Whirlpool owns Maytag, yet oddly doesn't manufacture either of the two washers you're considering. The Maytag is a Korean machine made by Samsung; the Whirlpool is from Italian manufacturer Antonio Merloni Group, best known in the U.S. as the parent company of Asko. Indeed, there's an Asko-branded machine (WCAM1812) that's nearly identical to the Whirlpool LHW0050P, except that it can dry as well as wash your laundry. Both the wash-only and wash/dry machines are also sold under the Eurotech brand, sometimes for less $ than the better-known Whirlpool- or Asko-branded equivalents.

Although I have no direct experience with either of these machines, Samsung is reputed to be more reliable than AM. Nonetheless, I'd favor the Whirlpool for its considerably larger capacity (despite not being any larger on the outside), and because the Maytag lacks internal water heating. Even if you set the temperature controls to warm or hot, you might get cold water (and poor cleaning) if your water heater is not very close to your washing machine. Since front-load washers draw only a small amount of water, much of the water will have cooled off in the pipes between the water heater tank and the washer. The Whirlpool heats its own water though, up to 140°F (i'm not clear on whether it heats water to a lower temperature on the warm-water settings, or doesn't heat it at all unless set for a hot-water wash - the online info isn't very specific).

Looking both of these over in stores, they both appear to be reasonably well made. The Whirlpool's door latch and detergent drawer are a tad flimsy for my tastes, although they should hold up well if you aren't rough with them.

I am trying to decide between the same two models.

Whirlpool Advantages:
- Water heater
- Bigger capacity (2.9 cu ft vs 2.4 Maytag)
- Smaller depth (22" vs 25" Maytag)
- Cheaper price (about $50)

Maytag Advantages:
- Controls for water temperature
- More programs
- Optional Child lock
- Time left indicator
- Self cleaning lint filter

Whirlpool Panel:
http://www.ajmadison.com/ajmadison/images/large/wln1623z.jpg

Maytag Panel:
http://www.ajmadison.com/ajmadison/images/large/MAH2400AWW_PANEL.jpg

Here's another topic with the discussion on the Maytag compact:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0814475823762.html

And here are the epinions reviews. Both average scores are the same, but IMHO the Whirlpool reviews seem to be worse:
http://www0.epinions.com/Whirlpool_LHW0050PQ_24_Front_Loading_Washer_w_11_Wash_Cycles_Automatic_Water_Level_Control/display_~reviews
http://www0.epinions.com/pr-Maytag_2_4_cu_ft_Capacity_Front_Load_Washer/display_~reviews

And on homedepot.com, the Maytag compact has 7 reviews, all 5 stars:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100016581&N=10000003+90401+502611+1263&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125#reviews

I still have another month or so to decide, but right now I am leaning towards the Maytag pair.

Now that Whirlpool has completed its purchase of Maytag, I believe that the Samsung version of the Maytag is now out of production because Whirlpool has stopped all original Maytag production, replaced it with rebadged Whirlpool product. Given this, I'd recommend sticking with the Whirlpool, because who knows how long spare parts are going to be available for the Samsung.

That is crazy!!! I just bought a new in 07 Samsung W&D from Lowes and it is great and no vibration!!!

This is all so confusing - I still cant decide. I dont really need the bigger capacity and I am not sure I need the water heater. I live in an apartment where, oddly, it is harder to get cold water than hot and I rarely use hot water.

I noticed that one has an activator method and the other a drum method. Are there advantages of one over the other?

They both have such terrible reviews. I am more concerned with service and repair record. A machiine that leaks all the time is a very big problem in a coop apartment.

Check out the new Bosch WF2090 120 volt model. It's a little pricier, but it has a 6 kilo drum, internal heater (heats from cold) and has decent build quality. Also, I heard that Miele will offer a few 120 volt machines as well. The Miele's would be my choice of course...

Regards

I have the Maytag Compact MAH2400AWW. It's a fine machine and I have had no problems whatsoever in the 9 months that I've owned it. It is in a stacked cofiguration with it's companion dryer MDE2400AYW on a concrete floor. It's quiet but does vibrate a bit with unbalanced loads. The washer does not have a heater but I don't think it matters. Ours is a household of two adults and the 2.4 cu.ft. capacity is completely adeqauate. The dryer is only fair in it's operation. It takes a long time to dry because it does not get as hot as other dryers and the small drum restricts proper tumbling action. Overall, it's a good little stack and I have no regrets.

Did Cargo or anyone else follow through with a purchase of either of these machines? If so, what do you think?

Any other news/opinions on these machines? I am also trying to decide which one to go with.

Thanks!

there are makers of "combo" washer&dryer in one small machine. (NO VENT NEEDED on "condensing" models)

the cycle takes longer.. (wash&dry) and may take "forever" to dry because it's only a 120v dryer section.

as far as the internal "water heater", don't worry about it.

It only MAINTAINS the water temperature, the 120v models (1000w heater) don't have enought time to RAISE the water temperautre much. about 1°F every 2 minutes.