I don't have either of them. Let me caution you about one thing. You're going to get people who kneel and worship their machines and those who say they're "nothing but trouble". The real world probably comes somewhere in between. They're both good machines. Guaranteed trouble-free? Of course not. Can you get a lemon with either? Of course. The trouble with the internet is people can put out a lot of misleading and downright false info on something they like or dislike. Read all opionions with the proverbial grain of salt.

Look at your budget. Look at your needs. See which comes closest to meeting these. Do you have a preference between a top or front loader? That could weigh in too. I think you'd do fine with either machine. There's possibly other options out there for you too.

Good luck in your search.

monaw, I don't have the model you named, but I do have a Maytag Bravos washer (and dryer). My washer is 4.6 cu ft, and I'm amazed at how much it holds.

It washes a big, poufy king-size comforter with ease, I can wash many sheets (a queen size set and 3 twin size sets) at once, and it holds 2-3 times more clothing than my former washers -- yet it uses far less water than my former washers used for much-smaller loads of laundry.

It also washes everything very well. I've had it for a year and a half, have washed 3-5 loads per week, and I've had zero complaints. (With my former washers, I had to wash 7-10+ loads per week. That's how much difference the big capacity makes!) Also, the washer's much-greater spin speeds have greatly decreased the time required to dry loads of laundry. All of this has made an appreciable difference in our electric and water bills.

If you live in a cold-weather area and/or you like to wash some loads in true hot water (140 degrees minimum) I would recommend buying the 850 model. IIRC, that Bravos washer has a built-in water heater.

USA government regulations have 'dumbed down' water temperatures in washers (and, from I understand, other appliances too) these days. Of course, if you don't live in the USA, that may not be applicable to your situation.

My dishwasher has an internal water heater, and I really appreciate that feature. When I bought my Bravos washer, that option was not available.

As I said, I haven't had any problems at all with my Bravos washer. It was a big change from my traditional TL and I had to learn how to use it properly, but the washer manual is easy to understand and explains everything very well.

Hope that helps. If you have more questions, feel free to ask. :-)

Thanks Mara for taking the time to post! Its hard to know which way to turn with W/D's these days! I wish Maytag was really Maytag like it used to be.
I guess Whirlpool bought it.

Hi Mara!

Thanks for your postings regarding the Bravos series. My DH and I looked at these at several different places yesterday and we had mixed reactions to them. My biggest concern is accessing that one sock in the very back of the dryer. For me, I felt like I was crawling in to get that item when I was testing out the dryer. I also felt like it was very low to the ground. I also was wondering about that same sock and getting it out of the deep washer. Do you find any of this to be a problem for you? I am vertically challenged with alas getting older knees and back and have concerns regarding these issues. Can you share with me, okay all of us GWers!, your experience with these issues?

Thank you!!

Earth Pal - I will answer about the depth of the washer - I have the top-loader - model #800VQ0. I am not quite 5 ft and it is a reach to get to something that is left in the washer. I have two ways to deal with it. For one, you can turn the tub around easily and bring that sock to the front. That makes it easier to reach. DH bought me out of those things that you can grab stuff with for XMAS
last year. I use it but I also keep a small Rubbermaid step handy and use it most of the time. Either way, its not really that big of a deal.

monaw, yes, Whirlpool bought Maytag in 2006. Several appliance repairmen have told me that Maytag is the top of Whirlpool's line and that they rarely have service calls regarding Maytag washers -- none yet for Bravos. That was one of the reasons I decided to buy Bravos.

earth pal, I am 5'5" tall and have issues with my back, which was one reason I bought an HE TL instead of a FL, as I didn't want to have to spend more money on pedestals to get them up to my level.

To get that last sock in the washer, I turn the drum as mboston said. The drum turns freely, which is a big plus. To get that last sock out of the dryer, I usually fish it out with a hanger. Works for me. :-)

MBoston and Mara, ah, you are kindred spirits and bods, it seems! Yup, I am just shorter than Mara! :)

We actually are looking at the Bravos line that can do the long venting because we have one. When we bought our house many years ago, the previous owners neglected to mention this little detail and we alas didn't know any better. So, for many years, we have struggled with dryers taking forever unless we did the bucket trick which we can't do too often because of moisture issues.

Looks, I like might want to get that extended backscratcher we have someplace and put it in the laundry room! ;;)

Thank you!!

I'm looking at purchasing the 4.7, don't really need the expense and the whistles of the 5.0, very soon...
Did any of you who purchased, buy the extended warranty? Or do you feel it's not necessary?

Are any of you using the gas dryer?

I just got a year's extended warranty on the washer but not on the dryer. I had some problems with the washer when I first got it. None since that issue was fixed, however I just had a feeling I should. We don't usually bother with them but for $52, I figure the peace of mind is worth it.

I did notice the other day what I saw was a little rust color around the rim of the washer lid where the metal(assuming its metal) meets the glass. I always leave my lid up so it shouldn't be from staying moist. I am going to watch it closely and see if it returns.

I did buy the extended warranty, because Home Depot's price was only $100 for 4 extra years, giving me a total of 5 years warranty. Since just one service call can easily top $100, I thought it was well worth it.

Thus far, after more than a year and a half, I haven't had any problems; haven't seen any rust, etc. I am very grateful for my Bravos set.

Thanks Mboston!

We don't usually go for extended service or warranties in general..however we purchased it with our last Used Vehicle purchase and it paid for itself 3x! I did the extended on my range..and never needed it, and didn't do it on any of the other new appliances at the time..and didn't it for them either.

You are right for that small amount it is nice to have the peace of mind.

The 4.7 washer and the 6.8 Gas Dryer are on order with Home Depot as of 20 minutes ago...ETA 2/13