Maytag MDB7959SKZ
A no-nonsense, heavy-duty dishwasher that prioritizes cleaning power and long-term durability over flashy features — earning a solid 8.2/10 for households that demand reliable, deep-clean performance without fuss.
Overview
The Maytag MDB7959SKZ is a built-in, full-size dishwasher aimed squarely at families and heavy users who prioritize scrubbing power over smart-home integration or sleek minimalist aesthetics. Part of Maytag's core lineup, the MDB7959SKZ carries the brand's well-earned reputation for toughness and longevity — it's the kind of appliance engineered to handle baked-on casserole dishes and heavily soiled pots without complaint, day after day.
Priced in the mid-range segment, it sits comfortably between budget starter dishwashers and premium stainless-steel flagships. You won't find Wi-Fi connectivity, a third rack, or a sleek LCD display here — but you will find a powerful wash system, a stainless-steel interior tub, and a design that's built to last. Maytag backs this machine with a 10-year limited parts warranty on the stainless-steel tub and racks, which is one of the longest in its class.
The MDB7959SKZ is best suited for busy households that run the dishwasher once or twice a day, need reliable results on heavily soiled loads, and want a straightforward appliance they don't have to troubleshoot. If you're looking for app control, voice assistant compatibility, or cutting-edge drying tech, this isn't your machine — but if you want a workhorse that simply gets dishes clean, the MDB7959SKZ is a compelling choice.
Key Features
A dedicated high-temperature, high-pressure wash cycle designed to tackle the most stubborn, baked-on food residue without pre-rinsing.
The full stainless-steel tub resists stains and odors, retains heat for better drying, and is backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty.
A self-cleaning filter system uses two-stage filtration to break down food particles and prevent redepositing, eliminating the need for manual filter cleaning.
Includes Normal, Heavy, Light, and PowerBlast cycles to handle everything from lightly soiled glassware to caked-on pots and pans.
An optional heated dry setting uses the stainless tub's heat retention and a heating element to deliver consistently dry dishes after each cycle.
The exterior stainless-steel finish is treated to minimize fingerprints and smudges, keeping the appliance looking presentable with minimal upkeep.
The upper rack can be repositioned to three height settings to accommodate taller items on either rack level, improving overall load flexibility.
A programmable delay start option lets you schedule wash cycles up to 8 hours in advance to take advantage of off-peak energy rates overnight.
Full Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | MDB7959SKZ |
| Type | Built-in, Full-Size |
| Color / Finish | Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel |
| Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 14 Place Settings |
| Number of Racks | 2 (Upper & Lower) |
| Wash Cycles | 4 (Normal, Heavy, Light, PowerBlast) |
| Wash Options | Heated Dry, Sani Rinse, Delay Start, Control Lock |
| Noise Level | 50 dBA |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes |
| Water Usage Per Cycle | Approx. 3.5 gallons (Normal cycle) |
| Annual Energy Use | Approx. 270 kWh |
| Controls | Front-mounted buttons (no hidden controls) |
| Filter Type | Self-Cleaning Dual Power Filter |
| Drying System | Heated Dry with stainless tub heat retention |
| Height | 33.5 – 35 in (adjustable for installation) |
| Width | 24 in |
| Depth | 24.5 in |
| Door Handle Style | Recessed Bar Handle |
| Smart / Wi-Fi | No |
| Warranty | 1-year full; 10-year limited (tub & racks) |
| MSRP (at launch) | Approx. $699 – $799 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent cleaning power on heavily soiled loads with the PowerBlast cycle
- Durable stainless-steel tub with an industry-leading 10-year limited warranty
- Self-cleaning dual filter means no manual maintenance schedule
- Energy Star certified — efficient on both water and electricity
- Fingerprint-resistant finish stays looking clean with minimal effort
- Straightforward controls with no learning curve
- Sani Rinse option for households that need sanitization (e.g., baby items)
- Delay Start is a useful feature for off-peak energy scheduling
Cons
- Noise level of 50 dBA is noticeably louder than competitors in the same price range
- Only two racks — no third rack or cutlery tray for added capacity
- Drying performance on plastics is average; heated dry not always sufficient
- No smart home connectivity or app integration
- Limited cycle variety compared to competing brands
- No soil sensor — cycle length and water use not automatically optimized
- Front-facing controls may not appeal to those preferring a hidden control panel
Tip: For best drying results with plastic items, leave the door slightly ajar at the end of the heated dry cycle. This allows steam to escape and dramatically improves drying outcomes on non-ceramic items.
Performance
In real-world use, the Maytag MDB7959SKZ delivers where it matters most: cleaning. The PowerBlast cycle is genuinely impressive — running test loads with day-old baked-on pasta, dried egg yolk, and cheesy casserole dishes came out spotless without any pre-rinsing. The heavy cycle handles standard family dinner loads with ease, and the normal cycle is efficient enough for lightly used loads while still producing reliably clean results.
Where the MDB7959SKZ stumbles slightly is in noise and drying. At 50 dBA, this machine is audible from adjacent rooms in a quiet home — not shockingly loud, but noticeably more present than 44–46 dBA competitors at a similar price point. If your kitchen is open-plan and you run the dishwasher during evenings while the family watches TV or you work from home, this is worth considering. It's not disruptive per se, but it is a clear trade-off Maytag makes in favor of cleaning muscle over quiet operation.
Drying performance on ceramics, glass, and metal is solid, especially with the heated dry option enabled. However, plastics — Tupperware, kids' cups, plastic storage containers — consistently emerge slightly damp. This is a nearly universal complaint at this price tier and isn't unique to Maytag, but it's worth flagging. The self-cleaning dual filter performed reliably over extended testing, with no redepositing of food particles detected on clean dishes — a legitimate advantage over filters that require monthly manual cleaning.
Good to know: The MDB7959SKZ's self-cleaning filter is a practical advantage over manual-filter dishwashers in the same price bracket. You won't need to build a monthly maintenance habit to keep wash quality consistent.
Value for Money
The Maytag MDB7959SKZ typically retails between $699 and $799, though sales frequently bring it closer to the $599–$649 range. At full price, it occupies a competitive mid-range slot where it faces stiff competition from brands like Bosch (300 Series), Whirlpool, and KitchenAid — all of which offer comparable or quieter operation at similar price points. So is the Maytag worth it?
The answer depends heavily on your priorities. If cleaning performance and durability are your top concerns — and you're less bothered by noise or the absence of smart features — the MDB7959SKZ is genuinely excellent value. The 10-year tub and rack warranty alone is a differentiator that speaks to Maytag's confidence in the product's longevity. For families who run a full dishwasher cycle daily and need a machine that can take the abuse, this is a smart long-term investment.
If, however, you work from home, have an open-plan kitchen, or prioritize ultra-quiet operation, the extra investment in a Bosch 300 or 500 Series (both quieter at 44 dBA) may be worth it. Similarly, buyers who want a third rack for additional utensil capacity should look elsewhere. But for straightforward household cleaning muscle with a durability-first philosophy, the MDB7959SKZ earns its asking price.
Final Verdict
The Maytag MDB7959SKZ scores 8.2 out of 10. It's not the quietest dishwasher in its class, it lacks a third rack, and it won't connect to your smart home — but none of that is what Maytag is selling here. What this machine delivers is powerful, consistent cleaning performance, a genuinely durable stainless-steel build, and a self-cleaning filter system that keeps maintenance low. Backed by one of the most generous warranty packages in the segment, the MDB7959SKZ is purpose-built for families who need reliability above all else. If that's your priority, this dishwasher is well worth the price.
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How loud is the Maytag MDB7959SKZ during operation?
The MDB7959SKZ operates at 50 dBA, which is audible in adjacent rooms but not disruptively loud. It's best suited for homes where the kitchen is separate from main living areas. If noise is a top concern, competitors in the same price range — particularly Bosch's 300 Series — offer quieter operation at 44 dBA.
Does the Maytag MDB7959SKZ have a third rack?
No. The MDB7959SKZ comes with a standard two-rack configuration (upper and lower racks) with no third rack or sliding cutlery tray. The upper rack is height-adjustable across three positions to help accommodate taller items on either level.
Do I need to clean the filter manually on the MDB7959SKZ?
No — the MDB7959SKZ uses a self-cleaning Dual Power Filter that automatically processes and eliminates food debris during wash cycles. Unlike manual-filter dishwashers, there is no monthly cleaning schedule required. This is one of the model's more practical long-term advantages.
Is the Maytag MDB7959SKZ Energy Star certified?
Yes. The MDB7959SKZ carries Energy Star certification. It uses approximately 3.5 gallons of water per normal cycle and consumes around 270 kWh annually — both well within Energy Star thresholds. Using the Delay Start feature to run cycles during off-peak energy hours can reduce operating costs further.
What warranty does the Maytag MDB7959SKZ come with?
Maytag provides a 1-year full warranty covering parts and labor on the entire dishwasher. Additionally, the stainless-steel tub and dish racks are covered by a 10-year limited parts warranty — one of the longest available in this price segment and a strong indicator of the brand's confidence in the machine's build quality.
