Demo Video of the Kenmore Vari-Flex agitator

[revvinkevin]

I was chatting with another AW member this afternoon and while discussing my latest acquisition (a 1970 Kenmore model 800 washer), he'd commented he knew of the Vari-Flex agitator, he'd not seen one in person nor had any idea how it worked.... so I headed downstairs and made this little video.

Enjoy!
Kevin

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[strongenough78]

Awwww! LOL

I am the AW member Kevin is referring to lol. Thanks very much Kevin, I really do appreciate that! Super sweet of you. I'll definitely be sure to make it to your next wash-in no matter what! LOL

That is pretty cool though. Even on the LO setting the turnover was pretty good. Actually my Grandmothers 71 Lady K I was telling you about had one, I have seen one in person just never adjusted. I was too short at the time to see what all she was doing in the machine whenever she'd use it. Thanks again Kevin for fulfilling a long time curiousity. You're a total Sweetheart! XOXO

 

[strongenough78]

By the way...

Awesome job on the video graphics with the intro and the thanks for watching. Very cool

 

[toploader55]

Great Demo Kevin

What a Nice way to start the day.

Eddie

 

[combo52]

KM VARI-FLEX AGITATOR

Kevin could do a demonstration of all eight agitation levels { two speed motor plus all four agitator settings ] and just think if you had the LK it would have 12 different agitation levels with its three speed motor. [ in your spare time of coerce LOL ]. I always thought this agitator was a very clever idea but almost would be more useful on a one speed washer as it made for two many combinations of agitation levels.

 

[danmantn]

AWESOME! I love agitation videos--that was super awesome. Crank that puppy on high, throw in some suds and and give us a complete cycle video (on medium or low water level). THANKS FOR POSTING!

 

[dblrinz]

Awesome Demo

Thanks Kevin for the awesome demo. I don't think my mother ever adjusted hers, but I don't truly remember. At the time, that was a pretty pricey top-of-the-line washer for my mom so she never let me get too close unless she was right there and even then I wasn't to touch. I always remember the aggressive turn over and she was a cronic overloader. Happy Holidays!!!

 

[rll70sman]

Beautiful, Kevin! What a quiet machine, too! I agree with John, though. This would've been better suited for a model with a single-speed motor, allowing for gentler treatment of permanent press and delicate fabrics.

Rob

 

[bajaespuma]

Thanks for the memories

I remember the first time I saw one of these. Sears had a satellite appliance store on lower 14th Street, near First Avenue for a couple of years. I would take the 14th Street crosstown bus from school on the way home and the store was across the street from my stop. Perfect for the young appliance enthusiast.

I would wander through the store as quickly as I could to avoid the annoying salespeople who would shoo me away ( I was obviously too young to pull out a wallet full of cash to buy an appliance).The Lady Kenmore's were just too colorful and just chock full of bells and whistles to avoid. They had every dispenser I'd ever imagined and features that even I thought were ridiculous. Unfortunately, my Whirlpool/Kenmore prejudice was a factor; underneath all those gizmos was still an inelegant, clunky, over-sized washing machine that did an average job of cleaning and a pathetic job at extracting and I knew it. Still, I was fascinated and really would like to find a pair know that I've learned that you can have more than one washing machine in your house. I'm ashamed to admit that I wasn't too bright about this agitator at first; it took me a couple of times to figure out that one didn't try to turn the marked dial in the center, that you had to, as illustrated in your wonderful video, lift the body of the agitator up, yada, yada, yada. Had to work fast before the salesmen caught up with me. I'd love to find a pair of these somewhere.

 

[nmassman44]

And all this time I thought that the VariFlex agitator was nothing more than a gimmick. Great video!

 

[oldschoolmc]

Nice Video

I'm just a new member not really a collector. I suppose I just APPRECIATE a good machine like the Old Harley Davidsons!!!!

You guys are awesome!!!

 

[westingman123]

Kevin, your videos are so professional. And with that voice you could surely make a career in radio or TV. Loved the spot, I had always wondered about that particular agitator. I'll bet it does a bang-up job on delicates at the low setting. Thanks!

 

[autowasherfreak]

I was hoping to get this same model but in harvest gold, but I lost contact with the person giving it to me :-(

Great video Kevin!

 

[yogitunes]

Great Video Kevin!

I never saw one in use, or what the difference between the adjustments would do, Thanks......

BTW...does anyone have one of those detergent dispensers they can part with, not the lid, just the plastic piece underneath that mixes and dispenses the detergent?....

 

[appnut]

Thanks Kevin.

 

[70series]

Once again thanks Kevin for a great video. The Vari-Flex is the only agitator (at least as far as Kenmores go) where a tutorial is called for, and it is well worth it.

Have a good one,
James

 

[whirlcool]

Great video. But for some reason the name Vari Flex makes me thing of fins that "flex" while washing.
I wonder how many housewives had this washer and never figured out what the Vari Flex agitator did?

 

[revvinkevin]

OK...OK...PART 2 IS HERE!

Per request.. here is another demo video, this time with low speed agitation AND a low water level!

Enjoy!
Kevin

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[strongenough78]

That is way too cool Kevin! And you're such a Sweety for taking the time to make these vids!

Whirlcool: I'm sure back then it was demonstrated. Manufacturers and the salesmen actually took the time to learn about the product they're selling so they could properly demonstrate each function so that it was understood. Not something you see very much of anymore. I've been in plenty of situations where the salesman had to either get someone else or a book LOL.