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  • Introduction

  • Design & Usability

  • Performance & Features

  • Conclusion

  • Science Introduction

  • Performance Tests: Cleaning

  • Performance Tests: Efficiency

  • Introduction
  • Design & Usability
  • Performance & Features
  • Conclusion
  • Science Introduction
  • Performance Tests: Cleaning
  • Performance Tests: Efficiency

Introduction

Considering that other washers—even other Maytag washers—with equal effectiveness sell for close to half the Maxima’s price, you may want to do some research before settling.

Design & Usability

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As simple as it gets, the Maxima does a great job interpreting washer controls on a digital interface.

This machine remembers the last cycle you were on when you restart it.

Available in a shade that Maytag calls “crimson,” the MHW6000XR is a handsome machine. The large door has a brushed chrome handle and an extremely reflective surface. The Maxima’s main control is a wash cycle selector knob. Unlike most high-end washers we’ve tested, this one remembers the last cycle you were on when you restart the machine. Even more unlike other washers is that liquid and powdered detergent go into the same spot in the drawer.

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Performance & Features

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A stain-smiting Heavy Duty cycle is this washer's best feature.

The MHW6000XR's Heavy Duty cycle was one of the finest we've ever tested.

Overall, the {{product.model}} had excellent wash performance, though we found it focused more on stain removal than gentle handling. The Normal Cycle on the MHW6000XR is perfectly adequate and quick, though it was not very effective against oil-based stains. The Whites cycle, on the other hand, did extremely well on all kinds of stains, especially with hard to remove oil-based ones. Rounding out the progression, the Heavy Duty cycle was one of the finest we've ever tested—tough stains didn't stand a chance.

The features on the {{product.name}} were more conflicted. Users can add an extra rinse cycle, for instance, but no extra spin. Spin and soak cycles can be selected individually, but they can’t be added to an existing wash. Notably, Maytag also offers Fresh Hold, which uses a built-in fan and tumbling action to keep clothes fresh when a cycle is done.

Conclusion

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This Maytag is a very attractive machine with excellent washing performance.

While this appliance is among some of the best washers we've ever tested, its competition costs hundreds of dollars less. Whether a red exterior, a large interior, and a limited number of custom options are worth it depends on your budget and needs.

Just remember that similar washers—and even similar Maytags—do just as much for less.

Science Introduction

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The {{product.name}} is a machine that does its job well. Stains, even staunch oil-based ones, proved to be no obstacle. Read on to learn more about our tests.

Performance Tests: Cleaning

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And as the washer turned, stains were vanquished from the Earth.

Many people will swear by their anecdotal evidence. The fish was that big, it was that cheap, the washing machine cleans this well. To avoid the awkward moments when your friends one-up you with their sea tales, we use scientific testing to produce objective results. For cleaning performance, we use stain strips. These standardized pieces of cloth have patches stained with common household substances like red wine and cocoa. These strips are placed with an eight pound test load of laundry and a proportional amount of industry approved detergent when a cycle is run. After a cycle is complete, we take the strips out and scan them with a light spectrometer to determine how much of the various stains have been lifted.

The {{product.name}} had no trouble with wine or cocoa on its Normal cycle. However, oil-based stains gave this popular cycle much more trouble. When we cranked up the intensity with the Heavy Duty cycle, we saw a vast improvement against sebum (sweat) and oil. If you have ring-around-the-collar, this is the cycle you need.

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Performance Tests: Efficiency

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A watt saved is a watt earned; then it vanishes, because a watt is a measure of joules per second.

When we set up the {{product.name}}, we attached it to water and watt meters. With every cycle we ran, we recorded how much hot and cold water, as well as electricity, the appliance consumed. A year’s worth of running the MHW6000XR at average electric rates should run under $7. This washer uses between 8 and 15 gallons of water per cycle, depending on which you choose. All-in-all, a year of running various cycles should cost you a little over $30. If you're switching from a top-loading machine, we estimate that you'll save $300 over the life time of the machine.

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Meet the tester

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

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