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bajaespuma

bajaespuma

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One of my favorite colleagues at a cooking school(that shall go unnamed) where I used to teach gave a terrific lecture for students (and invited faculty)called, "What makes a Classic, classic?" I was just looking at the Corning ware post in the Super forum and it occured to me that Corningware, because of its intrinsic quality, market life, durability and style is an American Classic. Undisputably.

I'm curious what everyone thinks is an "Imperial Forum" classic. I'm going to start this with a really easy choice:

bajaespuma++7-17-2010-07-12-51.jpg
 
I bet you thought I was going to pick a Maytag

This basic style of Filter-flo automatic washer, though not as well-engineered or as effective as it's progenitor, the AW-6, lasted for over 30 years. You can still find many in working condition. The mini-basket feature alone was marketed for over 25 years. Anyone in this organization would instantly recognize that backsplash, homely and humble as it is. It's a classic.
 
I agree with the filter-flo being a classic,
When I think of a vintage washer, I immediately picture my grams 1966 TOL Filter-Flo, it lasted through 38 years of heavy use before needing replaced.

Though I'm not a fan I tink the Maytag center dials are a classic too, everyone either had one or knew someone who did, I think it had a very simple understated design to the console as well as its high quality and reliability.
 
I have to agree with everything said so far.

My first washer was a 1969 Avacodo GE. Classic yes.

A classic doesn't have to be well made or efficient, but it needs mental staying power. The GE washers of old were not water efficient, that is for sure, and that is my big complaint, but CLASSIC yes.

Maytag Center dials for sure, I agree.

I would add the Electrolux canister. My fav. was the Silverado of about 1983-1984.
Yes they were made of easily dented metal and were heavy to carry.
Sure the original woven hose was totally impractical.
Yes the power head WANDs were not convenient to take apart and swap out attachments.
But it was classic styling. Gotta love the automatic "bag full" feature. I think my second fav choice would be the Marquis of about 1987 ( if only it had the same quality motor as the Silverado)

Other ideas:
Osterizer blender, Amana Radar Range Microwave, GE hand mixer of 1960ish, hoover upright of 1965ish, MR. Coffee coffee maker of 1980.

duet83++7-17-2010-10-44-56.jpg
 
Of course I agree the Maytag center dial and the GE Filter-Flo are true classics. Another is the Whirlpool and Kenmore 29" dryers with the top lint filter. These have been in continuous production (with some modifications) since around 1957.
 
I also think any variation of the Kenmore Belt Drive and Direct Drive washers, Since purchasing things on time via your Sears credit everyone had them and everyone still has them.

Other Classics I think of, The square tub Maytag wringer, early GE P*7 ranges, the Frigidaire Flair, Hoover Convertibles, GE steam&dry iron, Westinghouse roaster oven, Sunbeam Mixmaster,really any Electrolux canister or Kirby(though to me the most noted in my past was the lux E and the Kirby Classic), though not an appliance its definetly a classic the chrome and formica dinette set
 
I would have to say that the Speed Queen and Maytag wringers, along with GE and Maytag automatics with suds savers are classics in my book.
 
GE can opener from 1965 (in avacodo or candy pink, of course) and the large Nesco slow cookers.

duet83++7-17-2010-13-16-47.jpg
 
My Kirby Legend II, Electrolux AE & Olympia One. I must agree on the GE Filter Flo and Maytag Center Dial. I would also consider any Whirlpool/Kenmore belt drive. I the Speed Queen AWN311 at a dealer yesterday, I would also have add Speed Queen to the list as well.
 
I love most all the stuff from the 50's and 60's

But the Whirlpool/Kenmores are really my favourites

rickr++7-17-2010-18-43-59.jpg
 
An instant classic, recognized by millions?

Center dial Maytag's - hands down. While we as a small collective group can tell a Whirlpool from a GE from a Maytag and appreciate each for their distinctive qualities, almost everyone who is 40-80 knows a center dial on the washer to be a Maytag. Everyone either either grew up with one, or had an aunt or grandma with one.
 
Since others have mentioned smaller wares...

Vacuum coffee makers, especially the Sunbeam COFFEEMASTER C-30 series. Glass brewers let you see all of the action while the Coffeemaster had automation, roaring steam and water and the SNAP of the switch from high to low heat. The Coffeemaster also had one of the most voluptuous and sensual shapes of any designed object although the lower bowl of Cory's first automatic brewer looked more complete without its upper bowl than did the Sunbeam. The Coffeemaster begs to be caressed, especially the upper bowl.

I must also mention the classic shapes of Tupperware, Revere Ware and Farberware.

While not "enduring" in the marketplace, but in the hearts and minds of those who know them, Bubble Lites for Christmas trees rank high on my list of classic designs. Nothing else gave the shimmering movement to the tree that came from those columns of bubbles rising in their colorful, lighted tubes. They had the elements that capture my attention: they were electric, had moving liquid and had a beautiful interplay of light and color. They are the most miniature representation of a vacuum coffee maker which is a miniaturization of a washing machine. A great classic washing machine had a colorful, lighted control panel and moving water and that is how these three classics are related.

Bendix and later Philco front loaders with the "porthole" door and Westinghouse slant front wshers are iconic laundry designs also.
 
Classic Laundry

I really tried to think this one through and there really isn't just one classic model or brand that sticks out to me. It really depends on how you look at it I suppose. I'd say Whirlpool/Kenmore definitely had a classic design that withstood time when it came to home laundry. Maytag most certainly made a name for themselves with the classic center-dial models and their very true claims of dependability. GE was also so well known for their filter-flo design that lasted just about as long as Whirlpool's belt-drive and Maytag's popular design.

As far as laundromats go however 3 designs truely stand out to me. Speed Queen has to be THE classic TL washing machine when it comes to commercial laundry. I'd say that Maytag and Speed Queen really cornered that market for many years and it was hard to find a laundromat with anything in it other than those two brands. GE had quite a few commercial machines out there too. I only remember one that had Kenmores.

So I guess it depends on where you lived, where you did your laundry, and how much money you had. They are all classics now for sure.

Jon
 

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