Thread Number: 86688  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Favorite Agitator?
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Post# 1112683   3/25/2021 at 16:45 (1,099 days old) by UltraWash (Charlotte, North Carolina )        

What’s your favorite agitator? My favorites are the Kenmore Roto-Swirl and BD Dual-Action.




Post# 1112685 , Reply# 1   3/25/2021 at 16:47 (1,099 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

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Whirlpool belt drive Surgilator :)

Post# 1112686 , Reply# 2   3/25/2021 at 16:48 (1,099 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

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I like the Roto-Flex and Vari-Flex from the upper line Kenmores.

Post# 1112688 , Reply# 3   3/25/2021 at 16:55 (1,099 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Kenmore Super Roto-Swirl and Vari-Flex.

Post# 1112696 , Reply# 4   3/25/2021 at 18:33 (1,098 days old) by UltraWash (Charlotte, North Carolina )        

I think Whirlpool has always been more progressive when it came to laundry.

Post# 1112698 , Reply# 5   3/25/2021 at 19:50 (1,098 days old) by Washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

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Norge/Wards Burp-o-Lator!!!!!

Post# 1112699 , Reply# 6   3/25/2021 at 19:52 (1,098 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        
Reply #4

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Whirlpool definitely had straightforward designs that were easy to fix and service and were more innovative than GE’s design even if GE touted their innovations when Whirlpool was the one who innovated before anyone else in the 1950’s and early 60’s.

Post# 1112700 , Reply# 7   3/25/2021 at 19:52 (1,098 days old) by Blackstone (Springfield, Massachusetts)        

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The Petticoat, which fit on top of the Blackstone 350 agitator, to create a gentle wash.


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Post# 1112702 , Reply# 8   3/25/2021 at 20:07 (1,098 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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I will agree to a point with regards to Whirlpool being the most progressive. HOWEVER, most of those creative progressives were used for the Kenmore product line solely or FIRST.

Post# 1112703 , Reply# 9   3/25/2021 at 20:12 (1,098 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        
Reply #8

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I forgot that Sears got the new features exclusively first but Whirlpool was still more progressive/innovative with their appliances compared to GE.

Post# 1112706 , Reply# 10   3/25/2021 at 20:38 (1,098 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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My favorite agitator is a rotating, horizontal axis tub.

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Post# 1112711 , Reply# 11   3/25/2021 at 20:53 (1,098 days old) by UltraWash (Charlotte, North Carolina )        
Reply# 10

I like horizontal axis tubs too. My favorites would be the Whirlpool Duet/Kenmore Elite HE3, HE3t, etc.

Post# 1112714 , Reply# 12   3/25/2021 at 21:05 (1,098 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Well, Whirlpool brought forth the first wash & wear cycle and I think was the first to offer a 2-speed washer and not just a "2nd cycle" on the timer that was simply a very sortened cycle. GE brought out the first self-cleaning oven. GE and Wihrlpool both came out with washer filtering systems about the same time. Sears offered the first enzyme soak cycle, something WP never offered. I think KitchenAid brought out the first dishwasher "Soak" cycle, which did more dwelling than spraying. GE surpassed that with its PotScrubber cycle that actually did an extended main wash cycle of anywher3e from 30-45 minutes. Ws far more effective at removing soil. Wirlpool brought out the first ice maker for a refrigerator, but that was because they purchased the company that developed it. GE offered the Mini-Basket for extra small/or delicate loads. Whirlpool brought us Wrinkle Guard (for Sears) that kept wrinkles out of clothes after the dryer was finished.

Post# 1112717 , Reply# 13   3/25/2021 at 21:30 (1,098 days old) by UltraWash (Charlotte, North Carolina )        
Reply# 12

Wasn’t it Sears that had the first auto-dry system?

Post# 1112719 , Reply# 14   3/25/2021 at 21:33 (1,098 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

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Sears came out with the auto dry sometime in 1958 I believe since all other dryers before that only had timed drying.

Post# 1112720 , Reply# 15   3/25/2021 at 21:35 (1,098 days old) by sears9000 (Pensacola, Florida.)        

I haven't written on here in awhile, but my favorites are all Kenmore. First is the Pregger Roto-Swirl, (I think that's right). Second is the regular Roto-Swirl, Last is the Straight-Vane agitator. I think the reason is that they all did a good job in getting your clothes clean, yet they were simple one piece agitators that didn't have parts to break in them. The DD Kenmore that I have had for 20 years now has a dual action agitator that's not bad. However, recently I had to pull it out, and replace the what you call "dog ears" which was a little inconvenient. Oh well, I think it still cleans better than some of these new ones.

Post# 1112722 , Reply# 16   3/25/2021 at 21:49 (1,098 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)        

Super Surgilator. I've never had a machine with one, but my aunt had a nice early 80's Whirlpool washer with it.

Bob, there was a very good reason that Kenmore models got innovations first. That being that the great majority of Whirlpool's laundry equipment production was for Sears for many years. Sears also owned controlling interest in Whirlpool for several years.


Post# 1112725 , Reply# 17   3/25/2021 at 21:59 (1,098 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

Another unique innovation from Whirlpool was they ALWAYS had a perforated tub and pressure controlled water level. None of this water wasting timed fill or overflowing fill that triggered a diaphram switch. Though the solid tub GE's with filter flo did recirculate the water to the filter pan.

Post# 1112727 , Reply# 18   3/25/2021 at 22:01 (1,098 days old) by coldspot66 (Plymouth, Mass)        

Also my favorite agitator is the spiralator from Easy. Then it's the super roto-swirl.

Post# 1112729 , Reply# 19   3/25/2021 at 22:11 (1,098 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Agitator dogs are prit'much a wear-part akin to tires on a car.

I think there were other brands of dryers before 1958 that had auto-dry but in some cases it operated at only one dryness level with quite a high-temp cut off point.

Kenmore had an automatic water level function on the Lady Kenmore, apparently only for half a year in 1961.  It's in the Spring/Summer catalog.  The 1961 Fall/Winter catalog shows the same button layout on the panel but *with* a water level control and the description says the user selects the level.  Per the 1961 Spring/Summer catalog description:  "Automatic water level never wastes a drop . . never needs setting either.  Provides just enough for any size load from 2 to 10 lbs.  Even adds more water if you add more clothes."  I don't think anyone here has yet found any tech details on how it worked.


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Post# 1112730 , Reply# 20   3/25/2021 at 22:16 (1,098 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Very early KM/WP machines had a float chamber integral to the outer tub, not a pressure switch ... but of course that also is not a timed fill that would be affected by water pressure.


Post# 1112731 , Reply# 21   3/25/2021 at 22:23 (1,098 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

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That definitely is a oddball Kenmore set from the early 60’s. Not sure if there are any around or if anyone on the site has a set like that.

Post# 1112732 , Reply# 22   3/25/2021 at 22:25 (1,098 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Westinghouse dryers had an auto dry cycle that was a "dry" button for like 1954 or 1955. turquoisedude has a canadian westinghouse dryer that was auto dry that allowed varying degrees of dryness on a dial, not sure if that was 1955 or 1956.

Post# 1112742 , Reply# 23   3/25/2021 at 23:15 (1,098 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

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My 1963 Whirlpool Imperial dryer has sort of a auto dry setting but all it is, is preset times and usually I go by the suggested drying times and temperatures and haven’t had anything come out damp at all and a few things might ever be so slightly damp but usually everything comes out perfectly dried when I go by the suggested drying times and temperatures. One of the best dryers I have owned so far.

Post# 1112760 , Reply# 24   3/26/2021 at 05:10 (1,098 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Early firsts In Laundry appliances In The US

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Several early clothes dryers had variable automatic dryness controls instead of timers but most dryers just used a timer you set for running time.

 

The automatic water level control on 1961 LKM washers just filled to the low level [ about 1/2 a tub ] and then started agitating, if the load was heavy it caused the tub assembly to start swinging a little and would hit a micro-switch and every time it hit it would add a little more water till it either stopped hitting the switch or filled to the maximum 18 gallon level at which point it stopped adding water.

 

Reply # 23, Hi Sean, if you had spent the extra $15 dollars on a 1963 Mark 12  instead of getting the cheaper Imperial dryer you would have had real auto dry, LOL.

 

John L.


Post# 1112763 , Reply# 25   3/26/2021 at 07:28 (1,098 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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John- Thanks for the explanation of how the short-lived automatic water level worked on the ‘61 Kenmore. Always wondered how they managed that.

Boy, the ‘61 Lady Kenmore really is a holy grail machine. The fact that no one in the AW family has one is a testament to its Loch Ness Monster-like elusiveness.



Post# 1112764 , Reply# 26   3/26/2021 at 08:36 (1,098 days old) by Pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

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here are my fav agitator type including the dual action in direct drive inglis whirlpools and the vintage kenmore roto swirl first pic this agitagor was in my grandmother old inglis liberator washer

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Post# 1112771 , Reply# 27   3/26/2021 at 10:11 (1,098 days old) by cfz2882 (Belle Fourche,SD)        

~1964 kelvinator.

Post# 1112781 , Reply# 28   3/26/2021 at 11:19 (1,098 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))        

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3-ring Frigidaire.  Impressive turnover, apparent gentleness, impressive extraction.  Had one briefly in a 1967 rental.  Growing up with a slant W'house, I probably was not overly critical of tangling. 

 

Grandma's Easy spiralator could suck down anything you put in it.  'It could drown a tennis ball.' 

 

1973 Panasonic twintub.  Impeller not on the bottom nor the side, but at an angle in the corner which imparted a vertical motion component rather than just a tornado. 


Post# 1112885 , Reply# 29   3/27/2021 at 13:21 (1,097 days old) by WaterWitch (Pomona, Calif.)        
I'm partial to...

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Whirlpool's and Speed Queen's straight vanes.

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Post# 1113065 , Reply# 30   3/28/2021 at 20:25 (1,095 days old) by MaytagNeptune (FireAlarmTechGuy4444 on YouTube. Interlochen MI)        
Kenmore Super Roto swirl agitator

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Kenmore Super Roto Swirl agitator

Post# 1113069 , Reply# 31   3/28/2021 at 20:50 (1,095 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

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I need the filter itself in the first picture of reply 26 if someone is willing to let one go. I have the housing but the washer is missing the filter.

Post# 1113083 , Reply# 32   3/28/2021 at 22:09 (1,095 days old) by gregingotham (New York)        
JETCONE

   

 

 

     ___
   _/__\_
   /        \
 /           \   

/             \

|_______|


Post# 1113086 , Reply# 33   3/28/2021 at 22:23 (1,095 days old) by CleanteamofNY ((Monroe, New York)        

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My favorite is the Super-Roto-Swirl, DAA, and the Pena-Vane.

The Penta-Vane is special. It can handle large loads and swirl the load like the S-R-S.


Post# 1113091 , Reply# 34   3/29/2021 at 01:00 (1,095 days old) by chaskelljr2 (Washington, D. C.)        

Favorite Agitator: Kenmore:

Belt-Drive — Straight-Vane (Entry/Mid-Level Kenmores); Super Roto Swirl (Mid-Level Kenmores); Super Roto Flex/Vari-Flex/Dual-Action (Upper-Level/Lady Kenmores)

Direct-Drive — Dual-Action (All Kenmores — Entry-Level to Kenmore Elites)

—Charles—



Post# 1113163 , Reply# 35   3/29/2021 at 20:11 (1,094 days old) by UltraWash (Charlotte, North Carolina )        
Reply# 1

Can’t go wrong with the Surgilator.

Post# 1113189 , Reply# 36   3/30/2021 at 00:19 (1,094 days old) by Maytag85 (Sean A806)        

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The Surgilator is like the Imperial LaBaron or the Imperial Crown of agitators since it works that well.

Post# 1113593 , Reply# 37   4/3/2021 at 01:32 (1,090 days old) by Mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

It would be easier to ask what agitators I don’t like!! I like any agitator that cleans well and doesn’t beat up / damage the clothes.
I think Whirlpool’s Surgilator was really good, since they stuck with it for years, and years. It was certainly a proven design. Also thought Kenmore’s Penta Swirl was quite effective and gental.
Oh, and don’t forget........ There were many good agitators...and washers.

Barry


Post# 1113842 , Reply# 38   4/5/2021 at 22:12 (1,087 days old) by Spinmon (st. charles mo )        

I think my '12 SQ agi looks like a 4-vane mini-Surgilator. Got 'em squigles and splashy sounds!

I love the action and appearance of the classic Surgilators,but was mystified with our new '67 LK Roto-Flex. Each load an adventure!


Post# 1113987 , Reply# 39   4/7/2021 at 10:53 (1,086 days old) by Kermit (Rochester hills, Michigan )        

Probably the kitchen aid corkscrew agitator. I like the thorough cleaning, and the color too

Post# 1114232 , Reply# 40   4/10/2021 at 23:50 (1,082 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        


Easy spiralator.


Post# 1114258 , Reply# 41   4/11/2021 at 06:23 (1,082 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

GE/Hotpoint ramps,RotoSwirl,Surgilator.

Post# 1114262 , Reply# 42   4/11/2021 at 07:21 (1,082 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Lots of good choices

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I have always enjoyed the GE straight vane agitator for the V-16 models as well as the larger 18-lb machines. Roto-swirl definitely does a great job for the Kenmore. Penta-swirl just looks so sleek and also does a really nice job.

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This post was last edited 04/11/2021 at 11:36
Post# 1114277 , Reply# 43   4/11/2021 at 11:03 (1,082 days old) by hydralique (Los Angeles)        
Reply #42 . . .

I love the color of that GE agitator, so stylish!


Post# 1114293 , Reply# 44   4/11/2021 at 12:46 (1,082 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

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Just to say, Pic #2 in Reply #42 is a Penta-Swirl.

1) Penta-Swirl (left, white), Penta-Vane (right, gold)

2) Penta-Vane

3) Dual-Action introduction

It's interesting that Sears had to disparage the Penta-Swirl when introducing the Dual-Action in 1976.

"Penta-Swirl agitator:  an average of 1 rollover in a 14-minute cycle with large-capacity test* loads"

*Test load included:  3 sheets, 2 tablecloths, 4 shirts, 6 bath towels, 4 "T" shirts, 4 pillow cases, 6 shorts, 6 wash cloths, 5 handkerchiefs

That's kind of an oddball LK IMO with 4 fixed water levels instead of variable.  The illustration has the water level and temperature captions crossed-up.


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Post# 1114311 , Reply# 45   4/11/2021 at 14:42 (1,082 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
Dadoes

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You’re correct. I went back and edited my post when I realized I accidentally said penta-vane.

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Post# 1114319 , Reply# 46   4/11/2021 at 16:01 (1,082 days old) by Repairguy (Danbury, Texas)        

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I like both the penta-vane and penta-swirl but they are definitely not good for roll over on the high water level setting in an 18 pound machine as far as my experiences go. They are great for loads set at the medium water level and can be rough on low setting. The lady kenmore washers for ‘76 and ‘77 only had 4 levels for some odd reason and changed to more in ‘78 if I remember correctly. It’s odd because the lady kenmore machines had infinite water level settings from the 60’s through ’75.

Post# 1114322 , Reply# 47   4/11/2021 at 16:36 (1,082 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Our '58 Lady had an infinite water level control.

Post# 1114323 , Reply# 48   4/11/2021 at 16:39 (1,082 days old) by appnut (TX)        

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Starting with the redesigned black panels in 1976, LKs didn't have infinite water levels until the electronic versions came out in 1979.

Post# 1114328 , Reply# 49   4/11/2021 at 17:43 (1,082 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

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Wow, only 29.95 for the original dual action agitator.

Post# 1115644 , Reply# 50   4/26/2021 at 13:00 (1,067 days old) by CleanteamofNY ((Monroe, New York)        

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That DDA adverting picture is the original click and turn Agitator. The updated version is looser and slightly efficient rolling the wash load over.


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