First Review of Maytag Neptune (Samsun)


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Thread Number: 2981
First Review of Maytag Neptune (Samsun)

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Post# 78443 8/15/2005 at 11:39 (6,827 days old) by frontloadfan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes OK, here goes, here is my initial review of the new Maytag Neptune (Samsung). First of all this is the Model 8700, not the top of line 8900. As I understand the 8900 has direct drive and the sanitize function whereas the 8700 does not. Also realize that this is not the same Maytag Neptune front loader that has been around since 1997. That model had a regular door (no glass) and earned a bad rep. with recalls and finally a class action lawsuit. This is the new Maytag Neptune built with the help of Samsung and it does include the glass in the door. It dwarfs the old Neptune (3.81 vs. 3.3)in size. This must be a initial review in that there does seem to be an issue with this machine. Until I can ascertain if my noise issue is part of the basic machine operation or is a defect that can be corrected, I must make this a initial review. First, regarding the noise issue, this machine runs very quite most of the time. Basic wash and spin moves are very quite. My old Frigidare FL alway had a loud electronic hum as it washed. With this machine there is very little noise most of the time. Even the swoosh of the water is very minimal compared to the Frig FL as the water level seems to be much lower. The problem is when the machine pumps out the water. The powerful pump makes a loud noise which you expect. What you would not expect is for the machine to have a rattling sound like something is loose. I really can't believe that this is a designed noise. I think maybe something needs to be adjusted. Only time (and a service call) will tell. I will be calling Lowels today, but I will not be available to receive a service call until late next week. Any case, after I have my service call, I will post back and state the outcome. Now, lets get down to the operation of the machine. Overall, I am very pleased with the performance of the machine. It is electronic control and at first it seems really complicated, but it actually turns out to be a simple operating machine. To start out, you select from one of the cycles below. As you switch from cycle to cycle with a dial, a different countdown time is displayed. The machine has a memory in that if the last time you used a cycle you used certain options, the machine will set to those options when you dial to that cycle. Below are the cylces and the "basic - no options" run times: Super Wash 1:00 Normal 51 White 42 Wrinkle Contrl 40 Color 51 Delicate 40 Hand Wash 42 Quick Wash 29 Now there are the options and soil levels. Each option and soil level adds a given number of minutes to the times above. Heavy Soil Level 10 Medium Soil Level 5 Light Soil Level Time is unchanged Prewash 25 Extra Rinse 13 Extended Spin 2 Aside from all the above, the machine offers two stand-alone options: Rinse & Spin 15 Spin Only 9 Regarding water temps (ATC reps. temp contol, when the internal heating element will engage): Hot/Cold ATC Warm/Warm ATC Warm/Cold ATC Cold/Cold Cold/Cold After having used the machines for three loads, what is my impression? Compared to my Frig. FL, this machine uses much less water. With the Frig FL, you could see maybe 3 inches of water in the bottom of the tub, with this machine you can hardly see water in the bottom. My Frig. had a constant battle with suds, even using the HE detergent. It got to be where I used a fraction of what they called for and the suds still did seem to come out. Somehow this machine does one great job in that regard. With the Frig. you can smell the detergent in the clothes taking them out of the machine. With this machine, there is no detergent smell at all. My Frig. would fast spin and then stop. You would then need to wait a full 60 seconds while the machine would just sit there while you waited to get your clothes out. With the Neptune, it doesn't just sit there. It finishes the fast spin and there is 2 minutes left on the time. It uses that time to fluff up your clothes. You put the clothes in and the tub is full. As the machine washes the clothes, the tub appears to be less that half full. Then at the end after it fluffs your clothes, the tub is full again! Another nice function is that when you use the prewash. With the Frig. you would turn the dial to prewash and it would run it and then you were required to go ahead and set it to the regular cycle. With the Neptune, you push the button for the prewash and it is seamless with the regular wash. That is way more convenient. The machine offers a delay function and has a really nice chime that can be set for high, low and off. Overall, machine seems to be very sturdy. You fill it up with loads my Frig. couldn't start to hold and the machine doesn't seem to strain at all with all that weight. It advertises itself as the largest capacity front loader you can buy (3.81), but if you go to Sears, they will tell you that Kenmore FL can actually handle a larger load. It appears to me that the Kenmore/Whirlpool/Maytag may all be identical in tub sizes with the Maytag getting the extra .01 with the size of the paddles? In conclusion, I am very happy with the performance of this machine. My only concern is the excessive rattle sound when it expells the water. I have the pedestal, but the sound doesn't seem to be coming from it, but rather from within the machine itself. Once I have had a service call, I will post back. If it turns out the rattle is "normal", I certainly couln't recommend this machine for anyone who needed to have it within a kitchen or other living space. I have a landry room with a closing door, so it is not that hugh of an issue for me (although if it is something that can be corrrected, I do want it corrected). Another caution, this machine is the same width as a standard washer, but it is several inches deeper. If you have clearance issues, you will certainly want to measure carefully before getting this (or any of the other Mega machines).

Post# 78517 , Reply# 1 8/15/2005 at 17:11 (6,827 days old) by frontloadfan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Add On To Review* I just wanted to provide an update. I called Lowells about a service call for the machine. They gave me a special number to call which then gave prompts for the various machines, including Maytag. I then talked to a Maytag rep., he told me that the loud metal vibrating noise was not suppose to happen and that they would most certainly send out one of those (I wonder how lonely they truly are now days?) Maytag Repairman. The appointment is for this Saturday between 7 AM and 11:00 AM. They offered me an earlier appointment, but the Saturday appointment was the most convenient for me. It is not an urgent matter whereas the machine works really well other than the noise factor. I mentioned to him that when I opened the pedestal drawer that I found the four rubber pads that were suppose to have been placed on the bottom of the pedestal feet. The Rep doubted that their not being installed was causing the rattle, but indicated that the serviceman should be able to install them for me when he reports. I wanted to mention one other factor regarding this machine vs. my old front loader. The large opening makes loading and unloading the machine a real ease. The frigidaire had a bowling ball size opening whereas the Neptune has a basketball size opening. Any case, I will post back Saturday after my service call to report back!

Post# 78613 , Reply# 2 8/15/2005 at 22:34 (6,826 days old) by super32 (Blackstone Massachusetts)
Checkrate/Likes *neptune FYI* Glad to see your liking you new f/l! Just a fyi on the noise and feet pads. The pads (if memory serves me) should have been on the feet that are actually on the machine. But the feet have to come off the machine to bolt the machine to the pedistal. The feet that were on the machine come off, then they go through the pedistal and back into the machine. In other words the feet are the bolts, so the pads are now not needed. The pads on the pedistal dont surround the whole foot. The pads should only be on the bottom part of the foot. They do grip quite well. Now the noise, we have had a ton of complaints about the noisey pump. Unfortunatlly I have not been able to come up with anything to quiet them down for more than about 3 days. The only thing I have been able to do is cause one to start leaking. :( gggrrr I have reported it to maytag but I dont think they have come up with anything yet either. My point being if the tech says its normal, dont be surprised, if he does stop it then PLEASE tell me. Scott

Post# 78672 , Reply# 3 8/16/2005 at 09:10 (6,826 days old) by frontloadfan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Noisey Pump* Scott- Thank you for the input. I think in my case, however, that there is an extra noise beyond the regular noise of the pump. It makes a loud swish or roar like sound. That you expect (my last fl had it too). This machine has something extra, a metal rattle that accompanies the pump, very annoying. I will post back after Saturday appointment and update.

Post# 78773 , Reply# 4 8/16/2005 at 21:33 (6,825 days old) by frontloadfan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Vibration Has History!* I was exploring a web site (Gardenweb.com) and found a thread on the Neptune 8700. Issue seems to be common that these new Maytag machines arrive with a vibration issue. Postings are listed below. I sure hope that my problem will be resolved as readily as the people's! I will be finding out this Saturday morning. For what good it may do, I have printed out the below postings in case the serviceman tries to tell me that the machine is fine, and that the problem is with my floor! Posted by curious_me (My Page) on Sun, May 8, 05 at 12:26 Folks, Well, after trying to research as much as possible, we bought the Maytag Neptune 8700 FL Washer (and the 9700 dryer). Upon running the washer when in spin mode it gives off a rather loud rhythmic banging sound. We had them come and look at it and they said the waher is fine but that the vibration is caused by the floor. We live in a well built brand new house and the washer is on the first floor (on tile, but not on a basement concrete floor). I don't consider it shobby construction by any means, but I see on this forum and others, that this is not new with these devices. The other washer we were looking at was the Duet, which doesn't seem to been any better, maybe even worse. So, I am either going to try to brace the floor extra, or go back to a much less efficient top loading washer to get away from this noise (and I'm expecting future expense when something breaks as I am sure that the banging sound isn't aresult of something good happening inside the washer). Anyone have suggestions on (a) bracing a floor from below to reduce this problem, (b) a different FL washer that doesn't have this vibration problem on anything other than a concrete floor). Thanks!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow-Up Postings: RE: vibration problems Posted by: curious_me (My Page) on Sun, May 8, 05 at 13:13 Just to follow-up on my own post. The vibration I can handle, it's the "knocking" noise that comes from the unit when spinning which is annolying, but also makes me feaful that I am shortening the life of the unit. We have had a tech look at it. He thinks its the floor. He said the unit is fine. However, after reaching another post (Beache??) regarding a different FL washer, I am not sure bracing will be what we want it to. Ahh...... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: Javern (My Page) on Sun, May 8, 05 at 17:21 we need to determine if it really is the floor,can you feel the floor shake? set a glass of water on the dryer does it begin to slosh around when washer goes into spin? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: DaveUK (My Page) on Sun, May 8, 05 at 17:26 What type of floor is under the tile? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: The_Seven (My Page) on Sun, May 8, 05 at 18:47 curious_me, Beache's washer is HE4t, not Duet. The max spin of HE4t is 100rpm higher than Duet. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: Linkay42 (My Page) on Mon, May 9, 05 at 21:21 I just bought the MT 8700 and had the same problem and live in a mobile home..Soooo Lowes came and put it out on concret driveway and it did the same thing so they brought me a new one and it is fine..Linda -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: southview (My Page) on Mon, May 9, 05 at 21:57 With allllll the vibration problems on many washers / dryers, I wonder if someone has lagscrewed the machines to the FLOOR??!!! Just a thought!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: ArizonaMom (My Page) on Wed, May 11, 05 at 0:38 Had the repairman out yesterday for the same EXACT problem...not vibrating at all just a loud knocking on the rinse cycles! I thought I was loading the machine incorrectly because I had never used a FL before. He took the machine apart and found that a bolt was missing from the front right strut! Waiting to hear back from Maytag to see if they are going to send out a new one! They better!!!!!!!!! Check it out! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: Bob_F (My Page) on Wed, May 11, 05 at 1:33 "He took the machine apart and found that a bolt was missing from the front right strut!" Wow! Bob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: hbw248 (My Page) on Wed, May 11, 05 at 1:42 Must have been manufactured on a Friday! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: curious_me (My Page) on Wed, May 11, 05 at 6:18 Thanks ArizonaMom. The front right......that is EXACTLY where my knocing is coming from. In fact when spinning, if I either push in, or pull out on the lower right corner, the sound goes away. It is like the front cover plate is loose and is hitting the frame or side. It is metal on metal, but not the drum hitting, as the repairman said the first time he was here. I even tried to put a little wooden toothpick in there from underneath to keep the two pieces from hitting each other, but after half of the spin cycle the toothpick vibrates out. The Maytage repair man is coming back on Friday. I would have bet money it is a loose bolt, or one is missing and now after hearing the same exact thing from another person, I am more certain. Stay tuned.... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: hrkelly (My Page) on Wed, May 11, 05 at 10:10 I continue to be thrilled to hear other people are having this problem (it makes me feel not so alone). Even greater though, is that some of you are finding the problem has NOTHING at all to do with your floor. It gives me hope that the new machine I have coming won't shake! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: ArizonaMom (My Page) on Wed, May 11, 05 at 11:24 HBW....LOL! Yes, it probably was manufactured on a Friday! The repairman said he could see where the bolt had been there to start with and now it was missing! Maytag will call me today to let me know what's up...I'll keep everybody up to date! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: ArizonaMom (My Page) on Fri, May 13, 05 at 0:23 Maytag is bringing out a replacement washer tomorrow!!! Thank goodness....just wanted to let you all know! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: ArizonaMom (My Page) on Sat, May 14, 05 at 12:08 My last follow up on this...washer was delivered yesterday and I did two loads...only one of which I finished (daughter finished the second one). My first load was towels and they came out very dry and dried in the dryer in about 30 minutes...cool! NO knocking and minimal vibration! I love the simplicity and options on the MAH9700. Hoping this one's a keeper. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: curious_me (My Page) on Sat, May 14, 05 at 16:05 last post by me also. Maytag came yesterday and tightened/adjusted something to take away the knocking sound. I am happy, but wish they had done it the first time, rather than dismiss it the first time as the floor, and only later (after I ruled that out) did they consider that there may be something wrong with the unit. I am happy with the device now. Later -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: The_Seven (My Page) on Sat, May 14, 05 at 16:39 curious_me wrote: "rather than dismiss it the first time as the floor, and only later (after I ruled that out) did they consider that there may be something wrong with the unit." Another annoyance incident that when a user made a complaint about "vibration", the service tech on the spot said it was the "wrong" floor and not their "right" machine. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: thepbjfam (My Page) on Sun, May 15, 05 at 21:12 I am fristrated b/c we spent 30min leveling it after the Lowe's guy supposedly installed it properly and at first it was better but now this thing sounds like a jet engine about to take off in the spin/rinse cycle. We can't run it past 8pm and it vibrates so much you can't even manage to hit a button on it if you tried (this is the MT 8700 neptune) Should I call Lowe's and have them come look at it? I am disgusted!! $1100 for THIS??? YIKES! Ainsley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: The_Seven (My Page) on Sun, May 15, 05 at 21:57 thepbjfam, Call Lowe to send their tech. Some 8700 users have similar vibration problem. Seems it is related to "a bolt missing near the front" in the FL. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: thepbjfam (My Page) on Mon, May 16, 05 at 22:22 Thanks! We are going to do that once we double check the locking ring as suggested.. and I can spell frustrated!! :-) Ainsley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: Andalee (My Page) on Wed, Jun 1, 05 at 0:25 lol Ainsley! I know exactly how you feel re: spelling frustrated. (A+'s in spelling my entire school career.) It's getting my fingers to hit the keys in the correct sequence, instead of the easiest sequence . . . (and try typing "sequence" ten times fast! lol) Glad to hear that your trouble is being remedied. :o) Wash on! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: Patrick427 (My Page) on Thu, Jul 7, 05 at 12:15 I just bought this 8700 Washer and matching dryer. I mount it to the riser and everything seems tight and ready to go. Do the first wash and all seems well... until the spin cycle! that machine started making a terrible banging noise and walking all over the floor. It scratches itself and the dryer next to it. the floor has spots eaten into the vinyl floor where the legs ate it away! I stopped it and looked under the riser. the leg bolts that held it to the riser had two vibrate clear off and another was on its way. I had tightened these, but figured they needed a heavy tightening again. I proceeded to do this. Load number 2 seems fine,,,until the spin cycle. I shut it off and not at least one of the riser legs is now quite slanted and the leg if not the entire riser will need replacing. I haven't done any more wash to say the least. I called maytag who referred me to a local appliance repair place. the serviceman said on the phone these samsung machines have excellent reputations as they were rebadged by LG for quite some time with no issues. He proceeded to question my floor. I said no problem there, it was quite level. first floor. the floor was older as the house is. the flooring was built with overkill in mind if anything. he seemed hesitant and referred me to his secretary who made an appointment for two weeks from now! I saw that as a possible sign he wasnt interested and descided to look up a Maytag store a couple towns over. They dont open for an hour so no idea if they will be able to help. I am about 35 miles away from them. Id rather not go through the pain of dealing with Home Depot where I got it as they took over 2 weeks to get it and were quite rude about me checking on the order despite me having spent about $10k with them in the last month alone. Ive just been to my limit with that store and would rather avoid any future issues with them. It is assuring to know that there is an apparent issue with this unit and the missing bolt. I bought this machine because the Maytag 9800 top loader I bought about 4 months ago (for over $1500 with tax and warranty included) was tying any sheets, blankets andn longer towles into long twisted ropes! those two turbines inside just twist the heck out of anything i put in it. So I have a $1500 maytag in the garage I will have to sell. One crisis at a time. I need to get this front loader working or I'll be forced to drag the 9800 back in to get my washing done though. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE: vibration problems Posted by: DuaneLynch (My Page) on Sun, Aug 14, 05 at 3:08 Hey I have been reading all the posts about FL Washers and their vibration issues. I want a FL washer and we are building a new house with the laudry room on the second floor. Is the floor the real issue or is it that the FL washers need to be leveled properly?

Post# 78806 , Reply# 5 8/17/2005 at 00:21 (6,825 days old) by shanonabc ()
Checkrate/Likes PICS! WHERE ARE THE PICS?

Post# 78864 , Reply# 6 8/17/2005 at 11:56 (6,825 days old) by designgeek ()
Checkrate/Likes Pics?! If you're talking about washers vibrating themselves across the floor, you need video! Re. vibration problems: As soon as those people hear any extreme noises or see a machine start walking across the floor, they should let it finish the load it's doing if possible, and then unplug it and call the tech. Letting the machine keep doing that will just end up damaging various components and shortening its lifespan. Re. floors: I would not bolt a modern FL to the floor unless the instructions specifically said to do that. If the machine develops vibration problems and it's bolted to the floor, the vibrations will be transferred into the floor and could cause other problems with your house. And also, bolting it to the floor will at best cover up a vibration problem and put more strain on the frame & bearings. Someone needs to take an extensive survey -in more depth than Consumer Reports- and find out which machines have the best track records for reliability. By & large these machines work fine, no one should get stuck with a lemon, but people need to know what the fail rate is on them.

Post# 79381 , Reply# 7 8/20/2005 at 14:20 (6,822 days old) by FrontLoadFan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Vibration/Rattle Resolved* Maytag repairman arrived this am. He started by having machine do the "spin" function. Machine spinned flawlessly. I said to him: "I don't see any water in the machine". He responded that with the spin function it didn't put any water in the machine, it only spinned. I told him the rattle always seemed to be centered around machine pumping out water. He then had me round up as many towels as I could find. Then when the machine started to pump out the water, the rattle started! I was really thinking the problem was with a missing bolt based on all the internet postings, but instead, the repairman figured out, the pump was rattling against a metal plate. He went out to his van and came back with a thin strofoam material. He used this material to create a cushion on the plate so that the pump would be buffered from direct contact with the metal plate. So far, so good!

Post# 79418 , Reply# 8 8/20/2005 at 22:56 (6,821 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )
Checkrate/Likes Until the styrofoam disintigrates :(

Post# 80599 , Reply# 9 8/27/2005 at 14:06 (6,815 days old) by FrontLoadFan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Update on Maytag Neptune* I want to provide an update on my Maytag Neptune. This machine has it going on when it comes to capacity. When I would load full my old Frigidaire, you could tell it was really a strain on it. You can fill this machine up and it just seems to take it in stride. I have noticed when it comes to spinning, it actually seems to spin better (with less vibration) when the machine is full vs. only a fraction full. For instance if you have a small load, the machine will really vibrate and rattle as it is going up to top spin speed. Once it gets to the top spin speed, the vibration and noise settles down. The clothes really do come out really clean and with no smell of any type. I had some tee shirts that I just accepted that they had a faint musty order to them. Now that smell is gone. The only down side worth mentioning about this machine is the noise factor. When I first got it, I immediately had to have a service call due to the sound of vibrating metal. The repairman came out and took care of that issue. The water exhaust pump just seems really loud. It is not a big issue for me as I have a separate laundry room, but it would be really annoying if you have this machine in your kitchen. If you are in a situation when the machine will be in your living area, I would recommend you look into the direct drive in this series as Maytag is marketing it as a much quieter machine. In addition, Bosch and Seiman have a machine that is promoted as a super quiet machine. One last thought: wouldn't it be great if the applicance dealers actually had functioning machines on display? I mean can you imagine how great it would be to be able to sit through an entire wash so you would know what to expect with a given machine? I guess the salespeople would hate it as they would have the customers hanging around the showroom for hours while the machines operated.

Post# 80602 , Reply# 10 8/27/2005 at 14:19 (6,815 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There�s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes IIRC some dealers do have washers hooked for power, but doubt many would want plumbing in their appliance area. The risks from flooding and or nosey/abusive customers are just an insurance nightmare. Launderess

Post# 81435 , Reply# 11 9/3/2005 at 11:38 (6,808 days old) by FrontLoadFan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Repair Saga Continues* I am the one that started this thread with my first review of the new Maytag Neptune. Right off I had to have a service call related to a loud pump and a rattle that went along with it. The pump seemed to make an excessive amount of noise, but there was also a loud metallic rattle. The Maytag man came out and ended up putting sticky foam on the access plate that was rattling. The pump still seemed to be too loud, but I could live with it. Then after two additional weeks, I noticed that the pump rattle would start up from time to time, but not like it had been. Far worse, was when the machine would go into fast spin, the machine would make a sound like a machine gun, or a severly unbalanced load. Didn't matter if it was a small load, heavy load, it would do it! I called for service. I even mentioned if it would be possible for the repairman to go ahead and replace the pump while he was out. The operator said they didn't like to go ahead and order parts until the repairman confirmed they are needed. Anycase, repairman showed up this AM. I was lucky as he had the new pump with him! As for the unbalance sounds like a machine gun like problem, he immediately blamed my pedastal. That was fine with me as I would rather have him blame the pedastal rather than my floor! Turned out it was neither! He figured out that as the machine rattled, if he held the door, the rattle would stop. Turns out that the latch for door was loose. He tightned it with screw driver and it took care of the problem. Before he put the the drawer back into placed, he had the machine run a little. Good thing as then the new pump was leaking! Turns out they use the grasp type clamps to hold hoses onto pumps. The kind of clamp you don't need any tools to affix. Problem, he said was after you have taken them on and off a few times, they are prone to not holding! He then had to go to his truck and get the type of clamp that you use in your car to hold the water hoses to radiator, etc. Any case, I don't know that I could really be called a satisfied customer. On one hand, I now have a pump that is not so loud and there is no unbalance rattle. The other side is I have the old fashion belief that if you spend a total of $1,500 on a washer, you should not have to call for service two times in the first month. If another problem developes in the next few months, that is when I will be calling Lowes and requesting a new machine. They probably wouldn't go along with it, but I would at least request it! In fairness, I have to believe that maybe my machine is somewhat of a rarity. I mean you have this machine being sold at Home Depot, Lowes, Sears and who knows what other stores. If my situation was common, these stores would drop it like a hot pototo! Any case, I do hope this is last post about repair I will post. Next time I post, hopefully it will be to state how happy I am with the machine's performance!

Post# 81447 , Reply# 12 9/3/2005 at 13:28 (6,808 days old) by washoholic (San Antonio, TX)
Checkrate/Likes *Cycle settings* I'm glad for you that it's all fixed now! Nothing is perfect. I think the important thing is that they stood behind the product and fixed it rather than blaming you for the way you operated it or blaming the floor etc. Does it have a �bulky items� setting that raises the water level like my Maytag Neptune Top Loader and Uni's GE Harmony has on it?

Post# 81457 , Reply# 13 9/3/2005 at 13:50 (6,808 days old) by FrontLoadFan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Cycle Settings* No, I don't have a bulky setting (and my washing machines doesn't either). If you go to the top of this tread, I have listed all the different settings on my machine. There is no setting that indicates that there would be a high water level connected to it. Having said that, it is my observation, not supported by anything but my visual observation, that when you use the quick wash setting, the water level tends to be much higher. However, having said that, it could just be that when I have used the quick washing setting, I was doing only a few items. Some time I will have to do a regular size load and see if the observation holds. Having said the above, it sure illustrates a complaint I have. The user manual is sorely missing in details! I mean they list the different cycles and suggest when you would want to use them. No where, however, do they mention the nuts and bolts behind each cycle - you know that when you use the super setting, the wash cycle is increased by this amount of time, you get blank number of rinses, etc. I would really like to know also when the internal water heater is engaged. No mention is made that the machine even has one. Only reference is made to ATC, but as I understand it ATC can also be achieved by regulating the ratio of hot to cold water. Only warm water temps are labelled as ATC. Hot is not labelled ATC. I think it would be nice if there was a little light that came on when the internal water heater was active. I guess they would be afraid that it would increase the number of service calls. This way the water heater could be totally defective and never work and they would never get a service call about it!

Post# 81463 , Reply# 14 9/3/2005 at 16:17 (6,808 days old) by FrontLoadFan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Dumping the Neptune: Bosch or Duet?* Ok, here we go again. The Maytag repairman requested that I do a few loads of laundry after he left to make certain the water pump was not leaking any more. First load was fine. After that the machine gun sound started all over again. I turned off the machine and had it restart. The machine gun sound was back big time. Once again it is centered around the door. You can reach out and grab the door, presto the sound stops. I called the repairman to give him the good news (water pump has held) and the bad news (the machine gun sound is back). He suggested I try to tighten the door latch myself but that he was too far away to return today. I tried to tightned it myself, but no luck latch still seems loose and I don't want to risk stripping threads (he warned me that screws go into plastic and not metal). Any case, at this point I am really, what is the word, discouraged? dismayed? disillusioned? Any case, you get the picture. I thought about calling Maytag to see if they would swap my machine out, but then they will just want to give me another Neptune. Another Neptune might be great, but I just don't feel like going through more with this machine. Thus, I turned to the store, Lowes. I talked to a sales manager and told him the full story: rattle of access plate, loud pump, leaking pump, machine gun sound from door. I am happy to say, he gave me an option. I am going out of town for a week, but he told me to think about it for the week and then when I get back I could decide to either have them swap it for another Neptune or I could opt for another machine. I am really leaning toward getting a different brand of machine. The two machines that appeal to me are the Bosch or the Duet. I like the capacity of the Duet and I like the promised quiet from the Bosch. Plus, I think that the Bosch has come out with a new model. If I can get the Bosch for about the same price as the Whirlpool and I can get the internal water heater, I think I would give up the little extra capacity to get the Bosch. Any case, I have a week to think about it.

Post# 81514 , Reply# 15 9/4/2005 at 08:39 (6,807 days old) by Mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)
Checkrate/Likes I have said this before, and I'll say it again. Personal experience with the "BIG BOX STORE'S" deems STAY AWAY FROM THEM. It is not the Neptune that caused you the greif, it is because of where you bought the Neptune, who delivered the Neptune, how many times the Neptune was banged around, dropped and shoved in the warehouse! These are the issues that caused all these things, not Maytag. You need your money back, then go to the 'Local dealer" You will see the difference! Steve CLICK HERE TO GO TO Mayken4now's LINK

Post# 82172 , Reply# 16 9/7/2005 at 23:09 (6,803 days old) by Logdog ()
Checkrate/Likes I received my Neptune 8700 yesterday, and yes, I'm a FL newbie. My question is really about how much the detergent quantity should be adjusted depending on the load size. For instance, on my old TL you manually set the water level and put different quantities of detergent for a S/M/L load. With the FL it sets the water level automatically so I'm not sure if you have to adjust the detergent amount or not. Any help would be appreciated :)

Post# 82182 , Reply# 17 9/8/2005 at 02:05 (6,803 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There�s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes Much depends on what detergent you are using (HE or Non HE) water temp, load size and soil level. In general start with about 1 2 tablespoons of detergent (HE, for non-HE you may need more but you may also have more sudsing), and take things from there. Skip down to the "Super" forum and you'll find various discussions on types of detergents and dosages. One thing to keep in mind is you really do not want large amounts of suds in any load with any detergent. Not only do heavy suds cushion the washing action, causing poor results; they also can damage your machine by causing "suds lock". Many front loaders have sensors to detect over sudsing and will go into "crisis" mode to deal with the situation. This can be adding extra cold rinses, or adding cold water/decreasing washing action to help bring down the suds level. Launderess

Post# 82630 , Reply# 18 9/9/2005 at 23:12 (6,801 days old) by frontloadfan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Now Replacement Between Duet and Kitchenaid FL* Here is an update. I've done research on what my replacement machine should be. I now am deciding between Duet and Kitchenaid FL. On one hand Duet seems to have the most cycles you can imagine and it would have proven mass production behind it in that they have sold so many of them. On the other hand, you go with the assumption Kitchenaid would be using the same basic proven parts for its FL. It is missing a couple of the cycles, but it (Kitchenaid web site) mentions more refined washing techniques that they state is unique to their machine. Also Kitchenaid offer a meterite (a dull, stainless steel like appearance) finish, as well as some enhanced appearance features. In addition, Kitchenaid machine uses all the sound insulation the Duet does, plus additional measures to keep the hose noise down. Whirlpool has three levels of sound quiet. It uses the second best for the Duets and the best for the Kitchenaid FL (although I know that the real world difference is probably not too significant). My final decision will probably be based on the cost difference between the two machines. Changing my focus back to my soon-to-be-returned Maytag Neptune. I purchased it based on its capacity, appearance and value. My thinking has not changed on those factors. My only advise is if you are going with the new Maytag Neptune, make certain quiet operation is not essential. If quiet operation is important, spend the extra $200 to get the Neptune with direct drive and improved sound insulation!

Post# 82669 , Reply# 19 9/10/2005 at 11:48 (6,801 days old) by washoholic (San Antonio, TX)
Checkrate/Likes Have you considered the Kenmore HE4t? It�s also the same machine w/ a few variations in the cycles. Kenmore always seems to cater to the customer a little more when it comes to the cycles, and Sears will let you return it hassle free within 30 days if you�re not satisfied (I love Sears, that�s my favorite store!). For a while they would let you try the HE4t for up to a year and return it hassle free. You may have a hard time returning something to a small mom and pop store. Jeff

Post# 82729 , Reply# 20 9/10/2005 at 22:59 (6,800 days old) by frontloadfan (Wellfleet, Ma.)
Checkrate/Likes *Thanks for Input; But No Thanks to HE4t* I am locked into a purchase with Lowes, as I purchased the Neptune through them and they are agreeing to an return/exchange. That, of course, eliminates the HE4t. In addition, you know how trying to make a decision can really drive you wild! I am now comfortable with getting either the top-of-the-line Duet or the comparable Kitchenaid machine. My decision will be finalized by the cost difference between the two units. If I don't get any discount on the Duet, the Kitchenaid would look like the winner. Aside from the above issue, I had considered and eliminated from contention the HE4t back when I was doing my initial search. Two reasons: the Sears salespeople explained to me the difference between the Duet and He4t. Somehow, I felt more comfortable with the Duet. Other reason: whatever machine I purchased, I wanted to get a total of 5 year warranty. A purchase from Sears would require at least $300 extra to get that coverage whereas the coverage from other places would cost about $100. Now I know the argument that Sear offers more than a warranty and I will concede that. It still comes down to if you purchased something that cost $1,100 (cost of Maytag Neptune), it would seem reasonable to spend $100 to insure for 5 years. To spend $300 to insure for five years seems less reasonable. Having said that, I applaud Sears as their sales people really are on the ball! For anyone trying to get up to speed on what is available in washers, I would recommend that Sears be Stop #1.

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