Many of the new highest capacity and most energy efficient washers have impellers in the bottom of the wash tub that perform the wash action and clean the clothes. These washers look enormous because they have no obstructions in the tub, but they have to be loaded properly to avoid tangling and to allow the clothes to be cleaned properly.
If you are not sold on the performance of these new designs, GE and Maytag still make agitator models that are very energy efficient and have big tub capacities. These are just a few of the factors to consider when researching a new washing machine (check out our washing machine buying guide for more info). Most of the new washing machines are very different in design with direct drive motors and load sensors to control water usage, but GE and Maytag have packed most of this new technology into these models while sticking with the traditional agitator design that some people prefer.
Let’s try to determine the best top loading washer for you by comparing two of their best agitator washer models. They start at similar prices, but holiday sales and package deals can drop the price by 20%, 30%, or more!
Table of Contents
The GE GTW725BSNWS - 4.6 cu ft - $849
GE is offering a new agitator washer for late 2019 into 2020: the GE GTW725BSNWS, retailing at around $849, featuring updated controls and new dispenser technology. This model has 4.6 cubic feet of capacity and comes with a new Tide PODS dispense system - designed to pierce the detergent pack and activate the detergent before the wash begins for increased cleaning power.
The cycles include a Sanitize + Oxi cycle, Quick Wash, Active Wear, and more. The set of cycles and options are unchanged from the previous model, the GTW685BSLWS. The control panel has been updated, but features like the stain removal guide and a plethora of soak/rinse options remain the same. GE's top load washers offer a lot of options for adding extra water when needed: this model includes an Auto Soak option and Deep Fill option to help you get rid of stains and soils efficiently.
Dynamic Balancing Technology helps to reduce wash noise, and automatic dispensing ensures that detergent, bleach, and fabric softener are added to the wash at the right times throughout the cycle. This nicely featured agitator washer is a great option!
Features:
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12 Cycles: Colors/Normal, Delicates, Whites, Jeans, Active Wear, Towels/Sheets, Bulky/Comforter, Quick Wash, Sanitize with Oxi, Drain & Spin, Deep Clean, Casuals
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8 Options: Auto Soak, Deep Fill, Deep Rinse (select when using fabric softener), Delay Wash, Extra Rinse, Stain Removal Guide, Warm Rinse, My Cycle
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Soft-close glass lid
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Tide PODS Dispense
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800 RPM max spin speed
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Time remaining digital display with touch controls and a cycle selection dial
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10-year parts warranty on the motor
Dimensions:
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Width: 27"
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Depth: 27"
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Height: 46"
Click here to read over 180 real customer reviews of this product!
GE GTW725BSNWS - $849
The Maytag MVW6230HW - 4.7 cu ft - $899
Next up is the Maytag MVW6230HW, a 4.7 cubic foot capacity washer with a direct drive motor and an agitator to provide great cleaning performance. This model is the 2020 successor to the popular MVWB765FW. With this machine, you can choose your water level by using the Deep Fill option, which can be used with any cycle to make sure that the clothes will come out clean. Selling for about $899, it offers a lot of great features and plenty of capacity for most families.
Customize the 11 wash cycles with temperature, soil level, and spin speed options, plus three deep fill choices and additional options for adding oxygenated additives, an extra rinse, or deep cleaning. Maytag claims that the PowerWash cycle offers the best cleaning in its class thanks to using hot water and the PowerWash Agitator. The Extra Power option takes things a step further: it incorporates a 10 minute cold water prewash to tackle organic, protein-based stains and finishes the cycle with warmer water to tackle oil-based stains, sweat, and mud. The touch controls, digital display with estimated cycle time remaining, and tinted slow close glass lid add aesthetic appeal to this model as well!
The direct drive motor and the stainless steel tub are both covered by a 10 year limited warranty and it also has a one year parts and labor warranty. See the manufacturer's warranty for complete details. The washer is assembled in Clyde, Ohio and it is designed and engineered in the USA.
Features:
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11 Cycles: Heavy Duty, Normal, Whites, Towels, Bulky Items, Custom Cycle, Quick Wash, Delicates, Wrinkle Control, Clean Washer with Affresh, Drain & Spin
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6 Wash Options: Delay Start, Remote Enable, Fabric Softener, Extra Rinse, Deep Clean, Deep Fill (Low, Medium, High)
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10-year warranty on direct drive motor and stainless steel tub
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Time remaining digital display with touch controls and a cycle selection dial
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900 RPM max spin speed
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Slow-close glass lid
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Smart capable/optional wifi connectivity
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Advanced Vibration Control
Dimensions:
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Width: 27.25"
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Depth: 28"
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Height: 41.56"
Features Comparison
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Cycles & Options: Both have a similar array of useful cycles for quick washes, bulky items, and towels. The GE model has more specific cycles for items like Active Wear, while the Maytag model offers the Extra Power option. GE offers soak options as well as the Stain PreTreat options, but Maytag offers three Deep Fill choices compared to GE's one. The Maytag model can spin a bit faster to wring out more water from the clothes before they hit the dryer.
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Look & Feel: Both models have some style upgrades compared to traditional top load washers with glass lids and digital time remaining readouts. The soft close lid is a nice touch if you've ever let a washer lid drop shut on your head or hand! The GE model will fit in a slightly narrow, shallower space - it's 27" wide by 27" deep while the Maytag is 27.25" wide by 28" deep.
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Warranty: Maytag wins again with a 10-year limited warranty on the stainless steel tub and direct drive motor, but GE is close behind with a 10-year warranty on the motor alone. However, the tub isn't likely to wear out (hence the warranty), so that's not a huge deal. Both have a one-year parts and labor warranty. If you're looking for an agitator washer with a better warranty, you'll want to check out Speed Queen (click the link to read about their washers).
Both models offer very comprehensive washing capabilities. If you are a bit more price conscious and don’t need to maximize your load capacity, the GE might be the way to go. The GE model has a lot of nice cycles for the average household, while Maytag focuses more on tough soils with the PowerWash Agitator and Extra Power button. If waiting is an option, you can look for a holiday sale and see if one manufacturer is running a better promotion than the other!
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Check them out in person to get a feel for each of them! Or read about more great washers in our review of the best top load washers of the year. We hope you’ve enjoyed this comparison of top loading washer models. Please leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in May of 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.
