1972 (?) coppertone GE dryer

[spacepig]

Our newer Maytag dryer crapped out yesterday, so I scheduled a service call. However, this led us to wonder if we should get a used washer and dryer for back up as it may be days before ours can be fixed depending on the part.

I stopped by a used appliance store and saw this old coppertone GE. Was this a good model?

 

[pulltostart]

Jeannine,

I had two of these GE dryers and both were fine IMHO.  GE produced this design for several decades and I would classify the design as 'tried and true'.  The main limiting factor might be capacity, especially if you have a large capacity washer.  Otherwise, I give it a thumbs-up.

 

lawrence

 

[ken]

TN=Oct, 1972. What would happen if you set dial to Automatic Cycle but selected Delicate temperature? The nomenclature by the temp selection buttons gives the impression Delicate temp was used only with Timed Cycle.  

 

[yogitunes]

good dryers.....

probably the only down side is for electric, the element is right on the back, and the rear of the drum spins with the rest of the unit, on large items, like a comforter, it can scorch those items....best to dry those items on LOW, and you should be fine from there...…

this one would be a good choice for a vintage unit.....although preference would go for the 30" 'big door' unit....

for bigger capacity and better wrinkle free results, check with a Whirlpool/Kenmore dryer....another 'tried and true' design...

 

[good-shepherd]

Was this a good model?

A real workhorse GE dryer.

Porcelain enamel top cover and drum, rare color too. I would grab it just for the cool factor alone.

With a little TLC and maintenance it may outlast your newer Maytag unit,

 

[appnut]

Ken that is correct. Low heat is time to only.

 

[ken]

Okay. But Id like to know what the dryer would do if Delicate temp was selected and timer was set to Auto Cycle?  

 

[spacepig]

Thanks for the info, everyone.

I didn't get pix of the back or the inside, although both appeared to be in good shape. Schematics were still attached to the back. There is a little bit of rust on top of the panel as seen in the pix, and the handle is pretty rusty as well. It does have the lint catcher.

Price is a little on the high side, $150, but it's typical for retail. However, that also means it's been checked out by a technician and it does come with a warranty. I didn't try and dicker on price as I was unsure if this was a good model by GE. Newer dryers, but in worse exterior shape (dents, rust) at local thrift stores were comparably priced.

 

[spacepig]

Well, the verdict is in. The Maytag has a burned control board which is replaceable to the tune of $264.00 The service call itself (which included bringing a loaner dryer and picking up ours) was $100, so if I get the Maytag fixed, that's a total of $364. Haven't decided if I'll get it fixed, or just get a new/new used one.

The guy who came out to pick up the dryer said that Coppertone GE would probably outlast anything in their inventory since the average life of new appliances today seems to be between 6-10 years. I may have to go by and take a second look at that GE.

 

[pulltostart]

Jeannine,

There's a late-model Filter-flo washer for sale on the Mobile CL; the washer is located in Pensacola.  It would be a (functional) companion to the '72 dryer, although not cosmetically.

 

lawrence