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Thread Number: 5141
Kitchenaid Washers |
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Post# 111966 2/25/2006 at 15:26 (6,628 days old) by pulltostart  (Mobile, AL) |
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Post# 111972 , Reply# 1 2/25/2006 at 16:26 (6,628 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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It just so happens I was at the "Mart" yesterday and stopped to look at the KitchenAid set in black. They seem like rather well-built machines. I couldn't find any feature charts for them so I don't know what they offer now but they used to have zinc-coated cabinets, heavier porcelain on the washer and dryer tops, Gold Seal motor (better bearings I think), sound insulating panels, commercial-quality bronze rollers and six-rib belt on the dryer for longer life. The KA website doesn't list many of these features now, but they still have the larger agitator (slower agitation strokes per min. for gentler action) porcelain tops on both, sound insulating panels, stepped spin speeds. It doesn't mention the construction components at all. Right across the aisle from the KA's was a Whirlpool set in black as well. Very sharp looking color but keep a fingerprint cloth handy! Don S. (jetaction) just picked up this washer yesterday for me, I've wanted a rapid-advance KA set for a long time. It was the last rapid-advance laundry appliance made in the US. We'll keep looking for the dryer... 
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| Post# 111991 , Reply# 2 2/25/2006 at 19:27 (6,627 days old) by zipdang (Portland, OR) | ||
I have a 2 1/2 year old KitchenAid set. The washer is the KAWS850LQ. Overall it's a decent performer, although it has required two repairs. The first service was to replace the timer, which would just randomly stop. The second service was to replace both the inner and outer tubs. The original inner porcelain-on-steel tub wore a hole in the outer plastic tub, which allowed it to leak (the repairman's determination, not mine). Because KA's have a better warranty than some other makes, everything was covered. Since being repaired almost 1 1/2 years ago I haven't had any more issues. I got a really good deal on them when I bought them; they were priced much better than the closest equivalent Whirlpool and Kenmore models. After I bought the set my sister-in-law bought the same washer, and she hasn't had any problems. If I had to do it all over (and got the same great deal) I think I would. | ||
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Post# 112002 , Reply# 3 2/25/2006 at 21:32 (6,627 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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Wow, she's a beauty, gansky! Can you hear the timer advancing during cycle set-up, as in the 1959-60 Kenmores? The last TL'er I owned was a 1988 MOL KitchenAid. Not quite as shreddy as the WP/KM versions (somewhat slower agi stroke). I think the 'fast' agitation on the KA was the 'medium' speed on WP/KM. ANYWAY, congrats on a great find! | ||
| Post# 112012 , Reply# 4 2/25/2006 at 22:45 (6,627 days old) by westytoploader () | ||
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YAY!! Congratulations Greg!! I know how you wanted one of these machines in the worst way...now you have one! :) | ||
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Post# 112034 , Reply# 6 2/26/2006 at 03:23 (6,627 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc) |
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It would seem like the KA washers are nothing more than a rebadged WP machine?Is there a difference-if there is I am wondering what are the features that would set them apart from WP-KN machines.I haven't seen KA washers out here in my neck of the woods. | ||
| Post# 112062 , Reply# 9 2/26/2006 at 08:30 (6,627 days old) by magic clean () | ||
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Its worth noting the warranty on the KitchenAid is quite different than Whirlpool & Kenmore | ||
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Post# 112075 , Reply# 11 2/26/2006 at 10:11 (6,627 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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The warranty is much stronger on the KA machines, 2 years full parts and labor is nothing to scoff at. 3rd thru 5th year (parts only) on motor and centerpost bearings; 5th thru 10th on top, lid and gearcase and lifetime warranty (parts) on the porcelain tub. The dryers also have a 2 year full warranty, 3rd-5th (parts) on control boards, element/burner and motor and 10 years (parts) on the cabinet and drum rust. The pricing of these machines isn't so far out of line when you take into account the warranty on the WP branded products is only one year full warranty on the machine. No other warranties on parts or other components beyond 1 year. | ||
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Post# 112089 , Reply# 13 2/26/2006 at 11:47 (6,627 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Post# 112140 , Reply# 15 2/26/2006 at 17:46 (6,627 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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Sudsmaster, KA topload washers have always been rebadged Whirlpool, and they've always been of the direct-drive design. I have a KAWE760/KEYE760 pair bought in 1991. I used them until 1999 when I got an F&P pair, at which time they went to my grandmother. She used them until 2004 when I upgraded my F&Ps, at which time the "original" F&P pair went to her. The KAs are currently stored in my garage. Never any trouble with the dryer. The washer's drive coupler broke about 6 months before we did the last swap, which of course I did the repair. My parents have a KAWE670/KEYE670 pair, I believe bought in 1994. They're not top-of-line but the washer still does have a 3-speed motor. No trouble with their dryer. The washer's lid switch was changed, that's all for it. There is some rusting developing around the lid and beneath the top. They do not have it in a climate-controlled area. | ||
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Post# 112176 , Reply# 16 2/26/2006 at 20:34 (6,626 days old) by pulltostart (Mobile, AL) |
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Thanks for the input, y'all. I have a KA refrigerator that I bought about 3 years ago and have had no problems with it, but have no experience with the laundry products. A local retailer is offering the 850 pair in black for about $260 below MSRP ($919 for the pair) - very tempting! My only previous experience with Whirlpool/Kenmore was an early 90's TOL Kenmore pair that was a horrible experience. Lemon or no lemon, that washer was total crap, and Sears' service was no better. I kept that pair for 3 years, only because they came with a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. The minute the warranty expired, they were out the door and replaced with a Maytag Dependable Care pair. Needless to say, that bad experience left me dubious of Whirlpool/Kenmore/Kitchenaid quality. If I decide to take the plunge for the black pair, I'll let you know. Thanks again for the information. Lawrence | ||
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Post# 112218 , Reply# 17 2/26/2006 at 23:46 (6,626 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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Rapid Advance Timer
This is a "one button" control for a washer that uses a small motor to turn the timer "dial" for you inside the control panel. This is a photo of my Maytag 906 control panel. The arrow on the left shows the motor, gearbox and shaft connecting to the timer on the right side of the panel. This gearbox and 'advance' motor is actually a very similar part to a rotisserie motor from a GE range.
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Post# 112224 , Reply# 18 2/27/2006 at 00:03 (6,626 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY) |
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Post# 112335 , Reply# 19 2/27/2006 at 11:14 (6,626 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!) |
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Post# 113603 , Reply# 21 3/6/2006 at 00:36 (6,619 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois) |
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kitchen aid hi, My everyday washer is a 1995 Kitchen Aid that I bought brand new. I think it is a great machine and will buy another one. The agitator is 60's torquoise too. Have fun with your new find. ABC-o-matic | ||
| Post# 113623 , Reply# 22 3/6/2006 at 07:07 (6,619 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii) | ||
KitchenAid laundry
My own personal opinion is the same on the KA's as the Whirlpool and Kenmore.They're easy to repair(thank God!)but the 3 point suspension system(not 6 like one of their competitors) and the painted cabinets as well as the painted base frame have a tendancy to rust.The outer thin,plastic tub gets a real gross build up of scum as well as the hard to clean snap in fabric softner dispenser and the agitator shaft it's snapped into.Clothes get verry worn out by the over invigorating agitator speeds that are not only way to fast but also they don't ossolate far enough to really clean the clothes.As a whole,top loaders use far more water and detergent to operate and most of them have all plastic parts in their transmissions."We've come a long way baby!"But I want to see us go back a little.
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Post# 113713 , Reply# 23 3/6/2006 at 17:21 (6,619 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass) |
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I believe the spin gear is "ceylon" plastic, but the rest of them are steel/metal. | ||
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