And the award for the most ugly dishwasher control panel goes to .....

[verizonbear]

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/app/4590850794.html

 

[washerdude]

But...

I've seen uglier

 

[murando531]

Looks like a typical GE panel to me. GE dishwashers are just naturally ugly though. Inside and out.

 

[combo52]

Thats Just a Maytag Panel

With graphs added, The panel isn't the bad part of that DW, LOL.

 

[tecnopolis]

I have to agree. GE has/had the worst appealing control panels in modern dishwasher history.
-Alex

 

[frigilux]

Close 2nd (washer division): Big, clunky knobs look like they belong on a kid's cardboard toy kitchen. Cheesy, swooping graphic design.

 

[tecnopolis]

I think SpeedQueen was going for the big knobbed Viking/Wolf stove knob look currently in vogue with high end kitchen remodels.
They even offer colored knob insert options.

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[danmantn]

When I was researching SQ, I called their HQ and asked when they were going to redesign their panel...he said they just did. With a chuckle. I like them, with the exception of the cheesy "RadioShack" extra rinse flip switch. They are waaaaaaay nicer than the previous generation.

The color inserts...I have red on one set and the green on the other do help dress it up a bit.

 

[funktionalart]

Kill it with...

FIIIIRE!

 

[tolivac]

THE WAVE--whats with "wave" and control panel designers?I like Speed Queen machines,too-but think the control panel has to go-use someting more professional and business like.--And get rid of the "waves" you are making me seasick!And if you stare at those "wave" control panels long enough-will the waves move?I have another idea for the wave control panel designers-make it an LCD display and the waves move while the machine works!!They move larger and faster if you select the "hi" cycle-and smaller and lower if you select "Lo or gentle"

 

[tecnopolis]

But getting back to the original subject of GE dishwashers. The human interface design looks like it was simply phoned in. No pride in design. An ugly dishwasher costs the same to make as a decent one if not much more.
GE from first to worst.

 

[whirlcool]

And that first pic is an Admiral. BOL if there ever was one. But the Kenmore that came with our house was even more BOL that the one pictured here. It had one dial that said "On" & "Off" and an switch that said "Heated Dry" On/Off. That was it.

 

[pulltostart]

I'll chime in

I agree with the comments about the 'swoopy' graphics - cannot stand that styling trend.  I do have a pair of SQ's and although the control panel could look better without that element, I do find it tolerable.  One of the worst examples of 'swoops' is this nasty Maytag console.  WTH was the designer smoking when they came up with these graphics???  Three words - nasty, nasty, nasty.

 

I also detest those little rocker switches that have found their way onto every appliance imaginable.  Whoever designed and patented that sucker has to be making a fortune because they're everywhere - washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers.

 

I prefer clean(er) styling in general.  Although there's not a lot to be said for GE's post-filter-flo laundry products, I do like the styling of this pair.  The simple controls with the washer and the dryer consoles matching is really nice (personal opinion). 

 

lawrence

 

[washman]

I like the big knobs

on the SQ, I don't like the dryer cycle knob though. Too much "slack" on the settings means it is a tad difficult to set precisely. Also it clicks clacks and makes it's plebian origins well known as it advances 'round the cycle.

 

[murando531]

I agree about the Maytag, that's hideous. That's back when even MT's logo was gross. I love the current one, it just has a very robust look about it. I do wish they would bring back the 3 curved bar logo and implement it into the current one somehow. I know on my MDB4709, the old logo is hidden like an Easter egg in the upper wash arm supply bracket.

 

[murando531]

The biggest fault I find with every GE is that terrible font they use for the controls/instructions. It has a childish bubbly look about it, and it seems they've been using it for years.

 

[verizonbear]

speed queen control panels ergonomics for baby boomers

I am thinking that speed queen realized only baby boomers would recognize the quality of their products <span style="text-decoration: underline;">and</span> have the financial capacity to purchase these units.  

 

 

Looking at the long term,  ( since these units are built to last)  I think their  design reasoning is more to accommodate potential arthritic hands and failing eyesight as  boomers age.  The simplicity of the control panel speaks to itself.

 

 They should of added a full length light to the contral panel with an illuminated switch 

 

[pulltostart]

Breast Cancer Awareness SQ's

What's the story on the SQ console with the pink?  Was/is this an official SQ offering or a one-off somewhere?  The pink makes a nice contrast to the black/gray/white of the console.

 

lawrence

 

[pulltostart]

Clean Styling

Although not exactly "clean" or "minimal" by today's standards, Olds used the phrase "The Linear Look" for their 1959 models.  Great graphics and pretty darn zoomie cars, too!

 

Typical Ad

 

lawrence

 

[tecnopolis]

I don't have any additional info on the pink control panel. It was something I had on my hard drive.

 

[dnastrau]

Speed Queen pink control panel

The pink control panel models were a limited edition as part of a promotion last year (see link).

Andrew S.

http://www.speedqueen.com/home/en-us/breast-cancer-awareness.aspx

 

[tecnopolis]

This is what pink looks like when it's done right.

 

[tecnopolis]

.

 

[danmantn]

Apparently SQ does tweak it's controls. I noticed that between my original 2009 model and the 2011 model the knobs had ridges added (the washer knob was hard to pull out with wet fingers). Adding indentions/ridges made it much easier on the new model. I called them and they sent me a newer design for the 2009 model.

I like the big knobs, and I'm not baby boomer. Just hate the flip/toggle switches...cheapens the look. And the swoop design is subtle.

 

[mayken4now]

Toggle Switch Hell

In 1996, my best friend and I just had to have the MAH4000AWW and it's mate. Good, love the way the looked/performed etc. At the time we both had gone to a Maytag dealer in Tampa Florida, each bought a matching set to take home that day. First, we did his, then went to my house and installed mine. Within the first day, I called him as he was calling me (at the same time) to discuss why the dryer had this stupid chime on/off toggle switch and did not match the signal on/off button like the washer. We called Maytag, yes still Newton at that time and got some lame answer. We let them know that it was tacky and a big oops, and decided they came up with this "quick cheap fix on hangover Monday. As of today, I still look at it and think it's ridiculous that it does not match the on/off button underneath the start/stop for the washer.

As for the ugly dishwasher, Gee Ree hands down.

 

[allan]

Here's my ugly GE circa 1998

It still works, so I won't be replacing it anytime soon. I use Finish Powerballs and everything gets clean for my modest needs. A bit loud however. I still haven't removed the Energy Guide label, lol.

When I bought my townhouse brand new in 1998, it included shiny new appliances from GE, all bottom of the line of course. They all still work except for the top loader washer which I replaced in June with a front loader LG. All my GE appliances still have the EnerGuide stickers except for the fridge, which still has a "Made in Canada" sticker on it. I guess I never thought it was important enough to remove them lol.