Thread Number: 2587
your fave washer of ALL time
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Post# 72752   7/7/2005 at 21:56 (6,838 days old) by mrcleanjeans (milwaukee wi)        

Howdy ladies and gents.So,what's your FAVORITE washer ever, if you HAD TO pick ONLY ONE and why.Mine would be the 1958 Philco-Bendix DuoMatic because it is faster than ANY other combo, kewl-er to look at with its juke box control panel, and wonderfully convenient for single people who don't have multiple loads.




Post# 72753 , Reply# 1   7/7/2005 at 22:03 (6,838 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

My mothers Norge with the lint pan and big Burpilator agitator.

Post# 72754 , Reply# 2   7/7/2005 at 22:19 (6,838 days old) by jasonl (Cookeville, TN)        
K is for Kenmore

DREAM washer: 1970 Kenmore 800

Favorite washer: any mid to late 60s push button Lady Kenmore.


Post# 72757 , Reply# 3   7/7/2005 at 23:10 (6,838 days old) by cybrvanr ()        

I've always liked the old classic slant-front Westinghouse washing machines. Probably because I remember my grandmother having one, and I enjoyed watching the clothes tumble through the soapy water inside while she was doing laundry.

I also like that RCA-Whirlpool combo machine. That is a very animated machine, and it's got a nice stylish look to it... a bit more flashy than the Westy F.L's...besides, combo units always amaze me!


Post# 72758 , Reply# 4   7/7/2005 at 23:23 (6,838 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
The 1958 Kelvy that granny had for a brief time . . and (sacrilege!) my 1999 F&P SmartDrive GWL08.

Post# 72761 , Reply# 5   7/7/2005 at 23:51 (6,838 days old) by Rinso (Meridian Idaho)        

To this day, my favorite washer was my Aunt's 1953 Frigidaire Unimatic. (not sure of the model no.) It is notable that it had a spin of about 1025 RPMs and no saftey lid switch. But remember, it was the 1950's. For kids back then, this danger paled by comparison to getting polio, bombed by the "reds," or being invaded from outer space.

Post# 72762 , Reply# 6   7/8/2005 at 01:05 (6,838 days old) by powerfin64 (Yakima, Washington)        
Mine is...

powerfin64's profile picture
My current '72 Lady K set..Reasons why? lights, 3 dispensers, 3 speeds, 14 buttons, adjustable agitator fins. The rest is self explainatory.

Post# 72764 , Reply# 7   7/8/2005 at 01:16 (6,838 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)        
1967 Frigidaire Jet Action

I like these because they were still built by GM and very sturdy, they cleaned clothes reasonably well and that parculiar noise it made while in operation "pogo-pogo-pogo-pogo-pogo" etc. I also liked the agitator with the different colored rings and on each ring it told you what it's purpose was.

Post# 72766 , Reply# 8   7/8/2005 at 01:21 (6,838 days old) by mrcleanjeans (milwaukee wi)        
3 ring circus?

I thought the 1967 used the triple-coned Deep action agitator resembling a space capsule,and in the home machines, it replaced the 3 ring in late 1964.

Post# 72773 , Reply# 9   7/8/2005 at 05:03 (6,838 days old) by pulsatron ()        
Mum's Westinghouse Laudromat

My favourite family washer we owned would have to be my Mum's
Westinghouse Laudromat T.L. I think, it was pretty heavy duty and I really enjoyed watching it wash whenever I could.
I don't know why, but I was always enchanted by the funny''Double Wash Action'' in which the washbowl rotated in the opposite direction of the spiral ramp agitator with each stroke.Damn good machine that one it lasted about 15 years from memory.
I do not think they are really built like that anymore.


Post# 72774 , Reply# 10   7/8/2005 at 05:18 (6,838 days old) by KENMORE62 ()        

1962 KENMORE

Post# 72786 , Reply# 11   7/8/2005 at 08:18 (6,837 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Only one, eh?..... OK, it's a difficult decision, but I'm going with a mid-60's Frigidaire, with the Deep Action agitator. I just love those machines. Also, by that time, there were multiple agitation/spin speeds. Obviously, a Unimatic would be a very close 2nd choice. In fact, if you asked me again next week, I might flip-flop. But for today, it's a TOL mid-60's machine....a '65 for instance.

Post# 72788 , Reply# 12   7/8/2005 at 08:38 (6,837 days old) by jaxsunst ()        

Any pre-WCI Kelvinator.

Post# 72790 , Reply# 13   7/8/2005 at 08:49 (6,837 days old) by Stainfighter (Columbia, SC)        
re: Only one?...

stainfighter's profile picture
I agree, it is hard to choose only one. But, if only one, one of my favorite memories is of our friend's 1960 (?) Lady Kenmore TL that had a series of large toggle switches in a rainbow of colors that made up the entire control panel. Also love machines with lights (side note)! The large buttons pushed either up or down to select a cycle...I think it had 10 cycles with the five button colors in Pink, Yellow, Light Blue, and the other two I am not recalling...
Why this model when others are certainly more entertaining in their washing methods (burpalators, frigidaires, westy slant loaders)? Because whenever my friend's Mom would select a cycle it made this interesting tick-tocking sound as the inner workings advanced the timer to the requested program. It also had a 'D' shaped opening to the porcelain tub and a scrubber top with a 'K' in the middle.


Post# 72792 , Reply# 14   7/8/2005 at 09:22 (6,837 days old) by agiflow ()        
Tough one

WP/KM/Maytag are my favorites, but looking back i would have to say my mom's Norge with the tall white burpilator.
That machine had great capacity and washed some really huge loads in it's day.

A tough all around great performer. Ex Low water level was truly low on that machine.

Pat


Post# 72798 , Reply# 15   7/8/2005 at 10:05 (6,837 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)        

pulsator's profile picture
For me, it would HAVE to be the 1957 Frigidaire Unimatic Control Tower!!!

Post# 72799 , Reply# 16   7/8/2005 at 10:27 (6,837 days old) by westytoploader ()        

My "all-time favorite" would have to be the 1970's (pre-WCI) Westinghouse TL.

My favorite Convention machine (which I used most of the time I was there, besides the 1963 Hotpoint and 1957 Frigidaire WD-57 Pulsamatic) was Robert's 1959 Sunny Yellow Norge. Awesome water action, and the "vertical burpalation" was a BLAST to watch close-up (no pun intended)! It also took out a spaghetti-sauce stain (from dinner) on one of my shirts as well!


Post# 72802 , Reply# 17   7/8/2005 at 12:00 (6,837 days old) by jmirawm (Barling Arkansas)        
ABC-O-MATIC

My mom's washer when I was a child. I would get the two step yellow cosco stool and push it up to the washer to watch it. Mom said if she knew the washer was going to run for fifteen minutes, she knew where I was going to be for fifteen minutes. When the washer was finished I would push the stool over to the sink and get the inside pan of a double boiler, the inside cap of a thermos bottle, my sisters doll clothes and some dishwashing soap and I would "do the warshin".

I loved all the splashy action and when the machine went into spin, I loved how all the droplets would swirl around on the window.

ahhhhhhhh the memories.

Post# 72803 , Reply# 18   7/8/2005 at 13:10 (6,837 days old) by Gyrafoam (Wytheville, VA)        
WOW! What a hard choice!!!!!!!!!

I guess the most FUN I ever had with any of the machines I have owned was the 1969 Frigidaire Model WXN. I bought it second-hand from a Frigidaire dealer over in Decatur (Frank Hudson's) and a lesser model dryer-----he did not have the match. This was back in about 1971 or so. Only had it a couple of years and then (DUH!) sold them to my friends Mother as I was moving to Florida for a while. EVERYTHING on this machine was infinitly adjustable. I used to slow down the agitation speed just a tad and got GREAT roll-over. I'd love to have this machine back again. HOWEVER, I am truly blessed by the good graces of my friend Greg Nunn who gave me an awesome 1968 Frigidaire "Gold Crown" with "Rapidry" so I won't whine about the WXN any more! Now what about a 1970 Maytag A806---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Post# 72806 , Reply# 19   7/8/2005 at 14:10 (6,837 days old) by pdub (Portland, Oregon)        
Frigidaire 1-18

pdub's profile picture
I would have to say I'm happy with just about any Frigidaire model but this would be my all time favorite if I can only choose one! The capacity, features, color, and window lid make this the perfect machine (IMHO).

Post# 72809 , Reply# 20   7/8/2005 at 14:58 (6,837 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
Frigidaire 1-18

peteski50's profile picture
The Frigidaire 1-18 was my favorate also my aunt had a poppy one also but without the window. It was a beautiful washer.
She also had the matching dryer and she had the basement wall painted poppy also. Her model was a 74.
Peter



Post# 72812 , Reply# 21   7/8/2005 at 15:16 (6,837 days old) by PeterH770 (Marietta, GA)        

peterh770's profile picture
Solid-tub Speed Queen.

Post# 72813 , Reply# 22   7/8/2005 at 15:33 (6,837 days old) by SactoTeddyBear ()        
Re: My Favorite Washer:

My Favorite Washer would be my Parent's 1946 "Bolt-Down" Bendix, they had for 4-years before I was born. It is the one I got my start of my fascination of loving to watch the Washer. Anytime my Mother would get the Laundry started in the Bendix, she would figure out in a very short time where to find me. I would be out in the Garage, with the Door opened on the Bendix and the Laundry, Water and Detergent all over the Floor. That was naturally way before most automatic Washers had the Safety Switches that they had on them later on and to this day, to spoil a lot of our fun wanting to watch them.

Peace, Happy Vintage Washer Days, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...


Post# 72825 , Reply# 23   7/8/2005 at 16:10 (6,837 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
One of all time?

Make it easy, why don't you :)

I loved the '64 Whirlpool Imperial, for many reasons, least of which was the panel lamp.

However, it's a tie between my Maytag A-208, and my current Maytag, the 9806.

Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 72829 , Reply# 24   7/8/2005 at 16:30 (6,837 days old) by PeteK (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture
Lawrence, that's against the rules, you have to pick one and leave the other behind. Think of it as your desert island washer

Post# 72833 , Reply# 25   7/8/2005 at 16:48 (6,837 days old) by Westingcan ()        

I'd have to go with the '70's Westinghouse TL Laundromat. I thought the control panel was simple yet very classy! Loved the thin blue lettering and the chrome push buttons - not to mention the "Weigh-to-Save" lid. The dryers had "Cross Vane" tumbling - I can still remember the salesman making the pitch to my mom as this was a "great feature". Those machines ran for years without a lick of trouble. "You can...no could...be sure...if it's Westinghouse!"

Post# 72835 , Reply# 26   7/8/2005 at 17:07 (6,837 days old) by gmpayne (INDIANAPOLIS, IN)        
UGH I HAVE 3

MY MOMS 53 EASY AND HER 58 NORGE TIME-LINE

AND MY GRANDMOTHERS 57 SPEED QUEEN


Post# 72836 , Reply# 27   7/8/2005 at 17:07 (6,837 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)        

This question has come up before and I guess my answer is the same as it was the first time. I would have to go with the Norge Timeline. Simple controls, great control panel, excellent agitation and overflow rinse and a great sounding machine.....

Post# 72839 , Reply# 28   7/8/2005 at 17:19 (6,837 days old) by Goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture
Maytag 906,in Coppertone.Light up tub and backsplash,Maytag dependability,pushbutton controls,beautiful Maytag shaded coppertone,what's not to like?

kennyGF


Post# 72850 , Reply# 29   7/8/2005 at 18:34 (6,837 days old) by partscounterman (Cortez, Colorado)        
I'm a heretic but...

I would want an Easy Spindrier with the Spiralator and the super cool rinse cone in the spinner. I love the big chrome "faucets" that swing to deliver fresh and suds water to the tubs or sink.

Now if you insist I choose an AUTOMATIC-it would be a 1970's era Wards Signature-the Top of the line that had the separate automatic detergent dispenser. I still remember the hissing noise that generation of burpolators had. Of course I would want it in some kewl color such as Avocado Green. Oh, and I need the 8 cubic foot drum matching dryer all built by Norge!


Post# 72853 , Reply# 30   7/8/2005 at 20:26 (6,837 days old) by jetaway ()        
eenie meenie.........

1. Aunt Shirley's 1952 Frigidaire in the kitchen
2. Aunt Betty's 1964 Hotpoint Silouhette 16 with the fountain
filter. Lots of interesting cycle changes in this baby.
Loved to watch the overflow rinse with the fountain filter
splashing in the pan and the drain hose lazily dumping
water lazily into the tub.
***Why those two? NO OUTER TUB = The greatest drama available in any automatic washer during the first minute of the spin cycle. I want to hear those sounds again....sends chills up my spine. Take me away Calgon!!!


Post# 72862 , Reply# 31   7/8/2005 at 23:10 (6,837 days old) by Mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
I am snotty

mayken4now's profile picture
Maytag of Course.

Steve


Post# 72865 , Reply# 32   7/9/2005 at 00:45 (6,837 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
If I had to pick only one washer to be stranded on a desert island with, it would have to be the 1959 Frigidaire Custom Imperial washer. It wouldn't be too awfully long and I'd have to send a note in a bottle for someone to come service the piece of crap and I'd be rescued!! Back to civilization and a whole basement full of washers!

Seriously though, my all time fave would probably be the 1958 Frigidaire CI washer - one of the best all around machines.


Post# 73056 , Reply# 33   7/11/2005 at 00:48 (6,835 days old) by GEExtraRinse (Hudson Valley, New York )        
DEAR GODS!!!

geextrarinse's profile picture
Allow me to add at least ONE GE to the List! the 50's thru the 80's were all great - I remember even the great models that they still have in many of the buildings here in NYC. The coin op GE's with the guts all in the front of the machines for easier repairs. The filter flo and inlet nozzles being reversed so you could access them from the removable front panel. I love them all!

But who can forget the fabulous Mini-Quick cycle or the Various shapes and sizes of the Mini baskets? - I think my grandmothers was bakelite? or maybe just really hard plastic but it seemed like bakeliite...

The Dispensall thru to the Spotscrubber...

Depending where you were from certain name brands populated certain areas of course. I enjoyed reading Greg's Maytag post in response to everyone's opinions (dif thread). I don't care for Maytag's but he's right! And since they were made in the mid west - there were sure a hell of a lot more of them out there. But out here on the east coast, a lot of people had GE's. Especially if the houses were built in the 50's which many of the baby boomer couples did in my area. They swore on GE in PA and it seemed everyone had a GE.

I know I'm young but I just love my Filter Flo's. From the 50's and the copper lint pans to the 60's and the fab turquoise color and the more modern looking yet still lighted control panels thru to the 80's. They will always be my favourite. The sounds and the water action and so help me -I WILL FIND MY DISPENSALL ONE DAY!!!!

Thanks for letting me rant!

Ker-Klunk!

Matt


CLICK HERE TO GO TO GEExtraRinse's LINK


Post# 73057 , Reply# 34   7/11/2005 at 00:53 (6,835 days old) by GEExtraRinse (Hudson Valley, New York )        
here's the pic

geextrarinse's profile picture
sorry...

i hope you don't mind me referencing someone elses shot but THIS is the same as my grandmothers almost exact model washer so I'm a little verklempt! This one started it all for me...

Matt


Post# 73099 , Reply# 35   7/11/2005 at 10:10 (6,834 days old) by westyslantfront ()        
Favorite Washer Of All Time

THOR AUTOMAGIC

Post# 73136 , Reply# 36   7/11/2005 at 17:12 (6,834 days old) by Bearpeter ()        
UK Bendix ....

I had an aunt on my fathers side.... (only nice one from the Pell family!!!!) Daddy was appauled that his little boy had such a fascination with appliances!!!!
She had this huge sherman tank of a washer dryer combo.... I think it would have to have been the first one of its kind with a metallic blue and silver fascia! It only ever tumbled one way and was amazing to watch!


Post# 73166 , Reply# 37   7/11/2005 at 18:43 (6,834 days old) by chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)        
Actually.........

I have several "Favorite" vintage washer(s) of all time.

Why???? Because each of my favorites was cool in their own special way. In fact, so cool, it was hard to pick just one.

And my favorites are:

(01). 1960 Lady Kenmore Set (in Pink and in Porcelain) with the toggle controls and the lighted panel at the very top. Also had the dispensers just beside the lid handle. Very cool looking (but I have to check the catalog again..... If I recall correctly, I believe that was a detergent dispenser. If it was indeed, then I think Sears contradicted themeselves with this one....... they claim that the 1966-67 Lady Kenmore had the first detergent dispenser, but of course, I could be wrong as well. And I am not afraid to admitt when I am wrong) indeed.

(01t). 1957 Lady Kenmore Set (but this time, I'll take this set in either white or in pink, and again, it has to be in porcelain).

(03). 1966-67 Lady Kenmore Set (first model with 14 push buttons on the washer..... in a two row keyboard configuration (my great aunt on my father's side had this set, only her's was white, but I'll be glad to take mine in turquoise)).

(04). 1978 Lady Kenmore Set (first ones with electronic controls).

(05). Any mid/late 1960's (GM) Frigidaire Imperial Jet-Action Washer with a 3-Speed Motor and a 1100 RPM Rapidry Spin (tick-tick, tick-tick, tick-tick......... the sound that a Frigidaire Washer makes when it is agitating (and the agtitators in these babies moved up and down, not side to side like in other washers)).

(06). Any 1950's to mid 1970's Speed Queen Washer with a heavy clunking solinoid mechanism and a solid (meaning without perforations) stainless steel tub.

See........... I told you all that it was difficult to choose one.

ROTHFLMAO

--Charles--


Post# 73409 , Reply# 38   7/13/2005 at 02:55 (6,833 days old) by kenmore1978 ()        
favorite washer

"(04). 1978 Lady Kenmore Set (first ones with electronic controls)."

You can have my set. Washer needs work, but it would nice for them to have a nice "retirement". "Coffee" color, boght new, have full history of everyting done.


Post# 73414 , Reply# 39   7/13/2005 at 03:43 (6,833 days old) by lavamat_jon (UK)        

Well a European view here...

My favourite washers of all time are probably square door Hoovers (both my nana and mum had one, nana's from the early 1972 and mum's from 1982, both in service until 1996), pre-Electrolux AEGs (as much as I love my AEG, it doesn't have the charm as the pre-2000 AEGs did), and definitely definitely definitely ANY Miele.

If I had to narrow it down to just the one washer of any vintage, though, I have to admit it will have to be my current Miele (albeit modded to give deep washes and rinses LOL).

Jon :-)


Post# 1083608 , Reply# 40   8/2/2020 at 15:29 (1,333 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
my choice will be...

The GE filter-flo. Built sturdy, splashy ramed activator action along with minibasket, the loud clunk, the sound of normal agitation starting up.

Post# 1083609 , Reply# 41   8/2/2020 at 15:30 (1,333 days old) by GELaundry4ever (Nacogdoches, TX, USA)        
in addition

I love the sound of the spin cycle. My favorite speed of all time would the normal/fast speed. It's very dramatic. I like the suspension clanking.

Post# 1083612 , Reply# 42   8/2/2020 at 15:40 (1,333 days old) by felix (São Paulo - Brazil)        

felix's profile picture
fav washer: Brastemp Super Luxo 1980

dream washer: WP mark XII timeline 1958


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Post# 1083613 , Reply# 43   8/2/2020 at 15:42 (1,333 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

maytag85's profile picture
My favorite machines of all time are Maytag, Whirlpool/Kenmore and Frigidaire. Been liking the belt drive Whirlpool and Kenmore machines ever since I acquired my 1963 Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII set on 7-25-2020

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Post# 1083614 , Reply# 44   8/2/2020 at 16:08 (1,333 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Revision:  The aforementioned Kelvinator for vintage.  Calypso for modern.


Post# 1083630 , Reply# 45   8/2/2020 at 18:52 (1,333 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)        
It's ALIIIIIIVE!!!!

rp2813's profile picture

After having gone dead over 15 years ago, followed by Dr. Frankenstein himself a year later.   And yet here it is -- so outdated that it appears in a forum where it no longer belongs.

 

The ghost of Dick S. strikes again, compromising the logic and efficiency that inspired our webmaster to create the "Latest Posts" index heading.


Post# 1083633 , Reply# 46   8/2/2020 at 19:08 (1,333 days old) by chetlaham (United States)        
1970s Center Dial Maytag

chetlaham's profile picture
Would be my choice. Large capacity, MOL.

Post# 1083748 , Reply# 47   8/3/2020 at 11:27 (1,332 days old) by jaums (Silver Spring, MD 20906 USA)        
My Aunt & Uncle's 1940's Bendix

Fav classic: 1940's Bendix due to it's obvious (or at least appearance of . . .) raw power! The window is the bomb!

Modern: (Hopefully . . .) The GE Ultrafresh pair, waiting for delivery. Appreciate the attempts designed in to eliminate the dread of front loaders: bad smell.

The Kenmore Tumble Action Washer (44092) pair (84092) have served well (for modern machines) since 2005.



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