It Was a Tough Decision, But So Far So Good!

The History

I had found myself stuck in what seemed like a never-ending laundry cycle when our 12+ year old Whirlpool dryer stopped working. Having invested in several previous repairs, we decided to replace both the dryer and matching top loading washer. Our laundry habits had changed dramatically over the years to include lots of heavy items (towels, jeans, blankets, dog beds, etc.) and it was time for a change. I was cautiously optimistic that better laundry days were ahead.

The Research

I decided to focus on front loading washers because of the supposed benefits - larger capacity, water and energy efficiency, ease on clothes, ability to handle off-balance loads, etc.

We looked primarily at the Kenmore Elite and Whirlpool Duet models, both highly rated in Consumer Reports and attractive to us because of their stacking ability. However, we were concerned that the depth of the units would make our laundry area (a small room off the garage) too cramped. We were also turned off by the cheap plastic parts on both models - in fact, the handles on several of the in-store displays were broken. Just didn't make sense in appliances at these price points.

I preferred the Duets out of the two choices, and visited several more retailers, all of whom also carried the Maytag Neptune. I hadn't really considered the Neptune because it had received lower ratings, but several salespeople commented that they felt the Neptune was a better made machine overall. In terms of size, it definitely fit our space. One salesperson also mentioned that several customers had experienced vibration problems with the stacked Duets, depending on the flooring type.

In the end, I knew I could drive myself crazy trying to pick the "perfect" machine, which doesn't exist anyway. There are always positive and negative reviews/ratings for any item, and the consumer never knows if a retailer has a greater incentive to sell one brand over another. So, all we can do is educate ourselves, weigh the evidence, and try to make the best decision for our particular needs.

The Decision

I was leaning toward the Neptune, but made the final decision after a different retailer offered to beat the lowest price I had found (with no delivery/installation charges added) and would have it delivered in two days. I chose the 6500 because of the faster spin cycle (important with thick, bulky items) and water heater (I do lots of hot-water washing). These may not be necessary for the average family.

What I Like

* The lack of an agitator, which always made loading/unloading large items difficult. At times I felt like I was arm wrestling my machine!

* No more problems with off-balance loads. Important if you wash large or bulky items.

* The soap/bleach/softener dispenser is a simple convenience that makes a big difference in day-to-day use.

* Touch controls that are easy to use and attractive. The digital display is wonderful - being able to see the minutes left on the cycle is a great convenience for me.

* The wash options - I always said I didn't need all the different cycles, but now I'm actually finding them useful. I've also become a bit smarter about doing my laundry - used to just throw stuff in, but now I'm more careful about washing like items with like items, etc. The whole laundry process has become more efficient and, dare I say, enjoyable.

* Not having to pick a load size!

* The doors on the washer and matching dryer are set up to make moving laundry between the units easy.

What I Don't Like

* The tub capacity actually seems smaller than in my old top loader. It feels like I could stuff more laundry into my previous washer, but I was probably over-loading it anyway.

* The positioning of the tub makes it a bit more awkward to load than a top loader.

* The smell of HE soaps - at another poster's recommendation, I've been using my regular soap in half the amount, 1/2 of the cup that comes with the container. I don't know if this is the correct amount to use, but the clothes come out clean and I've not gotten any indication of over-sudsing.

* The apparent necessity of cleaning the tub and rubber seals with a bleach mixture a few times a year. This appears to be an issue with most front loaders, because of water accumulation. In reality, not a big deal for me, and probably a good idea given I do some heavy-duty laundry.

* I've never been a fan of extended service contracts, but I will purchase one for this washer. Given the cost investment, and the expense of some of the repairs I've seen noted, I think it's worth the expense. In my mind, extended warranties have almost become a necessity given the cost and complexity of appliances these days.

* Regarding the "twisted pants" problem noted in other reviews - I have had this happen, probably because I normally use the maximum spin features. However, I've always been in the habit of separating items as I remove them from the washer, and this solves the problem for me. It also makes the drying process more efficient.

I obviously can't comment on the Neptune's reliability, since I've only owned it a short time.