This was posted on another forum, but wanted to put a word in here.

It seems Maytag is set to launch a new Maytag "Neptune" washer (probably will be a matching dryer also),in January 2005. The washer boasts what Maytag says will be the largest tub capacity of domestic American front loaders 3.31 CuFt, and has the model number MAH9700.

What is interesting is Samsung offers a unit from their Hauzen line which boasts many of the same features. And as well all know Maytag and Samsung have an agreement which Maytag is selling rebadged Samsung washer/dryers under "Compact Neptune" line. Below is a link to Samsung's Hauzen washer.

While some information is listed on the Energy Star site, nothing is listed on Maytag's. Stay tuned folks.


Launderess

The capacity wars are on.It's only my opinion,but that window is too big,...looks unappealing.

A front loader CANNOT have too large of a window. Especially since this will be thei first full-szie neppy with a window. Or should we say samtune or nepsung.

I don't think it will be the "largest cap" yet ??? Isn't the WP duet currently 3.7 cu' and the LG darn close to that ??

Maysung? Samtag?

WOw sexy but I think Greg is right LG and Bosch NEXXT are around 3.8 cu ft.
Its time we made a machine! Lets break the 4.0 cu ft barrier!



Jet

Unless I missed something, according to the Energy Star, the new MAH9700 will be the largest at 3.31 CuFt. LG's are 3.22 or 3.21, and the Bosch Nexxt units are 3.08.

Excellent idea, Jetcone - we can design a whole line, compact 24" version for apartments/condos, etc. a 27" version for standard laundry facilities and then the flagship of the line, "The Leviathan" washer and matching dryer, 36" wide, 39" tall, 5+ cu ft capacity in the washer - 8+ cu ft in the dryer. With a 27" diameter washer drum, it wouldn't need to spin over 1000rpm to attain the same results others are getting at 1200+. For it's rated capacity, 78 bath towels (varying sizes) and 54 pairs of jeans (varying sizes) or a small upholstered chair & ottoman, energy star qualification would be a cinch!

Greg, I'll buy the first one. After all, my "Bob Loads" would do the flagship model justice LOL.

"I LOVE THAT!!!" To quote someone near and dear!

The Leviathan must be a Combo! The Vizier can be our washer only model....

Ummm 27 inch drum I wonder if it can be done?? Where ever did you come up with that number????

See the site below on capacity:



"LG WM3632HW White 3.8 cu. ft. 9 Cycle Electric - Extra Large Capacity Washer Ventless Dryer Combo - 115 Volts LG WD-3632HW Washer Dryer Combination, 11 pound"

JetCone,

Saw your link, but did you see mine?

Energy Star rates that LG model as having a 3.22 CuFt tub volume, so according to that site the Maytag MAH9700 is still the largest they've tested at 3.31 CuFt.

Does anyone know how Energy Star measures tub volume? It does seem there is a difference between what manufacturers claim versus what Energy Star reports.

L.

IIRC manufacturers started to use a standard that included the space an agitator would use. I think it had something to do with comparing frontloaders to toploaders. The standard on the Energy Star website is just the normal tub volume.

The Whirlpool produced HE4t is the current largest capacity product. It appears the Maytag (produced by Samsung) product will just barely exceed the HE4t. The LGs are 3.72 and the Bosch is 3.5 (both in IEC ratings). I too have seen some stretch capacity numbers which are just out right marketing lies (see the Siemens version of the Bosch at Best Buy which says that it is a 3.7 IEC capacity).

I called Energy Star this morning and the guy there couldn't answer my question as to why his site rated the WM3632HM LG Combo at 3.22 cu ft while the LG site used the IEC rating and the same model at 3.8 cu ft. He didn't know how ES rated tub size and said he would get back to me.
Next I went to the IEC site by way of a back door since they all charge for their information and got the abstract for washing machines here quoted below:

"IEC 60456-98 specifies three standard load types (cotton, easy care and wool) of the claimed rated capacity. Neither the program to be used nor the wash/rinse temperature is specified. The energy, water, washing, spinning and rinse performance is measured during the test. The standard does not set any mandatory limits for these variables. At least five tests on each machine are required.

Details
Rated capacity of the machine is as declared by the manufacturer. If rated capacity is not declared, it is determined from the volume of volume of the washing drum/bowl. A front loading commercial reference machine (Wascator by Electrolux, Sweden) is run in parallel with all tests and used to normalise the results. Water hardness of 250 ppm or 50 ppm CaCO3 equivalent can be selected, depending on the local requirements. Cotton, easy care (ply-cotton) and wool loads are specified from 2 to 10 kg. Different capacities are normal for cotton and easy care. All masses are determined as either normalised mass (equilibrium moisture content after 24 hours at ISO139 conditions: 20oC and 65% humidity) or in terms of bone dry mass. A total of 4 soil swatches are specified as carbon black, blood, chocolate/milk, red wine (these are available as EMPA 101 to 104). IEC Type A detergent (phosphate free with enzymes) is specified for drum machines. IEC Type C detergent (phosphate without enzymes) is specified for non-drum machines. IEC Type B detergent (phosphate without enzymes) is listed but not specified for use in the standard."

Clearly IEC is measuring actual tub size "Rated capacity of the machine is as declared by the manufacturer. If rated capacity is not declared, it is determined from the volume of volume of the washing drum/bowl."
Now what is the rating for the Maytag MAH9700 by IEC and how is the rating for the LG WM3632HM by the Energy Star determined?

I don't think we can get an accurate comparison until we know just how everybody measures their appliances.

The man at Energy Star named Hajj felt it was a typo on his site but since he couldn't confirm how ES measured tub size we don't really know.
I hope Hajj gets back to me soon and I can report his response.

Jet

According to a reliable source,Frigidaire will be unvailing their new 4.0 cu ft front loaders at Best Buy sometime soon after January 1,2005.They are claiming them to become the largest capacity front loaders ever made for home use.

Wow, a 4-cu. ft. wash drum? That's huge! What's next? Will manufacturers start talking about how many couch cushions can be washed in one load? Thanks to Launderess for all the info and calling Energy Star for still more info. You are awesome!

Seems odd that they would launch a new product at Sears with a smaller capacity then one at Best Buy. I think your source is not as reliable as you think.

We'll see.My source hasn't failed me yet.As a matter of fact,I think Lowe's may have gotten the go ahead before Best Buy.Should be seeing them anytime now.