All-Metal drum

[qualin]

Hey, I'm just kind of curious now..

Now that Alliance has switched to using plastic baffles in their newer Speed Queen front loaders, are there any manufacturers left who still sell front loaders which still have metal baffles integrated into the drum?

One of the reasons why I bought my Huebsch was because of that, there's no plastic in the drum at all, it's all metal, with integrated metal baffles. Like it should be IMO.

(Not sure if this link will work, but this is from a previous thread I posted.)

http://www.automaticwasher.info/TD/AWJPEG/MODERN/2012/qualin++1-29-2012-16-03-27.jpg

 

[mieleforever]

I think Miele still manufacture an all stainless steel/metal inner and outer drum with all metal baffles.

 

[robliverpool]

There are a few machines in the UK that don't use plastic paddles but they seem to be BOL ones like HEC and curry's do a few basic machines but they usually have 1000 rpm as a max for spin speed.

 

[qualin]

So, are there any advantages to washers having plastic baffles at all over integrated metal ones?

I thought it was mainly just a cost savings measure to ensure that the tub was easier to manufacture and there would be less welding to do.

For example..

In the URL below, I can see that this Whirlpool baffle set has a lot of empty space under the baffle, where crud, dirt, etc can build up over time, while integrated metal baffles are immune from this.

Have any AW members personally experienced issues with this?

http://www.partselect.com/970109-2-M-Whirlpool-285976-Baffle-Set.jpg

 

[askolover]

my Asko

has plastic baffles in it.  I took them out once to see if they were cruddy underneath but just as clean and shiny as the drum itself was.  The advantage I have with mine, once hubby left a pair of tweezers in a coat pocket that somehow made it into the outer drum by the heating element.  I removed a baffle and was able to retrieve them from between without disassembling the whole washer.  Underneath the baffle is a "bowtie" shaped opening.  I also can look into the outer drum all around to see just how clean or dirty it is after 18 years of continuous use...very clean indeed, and never a "clean washer" cycle or Tide or Affresh  product used even once...just all white loads done in hot with bleach.

 

[mrb627]

Plastic Baffles

Like Asko... The only benefit to plastic baffles in my opinion is easy access to the outer drum to retrieve a stuck item.

I do recall a few complaints from consumers where the plastic baffles/paddles have come loose, gotten broken, or damaged clothing.

Malcolm

 

[logixx]

I suppose one advantage is that manufacturers can give plastic baffles more shapes. The new SQ baffles are formed like scoops and Bosch baffles have an "aggressive" and a "gentle" side.

 

[iej]

I guess it depends how well made and connected to the drum they are.

Miele machines still have entirely metal drums and paddles though and use the honeycomb drum surface and smaller holes and a recirculating pump to absolutely drench the clothes. They've also an outer stainless steel tub and bolted on cast iron weights along with rather hefty suspension.

Miele's drums are extremely well built though. They're more like what you'd expect in a commercial laundry machine.

The Bosch paddles are huge and deigned to act like scoops too. That's common in quite a few designs of drum.

The only machines I've heard of with issues with plastic paddles were Hotpoint/Indesit. The paddles have been known to come off mid cycle and I think the design was modified in later machines.

 

[iej]

Miele W1 Drum (outer tank partially cutaway)

That's a Miele W1's drum and outer tank (cutaway to show off).

That's the heater at the front.

 

[joshywashy]

metal paddles vs plastic paddles

First of all I would like to say hello to everyone as I am a new member, referring to the discussion in progress concerning metal drum paddles I muat admit I prefer an all metal drum my bosch excell had this design aswell as the miele it was great for washing large heavy loads or my running trainers I have had expierences on many different makes and models with plastic drum paddles where these have broken off completely during a regular load of washing.
Thanks josh

 

[askolover]

18 years

never even a loose paddle!  I've tightened them a couple times to be sure, but the screws wouldn't even tighten any further.