Thread Number: 81077  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Kitchenaid Superba Washer Set
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Post# 1050903   11/13/2019 at 16:44 (1,789 days old) by duttyb11 (Mountain City)        

Hey All,

I am buying a Kitchenaid Superba washer and dryer and I wanted to know what you all think about them? I hear they are very good machines, and I'm buying them used for 250 from an older lady who's going into a retirement home. Does anyone know anything about this brand, or what year they might be? I just know I am excited. Any info would help me thank you.


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Post# 1050905 , Reply# 1   11/13/2019 at 17:17 (1,789 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

repairguy's profile picture
Congrats! You now own a very dependable and versatile washer and dryer and for a great price as well. These are approximately 2004 models give or take a year or so. Serial numbers will confirm actual build date. I’m sure they are in great mechanical condition as well with light use as per the situation described. Enjoy!

Post# 1050909 , Reply# 2   11/13/2019 at 17:47 (1,789 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
KA toploaders are Whirlpool-produced direct-drive machines.  KA laundry was discontinued after Whirlpool bought Maytag in 2006 so Maytag could be positioned as the "premium" brand.

Don't shy away from using the two SensorSure temp settings ... which moderate the temperatures from being too cold, particularly when tap cold water gets colder in the winter season.

Earlier KA washers with 3-speed motors had an agitator with larger lower fins and ran high agitation at the medium motor speed (even though it was labeled as High), low agitation at the lowest speed for better fabric care.  The fastest motor speed was used for drain and high-speed spin.  I lost track of whether units toward the end of production followed that pattern.

Two speed motors would be:
High = high agitation, drain, and spin
Low = low agitation and spin
Low intermittent = hand wash

Three speed motors:
High = drain and high spin
Medium (same as low on a 2-speeder) = high agitation and low spin
Low (slower than low on a 2-speeder) = low agitation and ex-low spin
Low intermittent = ex-low agitation

Yours has Ultra Low speed labeled for the Wool/Handwash fabric setting ... which probably is intermittent agitation at the lowest speed for whichever type of motor it has (2-speed or 3-speed).


Post# 1050910 , Reply# 3   11/13/2019 at 17:47 (1,789 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Excellent choice....you couldn't have picked a better set.....

with 5 speed combinations, the cycle variations are endless....will fit any and every need you could ever imagine...

curious as to which agitator this one would have....


I had the dryer with the windowed door....non the less, you will get excellent drying results and best fabric care....


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Post# 1050913 , Reply# 4   11/13/2019 at 18:20 (1,789 days old) by Lorainfurniture (Cleveland )        

That’s a great set, and the price is right. I own that set and my wife loves them

Post# 1050924 , Reply# 5   11/13/2019 at 20:21 (1,789 days old) by duttyb11 (Mountain City)        
I'm so excited

Thank you all for the kind words. I knew after watching Lorainefurnitures videos that I must have this set. It looks to be in great condition. I will post more pictures of this set when I get my hands on them. It is replacing a 2010 Electrolux front load IQ touch pair in deep blue. They have served me well for years, but the washer has started to leak after I accidentally scrubbed the seal to hard. Still working just leaks a little. It's time I get back to the old roots of my love of laundry. I could not be a happier with this set, and I found it locally which is amazing in itself. I will post pictures of the inside of both units when I get them. Thanks for the kind words, again.

Post# 1050932 , Reply# 6   11/13/2019 at 20:58 (1,789 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

repairguy's profile picture
I currently have a 2002 set of these in the shop that I picked up earlier this year but haven’t checked them out yet. My washer must be one model down from this one. It has one less water temp. and speed selection and does not have the auto temp. It has the same cycles and water level though. The dryer is the same. And to your trailing question in reply 3 the one I have has the white large base agitator so I’m sure this one may as well. My set is not marked Superba either.

Post# 1050936 , Reply# 7   11/13/2019 at 21:14 (1,789 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
My 1991 760 is tagged as a Superba but has 4 temp combo choices, no extra rinse option, and no speed control (speeds are programmed into the timer cycles).  3-speed motor, turquoise wide-base agitator.  Perm Press stepped final spin runs two mins each of all three motor speeds.  Separate Pre Wash, and an Extra Wash option leading into Regular that runs a WP vintage-style Super Wash -- a 4-min prewash and a 1/2 drain.


Post# 1050950 , Reply# 8   11/14/2019 at 00:15 (1,789 days old) by SudsMaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture

It shouldn't be too difficult to get a new seal for that Electrolux, and to replace it. I replaced the seal (boot) on my circa 2000 Maytag Neptune 7500 washer after I put in some plastic backed car floor mats and they tore up the boot.

 

Personally I like the Electrolux front loaders, mainly because my laundry closet is plumbed for the washer to be on the right, and Electrolux was the only front loading washer I could find, after the Neptunes stopped production, where you could reverse the washer door.

 

Which is not to say your Superba won't be a good washer. I just prefer front loaders. I have five (grin)...

 

 

 


Post# 1051004 , Reply# 9   11/14/2019 at 11:16 (1,788 days old) by Jaytag (Atlanta)        

Best Washer and Dryer I have ever owned. I wish I still had them. A Great Find. Congratulations!

Post# 1051047 , Reply# 10   11/14/2019 at 18:47 (1,788 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        

Or of my best friends grew up with this set. It’s the best whirlpool brand washer out there IMO. I know it has stepped spin. Basically spins on low for a few minutes and then spins on high the rest of the cycle.


Post# 1051093 , Reply# 11   11/15/2019 at 04:26 (1,788 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
That KitchenAid set is really beautiful! So very flexible! Weren't these available in black too back then?

Post# 1051115 , Reply# 12   11/15/2019 at 09:02 (1,787 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

repairguy's profile picture
Yes they were. I picked up a black superba set a couple of months ago. They are either 2005 or 2006 I'd have to look again. I was going to post pictures but never got around to it. The washer has the large base agitator and 3 speed motor.

Post# 1051162 , Reply# 13   11/15/2019 at 17:57 (1,787 days old) by duttyb11 (Mountain City)        
Got them!!!

I got them hooked up, and I am so happy with the set. I absolutely cannot imagine going back to a front loader HE unless it was a Speed Queen. This set is so amazing, I love the way they look and the bottom fins on the agitator are huge!!! That must be how its so effective at cleaning. I love how the machine ramps up from low to high spin speeds. The dryer is also excellent. I will post pics soon! I hope that if something happens to them mechanically, I can get them fixed with parts. I am so pleased!!!!! Thanks to all for your thoughts and comments.

Dustin


Post# 1051204 , Reply# 14   11/16/2019 at 00:39 (1,787 days old) by IIIJohnnyMacIII (North Carolina)        
Congrats!

iiijohnnymaciii's profile picture
Nice deal. I bet they were rarely used. They should last you a very long time. Now get yourself some good ol' Tide Mountain Fresh powder and never look back!

Post# 1051229 , Reply# 15   11/16/2019 at 08:47 (1,786 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Great Looking Set Of KA Machines

combo52's profile picture

Enjoy them you should be able to to keep these working for a long time, the most difficult part to get some day will be the timers, if you want to keep them for the long haul get and extra W&D timer.

 

SQ is now selling their FL washers with either a Rt or LT hinged door, the RT hinged door is usually a special order but the same cost.

 

John L.


Post# 1051234 , Reply# 16   11/16/2019 at 09:17 (1,786 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

pierreandreply4's profile picture
hope you keep them alive and working for years to come since kitchenaid washers and dryers are no longer made so you can say you have something thats worth keeping in a collection lol

Post# 1051263 , Reply# 17   11/16/2019 at 15:58 (1,786 days old) by duttyb11 (Mountain City)        
Extra Parts

Does anyone know where I could pick up some extra parts, in case I need them down the road for these appliances? I want to keep them for YEARS and YEARS. If anyone had any suggestions like where I could get new timers or parts and which parts I could get that would be great. Thank you all so much for your compliments and comments. I am beyond proud. They are workhorses...washing like champs!!!

Post# 1051266 , Reply# 18   11/16/2019 at 16:04 (1,786 days old) by duttyb11 (Mountain City)        
Extra Parts

Does anyone know where I could pick up some extra parts, in case I need them down the road for these appliances? I want to keep them for YEARS and YEARS. If anyone had any suggestions like where I could get new timers or parts and which parts I could get that would be great. Thank you all so much for your compliments and comments. I am beyond proud. They are workhorses...washing like champs!!!

Post# 1051269 , Reply# 19   11/16/2019 at 17:05 (1,786 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Search your model numbers at online parts sources.

AppliancePartsPros.com and SearsPartsDirect.com have breakdown diagrams.  Others may have parts listed but not diagrams.

Make note of the various part numbers of interest -- the correct (WP) manufacturer part numbers, not the vendor/seller-specific item/stock/SKU numbers -- then search those WP numbers at any/all online sources (including eBay) for best prices.


Post# 1051277 , Reply# 20   11/16/2019 at 19:04 (1,786 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

eurekastar's profile picture

You're a lucky dawg!  That's awesome! 


Post# 1051287 , Reply# 21   11/16/2019 at 20:02 (1,786 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
Fantastic!

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
I can think of no other TL W&D set that will perform any better or be more reliable than these! As John said the timers could become a problem to find so having backups is a good Idea. So is having other control panel parts.
WK78


Post# 1051317 , Reply# 22   11/17/2019 at 02:12 (1,786 days old) by bradfordwhite (central U.S.)        

bradfordwhite's profile picture
Those look super clean. Excellent.

Post# 1051504 , Reply# 23   11/18/2019 at 12:22 (1,784 days old) by Mistereric (New Jersey (Taylor Ham))        

mistereric's profile picture
Congrats!

Yogi: after a few years of foster care with friends, that KA set are happy back in service in my new laundry room.


Post# 1051725 , Reply# 24   11/20/2019 at 13:17 (1,782 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)        
KA set

Oh man. I have been watching this thread, and I am jealous. These will be a great set!
I second the Tide Mountain Spring powder. I can just imagine the smell of a hot wash with it! YUM!


Post# 1052476 , Reply# 25   11/27/2019 at 16:26 (1,775 days old) by electronicontrl (Grand Rapids, MI)        
Nice..

electronicontrl's profile picture
You really scored with that set! Beautiful!
I'm saving the pic!


Post# 1109603 , Reply# 26   2/26/2021 at 09:50 (1,318 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        
Kitchenaid 2 Speed

Hi Everyone!

I’m getting a 2 speed set with the black control board and the baby blue agitator this weekend from an old couple in their 70’s up in Scranton, PA. It only has 3 temperature selection and no warm/warm option which makes me a little sad but none the less I am sure it’s in amazing shape. They don’t have smartphones so they weren’t able to post pictures but the man sounded nice and explained the machine over the phone.

It sounds like the 2 speed with no extra rinse etc and not as many options as the picture on this forum.

Does anyone know if the old 2 speed would have the stepped spin and agitation feature? Does anyone know what the programmed cycles are?

I saw on Lorain Furniture Eugene had a video of one like this but his agitator wasn’t even the large KA one I guess KA made a bottom line one? It worries me I might be getting that and I wanna know more if anyone can help explain.

Thanks All!!


Post# 1109609 , Reply# 27   2/26/2021 at 11:05 (1,318 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Pretty much impossible to predict the details without a model number and/or photos of the panel and interior.  Very early models didn't have the oversize agitator and were two speed (ran high agitation at the high motor speed).  Some lower-end models in the late 80s and forward may also be as such.

Seems that Eugene's KA does have the larger agitator (the base covers the ring of perforations on bottom of the basket).


Post# 1109642 , Reply# 28   2/26/2021 at 17:33 (1,318 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

Thanks Dadoes!!

I called and got the model number KAWE560WAL3

I tried looking it up but can’t find anything on it at all.


Post# 1109647 , Reply# 29   2/26/2021 at 18:22 (1,318 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
I have a KAWE760WAL2, which is two models higher in the line.  The 760 has a 3-speed motor and stepped spin.  Final spin on Perm Press cycle runs two mins each at all three motor speeds.

KAWE560WAL3 has a 2-speed motor.  It may have stepped spin on the two speeds, depends on the timer programming.  It does have the larger agitator.

W = 1990 model year
AL = almond color
trailing digit indicates the engineering change/revision on the given model

Serial numbers are coded for the week and year of manufacture.  Mine is 26th week (June 24-28) of 1991.


Post# 1109648 , Reply# 30   2/26/2021 at 18:45 (1,318 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

Thanks so much Dadoes!!!!!

I can only hope they would do steppes spin I can’t imagine why not? Different trans but they could keep the same control board or circuit board for mass production and not utilize all the options on the circuit board?

I have a estate by whirlpool 2002 DD that is a two speed but doesn’t change from the high speed ever even for “delicate”. I just want to know if this KA will have a more gentle agitation but I would love to know if someone knows if it would have stepped agitation.

If you had the chance at one in good shape owned by an old couple would you get it? Before I drive an hour there I’m trying to get a feel for it.

Also is the almond color ugly? I can’t find any almond pics


Post# 1109651 , Reply# 31   2/26/2021 at 19:41 (1,318 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
The transmission has no effect on agitation or spin speeds.  Speeds are in the motor RPM, not in the mechanicals of the transmission.

There are no electronics or circuit boards involved.  The timer is mechanical.

Your Estate probably has a 1-speed motor and simulates gentler agitation by running the motor intermittently on the Gentle or Delicate cycle.

I can't find a tech sheet for the KA 560 but I did find a user guide.  It doesn't state any agitation or spin speeds for the three cycles.  The illustration of the timer doesn't show any wash times, just soil level references.  There are wash time references in the written cycle descriptions.

Regular/Heavy
  Normal (or Heavy) = 10 mins
  Light (or Normal) = 6 mins

Permanent Press
  Normal = 7 mins
  Light = 4 mins

Knits/Delicate
  Normal = 1 min agitation, 2 mins soak, 1 min agitation

The descriptions lead me to conjecture that, regards to having the larger agitator and a 2-speed motor, it runs the motor at low speed for all agitation.  Possibly at high for spin on Regular/Heavy and at low for spin on Perm Press and Knits/Delicate ... or possibly stepped on Perm Press .... or maybe at high for all spins.


Whirlpool Digital Library

Select Documents.
KAWE560WAL3 for Exact Model Number
Press Enter, or click the magnifying glass icon to search.


Post# 1109658 , Reply# 32   2/26/2021 at 20:31 (1,318 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

repairguy's profile picture
I’d go for it especially if an elderly couple owned it.

Post# 1109659 , Reply# 33   2/26/2021 at 20:31 (1,318 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

Okay not sure if that is a bummer to hear or not. I’m thinking it would still be better then the estate in some way? Or maybe I should keep it and continue my KA hunt

Post# 1109695 , Reply# 34   2/27/2021 at 07:51 (1,317 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

My estate machine says 2 speed but I think they just use the second speed for spinning and will do a low spin on delicate.

Do you think this KA would be at least better then that? It will have the larger agitator at least.

Thanks for all your input I really appreciate it!!


Post# 1109696 , Reply# 35   2/27/2021 at 08:06 (1,317 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Regards to the Estate, parts diagrams would need to be checked or the tech sheet located to determine if it has a 2-speed or 1-speed motor.  "2 Speed Combinations" or some such reference printed on the panel may be marketing-speak for intermittent agitation on the Delicate or Gentle cycle.  You should be able to hear the difference in the motor sound for drain vs. spin if it's using low speed for spin.  Neutral drain is always at high speed.

The KA does have a 2-speed motor if the parts info I'm finding is correct.  I can't say how the machine utilizes the two speeds without detailed cycle diagrams or direct operational observation.  Or, someone who has the exact model could provide the details.


Post# 1109698 , Reply# 36   2/27/2021 at 08:26 (1,317 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

Yeah I think the estate is just marketing it that way. It does that stupid intermittent delicate cycle.

I think that I want the KA cause it would have better sound deadening features? And that gold wire plated motor or whatever? It’s gotta have some better features then the cheap estate.

Here’s a photo of the estate, thanks again for your help and being so awesome at it!!



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Post# 1109712 , Reply# 37   2/27/2021 at 10:05 (1,317 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
My partner has the exact same machines as your Estate, just branded as Admiral. Intermitint agitation and there's no slow spin speed.

Post# 1109714 , Reply# 38   2/27/2021 at 10:29 (1,317 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Found a tech sheet for the Estate, which also covers other models.  Says all agitation and spin is at high speed.  Gentle cycle agitation is 20 secs on/off, although that may vary per timer programming among the various models.

TAWX700JQ1 = 2000 model year
CM1981061 = 19th week (May 6-10) of 2002 manufacture date


Post# 1109719 , Reply# 39   2/27/2021 at 12:25 (1,317 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

Tha k you so much! Sounds like I would be better off with the KA since it offers lighter agitation for fabric care. Do you know if my estate has the same agitator as the KA? They just look so similar with the dual action.

Also doesn’t the KA offer quieter cycles and some fancier internals then a whirlpool?



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Post# 1109725 , Reply# 40   2/27/2021 at 13:53 (1,317 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
KA 560 has three adhesive mastic panels affixed to the inside of the cabinet to dampen vibrations, which your Estate lacks.  The drive mechanicals are the same, other than 2-speed vs. 1-speed motor, different agitator, and the KA having slightly larger capacity.

My 760 adds a sound absorbing pad under the base, 560 doesn't.

Pics I found of a 560, and a better shot of the agitator it should have.


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Post# 1109747 , Reply# 41   2/27/2021 at 18:50 (1,317 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

Dadoes you are the man!! I am a little disappointed in the lack of cycles and no warm warm but love having a real two speed that is quieter and lower agitation for fabrics.

Personal question is would you buy something like this to replace your estate that is 10 years newer? My estate was also owned by an old couple in Greta shape but I don’t think I need higher agitation my wife and I are teachers and are clothes are not that dirty.

The larger KA agitator should do a good job I would imagine. Just open to suggestions. The KA sounds super legit this old man said it is so clean and in such good shape he is 75 for goodness sake and probably barely used it.


Post# 1109786 , Reply# 42   2/28/2021 at 07:23 (1,316 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Better Top Load Washer

combo52's profile picture

Hi Nick the KA is a better washer, but as you mentioned it is 10 years older and several parts like the timer and motor are harder to find if needed.

 

If it were me I would either keep what you have or if there is room have both hooked up and ready to use.

 

The only way I will use a TL washer any longer is if I can save and reuse the wash water usually by draining the water into a 2nd machine. To get decent cleaning out of a full fill TL machine you need around 20 gallons of hot water and a lot of detergent, it is simply too costly to dump all that down the drain after washing a few bath towels, sheets etc when you can use the slightly cooled water to wash wash your jeans etc.

 

The entire concept of TL washers was based on Wringer Washers where you filled up the machine with good hot water and got a good soap or detergent solution going and you set out to do at least several loads of laundry, the idea of dumping this water after a few lightly soiled things were washed would have been crazy to generations before us.

 

We have rebuild & resold a lot of these basic WP built TL DD washers, they are noisy and cheap sounding, sometimes I take the time to add sound deadening material to the inside of the cabinet and it makes an amazing difference.

 

John L.


Post# 1109820 , Reply# 43   2/28/2021 at 15:06 (1,316 days old) by NaturallyNick (Emmaus, PA)        

Thanks John! I feel like I can’t help myself and this KA DD obsession so I’m gonna buy it but I am curious if you know where I would be able to find another timer to have on hand. The motor on these were the same used in WP right? Except they have gold plated contacts

Post# 1109836 , Reply# 44   2/28/2021 at 17:45 (1,316 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
KA DD Motor:

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
Not entirely the same. Your machine requires a 3 speed motor to work as designed. Most DD machines used a 2 speed motor. The reason for this is that "high" agitation on this machine is the same as low on a WP or KM DD. This is due to the larger agitator base.
WK78


Post# 1109842 , Reply# 45   2/28/2021 at 19:18 (1,316 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
KA Washer Parts

combo52's profile picture

Hi Nick, If you get it look up the timer Pt# and shop around Ebay etc, Yes it is a good part to have if you really like the machine after a while.

 

The motor is interchangeable with WPs 3 speed motor, the only difference with the KA motor was they had copper start windings with the rest of the windings being aluminum where as the WP motors were all aluminum.

 

I don't know how long KA motors were any different, I know they also went back to all aluminum windings at some point, it really din't make any difference.

 

John L.


Post# 1109843 , Reply# 46   2/28/2021 at 19:30 (1,316 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
The KA 560 he's considering has a 2-speed motor per parts diagrams, not 3-speed.  But it still may be a heavier-duty design than standard WP 2-speed.



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