Maytag's Bravos MTW6600 is a top-loading washing machine built with quantity in mind. It practically triples the capacity of a traditional top-loader. With a 4.6-cubic-foot interior, the Bravos can handle an extraordinary 18 pounds per load. We recommend this spacious model for a busy, sports-minded family that produces lots of laundry.

In spite of its tremendous capacity, the Bravos MTW6600TQ offers a unique high-efficiency design that uses as little as one-half the water of many conventional top-loading models. You can wash a lot more clothes at one time in this machine, and you will use less water than ever before.

The Maytag MTW6600TQ uses the unique IntelliClean Impeller System to replace the more traditional washing machine agitator. IntelliClean works by rolling clothes through a mixture of water and detergent. This is not only easier on your clothes than an agitator, but it also saves water. Further adding to the gentleness is a smooth, but durable catch-free stainless-steel wash basket.

Equipped with 11 automatic wash cycles, the Bravos MTW6600TQ has specialized settings for your whites, permanent press fabrics and jeans. We especially liked the super wash setting for very dirty loads. It kicks up the machine action and increases the washing time to remove excess soil. Quick-wash is another of our favorite features on this model. Use it to quickly wash a forgotten item, such as a soccer uniform. It will save you plenty of time over the regular cycle, although the cleaning is not quite as thorough. Our recommendation is to resist the temptation to use this cycle regularly and save it for those forgotten emergencies.

There are a couple of other unique features that make this washer stand out from the crowd. One such feature is the clean washer cycle. This cycle uses highly pressurized water to clean the inside of the machine. This system is helpful in preventing build up of laundry products such as detergent and excess fabric softener. A second unusual feature is the stain cycle. Setting this option activates a direct-inject cleaning action, eliminating the need for pretreatment of stains.

Maytag's Bravos has a 10-hour delay start, which allows you to load the machine and run the wash at a later time. Timed dispensers for detergent, bleach and fabric softener allow you to complete cycles without having to make repeat trips to the machine or interrupt the cycle to add these products. A window on the lid seems a bit silly, but it allows the curious to check on the load while the machine continues to run. One of the best things about this model is its maximum spin speed of 1000 rpm. This intense speed effectively extracts as much water as possible from your clothes, resulting in vastly shortened dryer times.

Yet another thing we like about the Bravos MTW6600TQ is its advanced suspension system. Combined with added insulation, this system significantly reduces vibration. The result of lessening the vibration is surprisingly quiet machine operation. Fully automated, this model has a temperature control feature that electronically selects and maintains uniform water temperatures. The IntelliFill water level control also senses the load size and selects the amount of water to use for best cleaning and rinsing.

Maytag Bravos relies on a combination of electronics and knob controls, which we found surprisingly easy to operate. A cycle status display will keep you informed as to the internal goings on, while an end-of-cycle signal will alert you when the wash cycles have finished. Available white or sleek black, the Maytag Bravos MTW6600TQ offers a unique combination of features and has a similar efficiency as that of front-loading washers but with the convenience and familiarity of a top-loading machine.


Pros: Large capacity, gentle, water efficient, 1000 rpm spin speed for shortening drying times, offers the benefits of a high-efficiency front-loader in a top-loading configuration, fits where many front-loaders will not
Cons: Priced in the higher range

Warranty
1 year