Beautiful KitchenAid washer/dryer set

[blockeight88]

This will be my next set. Put down a deposit and will be picking up Saturday. No idea when this particular style was made as I am awaiting the model/serial numbers. Anyone have any kind of experience with this set?

 

From the photos it appears to be a 3-speed with 5 water levels. It also has an option for a "handwash cycle". Unfortunately no speed control, but I think this is due to it being controlled on the timer side. Perhaps this was a BOL model?

 

Dryer has 3 temperature settings plus a "sensor dry" option.  Some noticeable denim inside the drum. Anyone have any advice on how to properly clean that?

 

[appnut]

As the little lettering on the panel for that knob, handwash causes intermittant agitation on gentle/delicate cycle.

 

[repairguy]

Great set from the early 2000’s. Congrats!

 

[blockeight88]

Can’t wait to toss in my turquoise agitator

 

[ryner1988]

KitchenAid washers, as far as I am aware, didn't include the highest speed of agitation. High speed agitation is low/regular speed on those. So perhaps a speed control isn't really needed? Are there KitchenAid washers with speed controls on them? I'm not real familiar with that brand.

In any case, if you're a person who likes direct drive machines but prefer the low/regular speed of agitation, this is the washer for you.

 

[blockeight88]

^

That is correct. This machine does medium, extra low, and int. extra slow. I believe the model above this had the speed control. These don't do fast agitation due to the large base agitator. This is fine with me because its just as effective, but more gentle on your clothes. I love the design of this machine. That and the added quality makes it a win win. It will add nicely to my collection. I love finding matching dryers.

 

[tomturbomatic]

KitchenAid washing machines, like Whirlpool washing machines, had the speeds in the timer. For a long time, Kenmore washers did also, but then allowed, in some models, an independent agitation speed selection, but the spin speeds were still in the timer. This was explained in the literature for our 1958 Lady Kenmore explaining why the cycle for woolens "G" was included in the Normal cycle with "A" and "B" for cottons and linens. Because the agitation speeds could be set independently, woolens could get the gentle agitation they needed along with the fast spin of the Normal cycle to remove the large quantities of water heavy woolens hold. The exception to this was the Delicates cycle, "F" which locked in the slow agitation along with the slow spin. Once two speed washers were invented, machines that allowed independent selections for agitation and spin combined gentle agitation and fast spin, either in the automated programs like GE in their "Special" cycle or in the recommended settings for woolens in less automated machines.

 

[DADoES]

 
A few models toward the end of production had a rotary Fabric Select switch which provided speed selection independent of the timer.  Some with speed programmed in the timer had a Hand Wash or Hand Care switch which presumably forced intermittent low (ex low motor) agitation and low spin.

 

[blockeight88]

With the rotary speed selection

Probably the model above the one I am getting. This one has 14 cycles compared to 11 on mine.  

 

Still waiting on model/serial numbers, but from what I am seeing, this particular design might have been the successor to the mid 90s chrome "superba" model? Someone on YouTube has this design washer and says its from 1996.

 

[combo52]

Nice machines

These were the last style of KitchenAid top load washers and matching dryers before the name was discontinued for laundry there was a top-of-the-line top load washer that had the triple dispenser system like the catalyst machines and the calypso had.

By the time these were out lot of the engineering, emphasis was on the calypso and on the front load washers, these final KitchenAid top load pairs were truly the best top load machines sold in the United States in this time. The Kenmores were the next best thing as far as lots of features.

John

 

[blockeight88]

What made the KitchenAid set the best available at that time? The porcelain finish in the cabinet?

 

[blockeight88]

Anyone look up this info?

 

[DADoES]

 
1998 model-year.

1999 Mar/Apr manufacture year.

 

[blockeight88]

Interesting. I wouldn’t have guessed around that time. Thank you Glenn

Does this washer have the sound proof padding on the bottom?

 

[blockeight88]

Intermittent Agitation

When the knob for "Intermittent Agitation" is turned ON does it only work when set to the delicates/handwashables cycle? I'm curious if its set to Normal if it would do medium intermittent agitation as well.

Did this model have any type of sound proofing installed?

 

[combo52]

Intermittent agitation setting

Works on any cycle of course, there’s probably some minimal insulation inside the cabinet, you just have to look and see I guess.

 

[DADoES]

 
Matt, Whirlpool's ServiceMatters web portal has a guest look-up that doesn't require a paid subscription.  The search entry field references "Part Number" for instruction sheets but model numbers can be searched to find available documentation.  Owner manuals (some are model-specific, some are generic for several models), parts diagrams, installation instructions, EnergyGuide.  Wiring diagrams in some instances.

Parts diagrams typically show details such as anti-resonance pads on the outer cabinet.

ServiceMatters Guest Search

 

[blockeight88]

Thanks Glen, I will check that out. Below is the dryer info.

 

[blockeight88]

Damaged Motor shaft

I guess this machine shipped with the newer style metal insert motor coupler. Unfortunately when I took the old one off, it was stripped and chipped. A new one (OEM WP) coupler will not stay on.  

 

I am wondering if I could use an older style coupler that I had laying around (see pictures). Would this work? Technically the old style and newer style both fit in the black rubber holder.