Speed Queen vs Maytag: Which Washer is Best?

Thu Aug 28 2025

Laundry
Product Reviews

When it comes to finding the right brands to shop for washers, two of the most reliable names in the industry are Speed Queen and Maytag. Both have long histories of offering the best in washers and other appliances, but each differs in their approach. Speed Queen emphasizes long-lasting, commercial-grade, traditional top-load machines, while Maytag balances affordability with modern features and convenience.

So, which one is the best fit for your home? In this guide, we’ll compare Speed Queen and Maytag, highlighting what each brand does best and help you find which washer is best for your lifestyle, budget, and laundry needs.

Why These Brands Stand Out

Speed Queen and Maytag are two of the most well-known brands in washer appliances, and each stand out in their own ways and offer something that differentiates them from the other.

Speed Queen

Speed Queen is known for its commercial-quality construction, built to outperform many home-use models with 25-year lifespans and long warranties. They’re also known for their simplicity in design and operation, making them easy to operate with basic dials and buttons. Some of their standout models include:

TR7 Top-Load Washer

Perfect Wash Technology: Customizable wash cycles for ultimate fabric care.
Ultra Quiet Operation: Operates at just 43 dB, perfect for quiet environments.
Legendary Reliability: Designed to last up to 25 years in the average home.
Out-of-Balance Management: Runs all cycles to completion, even with unbalanced loads.
Ultimate Fabric Care Control: Special cycles tailored for optimal cleaning results.

FF7 Front-Load Washer with Pet Plus™

Flea Removal System: An industry-exclusive cycle that has been designed and tested as a tool in fighting a flea infestation.
Stain Boost: A new cycle option that will amplify stain removal.
Sanitize with Oxi: Oxy cycle to sanitize and achieve a higher level of clean.
Dynamic Balancing: Runs all cycles to completion, even with unbalanced loads.
Pedestals: Further easing the challenges of laundry day without back pain.

Maytag

Maytag offers reliable, moderately priced washers with thoughtful features for families, especially those with pets. They’re also known for blending modern technology with powerful cleaning capabilities. Some of their standout models include:

Pet Pro Top-Load Washer

Pet Pro Filter: Press the Pet Pro Option to tackle pet hair with additional water and a deep rinse to capture and remove pet hair from your clothes.
Extra Rinse Options: Helps ensure that messes and detergent are thoroughly rinsed away.
Quick Wash Cycle: Cleans small, lightly soiled loads in 30 minutes.
Built-In Water Faucet: Rinses, spot treats or soaks clothes right in the washer-no extra steps needed.

Smart Pet Pro Front-Load Washer

Pet Pro Filter: Press the Pet Pro Option to tackle pet hair with additional water and a deep rinse to capture and remove pet hair from your clothes.
Extra Power Button: Boosts stain-fighting power by using dual-temperature wash (hot and cold) in one cycle to eliminate tough stains from pets and everyday messes.
Sanitize Cycle: The sanitize cycle uses the hottest water temperature to remove 99.7% of common household bacteria, pet dander, and allergens, ensuring a thorough clean.
16-Hr Fresh Hold Option: Keep your clean clothes fresh for up to 16 hours after the wash cycle ends, preventing mildew and stale smells if you’re unable to transfer your laundry right away.
Steam Option: Add steam to penetrate deep into fibers and enhance cleaning performance, especially helpful for tough pet-related stains.

Which Washer is Best for Your Home?

Speed Queen and Maytag each have their own benefits; which brand’s products are best for you and your home? It all depends on your preference in factors like how you prefer to load and unload laundry, what aesthetic you’re trying to achieve, or how much and how often you do laundry. Ask these questions to identify which washer is best for you:

Do you prioritize durability & simplicity?
Speed Queen with its metal parts and commercial-grade build is built to last decades.
Need big capacity and stain-fighting features?
Maytag excels with deep tubs and stain offense.
Want modern tech & convenience?
Both brands offer smart options, but Maytag leads with app controls and automatic dispensers.
Prefer front-load options?
Choose Speed Queen’s FF7 for steam refresh or Maytag’s Smart Pet Pro for strong performance and odor prevention.

Personalizing your search for the right washer means understanding how you want to use your washer and which model allows you to get the most out of their offerings.

Which Washer Should You Choose?

So, which one is right for you, Speed Queen or Maytag?

Choose Speed Queen if you want a washer that’s built to last decades. With its ultra-quiet operation and commercial-grade durability, Speed Queen is perfect for those who prioritize reliability and long-term performance. It’s simple, effective, and backed by one of the best warranties in the industry. If you want a no-fuss washer that can handle anything you throw at it, Speed Queen is a smart investment.

Go with Maytag if you’re looking for modern features, powerful stain-fighting abilities, and pet care solutions. The Pet Pro Option and Extra Power Button make Maytag ideal for pet owners and busy families who need a washer that can handle pet hair and tough stains. With smart connectivity options, you can control and monitor your washer remotely for flexibility. If you love the convenience of tackling laundry challenges from your phone while making sure your clothes are free from pet hair and allergens, Maytag is a great choice.

Affordability is also a main consideration for many shoppers and homeowners looking for the right washer that suits their needs. For affordability-minded decision-makers, Maytag is generally known to offer more budget-friendly options, while Speed Queen’s heavy-duty build and components position it higher with price points.

Find the Best Washer for You at Queen City Homestore

Ready to discover which washer is best for your home?

At Queen City, we understand the best washer isn’t just about clean laundry. It’s about providing peace of mind. Visit your local appliance experts and explore the latest Speed Queen and Maytag washers in person. Our team can help you test features, compare models, and tailor a solution to your space and cleaning needs.

Queen City also specializes in offering the latest and greatest in appliances to help you enhance your home living experience, including laundry, refrigeration, cooking, and dishwashers.

FAQs: Speed Queen vs Maytag

Which washer is quieter?

Maytag's front-loading models are quieter than Speed Queen's commercial-style top-loaders. Speed Queen’s TR7 model has improved sound insulation, but traditional agitation models tend to run louder.

Are replacement parts and service readily available?

Yes. Speed Queen parts are high quality and easily available, and Speed Queen offers local service. Maytag also provides extensive service through national networks. Queen City can assist with connecting customers with service companies from both brands.

Which washer is better for pet hair?

Maytag Smart Pet Pro has specialized settings to remove pet hair. Speed Queen FF7 front-loader includes a Pet Plus steam option to refresh fabrics, but removal of pet fur is strongest with Maytag.

Which washer uses less water and energy?

Maytag front-loaders are high efficiency and Energy Star-rated. Speed Queen top-loaders use more water but are optimized for cleaning; front-loaders like FF7 are better for resource savings.

How long will each washer last?

Speed Queen washers often run 25+ years. Maytag washers average 10-15 years, with heavy-duty models sometimes stretched longer with proper maintenance.

Which washer has shorter cycles?

Speed Queen TR7 top-load cycles complete faster (under 30 min). Maytag’s Quick cycles may be slightly longer but offer more automated options like fresh-hold or sanitize.