Thread Number: 64068  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
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Post# 866596   2/11/2016 at 04:06 (2,996 days old) by brucelucenta ()        

You know, I really do just hate the fact that the top load washing machines I have known and used from the past are just that…a thing of the past. I have had machines that I just LOVED using and even looking at! My Kelvinator washer was probably my favorite, closely followed by my '68 Frigidaire set. There were so very many different washers and sets too numerous to even list. But they are just things of the past now. You can no longer use them in a practical way. There are no new parts for them, in case something should need repair and there is just no real way of them being practical as daily drivers now. Sad, but true. They now have their place in collections, like the ones so many have now. I will miss them always, but they can be seen in the pictures on here and when visiting at a "wash in". There were so many different kinds and unusual machines from the birth of automatic machines. I really do believe that soon top loading machines will be phased out for the most part and front loaders will take over completely. It only seems practical, since top loaders just cannot do the same job with a minimal amount of water. So ever onward!




Post# 866724 , Reply# 1   2/11/2016 at 20:59 (2,996 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        
Are front loaders really better at cleaning?

 washerlover's profile picture
I'm not convinced that these new-fangled front loaders clean as effectively as a good old top loader. After we lost everything (including my top loader collection) in one of the recent California wildfires, we had to rent a house while we looked to buy a new house. The rental place came with a Whirlpool Duet. It takes so long to do a regular load of laundry and barely sloshes the clothes around in enough water to fill a thimble. "Normal" wash takes 56 minutes, and heaven forbid you choose the "Bulky" setting -- you're stuck for two hours! And the fact that you're held prisoner by the lack of flexibilty of choosing different water temps, spin speeds, etc. is maddening. And the "add a garment" feature only lasts about 30 seconds and if you cancel the cycle to add anything, it drains and spins all the water out -- not very energy efficient if you ask me.

I apologize if this should have been posted in another forum -- but I agree with Bruce -- there's nothing like a good ol' fashioned top loading washing machine! Thanks for letting me vent.

Post# 866733 , Reply# 2   2/11/2016 at 22:10 (2,996 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
As long

As I can keep my old Kenmore running, it will be used, but I also like front loaders,,,,vintage ones!
Post# 866738 , Reply# 3   2/11/2016 at 22:31 (2,996 days old) by A440 ()        

Bruce, I totally understand your feelings.  I also love the vintage machines but love exploring the new world of washers, dryers and dishwashers.  The fun part is watching all of the companies that were the big guys in the past squirm to beat each other for the best machines.  Many times they fail.  It seems like this is a time of energy efficient appliances where it is all coming together, working and reliable.  It is the magic of an old technology paired with computers.  I always think what some of our vintage appliances would be like if computers were a part of the design.  Like Robert's Unimatic Computer Creation. 

 

All Machines are fun.  Junk or not....they are fun.  We pick our favorites and enjoy using them. 
Post# 866747 , Reply# 4   2/12/2016 at 00:51 (2,995 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Front loaders clean well. FACT!

They take longer, ok, they do, but let's be honest. Do you really get clean clothes using a super fast cycle in a top loader? Ok, it will wash rinse and spin in 30 minutes but what about the results?

I bet you have to pretreat stains, probably rub the bottom of underwears or cuffs or the collar. all that takes time. The washer cycle may be shorter but then you waste your time rubbing the clothes before loading the washer.


With a modern front loader, you can simply toss the load in it and walk away. If you use them correctly, the results will be impressive.

But we got to understand that the world changes, new technology come and we need to adapt some habits.

It reminds me a commercial i saw a few years ago, I don't remember which manufacturer... it showed women washign clothes in a river, probably in India and then a washing machine appears. they start banging the clothes on the washer, just like they do on a rock in the river.


I like both front and top loaders. Both have it's pros and cons. If I had the money, I'd have several washers just like i had in Brazil but, for the moment, i have to "survive" with an Eco-egg washer that fits a shirt at a time. Horrible, but that's what i can have for the moment. I had to change my laundry habits and i'm getting excellent results from it. It's a PITA doing 1 item per cycle but i have to admit, the mini egg shaped washing machine is excellent.

And let's be honest, even the worst washer in the world has a charm.



Post# 866765 , Reply# 5   2/12/2016 at 07:22 (2,995 days old) by Frigidaireguy (Wiston-Salem, NC)        
New verses Old

 I have several vintage machines and love each one differently. I do towels & whites in my "Westinghouse Spacemate" It is a really fun machine and do a super job of cleaning. The spin of course is not up to par but I just load them into my 1-18 or my front load Kenmore. I do my sheets in my Maytag 806 - I do slacks & shirts in my Kenmore frontload. I was lucky enough to get one of the last frontload machines that still had the timer knob instead of the electronic control. Several years ago I bought one of the small frontload Whirlpools and I HATED it. It had no way to use liquid bleach and if you stopped it to add anything it would drain and start over. I sold it for a fraction of what I paid for it just to get rid of it. My favorite is my 1954 Unimatic which is down right now in need of a torque spring. I really don't think I will ever buy another "New" washer. Just my 2 cents worth. Happy Washing Everyone !!!!
Bob


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