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Post# 18000-6/6/2002-06:56 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: Mike - Those Philco machines did not agitate in the typical back and forth or up and down manner. I am not technically proficient but I will try to explain. Near the bottom of the agitator there was a wavy heavy rubber disc that moved rapidly in an orbital fashion. This created fast moving waves of water in the tub that gently loosened dirt from the clothes. Over the years Philco had several names for it. It was introdiced in 1958 on the first Philco Bendix "Automagic" washer and it was referred to as "high frequency" washing action and supposedly produced up to 600 waves of water per minute. In the early 1960's it was called "undertow agitation" because the action pulled the clothes in, down and around. Later in the 60's and until Philco got out of appliances it was called "blades of water" and/or "flex- a- wash". It seems to me that that action was in effect a forerunner of the Whirlpool/Sears "Calypso" wash motion. I always thought these machines were fascinating and unique and they were actually very effective in washing.
For a more technical explanation, you could look to our webmaster Robert (Unimatic) since he has completely restored a '59 Automagic and has some very detailed pictures of that posted, or perhaps Greg (gansky 1).
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Post# 18001-6/6/2002-06:59 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hullo Mein Herr!
Nice to have you back from hollies and glad to hear you had a good time.
Getting down to bussiness, our old Siemens top loader, I am pretty sure, did four rinses and so did our FL Hoover. Tell me, do the new FL machines use a larger fill for rinses,than they do for washing? I am just trying to picture a 5 kilo load being rinsed out in 30(?) liters of water (assuming a 15 liter fill per rinse). You'd have to be pretty sparing with your soap.
Waiting with baited breath to hear from you.
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Post# 18002-6/6/2002-07:08 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: That is very interesting angus. So, how did this machine rate in the performance stakes? Was it similar to the Frigidaire machines in gentleness and effectiveness? What about the agitator shaft, did that move about in an orbital fashion also or was it stationary?
Somebody mentioned several weeks ago that the Philco TL's were quite ahead of their time and looking at Gansky's find I would have to agree. Large lids and wide openings have certainly made a comeback.
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Post# 18003-6/6/2002-07:13 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Wonderful!! (Back On Line)
MESSAGE: That's one thing I noticed, too - all the TLs I used on holiday had a lid lock, and would only open during fill. They did a fine job of washing, but it would have been nice to be able to check up on things halfway through. Just to satisfy one's curiosity, of course!
This is something I don't get; TLs sold for domestic use over here just cut out when the lid is opened, as did those I used in the guest laundry while I was staying in the US. Perhaps it's just a liability thing with commercial settings here.
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Post# 18004-6/6/2002-07:24 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hoover New Wave (Candy washers in Aus)
MESSAGE: Candy washers are sold here - sort of.
There is a company called DEC (discount Electrical Centres) with a chain of stores who sell mainly TVs and videos, but also carry some washers, dishwashers and fridges. They sell an odd mix of ex-rental, factory seconds and new mystery brand stuff. They import a lot of used and factory second grade appliances from the UK and a little from elsewhere in Europe. Much of what they sell is models not normally sold in Aus. They appear to carry some parts but basically it appears that they don't care if parts are available here or not. I have a Candy machine which they imported, it needs a suspension part and a new lid and drum weight. (the lump of concrete) I went to their nearest store in Geelong, they advised that only their Northcote store carries parts - an extra hours drive away. The model number has been removed from the machine so I can't order a part direct from UK/Europe. The ethics of this operation are rather dubious in my opinion. I got the machine for nothing so I have no complaint with them, but pity the poor mug who paid $500 or so for it new.
I also found a Candy Washer/Dryer on a roadside cleanup some years ago. The blower for the dryer had rusted out but the washer worked fine. I gave it to an in-law who used it for several years. I assume it was a private import.
Candy washers aren't sold here through official channels.
Hoover did have a UK assembled FL till this year (?) above the Beko clone, was it a Candy in disguise?
Chris.
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Post# 18005-6/6/2002-07:32 ||| chestermikeuk (Chester, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: Hi Angus
I think hoiday brain syndrome....never clicked it was the same agitation method as Roberts 59 Automagic, I had the honour of seeing his machines last year at the convention....and come to think of it I have downloaded the video of the agitation flapper unit working out of the cabinet....
My favorite still has to be the 57 Lady Kenmore, just love that action and that hazy ozone lamp!!
Mike
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Post# 18006-6/6/2002-08:13 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (A bit more on the Philco)
MESSAGE: Hi Mike -
The '66 washer used a similar type of wobble plate with a rubber flapper as the first Automagic in 1959. The one Jimmy brought home (as well as most others on the farm) had the rubber flapper still intact, but badly dried and shriveled. Jimmy did find one that was in OK shape which he brought back, but the biggest problem will be finding the other rubber parts below the agitator that connect the agitator to the tub, cover the agitator joints and spin hub, etc. It will be a challenge to find these rubber parts, not to mention getting the pump running again, and the possibility of the problems with the mechanism, etc. as Robert had.
The 1960 Miss "A" that I brought home has a little different design for the agitator, more similar to the 1959 Robert restored last year. The major difference is that 1960 was the first year of the perforated tub vs. the solid tub with perforated liner that was on the 59's. There is still the ball-point balance system that all but eliminates out of balance conditions in the spin. I think I have most of the rubber parts that I will need for this model, and I have a box full of Philco odds and ends (seals, etc.) that may be handy for this machine also. Of course, there are a few machines in line ahead of Miss "A" in the garage, so it may be a while before I get to her!
Consumer's reports for 1961 and 1966 listed the Philco washers as average in washing ability, poor sand disposal, average or below in spin performance and below average in frequency of repair records. None of this matters though, it is still too fabulous of machine to care what CR thought! All I have for Philco information is the Repair-Master book which does not give any stats on OPM of agitation nor RPM of the spin cycle, Robert may know more of that.
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Post# 18007-6/6/2002-08:25 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hotpoint)
MESSAGE: Hi Brent.
From what I can see most of the talk of new Hotpoint appliances is regarding the UK Hotpoint brand, not Hotpoint in USA. (though they are related through common GE heritage.)
I am in Australia so I can't comment if there are in fact new Hotpoint appliances in USA but I don't recall reading any mention of them.
Chris.
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Post# 18008-6/6/2002-08:32 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (4 rinses)
MESSAGE: Hi Richtoo.
re 4 rinses - My Hotpoint 9560W of late eighties vintage does 4 rinses on most cycles. The stepped floor of the outer drum means it holds some suds behind after pumping out so it still rinses poorly despite doing 4 rinses with a spin after each rinse. (usually a formula for good rinsing)
My Asko does 5 rinses with selectable high/low water level for all rinses. Only has 1 intermediate spin and 1 final spin so rinses poorly despite all the rinses.
Pacific (Gorenje) FL's had 4 rinses. (early eighties)
One of my dead Bendixes does 4 rinses.
Old Aussie-made Hoover FL's (Zodiac and Electra-economiser series) did 5 rinses (but only 2 spins)
Best Wishes
Chris.
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Post# 18009-6/6/2002-08:42 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (A bit more on the Philco)
MESSAGE: Greg - I would imagine that parts for those machines are very dear. I will never understand the design and placement of the Philco dryer lint filter - considering how progressive the washer design was. I have to believe that was not a big positive selling point on those dryers. AFter all, would you really want to get down on the floor, remove the front toe panel and go behind another door to clean out the lint filter after every load? I remember the Consumer Reports ratings of Philco dryers in the 1960's always mentioned the inconvenience of the lint filters which were behind (as CR reported) "flimsy access panels which were hard to close securely".
I also wonder why these machines were deemed so unreliable. I mean that I understand that this was based on reader response, but what were the particular problem areas?? I don't think they ever elaborated.
Of course, even with all that said, you were so fortunate to find those and of course I still want one. THis is definitely a piece of history!! Final question - was the Miss America you found the one with the 8 pushbuttons as pictured in the "Wanted" section? That would have been the exact machine my neighbors had. SHould have kept my eye on that one. IT was hardly ever used since at that time we all had septic tanks and their side of the street had such poor drainage they had to choose between the washer and the shower. So, to the coin laundry they went............ Sadly, Miss America took a powder when we got sewers in 1980.................
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Post# 18010-6/6/2002-09:18 ||| gizmo (Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (4 rinses)
MESSAGE: Goodness I am getting silly - replying to my own posts.
I think the reason that the number of rinses have gone down in recent years is detergent technology and energy ratings.
Earlier designs used to do several rinses immmediately after the wash without doing any intermediate spins. This was in case any foaming was present - the idea was to dilute the water/soap residue several times before attempting a spin as spinning with suds between the drums whips up a fantastic lather and overloads the motor.
Current machines with spins directly after the wash and between all rinses rely on detergents that produce almost no suds. Many also have suds detection to change programme if excess suds are detected. The low energy ratings are based on low suds detergents and no excess suds being detected. Spinning the load after every wash/rinse dramatically improves the effectiveness of the rinses, so less rinses are needed overall.
Chris.
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Post# 18011-6/6/2002-09:33 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Peter)
MESSAGE: My Wascomats are the commercial machines, not the Frigemore's with the coin slides. Wascomat is the American commercial laundry branch of Electrolux. They are known as Wascator in Europe, and Elux owns Frigidaire amongst many other brands worldwide. They are in no way linked to GE. I do have six GE coin-op machines, and they are fantastic -- real workhorses, but very H2O wasteful.
-ph
LINK: www. wascomat.com
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Post# 18012-6/6/2002-10:09 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: Wow Greg great pictures. Looks like you've got your work cut out for you. I can't wait to see the Blue tub '66 Philco in action, I've never seen one of those operatre before. I heard from a few old repair techs that they didn't move a thing! Will be interesting to see.
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Post# 18013-6/6/2002-10:10 ||| PeterH770 (Atlanta, GA)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: The phico machines are just a hoot! The rubber plates that cause agitation move in an up-down-and-around fashion, like when you spin a coin on a table and it winds down. One side up, one side down, going round and around. The earlier design probably had better cleaning ability because the rubber wash plate was bigger and the tub smaller. On the later models, the wobble plate was smaller, attached to a helmut shaped holder. The pictures simply do not do justice to the bright, robin's egg blue porcelain tub. The lid is about the size of the machine top, and opens to the right -- it's HUGE and it's backwards! But the dryer door opens to the left, so as a set it makes sense. It's just a high glamour machine!
The Imperial model must have been facing south, as the colored plastic was melted and the buttons swollen and brittle. So sad...
In the pics at the farm, of Jimmy looking for Philco gold, you can see on the left side a WIA-65 sticking up out of the heap. That would have been a keeper for me, but it was totally distroyed.
-ph
-ph
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Post# 18014-6/6/2002-11:21 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: If you are referring to the old Siemens non-spinning toploader, then it did five rinses. Most of these small toploaders did five rinses, some of them (like my small Miele) even did six rinses.
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Post# 18015-6/6/2002-11:46 ||| cycla-fabric (New Jersey)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (A Philco Prize!!!)
MESSAGE: What a wonderful catch you got there. I have never seen any Philco's that close and most of them were pictures. IYours are great! I see you have a lot of work ahead of you and good luck with them. At least one works, and that is a good sign. I am sure you will get them all up and running. Good Save There!!! I always had a fondness for Philco's!!!
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Post# 18016-6/6/2002-12:00 ||| winstonsmith (North Carolina)
SUBJECT: Need Info!
MESSAGE: Hey, Everybody! I need information and/or hotos of the earliest dishwashers. Can anyone point me in the right direction? If so, please email me at winstonsmith_99@yahoo.com. Thanks for your help.
Winston
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Post# 18017-6/6/2002-12:25 ||| golittlesport (California)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: Hi Greg
Thanks for posting the great photos! Looks like you and Jimmy and Peter had a fun time and found some awesome treasures! I especially like Jimmy's 1956 Philco top loader. Boy, I'd love to see that machine in action. I like the agitator...same as was used in Dexter automatics and wringer washers. Did I see a 1955 Frigidaire Imperial control panel face plate lying about?? Where is the rest of the machine?? :-)
Rich
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Post# 18018-6/6/2002-12:59 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Need Info!
MESSAGE: Hi Winstonsmith, somewhere I know I have an article on the history of dishwashers including pictures, if I can find it tonight I will scan it for you.
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Post# 18019-6/6/2002-14:38 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Need Info!
MESSAGE: Hi Robert
The article sounds interesting, I will look forward to it too.
Richtoo
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Post# 18020-6/6/2002-14:48 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (4 rinses)
MESSAGE: Technically my mum's and my nana's Hoover's (1982/1972) had 5 rinses. However, the first rinse followed directly after the main wash, and water filled from the lower level to the higher level (halfway up the door), then the water flowed through an overflow hole at the back of the drum, getting rid of excess suds, and started rinsing from there. It then did a drain only cycle between the 'dilution' rinse and the 1st rinse, then from the 1st rinse followed fill, rinse, drain, spin, fill, rinse, drain, spin, and so on, then after the 4th rinse did the final spin.
My friend's Hotpoint WM25 (last Aquarius series with the classic Hotpoint bar dial and the four option buttons going vertically right next to it, and also the last series with a round door) also did a dilution cycle between the first rinse and main wash; it drained the water, and filled up with water, then drained it, then filled up again etc. for about 2 minutes whilst the load was tumbled to and fro. It then went into the first rinse, and so on, spinning between each one until reaching the final spin. My old Creda just did the distribution cycle, where the clothes are on the sides of the drum but the tub isn't spinning, between the wash and the first rinse.
I must admit, Kirk, one thing I do like about Hotpoint's is their spin cycles between the rinses, they do a short 3 second spin burst to stick the rest of the clothes to the sides of the drum, they carry on with the distribution speed, then speed up again. The later Hotpoints (my WM64 and my friend's WM25) on the second spin spin at low speed for about 10 seconds, then winds up to about 800rpms, then slows down again for the rinsing cycle. Hotpoint's also don't start filling with water as the drum slows down, they wait for about 10 seconds after the drum has stopped. I also like the sound at the first few seconds after the washer starts spinning, that 'WOOH' noise they make, particurlarly like commercial machines.
Kirk, what was your parent's Hoover like? Mine was a 1982 Hoover too, with the one dial that selected the temperature, and three buttons for different cycles; cottons, synthetics and wool, a half load button and a door release button. It was the Hoover Electronic 1100 model, and had a half chrome-half black control panel, with an orange strip dividing the chrome and black.
As I have said before, I think that spray rinsing on front loaders should be more common where the drum is spinning at around 200rpm, this would really improve rinsing performance.
About the 'super rinsing', my Hotpoint does either four low level rinses when super rinse isn't selected, or two low level rinses with the last two being high level. For some reason, during the super rinse fill, the drum doesn't stay stationary, but it rotates anti clockwise for about 5 seconds, stopping for 10, then continuing the cycle until the fill cycle has finished. Also, isn't the Higher Water Level on Bosch models the same as a super rinse?
Surgilator
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Post# 18021-6/6/2002-15:43 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (4 rinses)
MESSAGE: Hiya Surge,
The reason behind the Hotpoint interval spin pattern is to "ease" the water out of the load gradually, so there's less chance of it sitting in the tub and being whipped up into suds by the spinning drum. After the first run-up, the water more or less drains away completely before the drum speeds up again. The Zanussi you're considering does exactly the same thing, as does my Bosch; I think it's pretty much standard operation nowadays.
My folks never had a Hoover, although the square door models from the 80s, leading all the way up to the EcoLogic, are still favourites of mine - those are the machines my aunt always had. When the New Wave was around, it was one of the machines I recommended to them, but they decided on the Hotpoint instead. Needless to say, after that mistake, they now heed my advice on appliance matters LOL.
I think it would be interesting to see a front loader with a spray rinse. Perhaps we will someday, as another means of skipping a rinse to shorten cycle times.
The Higher Water Level button on the Bosch is more or less the same thing as Super Rinse, except it increases the water level on every single rinse. Usually, I select this option every time, unless I'm doing a smallish load.
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Post# 18022-6/6/2002-15:57 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (A bit more on the Philco)
MESSAGE: Truthfully, I hadn't even thought about the lint filters in the dryers until I was out taking pics to post last night. Odd decision to keep them down there all those years - this filter was a Bendix design from about 1956-57, guess there were other problems that needed solving first and they never got around to the filter locations.
The Miss America panel that was on this one of mine was a little different than the WANTED section picture. The one I removed was similar, but the buttons were more of a piano key style rather than actual buttons on the face of the panel, and the nameplate on the front cabinet says Philco-Bendix.
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Post# 18023-6/6/2002-15:59 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: Work cut out for me is right! Rust and more rust on that Miss "A" washer of mine - I may send that cabinet out to be done if the insides are restorable...I don't paint well anyway!
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Post# 18024-6/6/2002-16:05 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: Hi Rich -
That 56 Philco is a very cool machine - was a POD here a couple of times recently too. I brought that machine home from the junkyard I found here in NE a few months ago. It literally was the only vintage washer on the property (excluding wringers) and I really didn't want to come home emptyhanded. I'm so glad Jimmy is excited about that machine, I didn't have a great deal of interest in it so it will be going to a loving home.
That 1955 Frigidaire Imperial washer panel was from the last unimatic (which had already been scavenged for parts - by none other than our very own Uni!) on the farm. The pump was gone already, so I took some other parts, the mechanism, motor, etc. Peter took the face panel with him and we left the destroyed tub and cabinet shell out on the farm. No simple task getting that mechanism out, but it will be nice to have for parts.
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Post# 18025-6/6/2002-16:18 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (Post your pictures??)
MESSAGE: Did you take pictures of the Imperial, Peter? I should have taken more pictures (or the top to that machine) it was such a cool color.....
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Post# 18026-6/6/2002-17:29 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: AEG 50435
MESSAGE: Whilst doing a search on Pricerunner tonight, I found an AEG washing machine on sale for £229.99. It is the 50435 model, and is identical to the 50430 model, but instead has a spin and rinse hold selection dial instead of the spin speed reduction and rinse hold buttons.
This may well be the end to my new washer search. The AEG has the programme dial/temperature control programme selection, rather than preset programmes on a dial, as with my Hotpoint (e.g. the 95oc cycle is the intensive cycle, 60oC the regular cycle, 40oC the short cycle). It's also what I think extremely good value for money.
Looking at the manual I downloaded from the Service Force website, it seems to only do 2 rinses, for on the dial it has a rinse part, and a conditioner part. The main wash also has three wash cycle selections: with no options it is the normal cycle, with the stain option it is the longer cycle, and with the quick wash option it is, obviously, the quick wash cycle.
surgilator
The manual can be downloaded from the link below: (Please note the manual is a pdf file, right click on the link and select save target as to download to your computer)
LINK: http://www.serviceforce.co.uk/pdfs/U20366.pdf
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Post# 18027-6/6/2002-18:14 ||| DADoES (El Campo, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (A bit more on the Philco)
MESSAGE: Now that I've seen the pics and jogged the old RAM chips a bit, I do recall the Philco dryer at the friends who had the washer (with that round window door -- it was always scary to me for some reason!). I remember the bottom panel was loose and taped in place.
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Post# 18028-6/6/2002-18:15 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Thanks for the info foraloysius. Truthfully, I can't remember exactly how many rinses our little non-spinning Siemens did, thinking it was four, but there you go, five it was then. Maybe our old Hoover did five as well.
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Post# 18029-6/6/2002-18:32 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: AEG 50435
MESSAGE: That really is an amazing price! If you can buy an AEG for £230, why does anyone have the need nowadays to buy crap like Indesit or Servis? I know which I'd go for.
The AEG probably does 3 rinses on the cottons cycle. The "Rinse" sector of the dial usually includes two rinsing stages; very rarely is each rinse marked individually. The "Conditioner" sector does one further rinse, with intake of fabric softener.
Overall, I like the way the AEG controls work. You set each parameter individually, so you've really got quite a large combination of cycles to choose from. And it's really easy to understand - no doubt you could easily start washing without even reading the manual.
Even at that price, I don't think you'd have any problems with the AEG not lasting - a classic appliance for the future, perhaps!
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Post# 18030-6/6/2002-19:17 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: Hello All,
My HE3T does 2 rinses. On the Whitest Whites setting, it will default a 3rd rinse, but you can cancel it. You can do a extra rinse (3rd) as a option on any cycle, but you really don't need it. It actually steps up the water level as it cycles to the last rinse. It will spray rinse after the main wash. Sprays while the tub is spinning very fast in fact, for about 1.5 mins, with the tub slowing down by gravity and the water in the clothes. If you have bleach in the dispenser, it will spray that on the clothes after the first wash. I think this helps to pull the bleach through the clothes, then it goes into it's usual tumble 1st rinse. When it spins after the first rinse, it then does the same thing with the fabric softner, pulling it through the clothes, then going into the normal tumble rinse. There is an "Express Wash" cycle that only tumbles and drains the water after the wash without spinning, then it starts the first rinse. You can see how important a spin is because of the amount of soap left in the clothes. It compensates this by using a good bit more of water through the 2 rinses, actually getting it all out. It is a very good machine. I am still amazed at how much clothing it can handle, and clean so well.
Brent
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Post# 18031-6/6/2002-19:18 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hotpoint and Hoover Front Loaders)
MESSAGE: Do you guys or anyone else have pictures to share of the Hotpoint and Hoover Front Loaders? I would love to see them.
Brent
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Post# 18032-6/6/2002-19:22 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: Does yours spin pretty easily, or does the out of balance computer thing fuss a lot and make it keep starting over?
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Post# 18033-6/6/2002-19:22 ||| arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone!
MESSAGE: Yay! I am so glad that some one rescued that lovely looking Philco washer.
I wonder how mcuh it would cost to ship one to Australia...
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Post# 18034-6/6/2002-19:36 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: Hiya Brent,
Thanks for the further info. Apparently an equivalent to the HE3t/Duet is due for release over here sometime in the near future, so perhaps other European machines will adopt a similar system eventually - it will be interesting to see.
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Post# 18035-6/6/2002-19:36 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Scott)
MESSAGE: On the first 2 spins it goes into the spin without the stopping and starting. It does however do this step speed spin thing. It spins really fast, then slows down and you can hear it drain water it pulled from the clothes, then it starts spinning faster and faster. On the last spin, that is a different story. From what I have learned from a HE3T tech, it's goal is to have most of the water out of the clothes before going into the grand last spin. This is suppose to give the heavy wet clothes a chance to tumble to the outside of the tub and spin the water out. This is how they say it will "reduce wrinkles." The last spin is not supposed to be for getting out the water but for "spin drying" the clothes. Depending on the load of clothes, it can take about 5 times of starting and stopping with reverse tumbles. On small loads, I have seen it go right to the grand spin
What do you think?
Brent
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Post# 18036-6/6/2002-19:39 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hotpoint and Hoover Front Loaders)
MESSAGE: Hiya Brent,
I can get the pics - just haven't got any means of scanning them in yet :o( Once I FINALLY get round to equipping my computer with some form of scanner, I'll upload some pics to the albums, unless another member can beat me to it in the meantime :o)
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Post# 18037-6/6/2002-19:39 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (THANKS KIRK)
MESSAGE: I WOULD LOVE THAT!
BRENT
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Post# 18038-6/6/2002-19:41 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hotpoint and Hoover Front Loaders)
MESSAGE: Oh, one thing I forgot to mention; if it's the new models you want to see, try www.hoover.co.uk and www.hotpoint.co.uk - both sites feature pics of the current machines.
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Post# 18039-6/6/2002-19:44 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (THANKS KIRK)
MESSAGE: Hopefully within the next week or two! Watch this space...
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Post# 18040-6/6/2002-19:44 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (THANKS KIRK)
MESSAGE: I WILL DO THAT.
WOULD STILL LOVE TO SEE THE VINTAGE AND OLDER MODELS.
I WONDER IF WE HAD THOSE MODELS IN THE USA?
BRENT
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Post# 18041-6/6/2002-19:55 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (THANKS KIRK)
MESSAGE: Pretty sure I still have some literature stored away with all my paperwork, although I think it only goes back as far as about 5 years. Even in that relatively short space of time, however, it's still amazing how much things have changed with regards to the technology and styling.
I'm certain the models we had weren't available in the USA. The two markets are completely different, and the product offerings reflect this. While Hotpoint UK and GE had quite strong links, I'm under the impression that very few of the products manufactured here were ever exported anywhere. And, of course, Hoover UK and Hoover USA parted company several years ago, and the only thing they now share is their trading name.
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Post# 18042-6/6/2002-20:07 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (Post your pictures??)
MESSAGE: I always liked the way the blue started way up at the top where the "contour top" began to slant to the tub opening.......... That was a really cool blue....
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Post# 18043-6/6/2002-20:09 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: You mean we're going to get the confusing example of a Whirlpool "American Collection" machine that's made in Germany? Cool, especially if it's the Bauknecht version in the link below.
Are these on general sale on the continent yet does anyone know? Louis?
LINK: http://www.prco.de/pz/news.php?id=103&offset=8&pz=on
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Post# 18044-6/6/2002-20:12 ||| tcox6912 (New Orleans, LA)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (The Skinny Mini)
MESSAGE: Greg:
Enjoyed all of the photos and especially glad to see someone rescue one of the Frigidaires with the Agi-tub. I had one of those and it, too, was ahead of its time.
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Post# 18045-6/6/2002-20:17 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: AEG 50435
MESSAGE: I'd go for it, that's a damn good price for any machine, let alone a decent quality German one! That's probably the closest thing AEG make now to what my parents have (a OKO_Lavamat 645 from about 9/10 years ago), and has the controls I wish my machine had - namely separate cycle and temperature. I'd guess there'll be 3 rinses as standard, maybe a fourth optional by a switch on the machine. AEGs rinse very well though, they usually have a very thorough spin between mainwash-rinse and between rinses.
I don't know what the noise levels will be like, if that worries you, but I'd guess it'll be a bit quieter than your Hotpoint :)
Dave
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Post# 18046-6/6/2002-20:31 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: Electra??
MESSAGE: Richtoo,
That would be the almost identical path to my parents, the one difference being the Electra model. I guess yours was the one with buttons (square?) and a digital display? Theirs had three dials, three flip switches and the power button, if I remember right, and was two tone grey. It was a shame about it's reliability, but at least the electricity board gave them something towards the AEG when they wrote off the Electra. They've still got the AEG, you're right they are built like the proverbial tank/ brick khazi, and it still works really well, even if it does sound like it's trying to take off when it ramps up to 1200 for the last couple of minutes of spin :)
I think you're right about Philips making Electra machines as well, I really don't think they were that fussy who made them! My parents first dishwasher was an Electra badged Candy (complete with hidden programs on the dial).
I vaguely remember the first Electra washer my parents had, the rebadged Hoover, it had a square door with a sliding door catch next to it...
Dave
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Post# 18047-6/6/2002-20:38 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support
MESSAGE: I always thought it was brassic, dunno why, and dunno what that would be rhyming slang for either. Much like the Scots have rooked, means the same thing.
I think there's plenty others too, but I should go to bed right now and resist the temptation to stick the TV back on to Big Brother...
Dave
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Post# 18048-6/6/2002-20:54 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Scott)
MESSAGE: Hi Brent, interesting. I only had the opportunity to observe one once, the same weekend I first observed the ubiquitous "Frigmore" in action. It seemed to me that the HE3T took an inordinate amount of time to finally "decide" it was ready to spin, but the way you've explained it, all of these machinations are perhaps for good purpose. The machine was relatively new to its owner at that time as well, and it's quite possible that even he did not realize what all was taking place. Welcome to the club! Scott
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Post# 18049-6/6/2002-21:20 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: The UK version will be called the Whirlpool Dreamspace. I've seen a pic of it in the trade mags, and it has the same control panel as the TOL WP machines sold here at the moment. Apparently it's not that far off, and will be priced lower than the Neptune as well.
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Post# 18050-6/6/2002-21:23 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Electra??
MESSAGE: Presumably, the situation with Electra products is similar to that of Sears' Kenmore brand in the USA. Most likely, the company that can build to the required spec at the right price wins the contract, until someone else comes along who can beat it.
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Post# 18051-6/6/2002-21:35 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support
MESSAGE: I just checked with the Oxford dictionary on AOL, and it says the phrase comes from the expression "boracic lint" (whatever that means), which is cockney rhyming slang for "skint". Ya learn something every day!
Sounds like you're addicted to Big Brother too! I've been off work with 'flu the past two days, and have been sitting around all day and night in my boxer shorts watching BB Live on E4. Haven't missed a single minute, which I suppose makes me a bit obsessional come to think of it.
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Post# 18052-6/6/2002-22:49 ||| arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Electra??
MESSAGE: I always thought the Kenmore/Whirlpool partnership went right back to the 1940's. Except for some items like the FL Frigemore? Kenmore seems much more consistant than Electra.
Maybe someone more knowledgeable could fill us in.
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Post# 18053-6/6/2002-23:21 ||| MrCoffee (Minnesota)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (Jet Cone agitators)
MESSAGE: I, for one, would most DEFFINATELY like one of those agitators in the pictures. I'm still hoping to find a Frigidaire Jet Cone washer to call my own, and I will be very happy when or if I ever do find one.
How much would you sell one of those agitators for, by the way?
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Post# 18054-6/6/2002-01:12 ||| washrfreak (Dallas)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (Jet Cone agitators)
MESSAGE: Actually, I've been looking for jet cone agitator as well.
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Post# 18055-6/7/2002-03:33 ||| Arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: POD
MESSAGE: Its a Philco kind of day.
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Post# 18056-6/7/2002-05:10 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Electra??
MESSAGE: Hi Dave,
You are right, my Electra (Creda) had the digital display and the tiny square buttons. I had the grey trimmed version and mum had the brown and cream version.
Aside from its truly appaling reliability, it was a good machine. It washed well and quickly, and had plenty of programmes and options. It was easy to use, turn the dial to whatever programme, and the available options would flash little lights next to their buttons, options unavailable with that programme would not flash and could not be selected.
In some ways, I regret getting rid of my AEG rather than getting it fixed. Don't get me wrong, I love my Miele, but that AEG range was probably one of the best washer ranges ever.
Richtoo
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Post# 18057-6/7/2002-05:16 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (UK Big Brother 3)
MESSAGE: Hi Kirk, Dave,
Hands up here, can't help it but I am hooked on BB3. When it started, I thought them an appaling bunch, and now we know them, most are even worse than I first thought. The Channel 4 prgrammes are so bad, the editing is almost non-existant and the live C4 progs so boring. I can not believe we have to pay £10/month to watch the internet video streams, I have not paid.
Despite teh fact teh contestants are awful, the production terrible and C4 is trying to profiteer, I am totally hooked. I feel so sorry for Alex, he is stressed and they pick on him, he is georgeous too. Alison out I say.
Richtoo
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Post# 18058-6/7/2002-05:23 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (4 rinses)
MESSAGE: Hi Kirk
A Miele customer advisor told me that high level rinses help reduce creases, so I usually set it for high rinsing too. I think she may be right, certainly with high rinses and a perm press cycle with its 3 short bursts of mid speed spin, my cotton cargo pants need no ironing, yet still dry overnight on a clothes horse. Jeans too, with a cotton wash and full fast spin are sufficiently crease free to avoid teh iron.
Richtoo
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Post# 18059-6/7/2002-05:54 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Electra?? (Hoover)
MESSAGE: I think that may have been the same model my nana had, she had one with a square door and sliding door catch next to the door, rather than the door release button.
Did your parent's washer had the Hoover programming system I've already mentioned, i.e. the cycle dial with three buttons for different cycles?
surgilator
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Post# 18060-6/7/2002-05:58 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: AEG 50435 (Noise Level)
MESSAGE: The AEG laundry brochure I have with the 50430 model has a noise level of 52dB - that's about the quietest you can get. The 50435 is exactly the same, but with a spinspeed selector.
It should be fair more quieter than my Hotpoint, which is rated at 68dB for washing. However, my kitchen is fully tiled, so this may influence the noise levels as such.
surgilator
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Post# 18061-6/7/2002-06:02 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: Technical advice
MESSAGE: OK - folks, I need assistance. How do you get an agitator out of an old GE washer. The particular agitator I mean is the OLD, turquoise, straight vane activator with the four main vanes and the four secondary vanes that are between the main vanes. Are there special tools? I know that on the later filter flo models, it just snaps out.
I needed one of those for the old GE I found at an estate sale. Apparently the original activator had been replaced with the 1970's white straight vane model. I was lucky to find the turquoise filter flo pan and mini basket so I needed this one piece. My friend at the appliance store found one on an old Versatronic they took in. Most of the machine was trashed but the activator was in great shape. SInce the machine was stuck in the middle of a pile of refrigerators, they wouldn't let me in to try to get it. But they promised to get it for me. Needless to say, they couldn't figure out how to get it out so they let the machine go to the Crusher. I cannot let another one get away...
So, what do I need to do???? Thanks...........
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Post# 18062-6/7/2002-06:13 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (A bit more on the Philco)
MESSAGE: Gee Greg, if it is the piano key style on your "Miss", is it possible that it may have been later than 1960??? That sounds like a picture I sent Robert to post for the POD. It was from a 1963 Tide advertisement and it looked like the buttons or keys were lined up along the bottom left of the control panel. Actually, with the exception of the first Automagics, all of the front cabinet nameplates said Philco Bendix. I recall that on my friend's Miss A. which was the one featured in the "Wanted" section, the plate on the front of the cabinet said Philco Bendix and the little plate on the control panel just said Philco. And the reverse is true on my other neighbor's Automagic Dryer. The front cabinet plate said just Philco, while the little logo on the control panel had Philco Bendix.
I do see the difference in the wash discs from the old models to the later 1960's Philcos. The wider disc on the Miss A. would have had to a better job of washing than the smaller more curved one on the later models. Perhaps Philco did this as one way to increase capacity. I can't imagine that the smaller disc was able to move water effectively through a larger load... But it still was a beautiful machine and worth saving.
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Post# 18063-6/7/2002-06:28 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hotpoint and Hoover Front Loaders)
MESSAGE: I have literature for some too. I have Hotpoint brochures from 1992, and the 1996, 1999 and 2001 Hoover brochures. I can describe the ranges to you though.
Hotpoints, until 1997, had always looked the same from about 1980. They had a small round door, with an outer mounted door handle until 1990, then an inner mounted latch style door handle until 1997. Machines with door release buttons had a small strip filling in the 2o'clock to 4 o'clock position or so of the door. The control panel has been mostly the same; it had the dial at the farthest right, with cycles that matched the care symbols on the labels (e.g. \95/, \60/, \40/ and so on. The dial had an outer ring which showed the programme, and a recessed inner part, with a bar going across, with which you turned the dial with. (The same style as Mike's Hotpoint toploader dial). There were traditionally 4 option buttons directly next to the selector dial, which went down vertical, which, in mots cases, were (going down) Economy Wash, Auto Prewash or Super Rinse, Slow Spin, and Rinse Hold. Upper range Aquarius models or bottom range Ultima models often had a slider in the middle of the control panel, which selected the spin speed. About 1992, the Ultima Microprocessor models came in, with a Liquid Crystal Display, and thin buttons along the bottom of the display which selected different functions. Hotpoint's have mainly had only 3 speeds over the years; 800, 1000 and 1200rpm, with 1400rpm coming in with the Ultima models in 1992.
All Hotpoints have had the same style of drum; big triangular paddles with holes widely spaced out (about 2cm), and the same back, with a 5cm or so wide circle in the middle with three arms coming off and meeting with the wash paddles. The back of Hotpoint drums are similar to Bosch drums at the back, all except without the holes in the back. The drums have always been at 47litres (4.5kg), but over the years the ratings have been as low as 4kg up to 5.5kg, even though the same drum has always been used.
Hoovers, until the New Wave range, had always had rounded square doors, with a chrome trimmed porthole window in the middle. The drum was sort of unique; it had the 3 arms, a raised bump in the middle with an overflow hole in the direct centre, then between the arms had 3 rectangles spanning out from the centre to the edge of the drum.
surgilator
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Post# 18064-6/7/2002-06:41 ||| washrfreak (Dallas)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (UK Big Brother 3)
MESSAGE: They charged for the video feeds during the last BB in America too. Actually, I think we got the first few weeks for free. The next one here starts in about 6 weeks, we'll see what they do then.
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Post# 18065-6/7/2002-06:47 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Are you not talking to me anymore? I've posted message 18001 just for you and you just ignore me - now I am dejected, krushed, devastated, depressed, disconsolate, crestfallen, dismal, doleful, glum, down in the mouth, unhappy and sad; and its all your fault. I hope you are now pleased with yourself, no nice Karma for you today.
Sorry to hear that BB is being inflicted on you guys as well. I suppose this is the second installment there too? Must admit, I've only watched ten minutes worth since it started again and found it as boring as the first show. They opted for the same kinds of people (young, vacuous and generally harsh on the eye)and the house is still hideous.
Had they opted for different ages and looks the show could be so much more exciting. I think an intergenerational mix of different ethnicities, with people from NESB and religious backgrounds could be so much more interesting and electric. Now, THERE you would have the recipe for an interesting show, somethng raw, fresh and of substance.
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Post# 18066-6/7/2002-07:11 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Technical advice (The Agitamer)
MESSAGE: Hi Anthony, there are many ways to do this. I like using the Agitamer if its not a bakelite agitator (they break more often than not with the 'tamer). Only the black agitators on GE's were bakelite so its not an issue for you. Another thing you can do is remove the rubber filter mount, then take a knife and a small hole in the top of the plastic agitator and pour boiling water or oil down the center, with oil you let it sit for a few days. Once you replace the filter mount it will hide the hole you just cut.
LINK: http://www.appliancepartsonline.net/toolagitamer.html
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Post# 18067-6/7/2002-08:02 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Thanks Guys!)
MESSAGE: Thanks for the information.
I did go to the Hoover UK website last night, and I must say that I was impressed on the higher end models. The machines look very well made. I would love to see / hear one in action. Hey, if front loaders take off in the US this time, I wonder if Hoover will join the competition in the US?
Brent
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Post# 18068-6/7/2002-08:02 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (UK Big Brother 3)
MESSAGE: Ooer... how do I confess to this? I've voted to ditch Alex, and Sandy will be next in line. Alison is cool, IMHO, but I think Spencer will be the one who lasts right til the end.
Must say I was almost wetting myself laughing last night over the pillow fights they had on BB Live. The live coverage can become a bit tedious at times, but that was a scream!
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Post# 18069-6/7/2002-08:05 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: June 2002 S.D. Farm Trip - Philcos for everyone! (A bit more on the Philco)
MESSAGE: It's quite possible mine could very well be later than a '60, I don't have much for Philco literature except mid 50's and late 60's so I don't know for sure, I was told 1960. The wanted section picture only has Philco on the front panel emblem, but I can't make out the control panel markings. I really should have taken more pics of all the Philcos we'd pulled out of the weeds.
I've heard the same thing about the larger agitator discs vs. the smaller, later style, but Jimmy has used some of the later machines and said the washing was just as good.
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Post# 18070-6/7/2002-08:06 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (4 rinses)
MESSAGE: I think you're right on this one, Rich. Perhaps the higher water level has the effect of "suspending" the clothes, so they tumble more loosely in the drum and don't scrunch up into folds.
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Post# 18071-6/7/2002-08:35 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Thanks Guys!)
MESSAGE: Hiya Brent,
The Hoover FLs do look like very nice machines, especially the new Vision with the slanted front and tilt drum. Personally, I think they're rather unreliable, due to the fact we get too many complaints and returns on them. I much preferred the older EcoLogic series, which many Hoover service engineers say were the last good models. I really liked the later New Wave series as well, although I've heard they had their fair share of problems, too - unfortunate, given how much work went into developing them.
Not sure if you'll ever see Hoover laundry in the USA again. Over there, Hoover is a floorcare-only brand, as the laundry side of things is taken care of by Maytag. Maytag sold off Hoover UK several years ago, and the company is now owned by the Italian firm Candy.
Maytag now trades independently over here. However, since ditching Hoover UK, they obviously started to miss the slice of the floorcare market they used to have over here. So now they offer US model Hoover vacuums, rebadged as Maytag. Confusing, isn't it?
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Post# 18072-6/7/2002-08:58 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (UK Big Brother 3)
MESSAGE: Aww, I want Alison out 'cause Sandy and Alex could be more entertaining, especially if they stir up trouble.
Although, after what I just read on the E4 ticker (ie the heaven/hell house happening tomorrow), I'd like to see how Alex and Alison cope on the poor side of the house (if they end up there), no hot water and basic rations - that could be interesting viewing.
The pillow fight was brilliant, but my votes for comedy moments so far are all Jade - "East Anglia's abroad isn't it, near Tunisia?" and "There's this boy at our school doesn't know if he's a boy or a girl, and we don't like that sort of thing at our school", when they were in the diary room.
I am, obviously, hooked.
Dave
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Post# 18073-6/7/2002-09:00 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: When you get your scanner working, can you scan some pics of that too?
Not sure what I think of the name 'dreamscape', sounds more like a bed than a washing machine.
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Post# 18074-6/7/2002-09:04 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: AEG 50435 (Noise Level)
MESSAGE: Well that is less than half the noise level of the Hotpoint (I think, tell me if I'm wrong), so you'll notice a huge difference.
Are you going to go for the AEG then?
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Post# 18075-6/7/2002-09:07 ||| daveuk (Livingston)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: It's our third installment, and different to the previous two in many ways. Different house, different types of people etc.
There's plenty of fan sites about, which is just as well 'cause the official ones crap, if you want to see some of the contestants take a look at the link below...
Reality TV intrigues me - I love Big Brother, couldn't get into Survivor, The Experiment intrigued me and most of the others I've just not watched.
Dave
LINK: http://bigbrother.digitalspy.co.uk
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Post# 18076-6/7/2002-09:59 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (UK Big Brother 3)
MESSAGE: Gripping stuff, innit? So far, I think BB3 has been the best yet, even more so than the last two years'. Looking forward to seeing the "haves vs. have nots" split of the house, seem to remember reading about that somewhere.
At the moment, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Jonny to win, as much as I have my own reasons for liking PJ ;o)
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Post# 18077-6/7/2002-10:06 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: Okey dokes - the Dreamspace seems to crop up regularly in the trade mags, so next time it appears I'll snag a copy and scan it in. Wish I'd gone to the ER Show now, seeing as it was on display there, but couldn't really justify going seeing as Bosch weren't exhibiting this year.
Funny how they think up names for these things, isn't it? Sounds rather girly and wishy-washy to me, I much prefer the "Big" monicker that Bauknecht will be using.
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Post# 18078-6/7/2002-10:11 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Agreed, Surivivor was just irritating IMHO. Didn't seem to have BB's comedy value, either. The diary room chatter the other night during the school disco party was hilarious, and I think they've picked a rather entertaining group of contestants this time round.
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Post# 18079-6/7/2002-10:38 ||| tucker (San Diego)
SUBJECT: Hi Everyone
MESSAGE: Hi all,
Theres an addition to my family, as we speak im waiting for my new he3t's from sears =) The 75 whirlpool set is still here and I'll still keep them but some sorority sisters came up with an idea where they pickup laundry from the nicer areas in town (people that will actually pay 130 a month for someone to wash their clothes) and they will use my machine to wash the stuff. Good thing i purchased the warrantee =) They don't have any clients yet so I get the machines to myself, for a little while anyways...Mines the top of the line set in graphite.
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Post# 18080-6/7/2002-14:55 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: No, they are not on general sale yet. The Bauknecht BIG was introduced on the appliance show in Berlin several weeks ago, but when I was in Cologne recently I didn't see it in the stores there. Another question is if the dryer that is made in the US will come to Europe.
Louis
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Post# 18081-6/7/2002-15:02 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Electra??
MESSAGE: Rich,
I have to disagree with you. I bought my AEG Lavamat 625 because a repair man said they were very well built machines, but after a while it appeared that the 600 series was one of the worst made by AEG. There are serious problems with motors (many burnt motors), push buttons and bearings. The later introduced 6000 series was a big emprovement.
Louis
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Post# 18082-6/7/2002-15:21 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Fear Factor has to be one of the biggest wastes of the airwaves, and the coming "Dog Eat Dog" is probably of the same ilk.
Survivor I found mildly entertaining, BB less so, but I didn't watch either in its entirety. Scrubs isn't bad for a novel sitcom (sarcastic hospital stuff); I used to like Frasier and Friends but they have both become way too formulaic. Ally McBeal was interesting for a bit but when Dame Edna came on the scene it got just a little too weird even for me. Not that I don't like her act, I just thought it went beyond the limits of suspension of disbelief that she'd be able to get a job as a top legal firm's office manager, even in Paulo's Boston.
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Post# 18083-6/7/2002-15:55 ||| angus (Fairfield, CT.)
SUBJECT: RE: Technical advice (The Agitamer)
MESSAGE: Hi Robert, thanks for the tip about the "agi-tamer". One question though, is this used for any and all GE agitators or just hopelessly stuck ones?
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Post# 18084-6/7/2002-18:01 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Oh My Darling Bubs,
I never knew I meant so much, you flatter me.
I am sorry I have not replied to 18001, I have not read it yet, but I will go straight to it. Since returning from hols 6 days ago, I have not had enoug time to catch all the posts, I am probably getting to read, and sometimes reply to just a few each day.
We are on Big Bro 3 and tomorrow it is set to get exciting as teh house will be split in to a rich and poor side which is so cruel. If you check out the story, check Alex, Lee and Spencer for eye candy.
Richtoo
LINK: http://www.channel4.com/apps3/bigbrother/news/newsstory.jsp?id=3925
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Post# 18085-6/7/2002-18:15 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hi again Bubsy,
Ta for teh welcome back.
I think only Miele have taken teh 2 rinses as standard route for their new FLs. I think that the fast spin before each rinse removes most of the soap, your guess of 15 litres per rinse fill is probably pretty close to the mark (40 litre total use - allow 5 litres to be absorbed by the load and 5 l free wash water, gives 30 litres for the 2 rinses).
I am very sparing with the soap, with the new formalation biological Ecover, I use 2 tablespoons per average load + 1tablesppon oxygen bleach powder for whites.
Some tentative rinse dilution figures -
30 grams powder
10 litres wash water (5 absorbed by load, 5 free)
on pump out 15g powder remain in load
after spin (50% extraction) 7.5g remain in load
1st rinse with 15 litres
5g in free water 2.5g in load
spin leaves 1.25g in load
2nd rinse 0.8g in free water & 0.4g in load
final spin 0.2g remain in load
in this example, a third rinse would result in 0.03g in the final laundry.
Running the figures again using a starting point of 100g of powder would give 0.7g after 2 rinses and 0.1g after 3 rinses.
Richtoo
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Post# 18086-6/7/2002-18:17 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Electra??
MESSAGE: Hi Louis
Mmmm, maybe you are right, I did have a burnt out motor after about 8 years, which I replaced myself. The original motor also needed 2 new sets of brushes in the first 5 years. I am very heavy on washers, at least 10 loads probably more each week.
Richtoo
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Post# 18087-6/7/2002-18:53 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Hiya Suds,
My options are a bit limited when it comes to comedy shows; all I like is the offbeat, toilet-humour type stuff. Did you ever get Bottom in the US, or The Young Ones? That kind of thing has me laughing my pants off. Friends and Frasier never even raised a giggle from me, but most other folks I know love it.
One of my co-workers is a huge Ally McBeal fan, and told me I just *had* to see it. Didn't really know what to make of it, I think it's too absurd even for me LOL.
*****
Post# 18088-6/7/2002-18:55 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Oi! Don't forget PJ ;o) LOL
Can't wait to see who gets put on each side of the wall, this is getting to be gripping stuff... perhaps I should get out more!
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Post# 18089-6/7/2002-19:01 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
Is it just me, or do you think most detergent manufacturers tell you to put in *way* too much these days? Whenever I use the amount it says on the carton or bottle, I end up getting suds that just won't shift, and have to reset the washer for another complete rinse cycle.
Seeing as I have hard water, I've recently found that a much better strategy is to use water softening powder, and dose the detergent for soft water. Just using more detergent to compensate for the hardness always seems to result in cruddy rinse performance from what I've experienced.
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Post# 18090-6/7/2002-19:03 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: It is a great dryer. I think that it could have been bigger though. The amount of clothes that you can wash in the HE3T is almost too much for the dryer space when they are starting to fluff out during the drying process. It will handle it, but I would have liked the dryer drum to be a little bigger. They did not ask me when they designed it, so there you go!
Also the HE3T is a little bigger than that Big Daddy one in Germany. Or whatever it is called there. From my understanding, Big Daddy does spin faster. That might be why the tub is smaller.
Have a Great Weekend!
Brent
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Post# 18091-6/7/2002-19:12 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet
MESSAGE: Is Bauknecht a company? Does anyone know who is actually building these machines?
Is this a dumb question?
Anyone need a refresher?
Brent
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Post# 18092-6/7/2002-19:13 ||| brent-aucoin (Atlanta, Georgia)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet
MESSAGE: Refresher as in Drink.
Not "touch up" or anything.
Brent
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Post# 18093-6/7/2002-19:21 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet
MESSAGE: Hi Brent,
Bauknecht is a German company that is, I believe, now a subsidiary of Whirlpool. Bauknecht builds the Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Whirlpool Duet / Whirlpool Dreamspace.
Richtoo
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Post# 18094-6/7/2002-19:23 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Sorry, Captain, "Bottom" and "The Young Ones" does not ring any bells for me. Yeah, Ally McB was a bit on the odd side, however, it has some very good music and some killer eye candy (women and men). I found Elaine, the slutty secretary, especially fascinating, and I thought Robert Downey Jr. did his usually stellar acting job, and he showed he can sing quite well in addition. The last two years the writers seemed to be groping a bit, what with the secret office behind a lavatory stall wall ("The Hole" hey isn't that a gay bar?), and the aforementioned Dame Edna. I was disappointed that the plumber (some rock singer) and Ally didn't work it out, as he seemed to be the perfect antidote for her spacyness and also a great dad for her long-lost biological daughter. The whole season wrapped up rather abruptly with Ally quitting her job so she could move her daughter back to New York, but then I know women who make such snap decisions.
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Post# 18095-6/7/2002-19:26 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet
MESSAGE: Bauknecht is owned by Whirlpool, who bought the operation if not the name from Philips (beating out GE who wanted it bad) in the 90's. The actual factory is somewhere in Germany.
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Post# 18096-6/7/2002-19:36 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Hi Kirk
I sure agree about manufactures detergent doses being way over the top. Even Ecover, for all their strong ecological posturing recomend way too much, eg their liquid says 2 & 1/3 capsful, I find 1/4 to 1/2 a cap sufficient depending on load size. Ecover conditioner says 1 or 2 capsful for extra softness, I find 1/8 to 1/4 sufficient to give a good result, if I forget to add even this small amount, I can tell teh difference immediately as the washing feels harsher. Ecover caps are 30ml for info.
Whilst on holiday, I took 2 small boxes of Acdo, normal formula and the Acdo Miracle concentrated formula. The box of Miracle was supposed to do 2 loads ina FL or 1 in a TL, I did 4 or 5 with it. I also did a load with the non-conc formula and brought the rest of the box home and did another 3 or 4 loads with it, this box should have been enough for about 2 1/2 loads.
You can test if you have used enough powder, once completely filled (ie the load is fully saturated), open the door and feel the free water. If it feels slippy, you have enough powder.
I also cut my DW tabs in half, and occasionaly add some powder O2 bleach if extra oomph is needed. Ecover powder O2 bleach is great in the DW.
My Brummie water is exceptionally soft, having fallen on mountains in Wales and run into our resevoir in the Elan valley.
Richtoo
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Post# 18097-6/7/2002-19:43 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Awwww, Suds, think of all the great comedy you're missing! Hopefully BBC America will decide to air them someday, then you can see what I'm talking about.
You're right about the music on Ally McBeal, that was the one thing I liked about it. Often, the soundtrack can make or break a series for me.
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Post# 18098-6/7/2002-19:46 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Hi Suds
In ALly McB the ones to set my heart a flutter were Gil Bellows, Billy and Bobby Cannavale, Wilson Jade. One of the sexiest women was Nell, Portia de Rossi. I loved that uptight image when she first appeared. Getting to appliances, what about the 'funny little man's' toilet flusher.
Bottom and Young Ones were student humour silly commedies in the UK, starring Adrian Edmonson and Rik Mayall, not my cup of tea, but the BF liked them.
Richtoo
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Post# 18099-6/7/2002-19:52 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Kirk,
PJ? Are you for Real? Clean your glasses, please. With a bag over his head, I will grant a decent bod, so long as you ignore those truncated legs. OK< I had another look at his mugshot, he is OK I guess, but with Alex, Lee and Spencer I have all the eye candy I need.
Split house - my guess based on who is tall/sporty
Rich side - Spencer, Lee, Adele, Kate, Alex
Poor side - Sandy, Jade, PJ, Sophie, Jonny.
Richtoo
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Post# 18100-6/7/2002-20:03 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
OK, you can quit telling me about your lovely soft water... you're making me jealous! Hard water is such a pain to live with, as every surface it touches ends up looking dull and dirty, no matter how much you clean it.
Last time I shopped in a bricks-and-mortar supermarket, I spent some time looking at the Ecover liquid detergent, but quickly put it back on the shelf after reading the dosage info. Like an idiot, I picked up Ariel Color liquid instead, which only served to confirm later that I really do prefer Persil over anything else when it comes to liquids.
Funny you should mention the sliperiness test, I've been doing that a lot recently. Despite using so little detergent, the water still feels slippery, and the load always gets clean, so it must be working.
As for the dishwasher, I've gone back to Finish liquid now. Tablets don't give any control over dosage, which I hate, and powders grind up the hubs of my DW's spray arms. The liquid stinks of chlorine bleach, but does a good job, so it's a keeper for now.
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Post# 18101-6/7/2002-20:11 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
Humph! To each their own, I guess, but I always end up ogling the one who looks the same as me... must be a form of narcissism, if that's the correct spelling LOL.
Can't wait to see how the house is split tomorrow!
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Post# 18102-6/7/2002-20:15 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hiya Kirk,
Mieles do raise the rinse water level when doing teh 2 rinse thing, it goes to the medium level. On mine, a standard cotton wash with 3 rinses is about 2 hours, pressing 'short' gives a shorter wash and 2 higher level rinses and takes about 1 hour, Miele still claim an A wash rating with this short option. On the honeycombs, the standard wash is the same as my 'short' wash and they have an intensive button to lengthen the wash, not sure if this adds the 3rd rinse automatically or whether you have to press 'water plus' - I can use this button to get a 4th rinse.
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Post# 18103-6/7/2002-20:17 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Kirk)
MESSAGE: You are quite right regarding Hoover laundry products in the US. From what I recall, they used to only sell twin tubs when I lived in the US. Had they offered a range of automatic washers, as they do here in Australia, they probably could have established themselves as a serious laundry product too. I suppose Hoover USA never considered gaining a foothold in the American laundry market and for as long as I can remember, consumers only associate sweepers with that name.
Over here Hoover is owned by Electrolux who import some US made Hoover floor cleaners, which they sell alongside their own sweepers. Electrolux are holding on to the Hoover TL washers, because of their popularity with consumers, but haven't offered any design updates or alternative models and there are currently no Hoover front loaders on the market here, as far as I know. Perhaps Electrolux will supercede Hoover with something else in the future. They also own the Simpson and Westinghouse brands, which still have a lot of consumer confidence. So it will be interesting to see how Electrolux will enhance or reduce consumer choice. I suppose Asian companies like LG and Haier are now taking over were our domestic products leave off.
I do like the look of the Hoover Vision, it is a pretty machine and I am partial to tilt drums. I guess that we will get it here eventually. The choice of FL's has ballooned in the last couple of years, but I think the market here is full for the time being since all major brands (except Hoover) have at least one top loader in their line-up. They still mainly appeal to the Europeans that come to live here and who are often not familiar with our top loaders. The Maytag Neptune hasn't taken off to the extent that it seems to in the US and UK. It still costs too much at $2600. Even though it is the largest FL machine on the market, people tend to go for the smaller and cheaper European machines when they opt for a FL(which cost betwen $1200 to $1800, LG and Whirlpool are even less).
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Post# 18104-6/7/2002-20:24 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Hi Kirk,
Did you smell that Ecover liquid? It is fragranced with lavender and is very subtle after the wash, likewise their new bio powder is lavender. The liquid is, to my mind, rather light duty being only detergent, I use it on dark and black t-shirts which only need freshening. I use the bio powder, which contain bleach on my whites and add extra bleach and the non-bio bleach free unfragranced powder on lights and mids.
Its worth trying, many supermarkets will alow you to return a product that you don't like, so nothing to loose, for blacks it does not stink like Persil Black Velvet. Have you tried the Dreft Liquid for blacks, I have only just spotted it, but have not yet tried it.
I have also noticed a small tester size Lenor/Downy fabric enhancer in my local corner shop, where I bought the Acdo, so I may try that too, despite my earlier reservations about the smell.
Richtoo
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Post# 18105-6/7/2002-20:30 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
Thanks for the clarification. I like the sound of the way that works, it seems to make a lot of sense.
This sounds really stupid, and something I should know the answer to, but I've forgotten; do the Mieles automatically add extra rinses should oversudsing occur? I know they reduce the drum action to allow the suds to settle, but I can't remember for the life of me whether or not they adjust the rinse phase accordingly.
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Post# 18106-6/7/2002-20:36 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Yes I did miss you my little Schnickel-Miele you. Well looking at that BB lineup I do agree about Spencer and Lee, they are pleasant on the eye and probbly to the touch as well. Your set-up is more intergenerational and looks more interesting than ours. But what is that orange lounge and table thing and that rug, ouch! Looks nearly as bad as our BB house, which would get a star for unlivable living environments.
Here is our BB link for you to perv at.
LINK: http://www.bigbrother.com.au
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Post# 18107-6/7/2002-20:37 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (the AEG)
MESSAGE: Hi Surg,
I think Kirk has answered this already, I think it was a Zanussi as it is brand new, less than 12 months. It was a build in so I did not see the sides, but it was very quiet even on spin. The manual said that this was due to a new type of motor.
Richtoo
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Post# 18108-6/7/2002-20:49 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Hiya Bubsy Wubs
Well Damian looked pretty hot. What is fart cupping, see Brodie, is this some peculiar Ozzy thing? Am I right to assume that Nathan is family?
I agree the UK BB Orange lounge is gross, looks terrible on telly. The bathroom is to die for, all German, Villroy and Boch sanitary ware and grohe taps. They have fantastic Bisque radiators throughout too, I have seen Power Plant, Hot Springs and Hot Hoop (ohh err Misus), I rather like Bisque radiators and have a Cobra Therm in my bathroom, though with my cheap Italian rip off of a Philipe Stark suite.
Richtoo
LINK: http://www.channel4.com/bigbrother/tour/tour_service_suppliers.html
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Post# 18109-6/7/2002-20:54 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Thanks Dave)
MESSAGE: Your BB looks more interesting than ours. Then again, I am not much of a reality tv watcher and find that it really hasn't much to do with reality. It is all contrived and in my opinion stupid. I am sure the producers tell the kids to hop into bed with each other and make their canoodling look more interesting than what it actually is. Lets face it, if it was allowed, the producers would have them bonk around in front of the cameras to make it more interesting.
At least with the first BB they had an openly gay guy and a bunch of boofy blokes, which made for some interesting moments. Particularly since the gay guy got some of the apparently straight guys to show their more sensitive sides. Now they are all straight, of about the same age and similar developmental stages.
Unless they vary their formula, this show is not going to get any better here.
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Post# 18110-6/7/2002-20:59 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Kirk)
MESSAGE: Hiya Bubs,
Hoover probably missed the boat on this one, by not establishing themselves as a laundry brand in the US. The Hoover name and reputation would probably have guaranteed them a fair amount of success, although that may no longer be the case nowadays. As I said before, perhaps the fact that the Maytag brand has the laundry side of things taken care of had something to do with it.
It's funny to think of Hoover Australia being owned by Electrolux, as over here, they're arch rivals. That's a good thing as far as I'm concerned, as mergers usually just result in one line of products being produced under two different names, which isn't really "choice" in the true sense of the word.
So, I presume right now, most Australian manufacturers concentrate on top loaders, but usually offer a front loader model to appeal to that particular niche? It's the complete opposite here. Most product lines consist almost entirely of FLs, with a single TL thrown in to cater for those who really must have one. Whirlpool and Maytag/Admiral are the only manufacturers here which offer a choice of different models in the TL category.
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Post# 18111-6/7/2002-21:12 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Kirk)
MESSAGE: Yes our Australian manufacturer only concentrates on top loaders. In fact, I don't think that there are any Australian made FL's. If I am wrong arrrhhhooo or Gizmo will straighten me out. Whirlpool Australia have quite an extensive range of front loaders in comparison to other brands. I guess that 80% of consumers still opt for top loaders, which come in quite a range of different sizes and don't only cater to those who need a large washer. All major brands ranging from F&P to Hoover, Westinghouse and Simpson offer 5, 7, 7.5 or 8 kg washers. We used to get smaller machines from Asia, like little 2 and 3 kilo Tl's made by Hitachi or some other brand. The current trend is towards larger machines since laundry facilities in houses and flats are usually separate and provide enough space for a big machine.
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Post# 18112-6/7/2002-21:14 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
Now you've persuaded me to give it a try. I love the smell of lavender, and it would make a nice change from the typical scents one associates with detergents. How does it do for rinsing, by the way?
Persil Black Velvet smells OK to me, it's just a tad on the strong side for my liking. The biggest turn-off for me so far has been that the bottles leak around the base of the black rim, causing droplets to run down the side of the bottle and leave a sticky puddle on my shelf. I can't be doing with that, even if the detergent itself does a good job. I might try the Dreft Dark liquid sometime, and keep my fingers crossed that it isn't as sudsy as the powder.
You might like the Downy Enhancer, providing you're frugal with the amount you use. Using the recommended dosage, the smell is too strong even for my liking. I now only use it for towels, as it keeps them soft without affecting their absorbency. For everything else, I've switched to concentrated Lenor, in the new Stayfresh variety, which I rather like.
*****
Post# 18113-6/7/2002-21:19 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hi Kirk,
Not a stupid question at all, I did not know the answer and I use a Miele every day. I checked the manual and oversudsing does automatically switch in an extra rinse as well as reducing teh agitation. My AEG was supposed to have foam detectors and switch in a 4th rinse if it could not remove foam by careful agitation and spinning - I was never able to make teh 4th rinse switch in automatically. The AEG also had a hidden switch inside the soap drawer to select 4 rinses as standard whereas Miele has the 'water plus' button which can be programmed to give extra wash water, extra rinse water - to a mid level, extra rinse or all of these. A separate programing function makes the machine do all rinses on the highest level.
I must away to bed now, goodnight, and i have caught up with all the posts I missed on my holiday.
Richtoo
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Post# 18114-6/7/2002-21:22 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Hi again,
Ecover liquid seems to be a high foamer, don't want to rinse product, another reason I use 1/4 - 1/2 a cap. Its a pity that their conditioner is not lavender too, years ago I used to buy Boots own brand lavender conditioner.
Richtoo
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Post# 18115-6/7/2002-21:27 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: I have never cupped my farts since I like to spread mine out, but it sounds Australian. Ozzie blokes have a fascination for bodily functions and fart cupping would most definitely be a manifestation of that.
I haven't seen the bathroom, must check it out later if I can. Personally, I like Kohler sanitary products and fittings. With a lot of the Grohe stuff it is very stylish but a bitch to clean and looks a little too clinical in my opinion. I am not a very stylish person, so I don't go in for that full glass, chrome and ceramic look.
*****
Post# 18116-6/7/2002-21:32 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Little tidbit for you: some of the carpets in the Big Brother house are the creation of Deirdre Dyson, hubby to James. He's the guy who invented the Dyson vacuum cleaner and washing machine, and runs said company.
As much as I like the Dyson vacuum and washer, I think the carpets are rather garish and OTT. On a related note, same goes for Vorwerk. They make a great vacuum also, but their carpets are enough to make your nose bleed.
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Post# 18117-6/7/2002-21:37 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Kirk)
MESSAGE: That's another difference between the UK and Aus. V-axis TLs here are all targeted to the large capacity market; the smallest one you can get is a 14-pounder, the biggest is 22 pounds. Only the H-axis models cater to the "standard" capacity market.
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Post# 18118-6/7/2002-21:52 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
Thanks again for clearing that one up. The programming function is the main thing I envy Miele owners for, there's just so much to play around with! Should they ever offer a larger capacity machine, my search for the perfect washer would be over.
I'm pretty sure AEG no longer have the hidden rinse switch behind the dispenser drawer. There's no mention of it in the user manuals nowadays, so perhaps it was taken away in order to limit the user to 3 rinses, as a means of saving water.
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Post# 18119-6/7/2002-22:02 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Damn, I knew you were going to say that! The only liquid I've ever used which rinses out easily is Persil. Still, may just give the Ecover a try to see how it works out, as the idea of a lavender scent really appeals to me.
*****
Post# 18120-6/7/2002-22:19 ||| arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Dame Edna in Ally McBeal?
My my thats a long way from moonee ponds possums.
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Post# 18121-6/7/2002-22:21 ||| Unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Need Info! (History of Dishwashers)
MESSAGE: Hi Winstonsmith, as promised here is the supposid history of dishwashers...
LINK: http://www.classicappliances.com/TEMP/History-of-Dishwashers.htm
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Post# 18122-6/7/2002-22:30 ||| arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Kirk)
MESSAGE: Hoover Floorcare is an entirely separate company from Electrolux.
I think the original plan for Email was to have two brands for each line, eg, Kelvinator and Westinghouse for refrigeration, Hoover and Simpson for laundry and Chef and Westinghouse for cooking. What Electrolux plans to do I dont know.
Fisher and Paykel, Simpson and Hoover have nearly 60% of the Laundry market between them.
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Post# 18123-6/7/2002-22:37 ||| arrrooohhh (Sydney Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: Hoover used to Manufacture a front loader in Australia for years. A great model too. It died unfortunately, aloing with the vacuum cleaner line, when the meadowbank factory got closed, after the Email/Electrolux takeover. The Hoover refrigeration factory in Melbourne got closed too. All they were interested in was the Hoover line of TL washing machines, which fit very easily onto the Simpson production line in Adelaide.
If electrolux wanted to I think they should give the Hoovers more heavy duty cabinets like they used to have when they were real Hoovers. The Hoovers could be pitched as a bit more upmarket while Simpson could be a value brand. They clash too much the two ranges right now.
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Post# 18124-6/7/2002-00:46 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Portia d'Rossi did little for me. Uptight women kind of turn me off.
I remember a much younger Gil Bellows in "Shawshank Redemption". He was murdered by the warden in that one. He died of a brain tumor in Ally McB. His nickname should be "lucky".
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Post# 18125-6/7/2002-00:49 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Actually the liquid is more than just detergent. The ingredients include soap bark, chamomile, and horsetail, all of which I believe aid in cleaning. Of course the amount of each is not indicated, but I suspect it's more than just a trace.
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Post# 18126-6/7/2002-00:53 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Woops, I was referring to Ecos liquid. Sorry 'bout that!
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Post# 18127-6/7/2002-01:44 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Well, I suppose once you are in the money you can dabble anywhere and with anything. I think James Packer's little wifiepooh has her own fashion label, with compliments of her husband's credit rating, I am sure. Whether or not such illustrious people actually give us something of value or they are simply inflicting their tastes and ideas on us because they can, I suppose remains a matter of subjective opinion.
As far as the Dyson vac is concerned, I think it is awfully expensive and too much plastic for the price. It looks interesting, but at over $600 I'd rather have a ducted system or go with a Eureka bagless. At least that has some serious chrome going for it. Right now I own two wet'n'dry Vac barrel sweepers (Australian made, would you believe it?!), which are very good good. I also have a Hoover Wash'n'Brush (Steam Vac in the US)an old Mitsubishi bagless and a Wertheim pull-along that refuses to die.
The Dyson washer looks very colorful, I am sure it is expensive (?). Is it anything special or just a more jazzed-up version of FL's in general? It is not available here, at least at this time.
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Post# 18128-6/8/2002-02:22 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hi Kirk)
MESSAGE: God, how confusing will it get? So Electrolux own the Hoover name for washers, Hoover floor care is a stand-alone conmpany? I wonder how long for, since they only offer a very small range of appliances at this stage, they must be looking to merge with somebody. Then we have Maytag, which is not affiliated with any other companies over here, but own Hoover floor care in America. Not to forget that Hoover was originally an American company that shifted its HQ to the UK.
Maybe Hoover floor care will become part of Maytag Australia, that would seem the most sensible choice since they probably get most of their products from there anyway. The mind boggles,if only for a short time.
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Post# 18129-6/8/2002-02:36 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: I don't know if they clash in their range, since Simpson washers actually seem to be more solidly built than Hoovers. Once you open the lid there isn't that much of a difference, but the Simpson cabinets and control panels are actually really nice and look a little more sophisticated. The Hoovers seem to be the economy brand at this stage, although I don't think that there is that much of a price difference between both brands.
BTW, did you ever see the old Simpson commercial that upset our Indian community a few years back? I reckon that was one of the best washer ads ever.
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Post# 18130-6/8/2002-04:31 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: The Bauknecht BIG is exactly the same size as the HE3t, it's basically the same machine. Yes, the BIG spins with 1400rpm.
Louis
*****
Post# 18131-6/8/2002-04:47 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Rich,
I managed to get a 4th rinse switch in, I did an all towel load with too much Ariel powder and my washer really sudsed up. I found the AEG a very good rinsing machine even without the switch on the 4th rinse.
Louis
*****
Post# 18132-6/8/2002-04:52 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Need Info! (History of Dishwashers)
MESSAGE: Robert, thank you for the article, very nice reading material. I love the Mobile Maid picture. Brings back good memories of your toploading dishwasher.
Louis
*****
Post# 18133-6/8/2002-05:18 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet
MESSAGE: Rich,
Are Bauknechts sold in the UK?
Louis
*****
Post# 18134-6/8/2002-06:11 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet
MESSAGE: Hi Louis,
Ye, Bauknechts are sold in the UK, but they are a very minor brand, probably far smaller even than Miele.
Richtoo
*****
Post# 18135-6/8/2002-06:19 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Cheers Kirk,
I had not realised who Diedre Dyson is.
Love your comment on Vorverk carpets.
Richtoo
*****
Post# 18136-6/8/2002-06:23 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Hi Bubs,
The Dyson is supposed to be a revolution in washer technology. It contains 2 drums that rotate in opposite directions, see the animation at the link below. I am not sure I would want be clothes subjected to such twisting forces, but it is proving reasonably popular, as is teh vac. People seem prepared to pay huge amounts of money if teh marketing is right, My Miele washer cost less than half what the basic Dyson cost, ditto my Miele vacuum cleaner.
Richtoo
LINK: http://www.dyson.co.uk/nav/inpageframe.asp?id=TECH/CONTRAROTATOR/OVERVIEW/MENU
*****
Post# 18137-6/8/2002-06:26 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hi Kirk,
Miele offer the 6kg Little Giants, I assume they have teh same programmability. Some of the MIele commercial washers look like they offer total control and let you design your own cycles, bet they cost plenty though.
Richtoo
*****
Post# 18138-6/8/2002-07:42 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (AEG Extra Rinse)
MESSAGE: The electronic models offer a rinse plus option, apparently you press a certain combination of buttons, and the rinse + indicator light shows up. I'm not sure about the timer models I'm interested in, but I'll probably never end up using it anyway. My friend has a 74630, and his clothes rinse perfectly fine with only 3 rinses, however there may be a difference as his has the ART system whereas the one I'm interested in doesn't.
I read through the AEG 50435 manual I downloaded lastnight, and it is funny to see that the cotton 60 and 40 cycles use 54 litres, whereas the cotton 95 cycle uses 57 litres of water. Looking at the controls, there seems to be an endless list of programme flexibility, with the temperature control, spin speed control, soaking, short, stain etc. The only cycle it doesn't offer is the handwash cycle, but I'm sure they'll be fine on the wool cycle, as I wash my handwashables in my current Hotpoint's wool cycle and they come out fine, and the AEG's got to be gentler than that.
I think my most favourite model AEG have ever offered is the 61300, the 1100rpm model of the last range, which had a programme progress dial, a temperature dial, a spin speed control and buttons for programme selection; Cottons, Easy Cares, Delicates and Wool. I think it has a more 'commercial' style of programming, like you see on launderette washers.
surgilator
P.S. Looking through the AEG specifications, it looks like the electronic models don't have the OKO Valve - anyone know why? Is there a newer, better system?
*****
Post# 18139-6/8/2002-07:46 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet (Bauknecht)
MESSAGE: Hi Louis
Bauknecht's are very rare in the UK, the only place that sell their washer's that I know of are Comet, and I think they bring them in especially from Germany. Whirlpool is more common over here, but you don't see them in many stores. Ignis used to be a big brand here too, they were the low end Phillips line. I think Bauknecht's are the more exclusive Phillips line, with Whirlpool being the middle, and Ignis the bottom.
Bauknecht's are also sold in some kitchen showrooms - the one near me in my local row of shops sell Bauknecht ovens with their kitchens.
There's a link below to the Comet-run Bauknecht UK website. No doubt the Bauknecht Big would be sold by Comet when it is released.
surgilator
LINK: http://www.bauknechtfromcomet.co.uk
*****
Post# 18140-6/8/2002-07:48 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet (Bauknecht - the Correct Link)
MESSAGE: The correct link is below. The previous one just takes you to Comet's website, this one takes you to the Bauknecht homepage.
LINK: http://www.bauknechtfromcomet.co.uk/homepage.htm
*****
Post# 18141-6/8/2002-07:51 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: AEG 50435 (Noise Level)
MESSAGE: Hi Dave,
Yes, this is probably the machine I'm going to get. I probably won't order yet, just want to make sure this is the right washer for me for definite.
I might go with the matching 33600 dryer later in the year, but time will tell.
surgilator
*****
Post# 18142-6/8/2002-07:55 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: Hi all,
Just thought it would be interesting to do a poll on which type of washing line people prefer.
1) Do you prefer a washing line or a rotary line?
2) Do you have a washing line or a rotary line?
3) Do you like your type of washing line?
And don't say you have a tumble dryer, I all know you do! (lol)
surgilator
*****
Post# 18143-6/8/2002-09:15 ||| appnut (Temple, TX)
SUBJECT: RE: Need Info! (History of Dishwashers)
MESSAGE: Robert, thanks for the article. Fascinating indeed!!
*****
Post# 18144-6/8/2002-09:46 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: A lot of manufacturers do that here - produce near-identical products under two separate brands, but position one higher than the other. For example, Hotpoint and Creda are basically the same thing, but are targeted at different people. Hotpoint now has aspirations for the higher end of the market, believe it or not, and are trying to steal sales away from Bosch! Meanwhile, Creda is targeting the budget-conscious consumer, by selling machines which are stripped of certain features in order to lower the price.
*****
Post# 18145-6/8/2002-09:46 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet (Bauknecht - the Correct Link)
MESSAGE: Those are the old models, there is a whole new range of Bauknecht products. The german website is under construction at the moment, I think the new Bauknecht appliances will be on their website soon. I have never been a Bauknecht fan, there was a period their appliances were very unreliable.
Louis
LINK: http://www.bauknecht.de
*****
Post# 18146-6/8/2002-09:49 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (detergent dosing)
MESSAGE: Hiya Suds,
That's another one I've considered trying, too. Recently I found a UK distributor online who can supply Ecos powder and liquid, so I might give it a go someday. One can never try too many different detergents, after all!
*****
Post# 18147-6/8/2002-09:55 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: I prefer a washing line, I think laundry looks messy on these rotary things. At the moment I have a few lines on the outside of my balcony, I used to have a washing line in my garden. I don't like the balcony line very much, I liked the one in the garden. I posted the link to the picture of my whites on the washing line.
Louis
LINK: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/foraloysius/vwp?.dir=/My+Photo+Album&.dnm=Linedrying+whites.JPG&.src=ph&.view=t&.hires=t
*****
Post# 18148-6/8/2002-10:13 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: Surg, what is a rotary line? Is that the kind that is square with many lines going across, that folds up like an umbrella? My personal preference is the standard line strung between two poles. I just think it's easier to work with.
*****
Post# 18149-6/8/2002-10:15 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Hiya Bubs,
I think design is a theme which runs throughout the entire Dyson family. Their daughter is a fashion designer, and both their sons are involved in product design - the elder of the two, I believe, for the Dyson company itself.
Sounds like Australians are paying well over the odds for Dysons. So, I can agree with your sentiments about them being overpriced. Here they're priced towards the higher end of the market, but still within comfrtable reach of most buyers. Rught now, it's the most popular vac brand over here.
The Dyson washer is expensive, but prices are falling all the time. The main selling point is that it washes a bigger load, to an "A" rating, in less time than a conventional FL washer. From what I've seen, those claims hold up - it's very impressive. Obviously, it's not worth the extra cost if you're only going to fill it halfway all the time. For those who are constantly doing laundry, or want to wash duvets at home, I think it's a great choice. And they do an all-white version now, too.
*****
Post# 18150-6/8/2002-10:15 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: Your Majesty, the whiteness degree of your garments is definitely that fit for a Queen. Were you able to attend Elizabeth's Jubilee earlier this week?
QEOM
*****
Post# 18151-6/8/2002-10:18 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: That Simpson commercial sounds familiar - sure I've seen it on one of those comedy ad compilation shows. Washing machine by the riverbank, but nowhere to plug it in... so the locals end up using it as a "rock" of sorts to slap their clothes against?
I thought it was quite clever, and rather funny to boot.
*****
Post# 18152-6/8/2002-10:19 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: From the reports I've seen in the trade magazines, the Bauknecht BIG, Whirlpool Dreamspace et al have a capacity of at least 18 pounds. I've also seen reports saying it has a 20 pound capacity, so I'm not sure which is the case now. Even if it's the former, it's still pretty impressive.
*****
Post# 18153-6/8/2002-10:21 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Kirk, when Mikey and I visited appliance stores in England, it was interesting to see the brands that I am accustomed to being very expensive in the US as more middle line, competitively priced machines. The Dyson was roughly twice what most of the other machines such as Bosch, Miele and etc. were. I wonder how far the Dyson will in time drop to meet the rest.
*****
Post# 18154-6/8/2002-10:21 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet
MESSAGE: Last I heard, Bauknecht was being sold exclusively through Comet stores. Must say I've never seen them anywhere else, but then they never have been a prominent brand as such over here.
*****
Post# 18155-6/8/2002-10:25 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hey Miele - are you being a snob?!)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
Their plain carpets are nice, I will give them that. It's just the patterned ones... they're ghastly! The paint-splodge look never really did much for me LOL.
*****
Post# 18156-6/8/2002-10:28 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Super Rinse/No. Rinse Cycles)
MESSAGE: Hiya Rich,
Aren't the Little Giants derived from an earlier series of Mieles? They look similar to the models from about four or five years ago. And the prices - eeeeek! Love the white/silver colour combo, though.
*****
Post# 18157-6/8/2002-10:33 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (AEG Extra Rinse)
MESSAGE: Hiya Surge,
Those three extra litres of water on the \95/ cycle are used to cool down the wash water before pump-out. Bosch do the same thing; it helps to reduce shock creasing, and also protects waste plumbing.
My guess for the electronic models not having the OKO-valve is that they recirculate the water, drawing it from the sump and spraying it back onto the load. Therefore, the detergent can't settle there and get wasted. The mechanical control models don't recirculate, therefore the sump is sealed off to stop powder settling there.
Agreed, the 61300 did have a great control layout. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure they no longer offer that particular style of controls now. I always rather liked it, too.
*****
Post# 18158-6/8/2002-10:34 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: Your Majesty,
Since this was a national celbration we were not invited, we enjoyed watching the fireworks on TV though, we thought it might cause a fire in the palace for the second time this week.
QLOTOC
PS: The whiteness of our garments are ofcourse a great pride and joy to us.
*****
Post# 18159-6/8/2002-10:36 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Bauknecht BIG / KM HE3T / Wirlpool Duet (Bauknecht)
MESSAGE: Some of those Bauknecht products look familiar - Whirlpool used to sell the TOL electronic washer under their own name, ditto with the window-door dryers.
*****
Post# 18160-6/8/2002-10:41 ||| foraloysius (Groningen, The Netherlands)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: I find these conversions very confusing, I'll dig into this sometime. And then in different countries sometimes there are different capacities claimed for the same machine.
*****
Post# 18161-6/8/2002-10:45 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Believe it or not, a co-worker told me recently that her cousin managed to pick up a Dyson washer for £500! That model was originally £1000 when it first came onto the market, so she really got a bargain there. For most brands, you can get something TOL for £500.
Elsewhere, most stores sell the basic Dyson washer for around £700-£800, so even at that price it's still a big reduction from the original price. Of course, it will only be a matter of time before it drops further. Over here, electrical goods always become more affordable once they're more popular.
*****
Post# 18162-6/8/2002-10:50 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: I think you've hit the nail on the head there, Louis. Capacity, of course, depends on whether you load it loosely, or pack it in tight. It can be as much or as little as the manufacturer likes!
Perhaps taking a basket of laundry into the store isn't as ridiculous as it sounds, after all. That would give a better idea of capacity than any combination of numbers ever could.
*****
Post# 18163-6/8/2002-10:57 ||| herr-miele (UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: Hiya Surg
Good question,
I prefer to see washing on a line, and find a proper line dries much faster than a rotary.
However, my garden is small and could only hold a very short line, plus the concrete line post looked awful, so I swapped to a rotary. The rotary has the benefits of mucho line in a small area & easy to remove and store returning teh garden to looking good. It is also easier to load, pegs and wash basket on a table at the side and no moving along and bending to a basket on teh floor, but it dries much more slowly - washing closer together and blocking the breeze/sun and washing lower than a line, breeze is stronger higher up.
Yep, I have a drier, but prefer to use a line or clothes horse.
PS - very pretty blue & mauve plastic clothes pegs on sale in Woolworth, 60 for the price of 40, 99 pence. I bought 3packs to replce my old pegs.
What line do you use?
Richtoo
*****
Post# 18164-6/8/2002-11:17 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (D'oh!)
MESSAGE: When I hear you commonwealth folks talk on and on about the Simpson washers, I inevitably think of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie...
Do Simpson washers have donut dispensers?
*****
Post# 18165-6/8/2002-11:17 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: Wooo... an extra 200 rpm for the BIG. Hmmm.
*****
Post# 18166-6/8/2002-11:23 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: We call them clothes lines and clothes trees here in the USA.
*****
Post# 18167-6/8/2002-11:25 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers (English/American Translation Service)
MESSAGE: Clothes pen == clothes pin
*****
Post# 18168-6/8/2002-11:27 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (D'oh!)
MESSAGE: ROFLMAO!!!
*****
Post# 18169-6/8/2002-11:35 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Thanks for that link Rich, how interesting. Yet, immediately upon reading some of their claims, I had to object - naturally. What rubbish is this claim about handwashing. A 15 minute handwash will NEVER clean as well as a 69 minute machine wash. Even in days gone by, when people had no other way but to manually wash their clothes, they used other implements like wash boards, brushes, rocks - you name it, to get their clothes clean. Handwashing is the least effective way to clean something unless it has been pre-soaked for a good while and is rubbed vigorously. It just goes to show that tripe sells and those people in Dyson's marketing department have probably only ever experienced a handwash by proxy, when they drop their dirty undies off at the local Chinese laundry. I even doubt if they've ever used a washing machine for any other purpose than to do marketing research 'to get a feel for the product.'
Must admit that the wash action looks cool and I would now like to see one in the flesh doing a real wash - totally love the colors (still, they do remind me a little of Swatch watches). Mind you, two drums rotating in opposite directions means more complicated mechanics that are more expensive to fix if they break down. What do you think?
So, does the two drum system mean greatly reduced cycle times? At least that is how I understand the benfit of their NEW system.
*****
Post# 18170-6/8/2002-11:43 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: Rotary lines (actually they are called Hills Hoists and were invented in Oz) are great, particularly in a stiff breeze. They are a joy to watch, as they spin around laden with colorful garments flapping gayly in the wind and the sun's rays bouncing brightly of the radiantly clean colors. Only one needs to keep an eye on the weather to make sure that clothes get taken in when rain threatens.
Mind you, now I have a line under my balcony, because it keeps clothes out of the rain and sun. The sun here bleaches very well and keeping colored clothes in the shade to dry is wise.
Oh, I do have a dryer too.
*****
Post# 18171-6/8/2002-11:49 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Well done Kirk,
You have anticipated and answered my questions and my response to Miele (18169) now addresses you as well.
Thanks for that.
*****
Post# 18172-6/8/2002-11:53 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: Yep, that's the one. And did it stir up our Indian population. The add was eventually banned because it offended certain ethnic sensibilities.
*****
Post# 18173-6/8/2002-11:56 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: Actually, Kleenmaid do that here. If you want you can bring your laundry and try out their machines, by appointment only though.
*****
Post# 18174-6/8/2002-11:59 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: I have both; I have a rotary airer for drying regular loads on, and I have one of those retractable lines for drying sheets on. I always dry underwear in the tumble dryer, because a) it dries quicker and b) you don't have to collect millions of pairs of socks when it suddenly starts rainging, as it does here in the UK.
I used to have wooden dolly pegs, but now I have those Supreme Housewares plastic pegs, in jumbo and normal size, with the spring in between the two handles, in red, yellow, blue, green and white. I still use the dolly pegs sometimes, but they're kept at the bottom of the peg basket. I only use the jumbo pegs for hanging up items such as jumpers, towels and jeans, otherwise I'll use the normal sizes ones.
surgilator
*****
Post# 18175-6/8/2002-11:59 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers (Clothes tree???)
MESSAGE: I have never in my life heard it called that before, must be a regional thing?
I have a rotary or "umbrella" (outdoor-dryer it said on the box) as I don't have the "T" posts and lines at this house. My grandmother and mother both had the umbrella type and I've always had the same kind. I usually only hang out bed linens and flatwork and they usually stay out most of the day anyway so speed isn't a concern. I love the smell and crispness of the sheets - in the spring when the lilacs are blooming and the air is sweet smelling is the best!
*****
Post# 18176-6/8/2002-12:01 ||| gansky1 (Omaha, NE)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers (Dryer broken?)
MESSAGE: A neighbor friend of mine always asks when I have sheets out on the line if ALL of my dryers broke at once that I had to hang them outside, the concept of alternatives to mechanical clothes drying is all but lost in the U.S. now.
*****
Post# 18177-6/8/2002-12:11 ||| Mr-Bubbles (Australia)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (SHAME ON YOU SUDSMASTER, SHAME!!!)
MESSAGE: That is not funny Sudsmaster and I am deeply disappointed in you and your rather base and insensitive humor - I had thought more highly of you until now. Simpson used to be a family company of the highest renown, at least before they were taken over and gutted during the 1980's. I would also like to point out that the Simpson range of washers is very sophisticated and beautiful. Their machines have soft rounded contours and sleek electronic controls or aqua see thru dials (their web site is down so no pictures). Your inappropriate comparison with that crass cartoon that is poisoning the minds of our youth is unacceptable.
If America had Simpson washers it would be a cleaner, smarter and more beautiful place.
Shamefile, Sudsmaster, Shamefile !!!
*****
Post# 18178-6/8/2002-12:21 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: The wash action is rather mesmerising to observe (for those of us that don't get out much, anyway LOL). At first, I was skeptical, and thought it would shred or tangle clothes. Surprisingly, it doesn't. It's like a combination of regular FL tumbling, coupled with a swirling motion. The cycle times are shorter than a regular FL, and combined with the capacity, you can see where they come up with the fugure of washing twice as much laundry in the same time.
Obviously, it's too soon to tell whether or not there will be any problems with the transmission, but there haven't been any issues so far with the ones I've sold. The innards of the machine look very sturdy, although I was surprised to see the motor arrangement; there are TWO motors, which drive the same belt. Not sure if one is for wash, the other for spin, or whether one is used to drive forward and the other in reverse. I shall have to ask the rep for further info on that.
*****
Post# 18179-6/8/2002-12:23 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (HE3T Does Spray Rinse. )
MESSAGE: Are Kleenmaid more like a car showroom than a regular appliance store? I hear you get a "personal advisor" of sorts to look after you and demonstrate the products, rather than being left to browse.
*****
Post# 18180-6/8/2002-12:26 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: This Old House
MESSAGE: I was watching This Old House on Discovery Home & Leisure this morning, and they were touring the appliances of a triple decker they had remodeled in Boston, Massuchussets. The show was from 1991, and they showed a then top of the range fridge freezer (side by side), the dishwasher, the stove and the washer. What I noticed about the dishwasher was that it didn't have two spray arms as they normally do; it had a bottom spray arm and a post that went up through the middle of the bottom basket, which probably acted as the spray arm for the top basket. The dishwasher was also so advanced that it had a heating element, LOL!
The washer had an infinite water level control, and the guy explained it saying if you have high water bills, lower the water level, but he said it as if he was advising washing a full load on low level! The washer also had a self cleaning filter.
All these appliances were 1991 Maytags.
surgilator
LINK: http://www.thisoldhouse.org
*****
Post# 18181-6/8/2002-12:26 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: I use the dryer for everything, but in the past when I used a clothesline, I would never hang my underwear out on it. For some reason, I get really freaked out at the idea of all and sundry getting an eyeful of what I wear on my bum. Weird, or what?
*****
Post# 18182-6/8/2002-12:32 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: Well, I could see why it might offend some. Personally, I took the ad at face value, and laughed because it was such a ridiculous scene to behold.
*****
Post# 18183-6/8/2002-12:36 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: This Old House
MESSAGE: Those centre posts in certain American dishwashers are known as "spray towers", I believe. When I was staying in Islamorada, on the Florida Keys, our apartment had a basic 18" wide Roper dishwasher with such an arrangment. The spray tower was telescopic, and extended under the force of the water when the dishwasher was running. Afterwards, it collapsed back into itself, so you could slide the lower rack in and out. Worked very well, although it was rather noisy.
*****
Post# 18184-6/8/2002-12:38 ||| surgilator (North Hykeham, UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: I always wash my underwear in one load, on a Quick Wash cycle. Even though the cycle only has a short spin, the socks and boxers are always dry enough after a 900rpm short spin. All they need is 30 more minutes in the dryer. When I do use my dryer, I always use Bounce because it gives the same fragrance as line dried clothes do.
My rotary airer has about 50m of line drying space, and is a 4 arm version by Hills. It's very well built - it's been out in the garden for the last 7 years and hasn't ever been folded down or taken out of it's position. I have replaced the line twice, it used to be yellow but now I've got green, which goes with the pistachio green frame. It cost aroun £70, but it has been well worth it. I don't like the cheaper <£25 lines with the tubular steel frame, it doesn't seem as durable as the heavy duty ones.
surgilator
*****
Post# 18185-6/8/2002-12:59 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (SHAME ON YOU SUDSMASTER, SHAME!!!)
MESSAGE: "I fart in your general direction"
Monty Python, circa approx 1975
*****
Post# 18186-6/8/2002-13:03 ||| Sudsmaster (San Leandro, CA)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: Well, it may have offended more than ethnic sensibilities.
I remember sending my mom a postcard from the jungles of Guatemala several decades ago. It depicted gaily clad Mayan women pounding their laundry on rocks besides an otherwise pristing mountain lake. I wrote her, "Just be glad you didn't have to do it this way when you raised us kids". For some reason she was not amused, but I never did find out exactly why. In any case, from age 11 onward, I was obligated to do my own laundry anyway - she couldn't handle all the house chores and hold down a full time job at the same time. I do remember one laundromat attendant would get kind of pushed out of shape when I would watch the wash action in the speed queen top loader with the lid open. He claimed it damaged the washer. Fooey.
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Post# 18187-6/8/2002-14:33 ||| scott55405 (Minneapolis)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: Wow! Yes, the Dysons we saw were about 1000 pounds, and the other decent ones in the 5-600 range. So that is a reduction and your friend got a good buy! Let us know if you get to find out what she thinks of it!
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Post# 18188-6/8/2002-14:58 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Poll: Washing lines verses Rotary Airers
MESSAGE: Those cheaper rotary lines are what we had when I was growing up. We were living in MoD housing at the time, and the gardens always had one of those dinky little things in it. Eventually, they always broke, and my mother ended up climbing the fences in order to tie up a clothes line!
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Post# 18189-6/8/2002-15:06 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: I think I was about 11 when I started helping out with laundry. Both my parents worked full time, too, so my brother and I were given different jobs between us. There were more than a few distasters to begin with, mainly involving having the wash temperature set too high, but I soon developed a sense for things :o)
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Post# 18190-6/8/2002-15:12 ||| kirk280980 (Lincoln UK)
SUBJECT: RE: After five calls to technical support (Hullo kirk)
MESSAGE: At half price, I bet she thinks it's great LOL. Next time I see this particular co-worker, I'll ask if she's had any feedback from her cousin about what she thinks to it.
Funny thing is, my co-worker recently had to buy a new washer, and really wanted the Dyson. But her £500 budget meant she couldn't afford it. After buying a Hotpoint and having it installed, she heard about the £500 Dyson a couple of weeks later... words cannot describe how P'd off about it she was!
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Post# 18191-6/8/2002-17:38 ||| washrfreak (Dallas)
SUBJECT: RE: This Old House
MESSAGE: Spray towers were pretty much the standard here until recently and are still quite common. They seem to wash ok, though I prefer a second spray arm. It's a trade off - the spray tower allows you to load taller items on the bottom without having to worry about the arm hitting them, but takes up room in the bottom rack.
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Post# 18192-6/8/2002-17:41 ||| washrfreak (Dallas)
SUBJECT: RE: Hi all (Hoover Aus)
MESSAGE: I helped out with the washing from a young age. Once I started paying for my own clothes, I refused to let