Front load washers have become competitive over the last few years even if tariffs have caused 20% price increases over the last two years.
Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung and Speed queen all have decent front load machines.
However, Maytag and Electrolux should be towards the top of your list. We will compare both brands, the products, their features, and reliability.
Both are very different, so you will like one or the other.
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Maytag, manufactured in the U.S., created its first washing machine back in 1907. They were the original dependable company as their products lasted 18-20 years.
Unfortunately, bad management and faulty products, most notably, the Neptune washer, forced Maytag to be sold to Whirlpool in 2003.
Maytag is now marketed as the best laundry brand offered by their parent company, Whirlpool.
Electrolux broke into the laundry market a little later when they introduced their pioneer laundry center.
Their products are made in Mexico, and they are an innovator in cleaning.
It's safe to say Electrolux has been redefining fabric care technology. In 2006 Electrolux introduced the first steam dryer. Now, they have new rinse and "SmartBoost" features.
To be transparent, we stopped selling Electrolux in 2017.
MHW8630HW Features:
EFLS617SIW Features:
This is the newest generation of Electrolux laundry. They recently updated some of the aesthetics and controls, for a more modern and advanced appearance.
In addition, these washers have a two-pump system. It bypasses the detergent dispenser in the rinse cycle preventing residual soap running through the rinse and remaining in your fabrics. This is especially appealing to people who have skin allergies or sensitivities.
SmartBoost premixes detergents and automatically releases the mix during the wash for a better clean.
If you like washing with detergent pods, Electrolux is one of two manufacturers offering a pod dispenser. The other is Miele. The 15-minute wash cycle is another great feature for smaller loads.
Our service department logged over 65,000 service calls in the last two years. The following are the repair percentages in the first year.
Most Reliable Front Load Washers for 2019
| Service Qty | Shipped Qty | Service Ratio | |
| Maytag | 204 | 1470 | 13.9% |
| LG Electronics | 72 | 1246 | 5.8% |
| Whirlpool | 30 | 293 | 10.2% |
| Electrolux | 112 | 281 | 39.9% |
| Samsung | 8 | 178 | 4.5% |
| Speed Queen | 19 | 14 | 135.7% |
| Frigidaire | 4 | 9 | 44.4% |
| Speed Queen Commercial | 0 | 4 | 0.0% |
| Grand Total | 455 | 3494 | 13.0% |
Most Reliable Front Load Washers for 2018
| Service Qty | Shipped Qty | Service Ratio | |
| Samsung | 8 | 178 | 4.49 % |
| LG Electronics | 72 | 1246 | 5.78 % |
| Whirlpool | 30 | 293 | 10.24 % |
| Maytag | 204 | 1470 | 13.88 % |
| Electrolux | 112 | 281 | 39.86 % |
| Frigidaire | 4 | 9 | 44.44 % |
| Speed Queen | 19 | 14 | 135.71 % |
| Grand Total | 455 | 3494 | 13.02 % |
Most Reliable Front Load Washers for 2017
| Units Sold | Units Serviced | Service Rate | |
| Whirlpool | 524 | 20 | 3.82% |
| LG Electronics | 320 | 17 | 5.31% |
| Maytag | 1,124 | 74 | 6.58% |
| Samsung | 154 | 12 | 7.79% |
| Electrolux | 1,549 | 295 | 19.04% |
| Speed Queen Commercial | 13 | 3 | 23.08% |
| Frigidaire | 86 | 21 | 24.42% |
| Speed Queen | 44 | 16 | 36.36% |
We stopped selling Electrolux in 2017. Their numbers look bad in 2018 because there were fewer sales against a previous years service calls.
The 19% service calls would be a better indication of service within the first year. Maytag spiked last year as well, but is still 6% better than Electrolux.
| Maytag
MHW8639HW - $1,129
|
Electrolux
EFLS627UIW - $973
|
|
| Capacity | 5 cu. ft. | 4.4 cu. ft. |
| Drum Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| # of Wash Cycles | 14 | 9 |
| Spin Speed | 1,600 RPMs | 1,300 RPMs |
| Special Features | Overnight Wash and Dry Cycle, FreshHold Option, Steam | SmartBoost Technology, Stainsoak Option, Steam |
| Stackable | Yes | Yes |
| Option of a pedestal | Yes | Yes |
| Reliability | 7.3% | 15% |
| Warranty | 10-year Motor and Basket | 10-year motor, Lifetime Tub |
First, both are excellent machines. It depends on what you value.
Electrolux has the second rinse and the SmartBoost features producing cleaner clothing. It is the only full size washer to dispense pod detergents and has the 15-minute wash cycle.
Maytag has the fresh hold, the 24-hour wash and dry cycle, the fan, and the overnight cycle for convenience.
You can also load up to 8 loads of detergent, and the machine will add it as needed. Maytag has the convenience of WIFI so you do not have to loiter around your washer for the end of the cycle.
Maytag is US built with better reliability as well.
In terms of features, they both are good in different ways. Electrolux has better cleaning versus Maytag's more robust cycle options along with better reliability.
If you are buying a matching dryer, there is a significant difference in reliability. Take a look:
Most Reliable Full-Size Dryers for 2019
| Service Qty | Shipped Qty | Service Ratio | |
| Amana | 0 | 5 | 0.0% |
| Miele | 5 | 155 | 3.2% |
| Whirlpool | 43 | 901 | 4.8% |
| Samsung | 20 | 362 | 5.5% |
| LG Electronics | 68 | 1126 | 6.0% |
| Bosch Appliances | 41 | 602 | 6.8% |
| Maytag | 142 | 1480 | 9.6% |
| Frigidaire | 1 | 5 | 20.0% |
| Speed Queen | 41 | 197 | 20.8% |
| Blomberg | 51 | 207 | 24.6% |
| Asko | 8 | 27 | 29.6% |
| Electrolux | 147 | 309 | 47.6% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 6 | 8 | 75.0% |
| Speed Queen Commercial | 1 | 1 | 100.0% |
| Grand Total | 574 | 5385 | 10.7% |
Electrolux had a problem with their lint screen.
Before you buy the pair, you should research whether this has been remedied.
If someone from Electrolux would like to address the repair in the newer products, I will place it in the comments below.
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