Thread Number: 82144  /  Tag: Modern Dryers
Panda Spin Dryer Feedback
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Post# 1061637   2/27/2020 at 08:23 (1,491 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        

Does it really work to reduce drying time whether hanging or finishing the dry in a dryer? Is it durable if used correctly? Please tell me anything else you find helpful.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO PinkPower4's LINK





Post# 1061641 , Reply# 1   2/27/2020 at 08:40 (1,491 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

I have had one for about a year now. It's especially great for towels and heavier garments. It holds about 4 bath sized towels, but it's amazing to see the water that it extracts. It is an extra step in the laundering process, but worth it.

Post# 1061650 , Reply# 2   2/27/2020 at 09:52 (1,491 days old) by philcobendixduo (San Jose)        
I've Had My Panda....

philcobendixduo's profile picture
.....spinner for over 2 years and it really does reduce drying time both in the dryer and outside on the line. I use it for towels, cotton underwear and socks, and other fabrics that hold a lot of water.

My washer is a 1987 Kenmore DD so it does not spin very fast (600 something rpm, I think).
If you have a newer washer with "high speed" spin, the Panda won't make much if any difference in drying times.

So far, the Panda has proven to be very durable. The only fault I find with it is that it is very hard to open the lid if your hands are even remotely damp as there is no "grip" on the little tab used to pull the lid up.

I always let it run for the full 5 minute "cycle" (beeper sounds at the end) then open the safety latch to engage the brake. If you let it "coast down" after it shuts off, the unit can "walk" if it's not balanced well.

BTW - your link doesn't work for me but I assume this is the stainless steel Panda (in and out).


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Post# 1061655 , Reply# 3   2/27/2020 at 11:19 (1,491 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        
Thank you for posting working link...

I don't know why the copy and paste didn't work, but I did this from my phone. I ordered one from Wal-Mart. The price has dropped to $139 now.

Thanks for the feedback. If anyone else wants to chime in, feel free. This is a major purchase for me that I hope I am spending wisely. I line and machine dry, so this sounds/looks like it will be helpful either way.


Post# 1061670 , Reply# 4   2/27/2020 at 14:43 (1,491 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)        
Spin Dryer

I actually purchased one of the laundry alternative ninja spin dryer last fall. I have been considering doing a review. After spinning a full load of towels out of the Duet running a 1400 rpm spin, a load of 10 bath towels, it will still remove approx. 4 cups of water. Drying times have improved by about 10% for items spun at 1400 rpm, about 20% if spun at 1200 rpm. I throughly enjoy it. It balances loads very well, and is quiet at speed. It does hold about 4 or 5 towels per run. I do find that clothes are ever so slightly softer, more than likely due to the lower amount of hard water minerals left in the clothes.

Post# 1062125 , Reply# 5   3/3/2020 at 03:06 (1,487 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Well, I should be quiet (as the product design director at The Laundry Alternative) but...

AWO members have an special discount.


Post# 1062263 , Reply# 6   3/4/2020 at 11:17 (1,485 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)        
Thomas

I didn’t know about the discount! Darn! The Ninja works great though.

Post# 1062531 , Reply# 7   3/7/2020 at 08:45 (1,482 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        
Panda Spin Dryer Initial Impressions

Thomas, I did not know about the discount. The new LA models look and sound really nice. The only negative I saw was that it may not include a timed shutoff.

Thanks to all for your feedback!

I know this is a long post, but I hope the extra information helps someone else determine if this works well for their setup.

I got the Panda PANSP21W 3200 RPM Portable Spin Dryer 110V/22lbs White Stainless Steel. I bought the painted version because it fits in better. I have noticed discolorations (looks like rust spots but they are just discolorations) on other stainless steel products I have owned over time, so I prefer painted now. Seems sturdy built except for the thin plastic lid. I don't think my child lock works when the unit is not actually "on" so the blue plastic lid just lifts up without having to press the button in front. I am a little concerned about the lever so I move it on and off very slowly and will let it come to a stop on its own. Initial impressions is this product works great, and I got it for a reasonable price ($139) from Walmart.

It came double boxed. Both boxes indicate what the product is. I ordered site-to-store shipping. Product arrived earlier than expected and undamaged.

Setup is pretty easy. Some instructions are affixed to the top of the unit for removing packing parts and loading instructions. One has to remove a hard plastic shipping plug (called a motor locking part) from the bottom of the unit and a foam piece from the inner tub.

I have a Maytag mvwp575gw top load washer that spins at 700 rpm and a Magic Chef 1.6 portable that spins at 800 rpm. A MT Normal "Eco" load or MC large load fits into the spin dryer. 1.5 to 2 cups of water are extracted depending on the contents of the load. A full-size load would equals two spin dryer loads. 3.5 to 4 cups of water (from the whole load) are extracted depending on the contents. I expected to see a little more water from the MT full-size load because a larger load may not be able to spread out as much or spin as fast in the washer, but there wasn't (so it seems to spinning it out as well as smaller loads). The spin dryer takes about 8 to 9 minutes total from the time I turn on the spinner until it stops spinning on its own. The unit is set to spin the clothes for 5 minutes.

A full-size load for me is loosely placing items around the agitator until the tub is about 3/4 full (where the holes are in my tub). There is a second set of holes near the top of the tub.

Line drying or machine drying took noticeably less time. A load of six Walmart-type towels (medium quality/medium size?) took only twenty minutes. A load of 5 (max of 6 adult/8 kids is load for me) adult jeans took 20 to 30 (I put the timer on 30 but they were probably dry before that). Half loads of permanent press-type stuff (15 max T-shirts) would need 10 to 15. I am using an 11-y/o LG dryer that came with my FL washer (no longer have).

Washing and Drying takes even less time now. It cuts dry time to less than half or maybe even a third for my setup. A Normal "Eco" cycle is washed and ready to go in less than ONE hour. A full-size Powerwash and dry takes about 1.5 hours total. Can't beat this!!! It is so convenient to be able to do this at night after a long day of work. Clothes seem softer and less stiff whether I line dry or machine dry. I don't use dryers sheets or fabric softener--use scent boosters and those wool drying balls.



Post# 1063636 , Reply# 8   3/18/2020 at 04:37 (1,472 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Comparison video






Post# 1063670 , Reply# 9   3/18/2020 at 10:34 (1,471 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
not to hi-jack the thread....

@Thomas...why not create a combination of your spinner, with the flexibility of washing all in one unit?....

as in this vid, the guy can wash, and then insert the spinner....

I would like to see a Spinner that does double duty, or multi purpose if you will....one product that would fill many needs...

at home just a spinner, or for small loads....take on vacation, RV/camping, dorm rooms...

something to consider than just a spinner only...






Post# 1063682 , Reply# 10   3/18/2020 at 13:35 (1,471 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        
Yogitunes

We have a project like that in the freezer.

The chances of really making it are almost zero because it is extremely complex and expensive. The final product would cost more than a fully automatic, full size washing machine because of the complexity of the motor, the transmission system and the suspension, to make possible to reach 3200 RPM and at the same time be able to reach low speed to wash.

As I always say, nothing is "impossible" for engineering, as soon as you can pay for it.

And in a world where millennials only care about tag price, not the product value, it's really hard to fight those Chinese companies. What matters more, nowadays, is the Amazon ratings and the product positioning on Amazon's screen.

And a simulation considering the sales "out of amazon", to break even (no profit, just covering our costs) the MSRP would have to be over $1500. Who would pay that for a spin dryer just because it can also wash?


Obs. Those silly Chinese washers with a spin drum can reach "impressive" 250 to 300 rpm and they don't last much because the motor (a wash motor) is always overloaded. Even if they reached 500 RPM, the drum diameter is so minimalist that the result would be worse than a WCI Skinny Mini spinning on "delicate"



Post# 1063701 , Reply# 11   3/18/2020 at 16:52 (1,471 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
I doubt that MSRP

I mean, more expensive than a verry BOL full size, maybe, yes.

But in the time of variable frequency drives being cheap enough to be in basicly any FL by now, not 1500$.

These controllers and motors are so versatile and easy to implement, 500$ seems more realistic.
No transmission needed...


Post# 1063724 , Reply# 12   3/18/2020 at 18:51 (1,471 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
I know right!....

I can get a portable Avanti for around 300.00....fully automatic....fill/wash/spin in any combination...

granted it only spins at 800rpm, but pretty decent for a portable....and will still extract quite a bit of water from a load after spinning in a regular machine...

compared to Jeff LeFever's spinner, anything else is a gumball machine...


Post# 1063732 , Reply# 13   3/18/2020 at 22:55 (1,471 days old) by pumper (SE Wisconsin)        
Discount

pumper's profile picture
How does one go about getting this discount, and can it be used for any item on the Laundry Alternative site?

Post# 1063871 , Reply# 14   3/20/2020 at 05:25 (1,470 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        
Pumper

Yes, place your order by phone and mention you're an AWO member.

They'll ask your screen name and confirm here on the member's list.

Once confirmed, you get the discount.

The discount applies to any product, however, due to the absurd demand because of the COVID-19, discounts can not be applied to WonderWash.

New models to be released the next few weeks (Scirocco washer-dryer combo, Babysitter Washer, Babysitter dryer, WonderWash PRO, Special washer-dryer combo, and the twin tub Square-D and the dishwasher DishyWashy also don't have any discount other than the regular discount coupon available on the website.


Post# 1063942 , Reply# 15   3/20/2020 at 21:53 (1,469 days old) by pumper (SE Wisconsin)        

pumper's profile picture
OOOOhhh I'm going to wait to see those new models!

Post# 1074520 , Reply# 16   5/27/2020 at 11:50 (1,401 days old) by Taurn67 ()        
thanks Thomas

Just ordered the Niagara and the Ninja. Thanks again for your help.
Chris


Post# 1075068 , Reply# 17   5/30/2020 at 21:33 (1,398 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        
Laundry Alternatives Niagara and Spin Dryer

Wish someone could figure out a way to film the wash action of the Niagara. I am really interested in this washer for my next purchase when needed. I also appreciated the video Thomas posted of the Ninja spin dryer. Looks like a winning combination, but I would also have an electric clothes dryer available too.

So far the Panda has worked well and cut down on the drying time. I loved the video comparison, so the consumer could see which model might work better for them. Either would be a good choice for me.


Post# 1075099 , Reply# 18   5/31/2020 at 09:52 (1,397 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
One thing to keep in mind - Thomas' customer service

panthera's profile picture

We bought one of the first mega-spin dryers from Thomas' company and it promptly failed. He had a replacement on the way immediately. No hassle, no need to video tape the fault. Outstanding service!

Our Panda spinner started to knock loudly about two months after we put it into continuous service. They demanded a detailed description with video and audio before they'd consider whether we had a warranty claim.

It's an important aspect of buying a product.


Post# 1075102 , Reply# 19   5/31/2020 at 10:38 (1,397 days old) by bradfordwhite (central U.S.)        

bradfordwhite's profile picture
I wish they had a motor kit for the simple tumble washers. Something that's 12 volt D.C. so it could be used off-grid.

A simple motor that would slowly run in one direction for one minute, then the other direction for another minute, and repeat.

When you combine that kind of wash action with the spin drier, the likes of which I have tried, you'd have excellent cleaning action and the best extraction on an affordable compact scale.

Does the spin drier come in a 12 volt version?


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Post# 1075103 , Reply# 20   5/31/2020 at 10:45 (1,397 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
There's nothing fancy about these motors

panthera's profile picture

A 12v DC to 120 60Hz AC converter would be able to power them quite easily.

A DC motor, on the other hand would either have to be brush driven or have fairly complicated

electronics.

I'd go with a standard 120 AC unit and a converter which puts out a decent sine wave.


Post# 1079086 , Reply# 21   6/28/2020 at 23:43 (1,369 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        
Re: Reply 18

Panthera, I usually take care of 90% of the customers emails, and by standard we don't usually require photos or videos.

UNLESS there's something intriguing that I couldn't really understand in words or that can be an user error or similar.

However, lately we had to "make it a little more difficult" because of the amazon "Karens".

"Omg i bought a spin dryer and on the first use it failed horribly, it was a terrible disaster, i almost had to call the fire department, Hazmat team, SWAT, The Navy.

Ok what happened?

It just hummed and didn't spin.

Did you remove the shipping bracket?

No

So the unit is not defective, you need to remove the shippigng bracket otherwise it will never work because the motor is locked.

Why would I bother doing that? It's easier to place an A-Z claim, destroy your reputation, amazon will force you to replace my unit AND they will refund the order so I can have a spin dryer for free and make your company lose thousands of dollars and say the unit doesnt work at all.

Because of stupid people like that, that think they're smart, we were FORCED to make warranty calls a bit more complex. Who has a real issue ends up understanding. (Our standard procedure is asking for a picture of the product) Now when somebody is trying to be "smart" (they probably purchased the product, used it for almost 3 years, sold it on Craigslist or Ebay and a couple of days before the warranty expires, they start a warranty claim), it will be a pain in their shoes.

This is also the same reason we're gradually leaving Amazon. Too many scams, average half million dollars lost per year.


Post# 1079087 , Reply# 22   6/28/2020 at 23:56 (1,369 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Regarding the Niagara videos. I have that task on my "to do" list for months.

But then we were hit by the COVID-19 emergency, everything was suddenly put on a halt and I'm working like crazy to finish two models made thinking of COVID. (one of them is a tumble dryer)

Unfortunately there's not much to "see" ona Niagara washing. I mean, I have in my lab an unit that had the safety switch bypassed, so it can operate with the lid open, but what you'll see looks almost like a cheese grater.

And the internal videos made with the GoPro camera in the drum are kinda hard to understand (and actually everybody feels seasick after watching it for more than 2 minutes)

The "wash action" is exactly like a front load washer.
There is atotal of 7 baffles in the drum: 2 medium baffles on each side of the hatch (11 and 1 o'clock), 2 mini baffles (10, 8, 2, 5 o'clock) and a large baffle at 6 o'clock position. that is the "rollover" baffle.


Post# 1079110 , Reply# 23   6/29/2020 at 08:00 (1,368 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
Customer Service

panthera's profile picture

I suppose it's inevitable, but gosh - that sucks! I really appreciated the prompt, no hassle replacement of your spinner.   Amazon has their ups and downs. We had a major problem with packages not going to our house, but one down the street (similar house number) and got put on a list for too many complaints about missing packages.   It took weeks to finally get a real person to look into it, find out that it wasn't us, after all and restore normal service. So, yeah, they did their job, but the hassle to get there. Now, of course, when they take photos of the item delivered, it's a lot easier.   Anyway, best of luck with your company. We need more engineers like you and fewer middle-managers.


Post# 1079645 , Reply# 24   7/3/2020 at 04:41 (1,365 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Panthera (and also all other AWO members that are also The Laundry Alternative Customers.

Come on guys, you know you're "home", you know I'm SUPER accessible, I don't bite (much) and you know how to reach me. Most of you even know my personal mobile number (easiest way to find me is through Whatsapp call, don't message, just call straight because lately I don't have time to type) and I ignore most of the regular calls unless I know the number because of annoying telemarketers.

I don't want to brag about that but there's a reason the word "director" is on my job title. I always run the extra mile to all customers, but for AWO friends, running two extra miles will be always my pleasure so, skip the system, talk straight to me and I'll always manage to do some instant magic to help you. (but of course, I'll have to sync with you and "throw" you in the system to have everything documented in the logs.

The only thing I can't help at all is with the backorders and delays... Our sales skyrocketed 3100% almost overnight because of the COVID emergency. Of course we're all thilled because of that (nah, truth be said, my boss is thrilled, I'm almost fainting so hard I'm working) Our three warehouses are literally empty (you won't find even a WonderWash lid) and the logistics team don't even bother to use the forklift to unload the pallets, the boxes go straight from the container to the FedEx trucks that form a line in front of our warehouse.
5 plants working 24/7 at full capacity and miraculously we finally droped from 37 to 23-day delivery delay. That's one product sold every 13 seconds.

Literally the whole USA and Canada decided to panic about the idea of using a Laundromat or the apartment complex laundry room, most people don't have room for full size washers and we're the only company that has a "full size capacity" super compact washer that fits in a closet and doesn't need special hookups. Plus, our other model has a germicidal light.

If we need to replace any product, the only thing I can say is "I'm sorry but you'll have to wait in line just like everybody else."

Panthera, regarding your Mega... I'll be glad to replace your unit and apply a free upgrade to Ninja, however, I'm sorry but you'll have to wait in line after you contact me and I find your order in the system.
The Ninja has "only" twice the extraction power than Mega and that thing is a real workhorse on steroids.

Full load of towels (Speed queen ultra-mate gas dryer) bone-dry in 9 minutes, way before the moisture sensor has time to detect the towels are almost incinerated and start the cool down. My recommendation is to always gnore the moisture sensor, babysit the tumble dryer, open the door every 2 minutes and feel the clothes. They dry REALLY fast.

If using a whirlpool "badass" dryer, use the "touch up" cycle.


By the way: I'm just finishing a shitty washer (literally shitty, that's all I can say about it) and as soon as I'm done, I'll rest for 1 day and dive back in the tumble dryer project. Once it's done, there are other three washers waiting for me (INCLUDING ONE WITH AN OLD-SCHOOL AGITATOR INSPIRED ON A MAYTAG WRINGER, then one inspired on a Hoover and finally the countertop washer-dryer combo) and then a new spin dryer.



Post# 1079667 , Reply# 25   7/3/2020 at 10:23 (1,364 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)        
Thomas,

panthera's profile picture

Don't kill yourself, overworking. Without you, a lot of people would have had no solution - you've taken a good idea and turned it into an excellent product, several times!

Take a day off. You deserve it!


Post# 1079798 , Reply# 26   7/4/2020 at 15:17 (1,363 days old) by JohnBee (USA, NY)        
Compact machines

johnbee's profile picture
Thomas probably you should consider compact front loaders with spin cycle or H axis toploader with spin cycle.

I live in NYC and I know many people they wish they could have a European top loader(18 inch wide) or a compact European front loader (1 cu ft capacity)



Post# 1079862 , Reply# 27   7/5/2020 at 03:21 (1,363 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        
Johnbee

We considered those but we were put in a halt because of the COVID-19.

Among our projects are a full size (17kg wash/8kg dry) HATL washer-dryer combo (and a "spin-off" GAS version) and a super compact (3kg) fron load washer that is extremely lightweight There's also a 8kg HATL fully-automatic washer, 1450RPM spin but that will be much more challenging because of the shipping costs (white glove) that could make the product cost-prohibited for most consumers.

When any of those products will finally leave this computer and enter the production line, only God knows.

There's also another mini FL washer that we're developing specially to be installed in a dead space almost 100% of homes in the world have.


Post# 1079863 , Reply# 28   7/5/2020 at 03:25 (1,363 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

And also the company changed the strategy... We're going to focus more on "mini" washers that is the market the company always focused and that lead us to a complete "glory" during the COVID-19 emergency.

Our recent sales numbers definitely made executives at Whirlpool, Samsung, Lg and Electrolux panic. We went, almost overnight, form an insignificant tiny company (actually microscopic if compared to those huge multinational corporations) to #1 in sales.


Post# 1079894 , Reply# 29   7/5/2020 at 09:55 (1,362 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        
@thomasortega

You have done a wonderful job explaining how your products work. I definitely plan on looking into them as they look like they will meet my future needs well.

Thank you,


Post# 1079999 , Reply# 30   7/6/2020 at 04:58 (1,362 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

... and i just finished another project 5 minutes ago (2:49am)

It was kinda strange working on a project named "poo". Even more strange was spending the last 2 months watching poo. then testing poo, putting poo in the poo, running over 1 thousand poo cycles, taking poo apart several times and finally writing the "poo" report. Now I'm literally with poo right next to me in my bedroom. and I'm typing with the keyboard on my lap, sitting on my desk and with both feet resting on poo.

Now I can proudly say I successfully did s**t or be super proud for having designed the very first s***ty washer in the world.


Post# 1080009 , Reply# 31   7/6/2020 at 06:53 (1,362 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
Poo

ozzie908's profile picture
Is it a diaper washer?

Post# 1080058 , Reply# 32   7/6/2020 at 15:27 (1,361 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

yep. the very first washer specially designed for diapers that you don't need to "manipulate" dirty diapers before loading them in the washer.

Just change the baby and throw it in the washer (the diaper, not the baby), even if they're "heavy".

That's a huge help, considering the absurd price of disposable diapers.


Post# 1152267 , Reply# 33   6/24/2022 at 09:19 (643 days old) by philcobendixduo (San Jose)        
Panda Laundry Spinner Update

philcobendixduo's profile picture
Today, my Panda laundry spinner spin basket "broke loose" when starting to spin a second load of towels.
Thankfully, it was not at full speed when this happened or the results might have been disastrous.
The first load I did spun fine but was noisy - as if unbalanced in a way to make it "buzz" loudly.
My guess is that a suspension component has either broken or become detached.
The spin basket seems to be still attached at the motor connection.
When I have time, I will try to take it apart and see just what happened.

I emailed Panda (address on their website) and the mail was immediately rejected due to "mailbox full".
So much for getting any help from them!




This post was last edited 06/24/2022 at 10:00
Post# 1152398 , Reply# 34   6/25/2022 at 09:37 (642 days old) by PinkPower4 (USA)        
I still have the Panda spin dryer and now Ninja...

The Panda has held up well doing wash for our family, which includes pets. Washer I use has a spin of about 700 rpm, so clothes are partially spun out before going into Panda. The Panda can get loud at times.

I also bought the Ninja as I wanted to get one before the price of everything went up. Overall, I have to say I prefer Ninja as it seems to balance better, is quieter, and seems to extract a bit more even though rpm is same or close. However, Panda is two years old and the Ninja is a recent purchase.

I think my clothes are a bit cleaner as this extracts more water/residue left behind. Clothes dry in about 1/2 or 1/3 of the time, so saves time too. I'm sure this saves wear/tear on dryer and seems to make my electric bill less every month. At this point, I'm also sure I'm coming out ahead in savings with the Panda. It's hard to say how much of a difference it really makes in the electric bill vs. cost of spinner itself.

philcobendixduo will be curious to see what issue is with your Panda and if it's fixable.


Post# 1156259 , Reply# 35   8/7/2022 at 15:06 (599 days old) by philcobendixduo (San Jose)        
I haven't been able....

philcobendixduo's profile picture
.....to figure out how to take the Panda apart to see what broke.
Anyone here know how to disassemble it?

In the mean time, I need a spinner so purchased the Laundry Alternative Ninja via Amazon.
I just used it for the first time yesterday and was quite pleased with the balancing, noise and performance.

While I prefer the look of the Panda over the Ninja, time will tell just how well the Ninja holds up over the years.
I do like that the Ninja is made in Argentina and not China!



Post# 1156266 , Reply# 36   8/7/2022 at 16:24 (599 days old) by bradfordwhite (central U.S.)        

bradfordwhite's profile picture
It's probably not worth tring to fix old ones due to technology and safety improvement in the new ones. And as you know you can get the new one for like $175 delivered.

I always fear whats going to happen when/if the tub comes detached while it's operating. As plastic and metal ages it can lose strength you know what I mean.


Post# 1175935 , Reply# 37   3/25/2023 at 04:37 (370 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

I won't tell anybody that The Laundry Alternative is bringing a brand new model that is made of super high grade stainless steel and it's a bit bigger than Panda and Ninja.

Post# 1175975 , Reply# 38   3/25/2023 at 07:48 (370 days old) by Adam-aussie-vac (Canberra ACT)        
How many pounds of Wet laundry can it hold

Or with the drum be based off your normal standard of measuring a washing machine’s size? I’m just curious

Post# 1176003 , Reply# 39   3/25/2023 at 11:06 (369 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

You can spin a full load from a 1990s whirlpool DD washer in two loads.

Post# 1176127 , Reply# 40   3/26/2023 at 14:07 (368 days old) by bradfordwhite (central U.S.)        

bradfordwhite's profile picture

I have the Ninja 3200 blue that does a great job.

I used a hole saw and put a clean 2" hole in the middle of the lid so I could use a spray hose to add fresh water while it's spinning. Works great.

It would be nice if they offered an accessory, that would work on all the spin driers and perhaps some of the washers without pumps. That would be a simple shallow tub with a pump and hose in it so it would self empty.

----
I also have the Niagra semi-automatic tumble washer which does a great job cleaning. I generally like how it works.  It was so thoughtful to include a automatic fabric conditioner dispenser

I did have to take it apart because something got stuck in the pump and it jammed. That was an eye opening experience.

In the back right corner there was this weird sump area where all kinds of dirt and debri had settled. This is also the area where the pressure switch vessel sits. The area doesn't clean out. What was the point of that? I found dirt, a couple nails, and a paper clip in there from all the things I've washed over the last year since I've owned it. What a stinky mess that would become in short time.

I ended up taking a saw and cutting off that sump and filling the area over with flat plastic and water tight mastic. I left the pump alone as it worked fine. I had to replumb a water pressure tap off the opposite side of the pump with 1/2 pvc pipe.

Maybe you guys could make a premium version of this washer with:
A. both Hot and Cold water valve

B. Move the pump to the front bottom of the tub and put a lint filter above the pump that is accessible through a hole in the bottom stand of the washer so the consumer can clean it out occassionally.

C. removable drain hose.

D. take out that sump where the gunk gets trapped and reconfigure the pressure hose apparatus.

E. A 2" hole in the top near both front corners under the lid, so one can spray water directly into the tub to rinse it thoroughly.

 

F. Add a bell or buzzer after the wash so one can be reminded to spin out the clothes at that point in the cycle, for better results.  Maybe even have the wash cycle end there so one can spin out, return the clothes, and just turn the cycle one click to go into the rinse phase.  Or have a switch so the consumer can choose whether they want it to stop or just continue on.  A simple on/off switch to patch a loop in the timer.

------

Can a replacement pressure switch be purchased? When removing mine the back cracked and it no longer holds air. I had to use a standard 3 level pres. switch from a GE washer and at the low setting it fills correctly but it's a bit bulky to fit under the control panel.

 

Also, how does one remove the axle covers on the inside of the tub?  I didn't want to mess mine up so I didn't do anything that would damage the finish.  It would have been nice to remove for disassembly as I chose instead to cut the plastic tub on one side down to the axle bearing so it would flex enough to remove the tub so I could work on fixing the tub.  

 

As for the belt-is it normal for it to fit so tight?  To get it on I had to loosen the bolts on the drive wheel and the motor mount to get it on and then retightened.

 

-------

 

Otherwise it's been a great compact washer.


Post# 1176138 , Reply# 41   3/26/2023 at 15:18 (368 days old) by philcobendixduo (San Jose)        
1987 Kenmore DD load to Ninja Spin Dryer

philcobendixduo's profile picture
I am able to spin dry a full load from my 1987 Kenmore DD in 2 batches in the Ninja.
As an example, a full load of towels - 4 bath, 4 hand, 4 wash cloths and 4 fingertip towels is a full load in the DD.
I put 2 of each towel in the Ninja for load one and the same for load two.
If the bath towels were the larger "bath sheets", that plan might not work.
I'm still happy with the Ninja and I ended up donating the broken Panda to Goodwill.


Post# 1176741 , Reply# 42   4/1/2023 at 02:17 (363 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

@bradfordwhite

Did you read the manual? That area is EXACTLY to prevent foreign objects to enter the pump and jam it.

Cleaning it is easy, you don't need to take the washer apart. The user manual has detailed step-by-step instructions to remove the drum baffle. (I copied that idea from a westinghouse laundromat so, if you ever cleaned a westy laundromat drain filter, you know what I mean).


Shoot me an email at Service@laundry-alternative.com reporting the defect you had with the pressure switch. Don't forget you're still under the 3-year hassle-free warranty, so I can have a replacement shipped to you free of charge in a heartbeat. I'll need the original order number and your favorite delivery address.


Post# 1176804 , Reply# 43   4/1/2023 at 18:23 (362 days old) by bradfordwhite (central U.S.)        
#42

bradfordwhite's profile picture

"That area is EXACTLY to prevent foreign objects to enter the pump and jam it."

 

Well, it didn't work.  I remember that January day going to do laundry and all I got was the buzz of a jammed motor. Then I started looking for the access and started learning how the whole thing is put together.  I was amazed how much gunk ended up coming out of the washer tub.  It really washes good but I was hoping the dirt was being pumped out and into the drain, not collecting inside the washer.

 

I don't know why anyone would want a sump that doesn't get rinsed out when it drains.  My Whirlpool Duet has a 2" rubber flex hose leading to the lint filter on the very bottom of the washer tub.  Any junk ultimately ends up in the filter.

 

It's a good washer though.  Now that that area is cut out and sealed over. 

 

I will email you and thank-you.  


Post# 1177316 , Reply# 44   4/6/2023 at 11:25 (357 days old) by volvoman (West Windsor, NJ)        
@ThomasOrtega

"...New models to be released the next few weeks (Scirocco washer-dryer combo, Babysitter Washer, Babysitter dryer, WonderWash PRO, Special washer-dryer combo, and the twin tub Square-D and the dishwasher DishyWashy also don't have any discount other than the regular discount coupon available on the website...."

All of these intrigue me, but I haven't seen these on the website. Am I correct to assume that these are either still in the R&D phases, or have been tabled?


Post# 1177748 , Reply# 45   4/10/2023 at 03:36 (354 days old) by thomasortega (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles de Porciúncula)        

Nope, my boss wants me to look like Jack Nicholson on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

It was like a huge step on the brakes and start a twin tub project "for yesterday" and a tumble dryer "for yesterday".

I don't know why I ended up having a stroke a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely love when I spend time giving my blood to a new project and then the big boss puts everything in a Tupperware container and toss it in the freezer. (Of course I'm being sarcastic)

In parts he's right. The economy scenario changed abruptly, so all premium products were put on hold until we put those two basic models on the market.


There is also a stainless steel spin dryer coming very soon to compete with the Chinese one.

1200 rpm, high grade SS and ONE bell and whistle feature. It's basically a Panda made with better materials and NOT made in China.



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