Maytag Washer - Epic Z Model #MHWZ600TW Review

After doing much research to find an energy efficient quality washing machine, I bought a Maytag Epic Z model MHWZ600TW in late November, 2007.  By the summer of 2008 I began noticing noises during the spin cycle.  By fall 2008 I realized my machine had a problem and was going to need repairs.  I also realized my warranty was about to expire and so purchased the extended warranty (which I never do).  I first requested service on 12/19/2008 and a repair person came to my house and removed my washing machine on 12/26/2008.  Shortly after picking up my machine the repair person called to let us know that the bearings were gone as water had leaked into the sealed compartment that holds the bearings (a problem that would be covered even without the extended warranty).  It seems this has been a problem with these machines and I had lots of company.  Parts were back ordered with no estimated time of arrival.  I called GE (owner of Maytag now) to express my concern that I had a fairly new machine and parts were not available to fix it.  My call was forwarded to a GE Consumer Service representative, they explained that they have some ability to search for parts that are needed and they would get back to me after talking with the repair service folks as they needed to understand which parts were needed.  Their ‘talk' with the service repair folks was to harangue them for allowing a customer to call them to complain to begin with and to threaten to drop them from their approved list of repair services.  I never heard from them again.

Initially we were told a week or two for parts.  Then we were told parts would be available on February 4.  It is now February 17, parts MAY be available February 24 with a MAYBE have a ship date of February 27 and MAYBE MY washing machine will be fixed MAYBE in March. 

My advice is as follows;

Do not buy this washing machine, any large appliance that fails within the first year for an issue that is not unique to one or two machines is not a quality machine.

Do not buy a GE or Maytag appliance.

Do not buy the extended warranty, this is only a gimmick to get more money out of you and does nothing for you.

Do not call their service representatives to express dismay or concern about the length of time needed to get parts as you will likely jeopardize some small local hard working business owner's livelihood!