Dreaming of NORGE WASHER are any around?

[brucelucenta]

Losangeles

The Norge timeline washers were only made up through 1958. So the chances of finding one other than one in someone's collection is slim. However, they do turn up from time to time. A matching set actually turned up over a year ago that looked like it was practically new. So keep watching in here and on craigs list and ebay. Anything is possible. The Norge solid tub machines just didn't seem to last very long in comparison to many other brands. They had "issues" with pumps and various things. Most NEVER lasted as long as the matching dryers and were replaced a few years after they were new usually. They really were quite excellent at washing, rinsing and spinning the clothes. They were just very small capacity in comparison to other machines and had to be serviced a lot. Consumer reports really helped Norge along in the beginning with rating them as the best machine. But they were going on performance and not durability. To this very day, I have NEVER seen a TOL 1958 model other than in videos, but have had more than one of the matching dryers. The perforated tub machines were much better as far as durability, but were kind of noisy. They sure did wash, rinse and spin out very well and had the largest capacity for a while after they came out in the mid 60's. The quality didn't go down until the late 70's and 80's. They were cheapened like everything else.

 

[vacerator]

What about?

The late 70's, and 80's Admiral top freezer refrigerators that were identical to Frigidaire's by WCI? They had identical bottom grilles and faux wood grain handles.
Also the sag space between the doors. Think the "Rosanne" tv show fridge.

It's been 40 years already, and got quite confusing.
By 1988, Tappan was building GE gas ranges, or the other way 'round?
Roper was sold and closed up shop too. A Modern Maid slide in gas range was identical to a Whirlpool. Maytag acquired Magic Chef, and sold Admiral ranges.

 

[losangeles]

Thanks guys

Thank you for the lesson in used abbreviations.  I will continue my search for the Norge of my dreams.  I am also looking for Unimatics built by GM or any washing machine that has a non-neutral drain/spin.  I really like the drama of a spin taking off with a full load of water and detergent/rinse water.  The faster the better.  Thanks again, Tommy

 

[goatfarmer]

WCI may have built some Admiral badged refrigerators, but they were never owned by WCI.. GE built some Frigidaire dryers, but there was no other connection. Admiral also built some GE badged refrigerators.

 

[agiflow2]

Vacerator

It's funny you should bring up Tappan making GE gas ranges in 1988 because I was just thinking about that article in consumer reports in 1987 or 88 and was trying to find photos of that GE gas range.

My mom purchased a Tappan centennial 30" gas range right around that time in 87 or 88. Can't remember now as the receipt is long gone.I won't get rid of it because it has a cooktop light and still performs well.

Money can't buy those little niceties anymore.

 

[vacerator]

True Patrick,

seems the cook top range lighting has been displaced by vent hood lights or microwave/vent lighting.
My neighbor at my first house had that GE gas range by Tappan. It had a rolling mechanical digital clock, also a work light, square burner pans, and beefier grates than a Magic Chef. Also a larger burner than Magic Chef, which had all 4 small.
This range was Tappan's grand finale before they closed the factory in Mansfield.
A few of the final Tappan models had electronic digital clocks, but the GE model was standard with self cleaning, and more deluxe.
Afterward, Tappan ranges became Frigidaire knock off's, except for the very low end model with production moving to Canada or Mexico.
GE became Sears main range supplier after Roper closed, followed by Frigidaire.

 

[washerlover]

They Are Still Out There

Just picked this up a couple months ago -- pristine condition. Circa 1975ish. And that's a newer Wards model in the upper left...probably 1985ish..? Still makes the same great sounds and comes complete with burp-a-lator agitator! Am planning to get my washroom set up this Winter so I can hook them up.

 

[DADoES]

 
I've always been fascinated by Wards machines.  They were not common around here, except via catalog pictures.

 

[agiflow2]

I think my model Tappan was around since the late seventies or early eighties because I remeber seeing it in older magazines and it is gold in color. Smallish oven and has the rolling mechanical clock. I remember seeing the WCI made ge units around 1988 or89. I think 1990 was the first year of the new XL44 ovens.