Maytag vs. Whirlpool: Which Is the Best Dishwasher?

Maytag and Whirlpool dishwashers offer different technologies, but make claim to similar characteristics in terms of tub capacity, cleaning capability and environmentally friendly characteristics. Both companies, however, have had recalls of their dishwashers for sometimes quite hazardous circumstances involving the dishwashers. Additionally, consumer reviews of both product lines have revealed some serious owner dissatisfaction.

Both Maytag, in its JetClean and JetClean II series, and Whirlpool have extra-sized tub capacity in comparison with other dishwasher brands. Maytag has tall tubs in both the portable JetClean dishwashers and in the larger JetClean II series. Whirlpool offers models with super capacity tubs that provide 3 inches of extra space over a standard dishwasher yet still fit in the same under-counter space as an ordinary dishwasher.

Both Maytag and Whirlpool offer special technologies designed to clean dishes better with less pre-rinsing or scrubbing than needed with other dishwashers. Maytag's JetClean II series uses steam technology to more thoroughly clean dishware. Whirlpool offers PowerScour technology, providing 35 different spray jets for more efficient cleaning of dishware in the dishwasher.

An increasingly common concern with modern technology of all sorts is minimizing environmental impact. Here again, both Maytag and Whirlpool rank competitively with each other on this factor. Both Maytag and Whirlpool offer some dishwasher models that are energy-star rated. This means that they use less energy and less water, decreasing costs of operation while also making them relatively environmentally friendly.

Both Maytag and Whirlpool have had recalls for problems with the dishwashers. Some of the recalls involved significant fire hazards. Some owners have reported dishwasher explosions. Customers have also reported significant difficulties in having the recalled dishwashers properly attended to by the company.

On March 31, 2006, Whirlpool purchased the Maytag company, thus while comparisons have some pertinence with reference to older models, the current Maytag dishwasher models are in fact, a line of Whirlpool products. According to numerous consumer reports and review writers, the acquisition by Whirlpool of Maytag has resulted in a serious decline in customer service and an increase in problems, such as difficulty getting recalls attended to.

Neither Maytag nor Whirlpool dishwashers fare very well in consumer reviews. Consumers report both brands failing to operate properly and the manufacturer's refusal to honor warranties, or even cooperate in recalls of models that involve fire hazards. Complaints have increased dramatically since Whirlpool acquired Maytag in 2006. Since the company markets dishwashers under other product line names as well, potential purchasers are advised to read through some consumer reviews before making a dishwasher purchase decision (see Resources).