Is 6.7 cubic feet a big dryer?
Yes. A 6.7 cubic foot drum is considered a large-capacity dryer size for everyday households; it typically handles bigger mixed loads and many bulky items with fewer cycles. For your Maytag MDE6700AYW, load size still matters for even drying and airflow (see the MDE6700AYW use & care manual).
What 6.7 cu. ft. usually means in real use
A 6.7 cu. ft. dryer is commonly a good fit if you regularly dry:
- Full loads of towels, jeans, and mixed cottons
- Bedding like sheets and many comforters (often best dried one at a time)
- Family-size laundry loads where you want fewer loads per week
- Bulky items that need room to tumble for airflow
How to get the best results on the MDE6700AYW
Even with a large drum, performance depends on tumbling space and venting. We recommend:
- Avoid overloading; restricted tumbling can cause uneven drying and wrinkles
- Sort heavy items from lightweight items for more consistent results
- Clean the lint screen before or after each load
- Keep the exhaust duct as short and straight as practical; inspect and clean it at least yearly
“Large” vs “extra-large” capacity (quick comparison)
| Capacity range | Common label | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 to 6.0 cu. ft. | Standard | Smaller households, lighter weekly laundry |
| 6.5 to 7.0 cu. ft. | Large | Family loads, towels, bedding |
| 7.0+ cu. ft. | Extra-large | Very large households, frequent bulky loads |
Why it matters
A larger drum can reduce drying time and improve fabric care because items tumble more freely. If the load is packed too tightly or the vent is restricted, even a large-capacity dryer like the Maytag MDE6700AYW can dry slowly or unevenly.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with the Maytag dryer?
For the Maytag MDE6700AYW dryer, the most common issues we see are poor drying or no heat from restricted airflow (lint screen or venting) and noisy or no-tumble symptoms from normal wear in drum support components. The troubleshooting section in the MDE6700AYW user manual is a good starting point.
Quick checks first (fastest wins)
- Clean the lint screen before every load.
- Confirm the outside vent hood opens freely and is not blocked.
- Check for crushed, kinked, or overly long duct runs.
- Avoid overloading; one washer load equals one dryer load.
- If the dryer is gas, confirm the gas supply valve is fully open.
Most common symptom-to-cause map
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Takes too long to dry | Vent restriction, lint buildup | Clean ducting and verify strong airflow |
| No heat | Airflow issue, heater circuit problem | Check venting first; then test heating components |
| Loud thumping/squealing | Worn drum support parts | Inspect rollers and related hardware |
| Shuts off before clothes are dry | Load size too small or too large, sensor cycle behavior | Adjust load size and dryness level settings |
Parts that commonly come up in these repairs
If airflow is good but heating is still inconsistent, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Dryer operating thermostat WP35001092 (regulates operating temperature)
- Dryer safety thermostat WP35001087 (helps prevent overheating)
- Dryer heating element WP35001247 (electric heat source)
- Dryer support roller kit WPW10177428 (helps the drum turn smoothly)
Why it matters
Airflow problems do more than slow drying; they can overheat the dryer and lead to repeated shutdowns or heat-related component failures. Keeping the exhaust system clean also helps your Maytag MDE6700AYW run more efficiently.
Last updated: January 2026
What's the life expectancy of a Maytag dryer?
Maytag dryers like model MDE6700AYW typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use. Regular maintenance (especially lint and vent cleaning) and replacing common wear parts as needed can push service life beyond that range.
What affects lifespan the most
A dryer’s life is usually determined by heat stress, airflow restriction, and normal wear on moving parts. We recommend using the maintenance guidance in the MDE6700AYW use & care manual.
- Clean the lint screen before or after every load
- Keep the exhaust duct as straight and short as practical
- Inspect and clean the exhaust system at least yearly
- Avoid overloading (restricted tumbling increases wear and dry time)
- Address new noises early (rollers and supports wear faster if ignored)
Typical lifespan by usage pattern
| Usage pattern | Typical life expectancy | What usually ends it first |
|---|---|---|
| Light (1 to 3 loads/week) | 12 to 18 years | Belt, rollers, thermostats |
| Average (4 to 7 loads/week) | 10 to 15 years | Heating system, airflow issues |
| Heavy (multiple loads/day) | 7 to 12 years | Drum support wear, heat cycling parts |
Parts that commonly extend the life of this dryer
If your MDE6700AYW is heating inconsistently, overheating, or taking too long to dry, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Dryer operating thermostat WP35001092 (regulates operating temperature)
- Dryer safety thermostat WP35001087 (backup safety limit for overheating)
- Dryer support roller kit WPW10177428 (helps reduce rumbling and drum drag)
Why it matters
A dryer that runs hot or can’t move air efficiently works harder, dries slower, and wears out components sooner. Good airflow and timely replacement of wear parts usually cost far less than replacing the entire dryer.
Last updated: January 2026





