We do not have a Maytag FL, but did considerable research recently to replace a 12 yr. old KitchenAid TL that also decided to die. We found that Maytag, once the darling of the washing machine industry (the repairman with nothing to do), is now at the bottom among washer brands. In last year's survey of washers bought between 2002 and 2006, Consumer Reports concluded that "Maytag was the most repair-prone front-loading washer." Their data showed that they were repaired almost twice as frequently as Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, and Frigidaire FL, all of which were approximately equal. All of that doesn't necessarily mean that the EpicZ is a lemon. It's just one more factor to consider in making your decision. Good luck!

OlympicEagle, the Maytag toploader you'd buy *today* is virtually *identical* to your KitchenAid toploader (and to Whirlpool, Roper, Estate, Admiral, some Amana, and most Kenmore toploaders). :-) Consumer Reports data is in reference to a toploader design Maytag used toward the end, before Whirlpool bought the company.

Maytag's Neptune frontloader design, which is the source of their tarnished frontloader reputation, is still being used (or was until a short time ago) under Crosley label, and possibly Amana. There were some redesigns that largely fixed the original problems. Maytag-labeled Neptunes were still on the market until late last year. My neighbor bought one from Lowe's.

The Maytag Epic frontloader (NOT the Z) is essentially identical to what was previously the KitchenAid Ensemble frontloader. The "Z" may be akin to Whirlpool's Duet Sport offering.

You are right, Dadoes. The Maytag EpicZ is pretty much the same machine as the Whirlpool Duet Sport and the Kenmore HE2t. I have not heard much about the EpicZ, but I've heard good things about the Kenmore HE2t and mixed reviews of the Whirlpool Duet Sport.

That's really helpful, Dadoes. I'll keep all that in mind. Consumer Reports also says you have to spend about $900 for a good one, and I really don't want to spend that much for a washer. Will think this all over. Thanks everyone!

Clarification re Consumer Reports: My previous post was from the January 2007 issue. They did another rating in their February 2008 issue. The Epic was rated quite well. The brand repair history, based on washers bought between 2003 and 2007, provides separate ratings for TL and FL. However, the Maytag FLs overall still ranks last among FLs, and their TLs are next to last. And if the Maytag EpicZ is similar to the Whirlpool Duet Sport as indicated in other posts, CR ranks the Whirlpool Duet Sport last of 20 rated FL in overall performance, although Whirlpool's brand repair history is excellent. Having said that, last in overall performance isn't necessarily awful. Actually, its performance scores are better than most TLs and appears to be quite satisfactory.