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    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

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    Washing machines

    Maytag MVWB955FW washing machine

    This Maytag High-efficiency top-loader washing machine has
    • Auto temp. control
    • Auto detergent dispenser
    • Auto fabric softener dispenser
    • End of cycle signal
    • Rotary dial
    • Stainless-steel tub
    • Manufacturer recommends low-sudsing detergent.
    • Comes with a 1 year warranty.

    About

    The Maytag MVWB955FW is part of the Washing machine test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Top-load HE washer models like the MVWB955FW are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

    Predicted reliability: Predicted reliability icons are based on estimated breakage rates for newly purchased washing machines, not under service contract, within the first five years of ownership.

    Owner satisfaction: Owner satisfaction icons are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their washing machine to their friends and family.

    Washing performance: This reflects the degree of color change to swatches of fabric that were included in an 8-pound test load of mixed cotton items using the machines' most aggressive normal cycle. (We do not use special cycle or option buttons.)

    Features

    Stainless-steel tub Stainless-steel tub Tubs constructed of stainless steel are likely to be more durable than plastic or porcelain, and they allow for higher spin speeds. Plastic is the next most durable choice.
    Yes
    Auto temp. control Auto temp. control This feature automatically mixes hot and cold water to reach the chosen wash temperature (which differs on various makes of washers). It's a good way to compensate for normal variations in tap-water temperature and prevents problems caused by water that's too cold, which keeps detergent from working properly.
    Yes
    Auto bleach dispenser Auto bleach dispenser Automatic Bleach dispenser releases the bleach at the proper point in the cycle, giving the detergent additives sufficient time to work.
    Yes
    Auto detergent dispenser Auto detergent dispenser Automatic Detergent dispenser releases the detergent at the proper point in the cycle.
    Yes
    Auto fabric softener dispenser Auto fabric softener dispenser Automatic Fabric Softener dispenser releases the fabric softener at the proper point in the cycle.
    Yes
    Extra rinse cycle Extra rinse cycle This feature can be useful for those with a sensitivity to detergent and others who find one rinse insufficient.
    Yes
    End of cycle signal End of cycle signal Sounds a bell or chime when the wash is done. Useful when the washer is in the basement or garage, or otherwise out of sight. On some models you can turn off the signal or adjust the volume.
    Yes
    Steam option Steam option Generally, a water hook-up is required with this feature. In this cycle, a small amount of water is sprayed into the drum while tumbling with heat. It helps to reduce wrinkles and odors, but is intended only for a few garments at a time.
    Yes

    Specs

    Energy Star Energy Star Qualified by the U.S. government's Energy Star program for low power consumption.
    Yes
    Type Type Front-loading washers -- With a door located on the front of the washer, one needs to stoop in order to load it. Front-loaders get clothes clean by tumbling them into water. Clothes are lifted to the top of the tub, then dropped into the water below. This design reduces water and energy use and makes front-loaders gentler on clothing and more adept at handling unbalanced loads. Be aware that front-loading washers give best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide. Conventional top-loading washers -- With the opening on the top of the washer, top-loaders are somewhat easier to load than a front-loading washer. Most top-loaders allow you to fill the tub with enough water to cover the clothing. Because they need room to move the laundry around the agitator to ensure thorough cleaning, these machines have a smaller load capacity than front-loaders. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide. Unconventional top-loading washers -- These look much like conventional top-loaders on the exterior, but these machines typically replace the usual vertical agitator post with other wash mechanisms, such as disks or plates that lift and move clothing around the tub. They generally use less water, and thus less energy, than conventional top-loaders and often have a larger capacity. They provide best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide.
    High-efficiency top-loaders
    Dimensions (in.) Dimensions The exterior measurements of the washer with the door or lid closed, in inches (height x width x depth). Be sure to allow a few extra inches of clearance in the rear for hoses and connections.
    44 x 29 x 30
    Warranty Warranty The length of time the washer is covered by its manufacturer for defects or repairs.
    1 year
    Water levels Water levels In our opinion, four or five water levels are sufficient. An automatic water-level control--standard on front-loaders--generally improves water efficiency.
    Auto
    Requires HE detergent Requires HE detergent Manufacturer requires High-Efficiency (HE) detergent. HE detergents are formulated to produce fewer suds, and dissolve more efficiently to improve washing and rinsing performance.
    Yes