Amana Touchmatic washer
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Picture slightly tweaked. Interesting. I don't much recall a pushbutton model.
Hello Gordon
We need your disertation on that unusual Lady K dryer right above.
We need your disertation on that unusual Lady K dryer right above.
Late 70s LKM Dryer
This was an interesting model that was only in the line for a year or so [ I am sure Gordon will know the exact dates and times ] This dryer had a fully electronic control system to control dryness levels, timed dry functions and the 2 1/2 hour Wrinkle Guard operation.
The thing I always found interesting about this dryer is that it was one very few KM dryers in the 1970s to have and adjustable mechanical thermostat. This type thermostat was used on many Hi End WP dryers in the early 1970s, it is the same type of thermostat that an oven would use. This type of thermostat holds a much more accurate temperature than the disc thermostats that nearly all dryers use and as a result the heat level does not fall as far before the heat comes back on so it can result in faster drying. The next generation of LKM dryers with a fully electronic panels went back to disk type thermostats and the generation after that went to a thermistor for temperature control through the computer board just all virtually all new ECed dryers do today.
This dryer [ in the electric versions ] also used an unusual Micro-Flex heating element that was purported to use 2-3% less power or some such ridiculous thing, this idea did not last long and the elements were replaced by regular elements as they burned out.
This while not a very attractive dryer IMO it is non the less an excellent performing machine and would be a great everyday workhorse for an appliance enthusiasts.
This was an interesting model that was only in the line for a year or so [ I am sure Gordon will know the exact dates and times ] This dryer had a fully electronic control system to control dryness levels, timed dry functions and the 2 1/2 hour Wrinkle Guard operation.
The thing I always found interesting about this dryer is that it was one very few KM dryers in the 1970s to have and adjustable mechanical thermostat. This type thermostat was used on many Hi End WP dryers in the early 1970s, it is the same type of thermostat that an oven would use. This type of thermostat holds a much more accurate temperature than the disc thermostats that nearly all dryers use and as a result the heat level does not fall as far before the heat comes back on so it can result in faster drying. The next generation of LKM dryers with a fully electronic panels went back to disk type thermostats and the generation after that went to a thermistor for temperature control through the computer board just all virtually all new ECed dryers do today.
This dryer [ in the electric versions ] also used an unusual Micro-Flex heating element that was purported to use 2-3% less power or some such ridiculous thing, this idea did not last long and the elements were replaced by regular elements as they burned out.
This while not a very attractive dryer IMO it is non the less an excellent performing machine and would be a great everyday workhorse for an appliance enthusiasts.
mrb627
Well-known member
Kitchenaid Washer
That Kitchenaid washer would be an awesome daily driver. Wonder if Atlanta is out of their delivery area...
Malcolm
That Kitchenaid washer would be an awesome daily driver. Wonder if Atlanta is out of their delivery area...
Malcolm
Whirlpool's matching dryer (LFE/I-9800) to their first electronic control washer (LFA-9800) had pushbuttons like this instead of a touch panel. This presumably is the Kenmore version, which I had not seen.
That KA washer
matches my KA dryer. Love it to death!
matches my KA dryer. Love it to death!
Guys -
I am pretty sure that dryer is the 1978 version, to go with the first electronic touchpad washer.
That seems to mesh with what Glen says too on the WP side, seeing as the KM and the WP seemed fairly parallel these years, with or without a few features brand for brand. Looks like the model dryer was around a while (we had models 110.76894x00 to 110.76894x30) so it lived long enough to be revised three times.
The '78 Ladies were marketed for at least two years though, as there was not a 1979 Lady - instead we had a '90 series down-line electronic washer added to the lineup to augment the Ladies (the 90 incidentally may be the only Kenmore in history not to say its name anywhere on the outside, and certainly not on the panel). It only says Kenmore on the under lid instructions! I was stunned when I noticed this on one I was rebuilding.
The 1980 models were considerably re-thought and re-done electronically and user-functionally. I haven't come across very many '78 Ladies, however I've seen a good half dozen '79 900s and scant few of the rest.
Looks like a nice dryer, without a ton of wear. My dryer of the same age has half the paint worn off the lower rim at the door.
Gordon
I am pretty sure that dryer is the 1978 version, to go with the first electronic touchpad washer.
That seems to mesh with what Glen says too on the WP side, seeing as the KM and the WP seemed fairly parallel these years, with or without a few features brand for brand. Looks like the model dryer was around a while (we had models 110.76894x00 to 110.76894x30) so it lived long enough to be revised three times.
The '78 Ladies were marketed for at least two years though, as there was not a 1979 Lady - instead we had a '90 series down-line electronic washer added to the lineup to augment the Ladies (the 90 incidentally may be the only Kenmore in history not to say its name anywhere on the outside, and certainly not on the panel). It only says Kenmore on the under lid instructions! I was stunned when I noticed this on one I was rebuilding.
The 1980 models were considerably re-thought and re-done electronically and user-functionally. I haven't come across very many '78 Ladies, however I've seen a good half dozen '79 900s and scant few of the rest.
Looks like a nice dryer, without a ton of wear. My dryer of the same age has half the paint worn off the lower rim at the door.
Gordon
KA washer
I had a KA washer like that many years ago. It was kinda problematic. It was a wisper quiet 3 speed. They has insulation on the cabinet and a flimsy piece under the machine. The other catch was the "high" speed agitation actually ran on the motors middle/medium speed. The larger base of the agitator was to offset for the slower speed. Well the machine was very quiet while washing. In fact at times, it was too quiet as it would stop because the motor would overheat. WP claimed the motor was torqued to run on the middle speed but washing towels and jeans proved otherwise.
I had a KA washer like that many years ago. It was kinda problematic. It was a wisper quiet 3 speed. They has insulation on the cabinet and a flimsy piece under the machine. The other catch was the "high" speed agitation actually ran on the motors middle/medium speed. The larger base of the agitator was to offset for the slower speed. Well the machine was very quiet while washing. In fact at times, it was too quiet as it would stop because the motor would overheat. WP claimed the motor was torqued to run on the middle speed but washing towels and jeans proved otherwise.
A larger agitator base and a 3-speed motor operating on middle speed for high agitation was a characteristic of KA washers for some while. My 1991 KAWE760WAL2 and my parents' 1994 KAWE670BWH0 are thus. My machine has the insulation piece under the support pedestal, never had any trouble with overheating.
repair-man
Well-known member
I liked the old whirlpool kenmore dryers with the infinite adjustable mechanical thermostats. I can remember the days of stocking one on my truck but they didn't fail too often.
Anyone have the kenmore dryer that was all electronic control but looked just like an ordinary chrome center dail black face Kenmore. I have a customer with one that I have been repairing for many years. The dail control did the same thing as the buttons on the above pictured Lady K but didn't have infinite temp.
Anyone have the kenmore dryer that was all electronic control but looked just like an ordinary chrome center dail black face Kenmore. I have a customer with one that I have been repairing for many years. The dail control did the same thing as the buttons on the above pictured Lady K but didn't have infinite temp.
1974 LKM Dryer
My 1974 LKM dryer has the control dial where it clicks to its different settings, it has 20, 40 and 60 minute settings for timed dry and 6 settings for dryness level when using the sensor system. It is a great dryer you just throw clothes in and push start and have perfect results every time.
My 1974 LKM dryer has the control dial where it clicks to its different settings, it has 20, 40 and 60 minute settings for timed dry and 6 settings for dryness level when using the sensor system. It is a great dryer you just throw clothes in and push start and have perfect results every time.
chaskelljr2
Well-known member
Electronic Push-Button Lady Kenmore Dryer
Confirmed!!!
The Lady Kenmore Dryer pictured on this thread is a 1978 model. It was the mate of the VERY first Electronic Control Lady Kenmore Washer that came out that year. Remember first seeing it in the 1978 Spring/Summer Sears Catalog the VERY YEAR it came out.
My Mom was actually working for Sears back then.
--Charles--
Confirmed!!!
The Lady Kenmore Dryer pictured on this thread is a 1978 model. It was the mate of the VERY first Electronic Control Lady Kenmore Washer that came out that year. Remember first seeing it in the 1978 Spring/Summer Sears Catalog the VERY YEAR it came out.
My Mom was actually working for Sears back then.
--Charles--
70series
Well-known member
Yum. Nice set. I wonder which year.
I like that set too James.
That is a 1981 or 1982 washer (I suspect 1982) and the dryer is an early 1983 model, perhaps late 1982 build date.
These are somewhat unusual models. The washer is a 70-series, but it is impossible to tell if its an 81 or 82 without looking at the model tag, or under the lid. The 81 had a manual filter - the only DA equipped machine ever to have a manual filter along with the DA (along with its pre-wash capable sibling) and the '82 has the self-cleaning filter. I think consumers rejected the '81 model with the manual filter in droves, and the '82 quickly arrived. In this period, Sears considered the three position water level something for the lower models, 500 series and down. Four levels in these big tubs was/is nice, but they are not very common today.
The dryer is an odd duck. It was usually higher-end 70-series models, at the least, which got a full-width door, but this is a single temp (no low heat) entry 70. In the '81 version, this model had no wrinkle guard and had the typical plug door, in fact it was the first Fabric Master model available. The next versions, the '83s, saw all the 70-series have the full width door, and wrinkle guard was added too for good measure. So its a nicely featured machine, but with just one heat setting. Shortly after this model was introduced, the easy-loader door debuted which has the wide oval opening, which makes loading and unloading a snap.
The next major model line was the '85 dryers --- Sears kept re-introducing dryer lines in the early 80s, altough they did not re-design the washer line after 1983. The '85 version of this dryer, which looked identical to the easy loader version of the '83, is what I wanted when I bought my machines new. The Sears salesman wouldn't have me buying a single heat dryer...so I ended up with the step-up model.
If this set has been together since new, I'd say they are late 1982 production or very early 1983.
Gordon
That is a 1981 or 1982 washer (I suspect 1982) and the dryer is an early 1983 model, perhaps late 1982 build date.
These are somewhat unusual models. The washer is a 70-series, but it is impossible to tell if its an 81 or 82 without looking at the model tag, or under the lid. The 81 had a manual filter - the only DA equipped machine ever to have a manual filter along with the DA (along with its pre-wash capable sibling) and the '82 has the self-cleaning filter. I think consumers rejected the '81 model with the manual filter in droves, and the '82 quickly arrived. In this period, Sears considered the three position water level something for the lower models, 500 series and down. Four levels in these big tubs was/is nice, but they are not very common today.
The dryer is an odd duck. It was usually higher-end 70-series models, at the least, which got a full-width door, but this is a single temp (no low heat) entry 70. In the '81 version, this model had no wrinkle guard and had the typical plug door, in fact it was the first Fabric Master model available. The next versions, the '83s, saw all the 70-series have the full width door, and wrinkle guard was added too for good measure. So its a nicely featured machine, but with just one heat setting. Shortly after this model was introduced, the easy-loader door debuted which has the wide oval opening, which makes loading and unloading a snap.
The next major model line was the '85 dryers --- Sears kept re-introducing dryer lines in the early 80s, altough they did not re-design the washer line after 1983. The '85 version of this dryer, which looked identical to the easy loader version of the '83, is what I wanted when I bought my machines new. The Sears salesman wouldn't have me buying a single heat dryer...so I ended up with the step-up model.
If this set has been together since new, I'd say they are late 1982 production or very early 1983.
Gordon
