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  • Introduction

  • Design & Usability

  • Performance & Features

  • Conclusion

  • Science Introduction

  • Cost of Cycles

  • Cleaning Performance

  • Introduction
  • Design & Usability
  • Performance & Features
  • Conclusion
  • Science Introduction
  • Cost of Cycles
  • Cleaning Performance

Introduction

Design & Usability

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A chiseled exterior gives the Maytag Bravos XL MVWB750YW a sturdy look.

Open its clam-shell lid and it’ll power on, just like a laptop.

Few washers are as intuitive as this Bravos. Open its clam-shell lid and it’ll power on, just like a laptop. Bright orange numbers and lights are easy to read and see. All buttons are clearly marked and are under a protective plastic membrane. Cycles begin and end with a jaunty little ditty that sounds a bit like Debussy’s Clair de Lune.

However, the large interior does mean that shorter people may have trouble reaching in to get wet clothes out of the drum. Which brings up another point, this one positive: the {{product.name}} has a 4.6 cubic foot capacity, offering plenty of room for your family's laundry.

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Performance & Features

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A formulaic and predictable plot with no unexpected twists

When it comes to stain removal, the {{product.name}} is just average, struggling with protein- and oil-based stains but having no trouble removing chocolate and red wine. Unfortunately, the Delicates cycle fell short of the standard. Though gentle on clothing, it had weak stain removal. On the positive side, it did an excellent job spinning out excess water. This is due to the fact that the {{product.model}} automatically chooses how much water to use based on how much a load weighs. Testing with standard 8 lb. loads, the Bravos guzzled water like the Real Housewives of New York swig chardonnay: between 16 and 30 gallons per episode...er, cycle.

We also appreciated the detergent dispenser, a feature which many top-loaders lack.

On the features front, there are several on the {{product.name}} that we really like. The most interesting option available is a spray rinse, which claims to save water compared to a conventional rinse. We also appreciate the detergent dispenser, a feature which many top-loaders lack. A dispenser which has water run through it helps evenly coat laundry for a more uniform clean.

Conclusion

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Like a reality TV show's production value and plot, the washer's performance ranges from average to disappointing.

This washer can fit a lot of clothes, but it also uses a lot of water to get them clean. Some washes use twice as much water as other machines we’ve tested. That wouldn’t be so bad if it did a better job cleaning, but the Bravos XL is just average in that respect. However, as lackluster as its cleaning performance may be, this washer has good features and is easy to use—enough to satisfy the average consumer.

Science Introduction

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In the world of top-loading washing machines, the {{product.name}} does very well when stacked against the competition. However, in objective terms, it offers just middling cleaning performance. Yet, we can't ignore the fact that the Bravos can swallow 4.6 cubic feet worth of laundry and has an easy-to-understand control scheme.

Cost of Cycles

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Cycles on the {{product.name}} will cost between nine and 27 cents to run.

When we hooked up the {{product.name}}, we also attached water and watt meters. Top-loaders tend to use a lot of water because they "float" laundry rather than letting gravity move it around, as a front-loader does. This Maytag bucked the trend of top-loaders to shun technology, and used sensors to detect the amount of laundry placed inside. Assuming your energy and water costs are close to the national averages, the Maytag Bravos XL MVWB750YW should run you $54.24 per year, about $25 more than your average front-loaders. Just remember that this washer is so large that you may be able to combine two loads into one—although that will definitely lead to a higher cost per wash.

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Cleaning Performance

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Your clothes will probably be cleaner after a spin in the {{product.name}}... unless you forget to turn it on.

To see how the {{product.name}} tackles dirty clothes, we use standardized stain strips. Each strip has patches that are stained with the common household banes of cleanliness. These strips are placed in with our eight-pound test loads, along with a calculated amount of standard, industry-approved detergent. When the buzzer sounded, we took the stain strips out and put them under a light spectrometer to measure their luminance. This revealed that the XL Bravos had the easiest time with blood, red wine, and cocoa. Oil and other hydrophobic substances proved to be a tougher challenge for the Bravos.

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Meet the testers

Jonathan Chan

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

See all of Jonathan Chan's reviews
Keith Barry

Keith Barry

Former Editor in Chief, Reviewed Home

@itskeithbarry

Keith was the Editor in Chief of Reviewed's appliance and automotive sites. His work has appeared in publications such as Wired, Car & Driver, and CityLab.

See all of Keith Barry's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

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