Expert Poll: best classic washer ever?

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Knock on Any Norge

Have to agree on the durability of Maytags, although agitation not very exciting. Sears/Whirlpool fun and pretty machines and totally agree with Panthera about GE and excellent lint removal. And of course Frigidaire just because they were so unique!

However, despite those on this site with Post-Traumatic Signature Disorder (that’s hilarious to me since I run the County’s Behavioral Health Department!), Norge/Wards are decent contenders. Although not the quietest machines, they really do the job. Large capacity, burp-up filter and vigorous agitation give other brands a run for the money. And they had a certain beauty about them as well, especially as you go to the top of the line...
 
Maytags

Are just a washer I absolutely jinx, I have owned 5 , one new in 84 and the rest various ages from 806, on up, NEVER have I owned one that didn't just torment the hell out of me, all of them either slung oil all over everything, or walked all over the place, I have NEVER used one yet that would wash more than 2 loads without getting out of balance, the last one I tried tore a 1 foot round hole in the vinyl floor when it got out of balance!! I have TRIED to like them, but I just cant..LOL
 
Hans Craig,

I have the same experience with KA dishwashers. Except for a KA 15, every single one we've ever had has been an unmitigated disaster.

Some brands just like you, some just hate you.

GE Potscrubbers and Maytag washers just seem to like us.
 
1. Which 60's-80's washer had the best overall performance? I've read the diff between BD and DD and I think I already get that part. I just mean overall washing and spinning performance.

 

As much as I am pro Maytag, BD machines are great washers, and the 1-18s in my mind (which I only have YouTube experience and reading members posts on here over the last 10+ years) are thee best. 

2. Which one is the most durable?

 

Maytag. 

3. Which one is the most beautiful? Or, if you prefer, which one is the most interesting or cool?

 

Each brand has a beautiful machine, and some of them become design icons on the 60s and 70s, like the centre dial Maytags. 

4. Which one is has the best combination of overall attributes? Like the crème de la crème?

 

1-18s. 
 
Can't let you Americans have it all your own way...

One personal favourite: the AEG Lavamat Regina/Deluxe. The basic design was so good, it was in production for something like 25 years. So stylish, especially with the backlit control panels. http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?30814

Here's one in Denmark that had been in daily use for 42 years when this photo was taken:

wft2800-2018041305482600999_1.jpg
 
The Bendix 7147 is rather nice too. The styling is a nod back in the direction of the old Bendix bolt-down machines that were many middle-class families' first automatics in the early 1950s, but still looks modern even 40 years or so after its introduction. Whopping big brushless motors too, so very quiet and understressed.

wft2800-2018041306104505695_1.jpg
 
A lot of childhood memories of the Hoover Electron/Logic family too... these machines seemed to be ubiquitous for a time. The matching dryers were based on the Maytag Halo of Heat design, right down to the hard-to-access lint filter on the back of the drum!

wft2800-2018041306123004313_1.jpg
 
Thank you for the replies everyone! Very informative. I'm just getting started learning about these marvelous machines, it really helps to hear the opinions of aficionados to help sort out who's who in the zoo.

So it seems clear that the consensus amongst most enthusiasts, at least in North America, is that the GM Frigidaire 1-18's are overall the best and most impressive classic washer. Funny thing is that I don't recall ever seeing one of these units during my childhood. And I'm certainly old enough to have seen one.

Although I have to say, in my personal opinion, at least for the 1970's 1-18s I've seen, they're definitely not the most elegant looking washers. They are cool and quirky looking in an old-school GM looking way. But they do not have the clean beauty and elegant lines that some of the others have. Still, functionality and superior performance has a beauty all its own. Another thing that might concern me is that the pumping agitation cycles seems to be quite loud (from what I've seen on youtube videos). My washing machine is upstairs near the bedroom. Are these things "hammer time" washers?

Another question I have about 1-18s: I see they were made back in the early 1960's too. The styling looks a lot better on a 1963 I saw. I really like the styling of 60's cars and it seems the appliances of the times took their cues from automobiles. Any thoughts on the best looking 1-18 with the most classic/clean styling?

And what about the Lady Kenmores? I have seen a resto of a late 50's model on a website, which really is a pretty machine. What is the prettiest Lady Kenmore in that sleek push buttonish/chrome knob 1960's look? I love the look of cars and women's styles from that era, so I think I'm narrowing down my favorite appliances to that same same era. People seem to rank these washers in the top three. Which one from the 60's-70's is the prettiest and also has great features and performance?

So far I really like the look of those push button and chrome knob Maytags. Really clean and elegant and with superior quality. I really like the design of the lighted panel and the clean, uncluttered design. Classic, clean Americana. VERY nice.

But then these 1-18's are intriguing because of their stellar reputation. Plus although the later models are somewhat visually challenged, maybe the earlier 60's models have looks and performance? Need to learn more about those models.

Thanks again for the great responses!
 
The early 1960s and 1950s Frigidaires weren't 1-18s, only the later extra large capacity models from the 1970s with the perforated tub. The earlier solid tub models were based on the Unimatic design from 1949-1958 and subsequently the Multimatic mechanism and then in the mid to late 1960s the Rollermatic mechanism which was modified into being belt operated to also be used in the 1-18s.
 
Hate to Disagree With the Experts...

Sorry to say, but in my humble opinion, Norge/Wards has the best washing capability of all. You have to be careful about what types of clothes you put in them and the proper wash/spin speeds, but they are absolutely the best in clothes cleaning. Sorry to disagree with one of my most respected automaticwasher.org icons, Panthera, but Norge/Wards is the “hands down” winner in washability. Whirlpool with its “Double Duty Super Surgilator” comes in second...
 
Best Washer!

I will always vote Frigidaire weather it was smaller solid tub or 1/18 - the wash action was more through and yet more gentle without a trashing Agitator - I do still like others but to me the thumper will always win! WCI made the very worst decisions to drop a great design!
 

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