Product review (1 stars): Poor Quality Product, Terrible Customer Service from Maytag/Whirlpool
Update* May 27, 2016: I have been in customer service for over 15 years running my own business and cannot believe Maytag/Whirlpool is still in business given the horrible customer service and product quality I have experienced with them. Just spoke to a supervisor who was rude and arrogant. The reps I spoke to were more honest and helpful. All in all, a terrible experience with a faulty product, Maytag Bravos XL washing machine (with Commercial Technology). The first rep I spoke with admitted that there have been many problems with this machine. A local technician who initially diagnosed the problem said these machines are a lousy product and the technician sent by Maytag/Whirpool said the Bravos washers have had loads of issues (pun intended). I am happy to share the full extent of my terrible experience with anyone considering a purchase from Maytag/Whirlpool. Over $800 for this machine that is less than 4 years old and total junk.

Original Review: I purchased this machine in July of 2012. I do numerous loads of laundry every week, as I run a bed & breakfast. In the past, I have used a basic household washing machine. I had hoped this machine would allow me to wash larger loads, faster, with greater energy efficiency. This machine does handle loads which are about 20% larger than my previous household style washers, but it is not faster.

I have 3 major complaints about this machine.

1) The machine really beats up towels. With previous machines, my towels stayed in very good condition for 4 years. Now, towels are only lasting 2 years before they become frayed and tattered along the edges. They also develop pulls all over them, which did not happen with past machines I have owned. I think these problems might be related to the fact that the machine uses such low water, that the fabrics end up rubbing so hard on each other like sandpaper. Also, the high speed spin might be beating the fabrics up as well. In either case, I am now having to buy towels and sheets twice as often as I previously bought them.

2) The area around the bleach dish is rusting out horribly. I do not know if this is a design flaw or a use of shoddy materials, but it is unacceptable to open the lid of your 2 year old washing machine and see a big area of rust developing. I will include photographic evidence of this.

3) You cannot let items soak in the tub, as it does not fill up with water. With past machines, I could let the tub fill and let dirty delicates soak for a while before letting the cycle resume. This helped loosen the dirt and release smells. Unable to do this, I find that my clothes does not come clean during the short, low water delicate cycle. For the same reason, you cannot use this machine to dye any fabrics.

Another minor complaint is that as time has gone by, what started as an unbelievably quiet machine has become quite loud. I suppose the near silence was to good to last, but since it was the most redeeming feature of this machine, it is sad to see it go.

As you can tell, I am not satisfied with this purchase given the cost and the fact that I had hoped it would perform at least as well as previous ordinary washing machines I'd purchased from a used appliance store for $200.