Favorite Console

[mrb627]

Okay. For each washing machine brand, what is your favorite console layout, favorite timer dial? I know for some, it is difficult to choose.

Please include a pic, if you can...

Malcolm

 

[pierreandreply4]

fav washer dryer timer dial

hello everyone here is my fav timer dial

 

[washernoob]

The tower!

I love the control tower design on the ol frigidaire. Probably the most future 50s design of them all!

Here is gregs incredible pair.

 

[mrb627]

Imperial

This has always been a favorite. Been at least 30 years since I have seen one in person.

Malcolm

View attachment mrb627++10-3-2010-11-36-47.jpg

 

[luxflairguy]

Mine has to be a Lady Kenmore alphabet keyboard. with the lighted console and closeable cover, screams deluxe!

 

[bajaespuma]

Wonderful thread!

The first one that comes to mind, of course, is my coveted 1959 Filter-Flo Programmed washer with all the colors and what has to be one of my favorite control dials:

 

[cphifer5115]

this would be mine but i have not seen one in person since 1985.

 

[volvoguy87]

Dryer to match.

I know where there is a dryer to match that '69 KM 700!
Dave

 

[bajaespuma]

And then of course

there's the TOL panel from the following year, 1960 that seemed to anticipate "space age" design that Consumer's Reports panned as being "overly complicated" and hard for the average housewife to decipher. I always felt that some of these machines were designed to grab more attention from the husbands who might have had more to say about purchasing home appliances and whose wallets were the ones pried open during these days.

Analyze this control panel, and you'll notice that there are no new controls here (not counting the new bleach dispenser which has nothing to do with the panel); everything that was on the WA-950S is here with no new additions.The controls have been moved around, some changed to tiny little dials instead of keys or buttons and the panel is enhanced with a gold metallic escutcheon behind a large rectangular insert making it appear more like a face. I always think of the gizmos on the Jupiter 2 from "Lost in Space" when I see these panels.

 

[DADoES]

 

 

[strongenough78]

Gotta be the 1971 Lady Kenmore....

All the buttons, the dial and the water level switch. A very pretty layout plus the garage doors were just way cool.

 

[goatfarmer]

This is a Whirlpool set I have.

 

[bygted]

kelvinator

looked like a cartoon in 55 - it might be my favorite panel of any brand ever.

 

[bygted]

Philco

but then there is the space age Philco which I am partial to as well...

 

[bygted]

apex

I like the "primitive" and simplistic radio dial look of the early Apex machines as well.

 

[bygted]

Hamilton

This is my favorite Hamilton panel - The visor look reminds me of one of the computer consoles on the old Star Trek.
This machine is one that I have on deck for a cabinet restoration - it's currently a little rough - but still beautiful.
I am curious - does anyone out there have the washer?

 

[washernoob]

WOW!

That kelvinator with the gold panel is GORGEOUS!

It is kind of over the top- luxury like. Really cool!

 

[mrb627]

Awesome!

Keep 'em coming!

 

[bajaespuma]

Missing Link

One of the reasons I love that Kelvinator panel is that it illustrates the transition from early '50's designed machines, where the controls were primitive and mounted on the back of the cabinet top, to what was first called a "backsplasher". Here, on the Kelvy, the controls for the cycle and for the water temps are still mounted on the cabinet but indicator lights and brand badges have been moved up to the very modern and substantial chrome plated backsplasher. Would be a year or two and all the controls would move up there. Then, little to no going back. I'd love to find any Kelvinator; very rare here in the Northeast although I think my Aunt Grace had one in the early Sixties.

 

[mayfan69]

My favourite

A personal favourite....the 1966 Simpson All push button Fluid Drive....

 

[supremewhirlpol]

For me, just about any slanted console Whirlpool is my favorite. Dadoes, and Goatfarmer have provided pictures of some very nice ones. My favorite of all would be the 1966 LRA992 that I have, thanks to Debbie. The reverse on/off logic of the timer adds to its uniqueness, A very special machine.

 

[gadgetgary]

Real nice

Love to find one of these for real

 

[supremewhirlpol]

For vintage commercial machines, it is a tie between Wascomat and Ipso. When it comes to features of mechanical timer machines, Ipso wins. Below is my 1989 Ipso WE-165 40LB OPL commercial FL

 

[gadgetgary]

The automatic washer

That started it all for me.
Was my grandmother's machine and she had it in the pantry off the kitchen.
It emptied into a porcelain sink, deep basin.

 

[gadgetgary]

Malcolm

What a great thread
Thanks for starting it and bringing us all down memory lane.

This was the washer my Mom had in 1967.
Wish I still had that machine.

 

[gadgetgary]

And recently

This has become a favorite.

Have I become a Frigidaire convert?

 

[maytagbear]

No picture, but---

My all-time favourite is the Center Dial Maytag!!! Preferably the 208 or 608.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[gadgetgary]

Oh, ok

Maytag!

Maybe an 806?

 

[appnut]

One of my favorite is the 1965 Custom Imperial version of the 1966 that Malcolm posted. the white cabineted 65 was turqoise where the 66 was all metal/chrome looking.Another one of my favorites is teh 1958 WI that's on the front page (the pink washer & dryer).

 

[jons1077]

This is still mine...

I've always loved the look of the stainless background, toggle switches, and metallic knobs of the 60's to 70's GE filter flos. Particularly love the lighted overhang models with the cursive script and the large "V" in the middle. Just always found these to be very sharp designs and rather timeless.

Jon