Daily Driver Recommendations?

[johndog]

Hello, guys...

I am new to the forum, but probably qualify for the club... After all, my daily CARS are 1932, 1988, and 1997!

We are sick of our newer high-end energy-efficient washer and will be happy to revert to an automatic washer that really CLEANS from another (less regulated) era.

The question: What would members of this forum recommend as a "daily driver"? A Maytag A810 comes to mind, but I really have no clue. I would want something that cleans well, was top of the line in its day, and has reasonable availability of spare parts if needed.

Once I have some idea of what I am looking for, I am sure I can eventually find a "low mileage" example in the Houston area...

Thanks, everyone!

John in Houston

 

[roscoe62]

sick of our newer high-end energy-efficient washer

So what is your issue(s) with the newer machine is it just cleaning.

 

[lebron]

Personally, I would recommend any large capacity belt-drive Kenmore or Whirlpool. You are going to get a lot of different opinions on this, and you have a large choice of machines that would fit your needs.

 

[goatfarmer]

Maytag's are generally bullet proof. 08, 10, 12 series are dependable, easy to work on, and parts are still plentiful.

 

[hydralique]

Maytag is good, but don't forget the Whirlpool DD (direct drive) machines and their Kenmore clones built in the '80s and '90s. Lots of them around, they wash well and are probably the most reliable washers ever made. I've got an '88 Whirly Design 2000 that has been in daily use since new and has never had a repair. Granted I know the drive coupler is on its way out, but that's a simple item to replace. The third washer to consider is the classic GE Filter-Flo and its' cousin the Hotpoint rim-flow. They use a lot of water but wash well and filter superbly.

 

Probably the best plan is to become somewhat familiar with all three washers and then watch Craigslist for a lightly used matching set; finding individual washers and dryers is much easier than a matching set, especially if you're picky about color and dryer type so if you can be flexible on the brand you'll be more likely to find a good upper-end set.

 

[qsd-dan]

Welcome to our little slice of appliance heaven!

 

<a name="start_45533.666570">After all, my daily CARS are 1932...</a>

 

We are gonna nee to see pics of that '32,  please

 

<a name="start_45533.666570">What would members of this forum recommend as a "daily driver"? A Maytag A810 comes to mind, but I really have no clue. I would want something that cleans well, was top of the line in its day, and has reasonable availability of spare parts if needed. </a>

 

If you want to stick with Maytag (good choice!), spring for an 806. It's the same machine as an 810, but has a 4 minute pre-wash cycle that works fantastic for REALLY dirt clothes, spins out the dirty water, and goes into the main cycle (I work on both vintage and modern cars as well and use this feature). It also has a 2 minute deep rinse instead of 1.5 minutes used from the the 10 series-on. But most of all, it looks cool and has a lighted console!

 

[akronman]

Starters

Washers----If your goal is very clean and well rinsed clothes from a reliable older design, and your intention is not to start a large collection, then belt-drive Whirlpool-Kenmore's or Maytag 08 and 10's are easy to rejuvenate, parts are plentiful and affordable, and the machines are tanks.

 

Dryers----whether gas or electric, the Whirlpool-Kenmore's with the filter in the rear right top of the machine near the console are the best---big drums, long-lasting, simple maintenance, easy parts avaialbility.

 

Any of the designs mentioned are still plentiful on the used market, search some thru this website to know what to spot, then spend a bit of time daily on your local Craigslist, something will show up. Also, all of these designs came with few options/low budget up to fully ritzy with lots of bells and whistles, but the internal mechanics are the same and dependable.

 

[johndog]

Thanks! (Keep those cards and letters coming!)

Thanks for the answers so far...

Roscoe, our current machine is an almost-new Kenmore HE front loader... The issues are that each load takes twice as long and clothes must be washed in one-third size loads to get clean. So compared to our memory of 3 washers ago, each clean "load" takes SIX times the time and THREE times the effort. There is no efficiency in that! This Kenmore, by the way, replaced a Maytag washer that had the same problems. We thought we just got a lemon in the Maytag, so we carefully researched Consumer Reports before replacing it with the Kenmore... only to realize that ALL 21st century washers appear to have this "energy efficient" design.

Don't even get me started on low-flow shower heads and corn-diluted gasoline!

Dan, here is a picture of the '32... It is a Cadillac V12 Seven passenger sedan!

Thanks!

 

[yogitunes]

well, for starters this would be a set in your area, these are Kenmores, the washer more along the lines of TOL for electro-mechanical...rare but possible of finding a Digital set from the late 80's early 90's would be sweet, they even have fully automatic dispensers and lights...

it also depends if you want from a used dealer with a warranty, or something from a regular person, and may have to do a little cleanup...

http://houston.craigslist.org/app/3684854285.html

 

[danemodsandy]

I'm Not Sure....

....I can advise you.

Judging from the picture, your idea of a daily driver and my idea of a daily driver may be two different things!

 

[yogitunes]

this would be the KitchenAid version of the direct drives, some have more features than others, but still reliable and parts interchange and are available

 

[cfz2882]

'32 cadi

sure is a beauty!MY DD cars are '71,'81'82 and '89 LOL.My DD washers are '81 filter flo,'98 neptune 3000.'02 splendide mini combo.

 

[yogitunes]

a GE FilterFlo from 1985....note the shape of the lid for either the filterflo or rimflo design

 

[yogitunes]

many versions available, but to give you an idea of a Maytag center dial....

 

[yogitunes]

a Kenmore Electronic from 1979...belt drive

 

[yogitunes]

hope this gives you a head start......

same insides as the Kenmore above minus the auto-dispensers, belt drive, this is a Whirlpool from 1983

 

[lebron]

a Kenmore Electronic from 1979...belt drive

Beautiful machine

 

[yogitunes]

the 1979 Kenmore Electronic.....I have the matching Dryer comming as well.....

wonderful shape, and super bright white, but I rather have the control panel from the direct drive years, more flexible controls, and full flourescent console light...

 

[norgeway]

I also say

Kenmore and whirlpool, I use a 83 Kenmore washer and a 73 Lady Kenmore dryer, at least one to two loads a day, more on weekends for about five years and not one repair!

 

[abcomatic]

Maytag 606

My daily driver is a 70's Maytag 606 washer and dryer. Cars, 2007 Lincoln town Car and a 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark 4. Happy washing, Gary

 

[danemodsandy]

I Can Think....

....Of two sets of vintage machines that are on a level with your car collection:

One would be a pair of Maytag 906's, a top-of-the-line, all-pushbutton pair made from 1966 to, I believe, 1972. They were extremely well-made, but as daily drivers, may leave something to be desired for some people - all the cycles were controlled strictly by pre-programmed pushbutton, with no options. You either wanted to wash, say, your woolens in the way Maytag provided, or you did not - there was no way to change any of the wash, motor speed, rinse or soak options for any given cycle. They were, however, luxury machines, for people who wanted to feel their clothes were getting the best possible care while making the fewest possible decisions.

Look up "Maytag 906" using the Super Searchalator; you'll see a photo of Fred Nelson's beautimous 906 pair. Fred uses them as drivers.

The other pair you might really enjoy would be a pair of 1966 Lady Kenmores, which have more to recommend them to the person who likes to play with options. They're controlled by both pushbuttons and a cycle dial, with the dial capable of modifying the cycles. There are tons of possible combinations. They are extremely luxurious machines, surprisingly often seen in wealthy homes where no other Sears merchandise was to be found - they had a reputation second to none.

You should know that Maytags are simply and robustly engineered; you can rebuild one with relative ease and have it last for decades. Parts are reasonably available.

The Lady Kenmores are more of a connoisseur's machine, in that they're much more complex than Maytags, with many parts no longer easy to find. It's not that they can't be restored, nor that they can't be used as drivers - people do restore them and use them. But they are often more demanding than Maytags, especially when their detergent/additive dispensers go wonky and need repair (Maytags have much simpler systems for that purpose, and they have almost zero tendency to go out of whack). Super Searchalating on "Lady Kenmore" will turn up some photos.

Maytag 806's are a good balance between these two extremes - you get Maytag reliability, and flexibility approaching that of the Lady Kenmores, without the Kenmores' complexity. Again, search and ye shall find pics.

 

[rp2813]

I'm a big fan of Maytags from the periods mentioned above because they are built like tanks and have tried and true simple mechanics, but based on your original post I think it needs to be stated that Maytags of that vintage don't have the capacity of their Whirlpool and Kenmore contemporaries.  If part of your reason for dumping the front-loader is the fact that you can't wash large loads, Kenmore or Whirlpool machines will offer larger tubs than Maytags. 

 

As was also stated, if you go for a top of the line belt-driven Lady Kenmore, there's more to go wrong and probably less likelihood of finding specialty parts.  On the other hand, certain parts are still readily available for Kenmore and Whirlpool machines dating back to the early 50's, so if you pursue a model of either make with a few less frills, it will serve you well and if necessary you'll likely be able to find the parts required to keep it going.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Whirlpool or Kenmore Direct Drive

Probably the most reliable design ever and good washing results. Another good option is Speed Queen the new ones are the best they've ever been.
Wk78

 

[pierreandreply4]

another good model if you have pets or stuff that makes lots

do not forget if you went a good daily driver there also the famous ge filter flow

 

[johndog]

More thanks!

Folks,

Thanks for the continued input... This is very helpful!

We actually have a rescue dog (half Dachshund, half German Shepherd, below) that figures into this equation. Given the posts from Yogi and Pierre, I now see that there actually is a washer that can handle the dog blankets when needed... That there EVER was a washer that handles this job well is totally news to me!

I am leaning, therefore, to the GE Filter-Flo Heavy Duty Extra Large Capacity. (I worked for GE in an earlier lifetime, too, so that's nice. I can still sing the "bring good things to life" song!)

Y'all are great!

John in Houston (with "Dora the Explora")

 

[DigAPony]

Probably one of the last GE Filter-Flo models, although a little pricey in my opinion.

http://houston.craigslist.org/app/3636744249.html

 

[rinso]

IMHO you can't miss with a Maytag 806-ish or a Whirlpool/Kenmore BD in good condition. Neither have the super-speed extraction of today's HE machines, but if that is an issue you can always get a seperate spinner for towels, jeans, and heavy bedding.

 

[rp2813]

For sure if you have pets around the house, a Filter Flo is the best option for capturing lint and pet hair.

 

[pierreandreply4]

here is the same filter flow set i posted but with a view of

same set but more view incluiding a money shot more pic to come

 

[pierreandreply4]

next pic