help! maytag wringer washers??

Here's my take on this whole issue...

I don't think there are really any advantages or disadvantages per-se between the J and N. The J had an 18 gallon square tub and the N had a 16 gallon round tub. So, the washing capacity of the N is slightly less that that of the J but not really enough of a difference to be significant to a collector/hobbyist.

The red "trimmed" machine were made between 1940 and 1965. The turquoise "trim" machines were made from 1966 until 1982.

The actual model numbering system is a bit confusing. Technically speaking (with a few minor exceptions) machines that were actually called a model "J" or "N" were only made from 1939-41. After WWII (again with a few minor exceptions which are too complicated to explain here) all models had a "2" after the letter number.

Here's a breakdown of a model number for a N2LP (there are still plenty of these around)
"N" is model number
"2" is post WWII
"L" is electric motor
"P" is for water pump (the lack of a "P" means it DOESN'T have the pump)

Here's another (this machine likely never existed): J2MPS
"J" is model number
"2" is post-WWII
"M" is "Multi-Matic" gasoline motor
"S" is for wringer safety pedal (introduced in the late 60s, there were LOTS of "E2LS" & "E2LPS" machines made in the 1970s and sold to old ladies who needed one last wringer machine before they died, my grandmother included!)

Also, in terms of availability, Ns tend to be easier to find than Js. The J was a middle-of-the line machine whereas the N was considered lower-end (the NX was even lower, but that's a story for another post). Most people either opted for the "E2L" with its hinged lid and aluminum tub or they went with the less-featured N. In fact, Maytag ceased production of the J in the early 70s for this very reason. They made wringers until 1982 but only models E2 & N2.

Also, be aware that many simply refer to machines by the first letter. Since 99% of the machines you will find out there were manufactured post-WWII the "2" is generally considered to be a given.

Hope this helps some!


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Post# 605600 6/22/2012 at 12:32 (4,319 days old) by kelly (Missouri)
Checkrate/Likes I'm brand new to this forum and I was wanting to purchase a maytag wringer washer...I really like the models J or N? For the experts...what is the benefits of one over the other? Why do some have turquoise accents and some have red? What is the difference in J and J2L? Any help would be appreciated :)

Post# 605652 , Reply# 1 6/22/2012 at 18:38 (4,319 days old) by Kenmore71 (Minneapolis, MN)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Here's my take on this whole issue... I don't think there are really any advantages or disadvantages per-se between the J and N. The J had an 18 gallon square tub and the N had a 16 gallon round tub. So, the washing capacity of the N is slightly less that that of the J but not really enough of a difference to be significant to a collector/hobbyist. The red "trimmed" machine were made between 1940 and 1965. The turquoise "trim" machines were made from 1966 until 1982. The actual model numbering system is a bit confusing. Technically speaking (with a few minor exceptions) machines that were actually called a model "J" or "N" were only made from 1939-41. After WWII (again with a few minor exceptions which are too complicated to explain here) all models had a "2" after the letter number. Here's a breakdown of a model number for a N2LP (there are still plenty of these around) "N" is model number "2" is post WWII "L" is electric motor "P" is for water pump (the lack of a "P" means it DOESN'T have the pump) Here's another (this machine likely never existed): J2MPS "J" is model number "2" is post-WWII "M" is "Multi-Matic" gasoline motor "S" is for wringer safety pedal (introduced in the late 60s, there were LOTS of "E2LS" & "E2LPS" machines made in the 1970s and sold to old ladies who needed one last wringer machine before they died, my grandmother included!) Also, in terms of availability, Ns tend to be easier to find than Js. The J was a middle-of-the line machine whereas the N was considered lower-end (the NX was even lower, but that's a story for another post). Most people either opted for the "E2L" with its hinged lid and aluminum tub or they went with the less-featured N. In fact, Maytag ceased production of the J in the early 70s for this very reason. They made wringers until 1982 but only models E2 & N2. Also, be aware that many simply refer to machines by the first letter. Since 99% of the machines you will find out there were manufactured post-WWII the "2" is generally considered to be a given. Hope this helps some!

Post# 605658 , Reply# 2 6/22/2012 at 18:49 (4,319 days old) by Kenmore71 (Minneapolis, MN)
Checkrate/Likes 1 From a Maytag brochure from the late 1960s we have: An "E2L", a "J2L" and a "N2L".

Post# 605659 , Reply# 3 6/22/2012 at 19:08 (4,319 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)
Checkrate/Likes They are readily available on EPay, and Craigslist, some priced reasonably, and some outrageous.

Post# 605662 , Reply# 4 6/22/2012 at 19:23 (4,319 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Mark, I'm breathless !* That's one for the archives. Yeowsuh! Kelly, welcome! If you're going to use the machine in an area without a nearby floor drain, make sure you get one with a pump. None of the ones pictured have a pump. You'll know a pump model when you see a raised aluminum hook rising out of the drain hose. Even if you are going to use the washer in a basement with floor drainage nearby, I recommend a "Tag," as we affectionately call them, with a pump; they're way more fun.

Post# 605664 , Reply# 5 6/22/2012 at 19:28 (4,319 days old) by Kenmore71 (Minneapolis, MN)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Here's a pic of my friend Geoff Delp's line-up of post 1965 machines. We have an "E2LP" (note the aluminum "hook" to place over a sink), a "J2L" (no pump, gravity drain) and "N2LP". (and a partial cameo of a mid-90s Dependable Care electric dryer :P)

Post# 606376 , Reply# 6 6/26/2012 at 09:43 (4,315 days old) by kelly (Missouri)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Thanks kenmore71 and others!!* Thanks everyone for your input and thanks so much to kenmore71 for "all" the info. It was very appreciated! (I actually spoke to Geoff in regards to this issue!! so it was kinda funny to see his name get mentioned here :) I purchased a model N2L...and I do have a floor drain so I'm hoping it won't be much of a problem! I purchased the washer off craigslist. Originally an older lady purchased it in 1968 and she died in 1975. The washer has been sitting inside for 37 years and is in really good shape (just a few really small rust areas). I'm so excited about purchasing this lightly used one owner washing machine! I LOVE older vintage appliances, washers, etc. but I don't actually "collect" any of this stuff although maybe I will end up with a collection one day! We purchased a new front load washing machine last fall and it has worked "ok" for our everyday clothes but I cloth diaper my baby and even though I use the prewash and sanitize cycle they stil aren't coming clean (the ammonia smell just won't come out). The diapers seem to soak up all the water in this energy saving machine and tumble around with no water for 2 hours (when I try to add water the pump automatically kicks on and pumps the water I added out!!!) ha, ha! Anyone with any suggestions in this diaper dept. would be helpful too! Sooo, that was the purpose of the wringer washer, (other than I think they are really neat!) to hopefully have cleaner diapers! Like Geoff says, you have to have water to get the clothes clean ;)

Post# 606758 , Reply# 7 6/27/2012 at 19:39 (4,314 days old) by stan (Napa CA)
Checkrate/Likes *If you are* willing to...shall we say ...be more involved with the wash, and you will with a wringer! LOL you absolutely will have cleaner diapers!! Since the wringer has no automatic controls regarding fill level, wash time, pre soak.wash temp, rinse temp, you get to control and monitor all of this this. So say for instance you are wringing out the diapers, after the first wash, and you see, or smell something, it can be dealt with right away. Like dump and refill, (with or without wringing) or agitate a little longer, ect ect After working with your machine a couple of times you'll be a pro, and find you own way of making it work for you , and the easiest for you. You and the machine will become ONE LOL In the past diapers were usually pre soaked over night in a mild Borax solution, or Baking soda, That you can easily do with your wringer! If you don't like, or want the Borax, then just a cool or (room temp) over night soak with mild detergent, in the morning, just empty the machine and refill with hot/warm and use what ever soap/detergent works for you, Be sure to rinse diapers well (twice)! HTH

Post# 608273 , Reply# 8 7/4/2012 at 16:40 (4,307 days old) by Electronicontrl (Grand Rapids, MI)
Checkrate/Likes *Glad you found your Maytag!* Yes Craigslist is the way to go. I found this E2LPS 7 years ago. It was manufactured in 1970. I use it monthly for a Big washing of sheets & towels. Congrats to you for finding one with minimal use! You'll find a LOT of info on this site! There was a TIME magazine article when Maytag ceased wringer washer production in 1983.

Post# 608330 , Reply# 10 7/4/2012 at 21:28 (4,307 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There�s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes *Ammonia Whiff In Diapers* Could do a long and informative post, but someone else has nailed it already. Pipe by scrolling down the bottom of the following: CLICK HERE TO GO TO Launderess's LINK

Post# 608325 , Reply# 9 7/4/2012 at 20:29 (4,307 days old) by stan (Napa CA)
Checkrate/Likes *Michael* Don't think I've ever seen one that color before?? Or with the inside of the lid painted ?? Did it come that way?