you may need a step stool if you’re shorter and have to reach for the bottom. But the Whirlpool’s slight capacity advantage (plus the ability to create more room by taking out the agitator pole) makes it the winner.
In terms of physical dimensions and how they fit into your home, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC is marginally more compact than the Maytag, but we’re going to call it a tie.
The Whirlpool measures about 27 1/4″ x 39 5/26″ x 27 7/8″ (W x H x D).
The Maytag is approximately 27 1/2″ x 42″ x 27 1/2″ (W x H x D).
Yes, there’s a height difference of 3 inches, but because both have lids that need to be lifted up, there’s no likelihood that people will buy the smaller Whirlpool in the hopes of fitting it under a low cabinet.
When it comes to warranty and implied reliability, Maytag has the advantage. It’s backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, and a 10-year limited parts warranty on the drive motor and the stainless steel wash basket. This extended coverage reflects Maytag’s brand emphasis on durability. They want owners to feel confident that the washer’s motor and drum (the heart of the machine) will last for many years. It’s one of the best appliance warranties out there, perhaps bested only by Speed Queen.
In contrast, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC comes with a 1-year limited warranty on the entire washer, which is the industry standard, but no additional extended warranty on specific parts. Whirlpool (the corporation) certainly builds the WTW8127LC to be durable as well–it features a direct drive motor and a reinforced suspension system for the drum–but the company doesn’t provide the same long-term guarantees on paper for this model.
In terms of reliability, both washers are manufactured by Whirlpool Corp. and are assembled in the USA. It’s likely that many of the components are identical or at least come from the same factory.
Owners of the Maytag will need to remember to empty the Pet Pro hair filter periodically—an extra step, but one that pet lovers won’t mind if it means less hair on clothes.
If choosing between these two great top-load washers, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC emerges as the overall better choice. It’s more versatile, removes stains better, and is slightly faster. The fact that it’s Energy Star certified is yet another bonus. In short, it’s a Swiss army knife, and a damn good one. The innovative 2-in-1 agitator/impeller design wowed us, but even if you never use it, you’re still getting a great washing machine.
The Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK is a great washer in its own right, but more of a specialty tool. As advertised, it’s fantastic at getting rid of pet hair. Between the Pet Pro filter system built into the agitator pole and the Pet Pro wash cycles, it’s uniquely designed to solve one problem. Of course, it’s also an all-around good washing machine, but in this match-up, it’s simply not as well-rounded as the Whirlpool.
| Whirlpool WTW8127LC | Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK | |
| Overall | Winner | |
| Cleaning Performance | Winner | |
| Features | Winner | |
| Ease of Use | Winner | |
| Cycle Time | Winner | |
| Capacity | Winner | |
| Size | Winner | |
| Warranty and Reliability | Winner | |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 27¼″ × 43½″ × 28″ | 27¼″ × 42½″ × 27⅞″ |
| Capacity Volume | 5.2–5.3 cu. ft. | 4.7 cu. ft. |
| Cycles | 13 wash cycles; 2-in-1 Removable Agitator; Deep Water, Sanitize, Quick Wash | Pet Pro filter system; Deep Fill, Extra Rinse, Quick Wash |
| Special Features | 2-in-1 removable agitator, Load & Go dispenser, Sanitize with Oxi | Built-in Pet Pro filter, deep clean agitator, Extra Rinse, No-lid lock |
| Read Full Review | Reviewed's Whirlpool WTW8127LC Review | Reviewed's Maytag Pet Pro Review |
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David Kender oversees content at Reviewed as the Editor in Chief. He served as managing editor and editor in chief of Reviewed's ancestor, CamcorderInfo.com, helping to grow the company from a tiny staff to one of the most influential online review resources. In his time at Reviewed, David has helped to launch over 100 product categories and written too many articles to count.
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