Anyone know about the KitchenAid washing machine - KAWS700 series? Recommended or not?

[npt40]

So, I'm in the process of un-modernizing what came with my house. I have a Kenmore 110-series washer now that I'm done messing around with, despite being otherwise mint like new. I don't want any more lid locks, dying computer control boards and actuators, or a HE washer that takes 2 hours to run a cycle.

I came across a KitchenAid washing machine, model kaws700jq4, that looks like it could be just what I'm looking for, but I can find next to nothing online about these. The serial number indicates it was made in 2002. I'll attach some photos.

Please share your thoughts, if this would be good to get. I don't do a lot of loads, maybe 1 per week or two. They're asking $160, and say it all works perfectly.

It won't match the other avocado appliances I have now (a KDC-17 dishwasher, and Tappan stove), but I hope it'll do! Thanks.

 

[stuftrock1]

Fantastic machine. It's a direct drive made by Whirlpool that has a larger agitator with slower agitation. If you like having clean clothes in a timely manner, you will love this machine.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

ABSOLUTELY GET IT:

One of the best TL AWs ever made hands down! With the amount you do laundry it should last for easily another 15 years, more if in good condition. NO TL made today can mathch the washing ability of this machine.
WK78

 

[DADoES]

 
KitchenAid toploaders are the Whirlpool direct-drive mechanism.

KA is differentiated from other DD brand-labels by a larger agitator ... larger-diameter base and larger lower fins.  A three-speed motor on most models (KAWS700JA4 has one per parts lookup) runs at medium speed (equivalent to low on 2-speeders) for high agitation which gives gentler but thorough action with the larger agitator.

It's a 2000 model-year, manufacture date 32nd week (between 8/5 and 8/9) of 2002.

 

[npt40]

Thanks for the replies and information so far. Good stuff to know. I'll plan on picking it up tomorrow.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Good choice. 

 

Agree with everything said above.  The Whirlpool DD system was in production for about 30 years and sold millions.  There are still many parts available for this easy to repair design.

 

How much are they asking for this?  It looks like it's been really well cared for.

 

[npt40]

They're asking $160, which seems plenty fair, especially considering what any new washer is going for these days.

 

[chaskelljr2]

KitchenAid Direct-Drive Washer

I’d hop on it and snap it up quickly.

ANY Whirlpool made machine made in that era is worth having these days, especially if they are taken care of and are still in great shape.

Definitely better than the junk that’s out there now.

—Charles—

 

[bradfordwhite]

160 and it probably comes with some type of warranty, albeit short.  Even without the warranty that's a great deal.

 

The price of new washers dryers, it just seems like you can't spend less than $500 and that's for a bol unit. 

 

 

I remember when Circuit City and Sears was selling base model Ropers or Capris for $188 and those were Whirlpool made, 1 speed washer and standard capacity electric dryers.  You still see them come up on Craigslist so they lasted 20-30 years and are still going.

 

[lovestowash]

Is this the one in Cape Coral?

 

[maranoman]

Have one and love it!

I have the exact washer - its the only non-Maytag machine in my collection. It sits in my laundry room and is my every day machine. I refurbished it a year ago (rebuilt transmission with new neutral drain, new clutch, new coupler, new agitator dogs, and a deep clean). I have not had any issues with it.

 

Another AW member has a similar machine from 2002 with a video on YouTube:

 

 

[npt40]

Thanks, nice to see one running a load. That really is exactly the same model, made right at the same time too.

This is that one in Cape Coral. I unfortunately couldn't get free to get out there today as planned, but will go tomorrow instead. Hopefully no one grabs it first before I can get there.

 

[tomdawg]

One of my favorite machines. Because of the lower speed, it’s much quieter and sounds better. A friend of mine had one of these growing up. The mom probably did 4 loads a day and lasted 10 years before she gave it up. Not to mention she always stuffed it full.. clothes would barely turn!

 

[rp2813]

It looks like the machine is at a used appliance shop.  You can call them and see if they'll hold it for you, but if they won't, it's still probably older than most of their inventory so it likely isn't drawing a lot of interest from shoppers who don't know any better.

 

[npt40]

So, the KitchenAid washer has arrived to its new home. They let it run a complete demonstration water-only load for me so I could see the whole cycle and verify that everything worked. It seems like it's all working perfectly, so I'm happy. The seller said the machine had been dumped just due to a faulty lid sensor.

There were only two minor issues. One, the spin cycle shook the machine pretty hard (not terribly unlike in that above video though, so maybe that's expected), although the washer wasn't on a particularly solid floor, and it had no weight from a load, so we'll see how it is once I do a load at home soon.

Second, the right-side control panel end cap has broken tabs where it latches down into the top panel and it doesn't lock in except at the rear screw, so the control panel is a little tilty and wobbly on that side when pushing on the control knobs. Not a big deal honestly and I can live with that, but a little annoying I guess. The seller said the end caps for these are unfindable, and google seems to agree. Perhaps someone here has an idea where one may be hiding? (part WPL-8274349 it seems, from a quick search)

Anyway, I'm happy with the purchase, and hope it gives more years of good service.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Easy problems

If the spring suspension needs to be remounted or replaced, it's quite easy.

As for the panel, it might need some custom work to get it to stay in place.

 

[npt40]

And... I take back the comment on unfindable end caps. I guess the trick is leaving out the "wpl" in searching the part number. Ebay has a couple, albeit a little grungy.

 

[appnut]

 

[rp2813]

I noticed that issue with the panel trim.  Glad the parts are out there.  It's a minor annoyance, but I'd want to fix it too.

 

I can't speak to the shaking during spin, but being firmly situated on a level surface should help.  If it uses the same system as older models, tilting the machine forward and then letting it down gently will allow the automatic leveling legs in the back correct any irregularities.  Unlike older machines that are belt-driven, these direct drive systems -- at least those I've used in vacation rentals, etc. -- have tubs that can be easily batted around so that may have something to do with the shaky spinning. 

 

It was very nice of the seller to operate the machine for you.  It should serve you well, and will be a whole lot quieter about it than its Whirlpool siblings.