Anyone know anything about post-FF GE washers?

[Chetlaham]

Reply 19-

 

Now that is so cool!!!!! <3 It would have been such a dream if GE took the dependable care design and added their own twists to it. Ramp agitator like you did, 4 cycle knob with mini quick and extra clean cycle, spin/spray cool down, 3 or 4 port pump with filter flo, 3/4 HP to compliment the 50Hz pulley. Now that would have been a washer.

 

 

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE post filter-flo

I remember when I got mine. I noticed the machine shook violently during normal agitation compared to my GE filter-flo I had prior.

 

[angus]

Sorry I can't agree that the post FF GEs were any improvement other than capacity. I had the first generation of the GE Profile and it was such a nightmare that GE actually bought it back from me after three repair filled years. I think the issue there was that the ideas on the redesign were good but I still think they rushed this machine to market to compete with WP/KM. The rush could have had something to do with the last review of the FF style (which were all "rim-flo" by then) by Consumer Reports that placed GE/Hotpoint at the bottom of the ratings citing "dated and not too functional design". Perhaps GE figured they needed to move fast or risk losing more market share very quickly since people still used CR as their buying bible at that time.

 

[Chetlaham]

Well said, I very much agree.

 

The primary reason why repair techs make the claim GE washers have fewer repairs is because when a part does fail the machine is typically condemned knowing its not worth the repair as another component will fail shortly after. Model Ts are rarely sold rebuilt/used. Another claim is that certain parts in model Ts rarely fail or last the life of the washer and while technically true that is again entirely due to the short and temporary life of a model T washer. 

 

GE seized on this however, I remember advertising literature on the sales floor in the early to mid 2000s bragging how out of all the washers on the market GE's had the fewest repairs. People not realizing that while 100% true, the information comes from a cause that is the exact opposite of what the consumer is supposed to believe.

 

IMO I think GE had plans to discontinue the FF design since the very late 80s. In the 90s machines began getting cheapened like the back panel went to potmetal and mixing of lids/control panels/ rim flos ect started taking place. I think GE at that point was gradually using up what was left in factory with no intent to evolve the FF design. Though you're still right, consumer reports certainly helped push the change along.

 

I still wonder how CR reached the conclusion GE was dated. Besides the smaller tub capacity nothing on the outside gives away that the existence of a moving inner tub and static outer tub based on a 1940s design.

 

 

 

[jamiel]

I worked for General Electric Capital from Sept 1989 through May 1992 in Kansas City. We worked on the Montgomery Ward credit card portfolio, and had about 1000 employees at a call center in suburban Kansas City. We had access to discounts on the full line of GE appliances...was a varied rebate that you got after purchase.

About mid-1991 they were recruiting families to test washing machines in-home. Remember nothing other than a memo that went around with a number to call. I believe they had as a requirement that you had outdoor access to the laundry area (for ease of installation/deinstallation).

I'd inherited about a 1969 portable Kenmore washer and a later KM dryer which I had in my apartment (it had been handed down over several peoples' college time) so I was set.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE washer

I had a GE washer and dryer for 17 years before they broke, including the matching dryer. It held up well and would squeak when we first got it. It did replace the filter-flo set which I miss dearly.