Thread Number: 37469
Maytag Bravo Top-Load
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Post# 557123   11/16/2011 at 21:31 (4,542 days old) by david310 ()        

I'm thinking about getting a Maytag Bravo TopLoad but the reviews don't look that good. Any opinions?




Post# 557131 , Reply# 1   11/16/2011 at 22:45 (4,542 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        
bravos

i recently saw a commercial for these on TV-was suprized that the washplate was
only partly submersed,sloshing the washload around as the washplate rotated
back and forth like a conventional agitator.From what i understand,rollover in
these washers is opposite regular agitator washers-due to the design of the tub
and washplate protrusions,the load flows from the outside of the washplate to the
center-boiling up and over back to the outside again.
Never seen one operate in person,but i think they are cool looking washers.


Post# 557145 , Reply# 2   11/16/2011 at 23:44 (4,542 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
The Maytag Bravos has gotten top reviews in past Consumer Reports.

For what it's worth.

I am however intrigued by the LG version... one of which has an internal water heater - which could be important if you view hot water washing as essential for best results.

As far as I can tell, none of the Whirlpool/Maytag washplate top loaders have internal water heaters.

The problem with LG is their spotty service history in the USA. As one local independent appliance dealer said to me, "I wouldn't wish LG on anybody"...


Post# 557160 , Reply# 3   11/17/2011 at 02:24 (4,542 days old) by coldspot ()        

Are these safe to use?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO coldspot's LINK


Post# 557166 , Reply# 4   11/17/2011 at 03:44 (4,542 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

arbilab's profile picture
Call me prejudiced, but after the decline of Maytag and sale to Whirlpool, themselves in decline, I'd be VERY skeptical of buying a Whirltag/Maypool. Best I can determine, there is no longer a US appliance vendor with any integrity. Even GE has sold product with their name on it made by Electro-Frigi-White.

An antique from a reputable manufacturer might be your best value at this unfortunate time in the evolution of appliances.


Post# 557169 , Reply# 5   11/17/2011 at 04:10 (4,542 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
As far as I can tell, none of the Whirlpool/Maytag washplate top loaders have internal water heaters.
Assuming the website descriptions are accurate, there are now again two Whirlpool Cabrio models and at least one, possibly two, Maytag Bravos models with water heating.

If I was buying a new HE toploader with water heating, I'd chose one of the Cabrio or Bravos machines.  Without water heating, probably an F&P AquaSmart.


Post# 557171 , Reply# 6   11/17/2011 at 05:13 (4,542 days old) by limitededition ()        
Maytag Bravos and Whirlpool Cabrio

I have a Maytag Bravos 850 with a heater the new Maytag Bravos 950 and the Whirlpool model 8800 have heaters. I have the Bravos 850 with a heater witch I like very much, it does a fine job of cleaning but it does wrinkle the clothes not a problem if you machine dry. My only remark would be follow the instructions and you should be very satisfied.

Post# 557178 , Reply# 7   11/17/2011 at 06:10 (4,542 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

My question is why buy a top loader that tries to do what a front loader does better and easier which is wash clothes in a small amount of water. In a front loader you have gravity working for you with tumbling. With these other types, you have something trying to approximate tumbling action & trying to move laundry through small amounts of water. Clothing wear has been reported and, in some large loads, the center of the load was not saturated until some minutes into the wash portion of the cycle. That only leaves one to wonder if the rinse water ever makes it through the load. I don't know why manufacturers are feeding the prejudice against front loaders by offering these machines which, in most cases, are a poor compromise between a top loading standard agitator machine and a front loader unless it is because they are cheaper to make.

Post# 557182 , Reply# 8   11/17/2011 at 06:37 (4,542 days old) by limitededition ()        
maytag bravos

I agree that a front load machine for the most part is a better washer, but to each his own, I have a front loader and if I only had one washer it would be a front loader. If money was tight I would get a Whirlpool DD parts plentiful and a inexpensive good all around machine but there is something reminiscent of the sounds of the Bravos and Cabrio washers while they are agitating, a slower more methodical sounds of the older machines, and if properly used the results are not bad.

Rick


Post# 557189 , Reply# 9   11/17/2011 at 07:18 (4,542 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
I think the option of TL versus FL is just that, an option, or preference.....

in my own case, I got a FL, with raised pedestals, but my Mother had a hard time getting clothes out, she's 83, she wanted to go back to a regular TLer again, I still wanted a HE machine, so the conventional TL Whirlpool Calypso was the best option, foolproof TL design and operation, with low water usage, and even better the matching dryer with the drop down hamper door....

another question----can a Bravos or similar HE TLer's water level be raised, like we do in some FLer's.....adjustable pressure switch?.......

I also think a version like the Bravos would be better with the waterfall suds, like in the Calypso, saturating the load, may be a better option for the low water usage...........even Frigidaire FL now has the Sprinkler to make sure the load is saturated from the very low water usage....


Post# 557197 , Reply# 10   11/17/2011 at 08:30 (4,542 days old) by drnls ()        

I had a Bravos for 1 week. It looks pretty, glass door is neat. But, when you watch a wash cycle the clothes don't go anywhere. They move 2-4" from their original position. Here was the kicker, my wife put a folded t-shirt in the washer and ran a regular cycle. When it was done the shirt was still folded. And yes it does wrinkle your clothes. Nelson

Post# 557218 , Reply# 11   11/17/2011 at 11:02 (4,542 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Just to clarify ... first choice for *buying* a new machine would be a frontloader with water heating ... but IF for some reason an HE toploader was the only option, then I'd choose as stated above.

The perfect HE toploader IMO would be a Calypso with water heating.  :-)


Post# 557219 , Reply# 12   11/17/2011 at 11:04 (4,542 days old) by iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        

iheartmaytag's profile picture

My Nephew and his wife have the Kenmore version of the TL HE may not be the same as the Bravo though.    Niece calls it the towel shredder, as it is very rought on clothes.   My sis that is their live-in babysitter says if you put something large in the machine, such as a comforter; the center doesn't even get wet.

 


Post# 557234 , Reply# 13   11/17/2011 at 11:56 (4,542 days old) by Jsneaker ()        
Post# 557145, Reply# 2 11/16/2011 at 23:44 by sudsmaster

I believe I may know why the possible reason that none of the Whirlpool-manufactured HE washplate top-loaders have internal water heaters. If you look into the tubs, the washplate and bottom of the tub are plastic. The heat from an internal source would melt the cheap plastic!

Post# 557251 , Reply# 14   11/17/2011 at 12:40 (4,542 days old) by whitetub (Montreal, Canada)        

Get a front loader. Stay away from washplate washers. Unless you want wrinkled clothing. That's my advice.

Post# 557262 , Reply# 15   11/17/2011 at 13:08 (4,542 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
JSneaker, there are many plastic-tub machines with water heating.  Neptune frontloader models MAH6500 and MAH7500 and the TOL FAV9800 Neptune TL have plastic outer tubs and water heaters.  Duet and Kenmore HEt models, KitchenAid Ensemble & Proline, Maytag Epic.  Likely LG HE toploaders with water heating have plastic outer tubs.

Apparently my posts are often not read.  As I said above, there are two Cabrio HE models on Whirlpool's site described to have water heaters, and water heaters are shown in the parts diagrams -- WTW7990XG and WTW8800YW/C.  Also confirming via the parts diagram, Maytag Bravos MVWB950YW/G.  Some current frontloaders also.


Post# 557278 , Reply# 16   11/17/2011 at 13:59 (4,542 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture

 

 

I suppose I'm biased.   Of all the HE washers available here in the US, I prefer front loaders.   From what I've seen (machines in operation on YouTube) I don't like the majority of the HE-top load, wash plate type machines.  

 

I do agree that they:

 

1. use too little water for what they are trying to do (perhaps just a few gallons more would help?)

 

2. achieve poor "roll over" at best

 

3. are very slow to get everything "wet" becasuse of #1 & #2.

 

4. I can only assume are poor at rinsing becasuse of #1, #2 & #3

 

5. they look to me, to be very rough on the fabrics being washed due to the lack of water and the wash action.

 

For those reasons I would never buy a top load HE washer.   Though it's not to say if someone GAVE me one I wouldn't try it out.   But most likely I'd just "flip it" after a short time.

 

I do have a WP Calypso and as much as so many people "poo poo" the machine, I really like it and think it does a good job.     

 

Just my 3 1/2 cents worth.

Kevin


Post# 557283 , Reply# 17   11/17/2011 at 14:14 (4,542 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Tom,  older more mature consumers,  remember the F/L machines of the 1950's, i would think many of them remember dissatisfaction mainly because of the detergents available then. They also want to "see" the water.   I have heard older family members remembrances of said machines and most are not favorable.  The following the westy F/L  enjoyed was loyal,  kind of like todays  Mac/Windows users.   Lovem or hatem.  alr


Post# 557288 , Reply# 18   11/17/2011 at 14:28 (4,542 days old) by runematic (southcentral pa)        

runematic's profile picture

To the OP, there are two different lines of Bravos washers on the market.   The Bravos models that start with mvwX are based off the world washer and current agitator model mvwc200xw.  Models that start with mvwB are more closely aligned with the F&P design.


Post# 557354 , Reply# 19   11/17/2011 at 17:56 (4,542 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
I stand corrected about the availability of internal water heating in the Bravos/Cabrio line. Good thing, because I'd probably recommend one of those models over anything LG makes.

That said, when I looked at the link above, I also saw a number of other youtube videos about both LG and Maytag/Whirlpool HE toploaders that had self-destructed during the spin cycle. Makes me wonder if these machines are being manufactured wrong, or if it's a design issue.

In one case the video poster said that Whirlpool said the bottom support for the machine had rusted out and crumbled. I suppose this might explain why the off-balance cutoff switch wasn't activated, because the drum had droppped below the level of the switch?


Post# 557367 , Reply# 20   11/17/2011 at 18:45 (4,541 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
In one case the video poster said that Whirlpool said the bottom support for the machine had rusted out and crumbled. I suppose this might explain why the off-balance cutoff switch wasn't activated, because the drum had droppped below the level of the switch?
There's no physical off-balance switch on these machines.  The control board software determines off balance by monitoring RPM, rotational inertia, and other factors (referred to as "bump detect").

There also is no bottom support.  The tub hangs from the four corners of the upper cabinet frame via spring-cushioned rods.  The upper frame would been what rusted (assuming it was a factor at all), not the bottom.  I've heard in some cases there can also be a problem with the support rods contributing to excess tub oscillation.  "Bump detect" depends on proper "operation" of the support rods.


Post# 557370 , Reply# 21   11/17/2011 at 19:08 (4,541 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
sometimes you have to account for a percentage of operator error, or letting someone else use the machine..........too many times they also let children use the machine, unlike us, who have no clue of what they are doing!....


I got back a Kenmore DD, that I sold to someone 8 months ago, which was in great condition when they took it........now looked like they threw bricks at the machine on the outside, and then washed them!.....I have never seen a chewed up DA until now.....they even had it duct taped all over to keep it together.....I have no idea what the hell they did to it......but they would be the first one to blame the machine for being faulty!......


Post# 557384 , Reply# 22   11/17/2011 at 20:08 (4,541 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
The video linked above of a destroyed Bravos, the fellow mentions that a mattress pad was being washed at the time.  Question is what else was in the load and what cycle was being used.  Bulky item cycles typically run at a slower spin speed to help avoid excess vibration.  A somewhat common cause of such destruction (as our Pulsator/Jamie can attest) is a billowy/bulky item protruding out of the basket and contacting machine-top structure during spin.


Post# 557484 , Reply# 23   11/18/2011 at 01:22 (4,541 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
Yikes

A video of an LG washer which had self-destructed in nearly the same way was what turned me off to buying one of these HE Top Loaders.

Out of all of the HE-Style Top loading machines I briefly considered buying, LG would have been my first choice because of the washing action. (That whole rinse spin thing is really neat to watch!)

However, after I saw a video of one which had destroyed itself, I vowed not to buy one. When I saw one in person, the tub moved around very easily, too easily. The salesperson said they're supposed to be like that.

The problem with the LG washer was two fold I think. The first problem was that they washed a comforter on the "Cottons/Normal" setting, when they should have used the "Bulky/Bedding" cycle.. the other was the machine must have lacked a proper out of balance detection mechanism. (Or they used "Bump Detect" like what DADoES was saying.)

Is it me, or should no machine ever be designed in a way where it can self destruct if you choose the wrong settings?

I think these types of washers do suffer from massive design flaws. It's a good thing I didn't buy one.

If I ever was going to consider buying another top loader again, it would have to be a conventional top-loader, because they at least get the clothes wet and clean!


Post# 557486 , Reply# 24   11/18/2011 at 01:48 (4,541 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

arbilab's profile picture
The 50s Westy could leap across the floor, nothing to stop it. Several TLs later, they had mechanical limits that would turn them off but only if the tub happened to offbaalance in the direction of the lever (roughly 50% effective). Present FL, more typical, detects RPM or motor current variations in distribution speed, cancels spin and retries (but doesn't stop timer so a spin can be missed altogether).

For electronic control machines there is little excuse for offbalance banging. There are chip gyro-accelerometers that are found in $20 model helicopters.


Post# 557490 , Reply# 25   11/18/2011 at 02:11 (4,541 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

To Arbilab:

You bring up a very good point. I don't see any reason why they couldn't put an accelerometer on the outer basket.. When a user makes an error and the machine tries a spin speed too high for the load, it could either reduce the spin speed or stop it entirely, attempting a re-balance and re-spin...

I think those brilliant folks at whoever makes these things decided they'd rather force people to buy another washer and make more money than have any kind of customer satisfaction.

Which is another aspect of my comment... It really annoys me to see machines designed with the idea where if there is an out-of-balance condition, they just "Give up" with an error code rather than trying to do something. I mean, a 200 RPM spin is better than no spin at all, right?


Post# 557491 , Reply# 26   11/18/2011 at 02:20 (4,541 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
To David310

OK, I'm going to give you my 5-cents...

If you truly want to save water, front loading machines are the only way to go. The technology behind them is tried, true and it just works. (When they actually use enough water. :) )

Now, I'm not going to preach which brand to buy because that's for a different thread. If you want it, you can e-mail me at qualin@no$pam.shaw.ca (Leave out the no$pam part) and I'll tell you what I think... :)

Standard center post agitator top loaders are the only other alternative which works, but at a cost of all of that extra water it'll drink.


Post# 557514 , Reply# 27   11/18/2011 at 06:06 (4,541 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Load Sense

mrb627's profile picture
And for the several minutes of load detection at the beginning of the cycle, they should be able to detect a possible condition that might cause the machine to self destruct.

Then when it knocks the gas line off the back of the dryer and burns your house to the ground, LG can say. Sorry, you chose the wrong cycle...LOL!

Malcolm


Post# 557604 , Reply# 28   11/18/2011 at 13:53 (4,541 days old) by coldspot ()        

They could add one item that Haier got's in there portables, I do not like haier but I give them this. There is a switch and bar if the tub bumps this bar it turns the unit off so your have to move the cloths around to start it aging. I know this since I am useing one till my other washer gets in stock.



Post# 557618 , Reply# 29   11/18/2011 at 16:16 (4,541 days old) by limitededition ()        
Top load HE washers

They can't be as bad as some people say. Read the directions most people don't than they complain that the product is worthless. People complained about the Calypso and other people loved it people complained about Frigidaie Jet Action but if loaded properly they did a fine job. As Whirlpool, LG, Samsung and supposedly Frigidaie all make top load HE washers, somebody must like them and know how to use them to produce satisfactory results.

Post# 557695 , Reply# 30   11/18/2011 at 22:40 (4,540 days old) by KenmoreBD (Mass, usa )        

I would throw in for GE top loader with agi, great wash action, saves water, never has any issues with sensing the load. All it does is a slow spin when filling and moves to wash when its filled to a reasonable amount. Just a word of warning they dont build them like they use too.


-Andrew


Post# 557713 , Reply# 31   11/18/2011 at 23:51 (4,540 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
Webmaster Robert has a GE Harmony, as I recall. I think it's a rebadged Samsung. As I recall he said it washes well.



Post# 559511 , Reply# 32   11/26/2011 at 20:46 (4,532 days old) by Autowasherfreak ()        

I have a WP Cabrio, and I have been pleased with it so far.

Post# 559578 , Reply# 33   11/27/2011 at 01:24 (4,532 days old) by qualin (Canada)        
To KenmoreBD

To Andrew,

As much as I hate to preach, there is a company which builds them like they used to.. That's Speed Queen. (Or Huebsch if you're in Canada.) They offer a warranty which is 3x longer than any other manufacturer on the market. That really says something when a company stands behind their product.

Actually, funny thing.. We had our company xmas party tonight and I found myself recommending Speed Queen / Huebsch to three different people because the topic of large appliance reliability came up in discussion.

I was watching a video of a Whirlpool Cabrio washing clothes and the way how the clothes were scraping up against the washplate nearly sickened me. (As much as that can sicken a person.) .. There was nearly no turnover at all. The amount of water it was using seemed to make it nearly pointless.

Sorry Autowasherfreak, but I prefer to see clothes either tumbling freely in a front loader or turning over, covered in water in a top loader.

Now, getting my preaching out of the way, I honestly believe that if you have to follow specific loading instructions in order to get your clothes clean, there's something wrong. Better yet, if you fold a shirt, put it in and it's still folded when you take it out at the end of the cycle, there's something very wrong!

I think this youtube video speaks for itself:


CLICK HERE TO GO TO qualin's LINK



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