Maytag Dishwasher Model Guide: Should You Get a Maytag?

Maytag sells dishwashers with premium looks and features but at an affordable price. Most of the company’s dishwasher models cost less than $1000 despite having features that match more expensive brands.

Granted, there are more inexpensive brands in the market, but Maytag attempts to straddle the line between quality and value better than its competitors. So, if you’re looking for value for money, then Maytag dishwashers are worth considering. 

In this Maytag dishwasher model guide, I’ve broken down the main things to consider when looking for your next dishwasher. Plus, to help you find the right model for your needs, I’ve put together a list of five recommended Maytag dishwashers for you to choose from. Read to the end to learn all you need to know. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Maytag Dishwasher

Maytag MDB4949SKZ

Type of Dishwasher

There are different types of dishwashers in the market: compact, built-in, under-the-sink, portable. However, Maytag only sells built-in dishwashers. If you’re looking for a different type, consider GE, which has a wider variety.

If you’re still on the fence about which type of dishwasher to choose, here are some pros and cons of built-in dishwashers.

Pros

  • Built-in dishwashers integrate with cabinetry and save floor space.
  • They give your kitchen a modern look.
  • The kitchen cabinets tend to muffle their sound, making them more silent than portable dishwashers. 

Cons

  • They take up cabinet storage space.
  • Their connection is permanent, making them inappropriate for those renting.
  • You need a professional to connect the plumbing and electricals. 

Are the cons dealbreakers? If no then Maytag’s built-in dishwashers are good options to consider. If you have a small kitchen and can’t afford to give up any cabinet space, or you’re renting and don’t want to install a rather permanent dishwasher, then Maytag isn’t for you. Consider GE’s portable dishwashers. Whirlpool also has some good options.

Control Placement

Maytag’s dishwashers can either have a top control or front control. Which one is better? The top-control dishwasher has its buttons placed on the top edge of the door, so they’re unnoticeable when standing away from the appliance. This is unlike front control models, which have buttons on the front face of the door, making them visible even from a distance. 

Both have their benefits and shortcomings. Here are the pros and cons of each.

Pros of Front Control Dishwashers

  • The controls are always in view, and they’re accessible without having to open the dishwasher’s door.
  • The display is visible, so you can see the cycle status without approaching the dishwasher.
  • They’re often more affordable than top-control models.

Cons

  • It’s easy to accidentally press the buttons.
  • The buttons are also within reach of children.
  • The front face isn’t as sleek as the top-control models (this may be a matter of opinion).

Pros of Top-Control Dishwashers

  • The button-less front face looks sleek.
  • The hidden buttons prevent accidental presses.
  • These dishwashers have panel-ready models.
  • It’s easy to clean the door since there are no buttons in the way.

Cons

  • You can’t tell when a cycle ends since there’s no display on the front face.
  • They are generally more expensive than front-control dishwashers.

The control placement you choose will depend on the aesthetic you’re looking for – they don’t affect the dishwasher’s performance. You may consider your kitchen’s design as well as the design of your other appliances to see which style best matches your space. 

Size and Capacity

Maytag Dishwasher

Dishwashers are measured according to their widths, and the standard size is 24 inches wide. There are, however, compact and large dishwashers of 18 inches and over 30 inches, respectively. Maytag only sells standard-sized models, which are ideal for most people. 

Also, consider the number of place settings in the dishwasher. Most standard-sized dishwashers have at least 12 place settings. Maytag’s models have at least 14 place settings, with some even boasting 15 place settings. 

Think about the maximum number of dishes you’ll need to clean in a load and find a model that has enough for your needs. This is determined by the number of people in your household and whether you often entertain guests. 

To put things in perspective, one place setting is said to have ten utensils. We dove deeper into the specific items that make up a place setting in this article.

Other considerations that affect the dishwasher’s capacity are the availability of a third rack and upper rack adjustability. These will determine the size of utensils that can fit as well as whether you can add extra items like flatware.

Thankfully, Maytag has three dishwasher models with a third-level rack, and all models have a silverware basket. All models also have an increased upper-rack height, allowing you to fit large dishes in both the lower and upper racks.

Sound Level

Ideally, you should look for a dishwasher that’s no more than 52 dBA. At this level, you might still hear the dishwasher, but its sound will remain in the background. In another room, a 52 dBA dishwasher is unnoticeable. 

Maytag’s dishwasher models all have sound levels of lower than 52 decibels. The company’s loudest model has a sound level of 50 dBA, while the quietest one has 44 dBA. If you want a whisper-quiet dishwasher that’s barely perceptible, then consider the models with less than 50 decibels. However, prepare to spend slightly more on these.

A 50-decibel dishwasher is still quiet – this is considered similar to the sound of light rainfall.

Washing and Drying Performance

Before buying a dishwasher, consider whether it does a good job at cleaning and drying dishes. You can tell by, first of all, reading online reviews. Check for complaints of food particles left on dishes, streaks of soap, or unsatisfactory drying. 

The other way of assessing performance is to look for standout features that improve a dishwasher’s washing and drying capabilities. For instance, look for features like hard food disposers, filtrations systems, soil sensors, and heated/air dry cycles. 

Maytag’s dishwashers have a Dual Power Filtration system that filters food particles and disintegrates them, preventing redepositing on dishes. All the company’s models also have sensors and leak detectors. Some Maytag dishwashers also have Power Dry, which works by using heat as well as a fan to improve drying performance. However, this feature is only found in the more expensive models. 

Available Wash and Dry Cycles

Here’s a table breaking down the main cycles you’ll find in Maytag’s dishwashers.

Cycle Details

  • Auto This is a sensor-run cycle that automatically adjusts the settings based on the soil level of the load.
  • Normal Select this cycle for a regular load of normally soiled dishes.
  • Quick This cycle is meant for a load of lightly soiled dishes.
  • Rinse Use this cycle if you only want to rinse the load without using detergent.
  • PowerBlast This cycle uses high pressure and steam to clean loads with hard-to-remove stains like baked-on food.

Tub Material

Dishwasher

I recommend getting a dishwasher with a stainless steel tub. This material is more durable than the plastic options, it can handle high heat, and it’s better at muffling the dishwasher sounds. However, dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are more expensive than their plastic-tub counterparts, so if you’re on a tight budget, you may have to compromise on the tub material.

Maytag only has dishwashers with stainless steel tubs in their lineup. So, whichever model you choose, you’ll enjoy the benefits of this material. However, this also means that you can’t get a Maytag dishwasher for less than $800, at least not at the time of writing.

Find out more about the pros and cons of stainless steel vs. plastic tubs here.

Color and Finish

You can get a Maytag dishwasher in black, white, or stainless steel. The stainless steel models have a fingerprint-resistant finish. However, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel models are about $100 more than their black and white counterparts. Whether or not the sleek premium finish is worth an extra 100 bucks is up to you. I think it is!

Prices (And Your Budget)

Maytag’s current dishwasher models all cost $1000 or less. The lowest-priced model (at the time of writing this piece) costs $800, while the most expensive one costs $1000. If your budget is in the $500 to $700 range, then you’ll have to look elsewhere – consider Amana.

Similarly, if you’re looking for high-end features and you have a budget of over $1000, consider a brand like Electrolux. Still, make sure that the features of your preferred dishwasher will fit your needs. Avoid spending a premium on a dishwasher with lots of features that you might not use. In this case, Maytag’s dishwashers are probably exactly what you need.

Unique Features of Maytag Dishwashers

Dual-Power Filtration

This system is made up of a micro-filtration unit as well as stainless-steel blades that grind and dispose of hard food. It works by flushing the wash water through the filtration system, trapping the food particles that are then passed onto the chopper that disposes of the remains. The clean filtered water is then passed back to the tub to be reused in the same cycle. 

Maytag’s Dual-Power Filtration system ensures that no food particles are redeposited on the dishes, leaving you with a clean load at the end of each cycle.

PowerBlast Cycle

This cycle is meant for hard-to-remove stains. It uses high water pressure jets, hot water, and steam to ensure that baked-on food easily comes off the dishes. 

PowerDry Option

This option works by activating a fan to work in collaboration with heated drying. The fan helps to direct humid air from the tub, thus improving drying speed and performance.

Premium Ball-Bearing Rack Glides

These are Maytag’s premium rack glides that make it easy to slide the racks in and out even when they’re full.

Leak Detect

All of Maytag’s dishwasher models have Leak Detect, which allows the dishwasher to tell when there’s a leak whenever there’s a change in water flow. In the event of a leak, the dishwasher ceases to add water into the tub and immediately begins to drain the wash water.

Recommended Maytag Dishwashers

Selection Criteria

Maytag’s current lineup is limited, so I picked the five washers listed on their website. All these models have stainless steel tubs as well as Dual-Power Filtration and the PowerBlast Cycle. Therefore, they’re all worth considering when looking for a new dishwasher. Here’s an overview of each model.

Maytag MDB4949SKZ Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher With Dual Power Filtration

Maytag MDB4949SKZ

Maytag’s lowest-priced dishwasher, the MDB4949SKZ, is one worth considering since it offers, perhaps, the greatest value for money in the company’s lineup. It has a front-control design, which may be less sleek than the top-control style, but is by no means bad-looking. With the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, you’ll think that this dishwasher costs more than it actually does.

Still, you can choose either the black or white models, which happen to cost $100 less than the stainless steel one. Despite being the company’s cheapest dishwasher, Maytag opted for a stainless steel tub, similar to the more expensive models. It also has a Dual Power Filtration system; this one comes as standard in all models.

Main Features

  • The Maytag MDB4949SKZ dishwasher model has a width of 24 inches.
  • It has two racks with a total of 14 place settings.
  • The dishwasher’s sound level is 50dBA.
  • It has front touch controls and pocket handles.
  • The dishwasher has a stainless steel tub.
  • There’s a PowerBlast cycle.
  • It also has Leak Detect.
  • This Maytag dishwasher also has Dual Power Filtration.

Pros

  • This dishwasher model is affordable.
  • The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish has a premium look.
  • It is quiet.
  • It comes with a stainless steel tub.
  • This dishwasher is Energy Star certified.

Cons

  • There’s no third-level rack.

Maytag MDB7959SKZ Top Control Dishwasher With Dual Power Filtration

Maytag MDB7959SKZ Top Control Dishwasher

You’ll notice a resemblance between this Maytag dishwasher model and the MDB4949SKZ model featured above; they both have pocket handles. However, this one – the Maytag MDB7959SKZ – has top controls, leaving a clean front face. It also costs about $50 more. Is it worth the extra cost? 

This Maytag dishwasher has a similar sound level as the model above – 50 dBA. And just like the model above, you get two racks and 14 place settings. The difference is in the number of cycles. Here, you’ll get a Steam Sanitize option as well as both long and short heated dry options. If you’re looking for improved cleaning power, then it’s worth spending the extra 50 bucks. 

Main Features

  • The Maytag MDB7959SKZ has two racks and 14 place settings.
  • It has top controls.
  • This model comes in a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
  • It has a stainless steel tub.
  • There is Dual Power Filtration.
  • There are five wash cycles.
  • The dishwasher has a Steam Sanitize option.
  • It also has a PowerBlast cycle.
  • This model is Energy Star certified.

Pros

  • It has a stylish look.
  • It is quiet.
  • You get added cleaning power with the Steam Sanitize option.
  • It is energy efficient.

Cons

  • There’s no tub light.
  • It doesn’t have a third-level rack.

Maytag MDB8959SKZ Top Control Dishwasher With Third Level Rack And Dual Power Filtration

Maytag MDB8959SKZ

This dishwasher offers much more than the previous two models on this list, but it also approaches the $1000 mark. However, it still delivers value for money (as Maytag does), with features that make it an excellent performer. For starters, you get a third-level rack here, allowing the dishwasher to offer 15 place settings.

Maytag’s standard bells and whistles are found here: Dual Power Filtration, PowerBlast, Leak Detect. This model also has a Steam Sanitize option, just like the MDB7959SKZ model above. However, it’s more silent, with a sound level of just 47 dBA. This dishwasher also comes with both long and short heated dry options for different load sizes.

Main Features

  • This Maytag dishwasher model comes in a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
  • You can also choose a black or white finish.
  • It has top controls and pocket handles.
  • There’s a stainless steel tub.
  • The dishwasher has a third-level rack and 15 place settings.
  • It has five wash cycles.
  • There’s a PowerBlast cycle.
  • It also has a Steam Sanitize option.
  • This dishwasher has Leak Detect.

Pros

  • The dishwasher is very quiet.
  • It cleans dishes effectively.
  • Its third rack gives extra space.
  • It is energy efficient.

Cons

  • There’s no tub light.
  • It isn’t WiFi-enabled.

Maytag MDB9959SKZ Top Control Dishwasher With Third Level Rack And Dual Power Filtration

Maytag MDB9959SKZ Top Control Dishwasher

This is Maytag’s most expensive dishwasher currently in stock. But, don’t get me wrong, compared to other brands, this is still an affordable dishwasher, especially considering the features it has. This model’s main appeal is the sound level, which is at a whisper-silent 44dBA. At this level, you’ll need to have your ear smooshed up against the door to tell whether it’s running.

However, don’t mistake its silence for weakness; this is a workhorse. With features like PowerBlast and Dual Power Filtration, it does as good a job as the models featured above (if not better). And with the PowerDry option, this dishwasher outclasses its lower-priced counterparts in drying performance.  

Main Features

  • This Maytag dishwasher comes in a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
  • It has a third-level rack, delivering 15 place settings.
  • This model has top controls and pocket handles.
  • Its tub is made of stainless steel.
  • There are five wash cycles.
  • It has a PowerBlast cycle.
  • There’s Leak Detect.
  • It also has a PowerDry option.
  • This dishwasher has a sound level of 44 dBA.

Pros

  • It is very silent.
  • This dishwasher model has excellent drying performance.
  • Its third rack gives more space for extra utensils.
  • It is energy- and water-efficient.

Cons

  • There’s no WiFi connectivity which should come as standard at this price point.
  • It has no tub light.

Maytag MDB9979SKZ Top Control Dishwasher With Third Level Rack And Dual Power Filtration

Maytag MDB9979SKZ Top Control Dishwasher With Third Level Rack And Dual Power Filtration

Both this Maytag dishwasher and the Maytag MDB9959SKZ above have a similar price. They also rock similar specs: a 44 dBA sound level, PowerDry option, a third-level rack, among others. This means that it excels in all the places the MDB9959SKZ does, so I couldn’t recommend it enough.

However, the difference comes in the design; this model has a bar handle as opposed to a pocket handle. Whichever one you prefer boils down to a matter of preference. The whisper-quiet sound level of these models makes them worth their $1000 price point. However, at this budget, I think the dishwashers should come with WiFi connectivity, which Maytag chose to leave out.

Main Features

  • The Maytag MDB9979SKZ dishwasher has a top-control design.
  • It has a bar handle.
  • This model comes in a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
  • It has a third-level rack and 15 place settings.
  • There are five wash cycles.
  • It has a PowerBlast cycle.
  • The dishwasher also has a Steam Sanitize option.
  • There’s also PowerDry.
  • It comes with Dual Power Filtration.
  • It has Leak Detect.

Pros

  • It has a stylish design.
  • This dishwasher is very silent.
  • It can serve a large household.
  • The dishwasher is energy- and water-efficient.

Cons

  • You only get one color option.
  • There’s no WiFi connectivity.
  • There’s no tub light.

Alternative Dishwasher Models

Budget Alternative: Amana ADB1400AGS Dishwasher with Triple Filter Wash System

Amana ADB1400AGS Dishwasher with Triple Filter Wash System

If you’re looking for an inexpensive dishwasher priced lower than what Maytag is offering, then you should consider this Amana model. Costing less than $500, it offers basic features but trades off in certain areas to keep the price low. One major trade-off is in the tub material, which is plastic. However, this is expected at this price point.

There are a number of good things, though, like Amana’s Triple Filter Wash System, which does a great job at eliminating food particles. It also comes with a heated dry option as well as a high-temperature wash option, both of which boost the dishwasher’s performance.

Inside, you get two racks with a paltry 12 place settings, but this is also expected in a budget dishwasher. Thankfully, this dishwasher is Energy Star certified. Find out more about Amana’s dishwasher models in this article.

Amana ADB1400AG | Amazon
$550.00

This Amana dishwasher helps you clear off every crumb thanks to the Triple Filter Wash System. A combination of three wash filters removes even tiny food particles from the wash water.

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03/07/2024 08:32 am GMT

Portable Alternative: Whirlpool WDP370PAHB Heavy-Duty Dishwasher with 1-Hour Wash Cycle

Whirlpool WDP370PAHB

Maytag doesn’t offer a portable dishwasher, so if you’re considering this type, Whirlpool would be a great brand to consider. This model comes in either black or white, with front controls and pocket handles. Inside, it has two racks and just 12 place settings – this is typical of portable dishwashers.

There are soil sensors fitted in this model, ensuring that its wash performance is at the top of its class. And with cycles like Heavy and Normal, along with the one-house wash cycle, you’ll be able to wash loads of varying soil levels.

Still, for a more intense clean, you can use the high-temperature wash option. Sadly, this dishwasher has a sound level of 64 dBA, which is far above our recommended sound level of 50dBA. However, most reviews say that it isn’t too noisy. Users also praise its excellent cleaning performance. Check out our Whirlpool dishwasher model guide to learn more about this brand.

Whirlpool WDP370PAHB Portable Full Console Tall Tub Black Dishwasher | Amazon

Get the right clean for your dishes with this heavy-duty dishwasher. Finish the job in half the time with the 1-Hour Wash cycle* and rely on the soil sensor to adjust to the soil levels of your dishes for the most thorough clean.

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Premium Alternative: Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher SHXM78Z55N

Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher SHXM78Z55N

If you’re looking for a premium dishwasher, then one of the best brands to consider is Bosch. This model is for those who have a budget of more than $1000. It’s a sleek appliance with top controls and a bar handle. Since Bosch wanted to keep the front face clean, they included an indicator light that’s projected on the floor to show you the status of the dishwasher.

They call this InfoLight. Trust Bosch to trademark every little feature: there’s RackMatic, their adjustable middle rack; PrecisionWash, the company’s sensor technology; and AquaStop, their version of a leak detection system.

All these features are a testament to the German company’s knack for over-engineering its products. This dishwasher also boasts a whisper-quiet sound level of just 42 dBA plus best-in-class washing and drying.

FAQs

Question: Are Maytag Dishwashers Any Good?

Answer: Yes, Maytag dishwashers are good appliances that are known for reliability and top performance but at an affordable price.

Question: How Long Should a Maytag Dishwasher Last?

Answer: The average lifespan of a dishwasher is ten years, and Maytag’s dishwashers should last this long if well maintained.

Question: Who Makes Maytag Dishwashers?

Answer: Maytag is owned and manufactured by the Whirlpool Corporation.

performance. 

Bottom Line

Maytag’s dishwashers offer great value for money since they have premium features at an affordable price. These include low sound levels and stainless steel tubs, among others. And according to online reviews, Maytag dishwashers are also excellent performers.

Sadly, they only have built-in dishwashers in their lineup, so if you’re looking for portable or under-the-sink models, you’ll have to look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a built-in model, Maytag’s options are worth considering. 

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