BOL Whirlpool/Roper washer

[kenmoreguy64]

Ok, this is odd for me to be posting in this forum, let alone about a BRAND NEW washer, but I am really curious about the absolutely BOL washer that Roper/Estate is offering. It has the black end-caps, brushed aluminum panel, and one cycle. It offers a 2.5 cu ft. porcelain basket, and basic DD construction. BUT, it has that unusual squat one piece agitator with the large fins on top. I would swear that if the tub were to fill all the way up, water would rise over top of the agitator. I wonder how quickly this machine would earn it's 'Shredmore' reputation with that agitator.

Don't ask me why I want this machine because I don't know. I have always been fascinated with BOL appliances, and this machine really captures my interest. At $199 at a nearby appliance store, I am very tempted.

Does anyone have any experience with these beasts? I would probably buy it for play, would use it a bit, then donate it to someone in need.

Gordon

 

[coldspot66]

That short agitator was used in some bol commercial coin-op washers as well. It does fill right to the top ridge of the cap( submerging the top vanes). Does a pretty good job moving clothes at the top of the tub with those vanes. Can only use it with a full tub of water, as anything less would get splashed out over the tub ring.

 

[alr2903]

It would definately be quieter, ka-chunk, ka-chunk, ka-chunk. With a one piece agitator no pesky "dogs" to fail. alr2903

 

[gansky1]

I had a Kenmore version of this 24" washer for a while, it did a good job but without the auger, overloading seemed especially easy to do and then all rollover stopped and, presumably, the shredding began below the water line. There were a couple of Kenmore models through the years that had this agitator in large capacity machines as well, I always wondered how that would work.

 

[gefilterflo]

The laundromat down the street from me just replaced their washers with some new Maytag commercial washers and the agitator in those new Maytags are the ones you see in the Roper. It was the oddest thing hearing a Maytag go CHUNKA CHUNKA CHUNKA CHUNKA CHUNKA.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I have a 1993 Kenmore DD (a decent 70-series) that I acquired with major scratch and dent damage. I used it from 1993 until 1997 about two loads a month (so almost nothing) then put it away unused until November 2006 when I noticed the centerpost leaking in my 1986 BD which I cherish (bought it new in college). I used the DD as my daily driver for about 18 months and was fairly happy with it. I had to learn to use the 'Normal' cycle for less then full-tub loads, and the 'Heavy Duty' for full loads and towels, etc. Other than wishing it had some spray rinses in between wash and rinse, I was ok with the machine - it was essentially new and considering it has only now about 2 years of wear and tear, it still is I guess. That CHUNKA CHUNKA CHUNKA got on my nerves though, and it was like a return to a cloudless sunny day when I put the 1980 BD that I'm using now in its place. Now the DD resides in a storage unit down the street.

It would be fun though to buy a new washer, and since I like BOL stuff, and it's $199, I kinda figure I'm doing a little something for American employment and having fun at the same time.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Greg -

I know what agitator you're thinking of, and yes, they did use it in some 3.0 cap. machines. There's a video or two of them on youtube. The machines are quieter without those DA dogs biting.

The agitator I'm talking about is shorter than the straight-vane that I think you're thinking of. I've never seen this particular agi in a Kenmore. It's probably 4 inches shorter than the others, and has MASSIVE fins protruding from the near top, almost the size of the bottom fins.

 

[rll70sman]

I saw similar Amana, Estate, and Roper models at Judge's Appliance here in Hastings where I bought the new Whirlpool. These BOL models only have one preset water level, and the water temperature is determined by the amount of wash time selected. This a fine example of a simple machine for use in a barber or beauty shop that does not farm out the laundering of its linens. Those heavy fabrics don't need special cycles.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Rob -

I agree with you on that too (about the basic machines being good shop models). It's surprising though that a lot of them seem to make their ways into homes.

Other than adjusting the water level, I don't use many features on a washer. I don't use much bleach, I don't use a softener dispenser even if the machine has one, and I don't use the delicate cycle but a couple times a year. Warm wash, cold rinse - I'm good. I could use a basic machine and be happy provided I could vary the water level.

 

[iheartmaytag]

My nephew purchased one for his office. He's a Vet and they produce a lot of towels and blankets, always full loads. He replaced a FL Frigidaire that developed a door leak. He says this machine is very good at hair disposal. For the price he has no complaints.

 

[rll70sman]

Glad to hear that!

"It would be fun though to buy a new washer, and since I like BOL stuff, and it's $199, I kinda figure I'm doing a little something for American employment and having fun at the same time."

By the way, Gordon, thank you for your statement about keeping Americans working. My is a maintenance mechanic in the steel industry and Whirlpool is a major user of cold-rolled steel produced with taconite pellets sourced from northern Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range where he lives and works. He'd appreciate hearing that just as much as I do .

 

[rll70sman]

Oops, I left out the fact that my dad is the one who works in the taconite mines. I type ahead of my brain sometimes .

 

[circlew]

Rural areas

Bottom of line washers and dryers seem to sell well out in farm country. People there want something that washes ground in dirt out of their clothing, and doesn't need frequent repair.