Maytag MFF2558DEM French Door Refrigerator Review

If you didn't know, the Maytag brand has been owned by Whirlpool Corporation since 2005. Both brands build products out of the same parts in the same factories—except, products carrying the Maytag logo are today designed to be a little more rugged, a little more industrial, and at least look little tougher than the competition... even internal competition from Whirlpool itself. Such is the case for the 25-cu.-ft., 36-inch Maytag MFF2558DEM (MSRP $1,799), a near-perfect clone of Whirlpool's own WRF535SMBM.

In November of last year, when the WRF535SMBM dropped way below its MSRP to a street price under $1,000, it became the cheapest way to get a stainless steel French door fridge into your home. The Maytag MFF2558DEM was never treated to such a price drop, but retains the robust feature set and food preservation characteristics of its twin. Plus, it adds a 10 year warranty to the refrigerator's compressor.

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What's Unique?

The handles.

The handles are the only major exterior difference from the Whirlpool: They're round columns instead of curved rails, with thick caps on the ends. If you like the look, you can match it with other Maytag appliances. If you don't like the look, buy the Whirlpool instead. To get more close-up photos, check out our review of the Maytag MFX2876DRM—the first refrigerator to debut the new design language.

Like the Maytag, the MFF2558DEM stores food in a more ideal way than its price tag suggests. Temperatures are remarkably stable in both the main compartment and the freezer, while excellent moisture retention in the crisper drawers means salad will stay fresher, longer.

For a change, cost savings seem to have been achieved by cutting down on extra features, rather than the core performance of the appliance. Simple wire racks in the freezer won't be every remodeler's dream aesthetic, and there's no through-the-door ice and water dispenser—just the ice maker in the freezer. Still, we do get a temperature-adjust pantry drawer and internal LED lighting.

But with in-store prices still above $1,500, for now the cost is merely "fair." This just isn't the same amazing bargain as the WRF535SMBM, so unless handles mean that much to you or you can find a great deal on a package of Maytag appliances, go with the Whirlpool-branded fridge instead.

For much more information, refer to our full review of the nearly identical Whirlpool WRF535SMBM.

Meet the tester

Christopher Snow

Managing Editor

@BlameSnow

Chris was born and raised less than ten miles from our editorial office, and even graduated from nearby Merrimack College. He came to Reviewed after covering the telecom industry, and has been moonlighting as a Boston area dining critic since 2008.

See all of Christopher Snow's reviews