Hello!

I don't think it's a big deal if you mix and match, as long as the appliance serves it's purpose, but that's just me. I'm not sure though, if the HE5/Duet steam dryers must have the water line for their steam function connected to the matching HE5t/Duet washer or if the water line can be connected to any washer. That's something to consider in terms of creating problems. Maybe someone else would like to chime in if they know the answer.

However, you may want to consider that the Bravos washer model MTW6700TQ comes with a matching steam dryer if you really want a matching set. The dryer model # I gave you in the link is the electric dryer. There is also a gas steam model which is MGD6600TQ. Just FYI, my grandmother has the Bravos washer and absolutely loves it! Hope this helps!! :o)

Kevin

Here is a link that might be useful: Maytag Bravos MTW6700TQ washer and MED6600TQ steam dryer

I have a Cabrio He washer and a Duet dryer because I did not like the Cabrio dryer, they work great together. I did check out the steam dryers when I bought mine, I was not that impressed, seems more gimmicky than useful. And they were way more expensive. I also don't really like the idea of having even more water hook ups in my laundry room! After really looking these machines over I concluded that I would not use the steam enough to make it worth the extra money. And here is a little tip I found years ago. If something is wrinkled, wet a wash cloth and wring it out till damp. Toss it and the item in the dryer and set on low (hotter if the fabric is really heavy and can stand the heat) for 15 to 20 minutes. Viola! Instant Steam cycle, all for the cost of the water you put on the wash cloth.

Thx for the very helpful responses, appliance researcher and jcrowley. My wife also thinks the dryer steam function may be gimmicky and is one more thing that might cause a problem.

Assuming no steam, can you two help me with a Cabrio v Bravos decision? I know they are both made by Whirlpool of the same basic design. Also, jcrowley, HE v. standard?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Hello thesammy!

I myself do have to agree with your wife and jcrowley about the whole steam thing. If it were me buying today, I would buy the Bravos HE set with the dryer without steam. I like the tip about throwing in the damp washcloth to create an instant steam cycle.

However, I believe that there are others on this forum that really like the steam feature and swear by it.

As far as Cabrio vs. Bravos, I don't really think that there is that much of a difference, since they are virtually both the same machine. I myself prefer the simpler look of the Bravos better. I know that the Bravos set is on sale this week at Home Depot (10% off or something). You may want to grab that sale! It may just be an online sale, though, not sure. Check out the link I provided for you and while you're at the Home Depot website, check out the dryer prices.

But there may be an even better sale on the Cabrio elsewhere, like Lowes or Best Buy. Not sure though, you may want to check it out. hope this helps! :o)

Kevin

Here is a link that might be useful: Maytag Bravos HE washer at Home Depot

I love my Cabrio HE, but I have never even seen the Bravo. I could if I went to the Maytag store about a mile from my house, but I have a grudge agaist Maytag so I never looked. That is my personal thing (I had a terrible time with their service department, I actually threw away a $800 machine that was about 2 years old. It was later part of a massive recall.). I would definitly go HE though, not the basic TLer. It holds a ton of stuff and uses less water, that means more hot water for showers (we have a teenager so hot water is in high demand). I also reccomend the glass lid if you go with the Cabrio HE, it is facinating to watch the cloths wash. I was surprised at how much that little plate moves the cloths around. I still stand there and watch the wash cycle sometimes!

Jcrowley

Sorry to hear about your experience with Maytag. I can understand your grudge against them because they definitely were the pits before they were taken over by Whirlpool. I'm guessing....well....I'm hoping that things are better now that Whirlpool owns them. Just curious, which machine did you have that was recalled?

thesammy,

Another thing to consider, Lowes also sells the Bravos as well. If you decide on the Bravos, you may want to buy it there instead of Home Depot. I hear wonderful things about Lowes from others on this forum but I myself had a bad experience with Home Depot about three years ago. You can check if Lowes will price match with Home Depot's sale price. Just my 2 cents.

Let us know what you decide to purchase! Take care! :o)

Kevin

I would second Lowes as a great place to purchase your new machine, thier customer service is fab!

Kevin, it was not a washer but a dishwasher, the recall is still going on. Several models have a defect that causes them to leak water through the rinse aid dispenser into the door where there is electrical parts. This is a fire hazard. I told them about this problem on my machine several years ago, it was obvious to the least educated person that the water leaking from my machine was coming out through the bottom of the door. The insulation inside the door was soak, yes I stupidly stuck my hand in there. They insisted that the seal was leaking, and that was out of warranty on my machine and would only cost me $200 to fix, plus the $80 for the tech to come out to the house. I told them thanks , but no thanks. I guess I could have paid for them to come out and look at it before throwing it out, but if the seal cost $200, I didn't even want to think what it would cost to fix the actual problem. They still keep sending me papers on the recall. I guess they did not believe me when I told them I was going to throw the machine away. I replaced it with a Kenmore (no extended warranty as that cost half the price of the machine, and I hate Sears customer service because they are very difficult to deal with) which works great. So basically, that is why I will never buy another Maytag branded item. I don't consider myself an idiot and don't like being treated like one. I even tried going to the local store and was told the same thing "Oh, it always looks like the water is coming through the door when the seal is leaking." Hmmmm, or maybe, just maybe, several thousand machines had leaks in the door.

Joanne