Maytag Neptune Dryer (new) American Tumble Dryers

...being the purchase of a Maytag Neptune Washer, model MAH5500B. (See my review of this appliance at http://www.ciao.co.uk/Maytag_Neptune_washer_New_American_Washing_Machines__Review_5412373.) This meant the dryer, too, needed to come from the Neptune series.

Even before completing our field research, the likeliest choice was the MDE5500A. Himself had a list of praises:

~ It earned high marks for energy efficiency.
...least in Himself's accounting, the Maytag reputation for quality provided a substantial basis for trust. He frankly believes that if Maytag makes and sells an appliance, it's likely to serve well over the long haul. Having chosen the washer, we thus selected the companion dryer with few reservations.


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What Appeals to Me
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After living with our new appliances 16 ... more

Given that the New Year for 2003 began with the death of an old appliance--our washer--Himself and I decided that the time was right for a first during our 34 years of marriage: We would purchase a new washer AND a new dryer to meet our laundry needs. We would purchase them at the same time, and they would MATCH in all reasonable respects. It was, we agreed, a great luxury. But it was a luxury we had earned and could finally afford.

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Making the Choice
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The choice of a dryer, of course, was determined in large part by the choice of a washer. Himself, a practiced navigator of the World Wide Web, had done the research--with the end result being the purchase of a Maytag Neptune Washer, model MAH5500B. (See my review of this appliance at http://www.ciao.co.uk/Maytag_Neptune_washer_New_American_Washing_Machines__Review_5412373.) This meant the dryer, too, needed to come from the Neptune series.

Even before completing our field research, the likeliest choice was the MDE5500A. Himself had a list of praises:

~ It earned high marks for energy efficiency.

~ Its 6-cubic-foot drum capacity easily accommodates large and bulky items, such a rugs and comforters.

~ It includes options to encourage anything that might be "wrinkle-free" to stay "wrinkle-free." (Neither of us is fond of ironing.)

~ The option to mount doors to swing either direction allows laundry to be moved in one smooth motion from the adjacent washer into the dryer. No strange contortions necessary.

Not least in Himself's accounting, the Maytag reputation for quality provided a substantial basis for trust. He frankly believes that if Maytag makes and sells an appliance, it's likely to serve well over the long haul. Having chosen the washer, we thus selected the companion dryer with few reservations.

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What Appeals to Me
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After living with our new appliances 16 months, the Neptune dryer (like the washer) is clearly a hit.

~ As with the washer, the LED touchpad controls are protected under a layer of pliable vinyl, which means there are no knobs to fall off and no traditional pushbuttons to collect spills and dust. (Again, as with the washer, an LCD touchscreen version of the Neptune is available at a higher cost.)

~ Cycle options include a choice of "time dry" or "sensor dry," the latter allowing the appliance itself to gauge the time needed to reach the desired level of dryness. Maytag calls this its "IntelliDry" feature. Dryness levels range from "damp dry" to "very dry." Temperature can be adjusted from "low" to "normal."

~ The "wrinkle prevent" option works as well as for any appliance I've used. By selecting this option, the machine will tumble intermittently for an hour and a half, allowing the user greater latitude for forgetfulness without paying a price billed in an increased number of wrinkles. Further, the "wrinkle release" cycle allows the user to take clothes that are slightly wrinkled (e.g., previously worn items or clothes that were packed in a suitcase) and put them through a refresh cycle--once again, cutting down on ironing. If a fabric is not wrinkle resistant, no dryer anywhere will replace the need for an iron in your laundry corner. Nonetheless, the need for ironing is clearly less with this appliance.

~ The "air puff" cycle is great for delicate washables that should not be exposed to high temperatures. I used this cycle to dry a newly completed afghan made for the imminent arrival of our first granddaughter. Given the cold snap we're currently experiencing here in the East, it was the next best thing I could arrange short of waiting for the soft sunlight of a warm day.

~ One of my favorite features of the new dryer is the location of the lint trap. My old machine provided access for the lint trap at the back of the machine top. Emptying the trap often required a range of gymnast-like moves to get to and remove the lint tray. Anything temporarily placed on top of the appliance--such as newly folded and sorted items--had to be relocated. In the Neptune, the lint trap is located at the front edge just inside the dryer door. It is always easy to access and easy to empty. In my opinion, this is a much better design element than what I experienced with my old machine.

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Sorting Out Cost
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As with the Neptune washer, the cost disparity between the Maytag Neptune dryer and other machines of reasonable quality is significant. Still, once the decision was reached to purchase the MAH5500B washer, it was clear that the MDE5500A dryer was the right companion. Each appliance enhances the other--in part because they are attractive when placed together side by side, but primarily because they were created to function well together.

The cost of the dryer was $589, plus $30 for the bisque color, plus tax. In the UK, consumers should expect to pay about £700 for comparable machines, with both the washer and dryer available for about £1800.

The verdict is still inconslusive as to whether these machines taken together are worth $1800 (much less £1800) once all the "i"s are dotted and the "t"s crossed. In the final analysis, the value of each depends on the reliability of the other. To date, however, the "new" Maytag combo has made laundry chores in our home much less annoying than they once were.

© DAnneC/BawBaw, updated 2004

 

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