Frigemores dwarfed in the presence of the big guys

[jasonl]

I was at best buy the other day looked at their arsenal of HE machines. First we have the big boys. LG, WP Duet, Siemens, then we have a set of mid-sized machines but still whoppers, the LG Tromm, the we have poor little Frigidaire. They look so tiny compared to the others. The Frigemores used to make those WEstinghouse FLs seem tiny, but now compared to LG & WP, they look small.

Well, listen to one happy Frigemore owner. The Frigemore can wash the same amount of clothes as a Super Capacity WP top load washer. Yes sire. I've had loads (not overloaded) in there than can choke a Kenmore 90 w/ Dual Action. I've done the same load in both and Sir F outshined the Kenmore TL.

 

[frigilux]

Here, here! I am also a great supporter of the Fridgemore FL washer. I have the Fridge version, myself. While it would be nice to have the tub capacity to wash a horse AND its blanket, as in the HE4T, I have no complaints. My old 1996 Fridgidaire (the first generation of the Electrolux-designed front-loaders) is currently being used in a duplex and has never required a service call. Viva le Fridgemore!

 

[agiflow-action]

I would think it will probably be only a matter of time before Fridgidaire up's the capacity on their fl washers.I have a KM 90 series washer and i think it cleans great. I can't compare the two types of machine.But i have used tumble washers in laundromats and did not see any improvement over a toploader as far as cleaning goes.
I must say though having visited Best Buy last week,i was drawn to one washer in particular,the slightly smaller capacity LG washer.That is one nice looking washer,....I prefer the controls on the front of a fl than rear.It had a nice price too! It has the feeling of quality all over it.If i was to go with a fl machine, i think it would be between lg,Sears HE4,or a frigemore.Nice machines.

PC

 

[rayjay]

Hi agiflow-action. I have the LG WM2032HW and love it. It is a quality built machine, and cleans and rinses the clothes thoroughly. By the way, I live in Carteret which is only around 10 minutes away from Iselin.

Ray

 

[agiflow-action]

Hi Ray, I have read your posts and thought of e-mailing you personally.I am still pretty new to this and my only vintage anything is an agitator i grabbed out of an old KM wringer (excellent shape...no way to transport the washer though) .

It would be great to hear from you. Take care.

Pat.

 

[parunner58]

Another happy Frigidaire FL lover

HI
We just bought a Frigidaire GLTF1670A FL Gallery washer about 2 months ago. This is the first fl we have ever owned and used. We love it. We have washed everything for socks to fullsize quilts to delicate lace curtains and everything was done perfectly. My wife says it washes cleaner than the two TL GE's that we owned. The last GE died at 7 years with a bad pump motor and when is was 1 month old the washer mortor broke and a year after that the rubber tub mounts all broke. The first GE was over 14 years old when the tranny went. SO with all all that having gone wrong we did not repair it we bought a new one and not GE. We have had good luck with our Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher and that out inlaws always had Frigidaire that is what we picked. Many unhappy Maytag Friends said to stay away from the Neptune. We will get the matching dryer if out 20 year old Whirlpool gas dryer ever quits. That i doubt very mucah as it is built like a tank. We are very impressed with how much energy this is going to save. We have cut down on detergent by using Tide HE and dryer is cut dramatically also. I feel in the long run the cost savings will far out weigh the extra $ we paid for it. Plus I love to watch it run. Especially the high speed final spin.

 

[kenmore1978]

Frigemore vs '78 LK

So I can depend on a "Frigemore" washing as large a load as my '78 LK? That would be great, since it's a much more reasonable price than the other FL machines. Hetties and Duets are out of the question pricewise

 

[launderess]

FriGeMore's have that big black and ugly boot which I do not really care for. There also seems to be a problem with some units with rear bearing failures after about three or four years. Indeed it seems that period of time is the benchmark for FriGeMore's, if the machine makes it past four years without trouble then one is home free.

Also would it kill Electrolux to add a heater/water booster?

Launderess

 

[wringingwet]

Frigmore and the Tub

I also have had only front loading washiers for the past 18 years for everyday starting with Westinghouse to the first frigmore. after about 4 years the tub broke off the support. Since I live out in the woods a service call was not needed since it was evident that the washer died so I took it apart and wrote a nasty letter to Electorlux. After sending them pictures with heated exchange of email they finally sent me a check for 500.00 for a replacement.

Also I was in Best buy yesterday and the LG and Semiens were making me wish I needed a new washer LOL beautiful machines and yes they make the frigmores look like compacts.

I was also scoping out the dishwashers and Whirlpool put the silverware rack back hanging in the door ... What is old is new

happy washing
Philippe

 

[appnut]

I will be getting a refurbished Frigidaire when Steve 1/18 comes to Texas for a visit. I look forward to finally having a FLer.

Agiflow, I don't think a laundramat FLer is a fair comparison. They are designed for quick turnaround of about 30 minutes. The Frigidaire can wash up to 18 minutes before it starts rinsing. And the capacity is about as much, if not more, than your 90 Series Kenmore, which I have the 1986 LK version, and the FLer is MUCH easier on your clothes.

Phillippe, I remember when that Frigidaire died on you. Also, Whirlpool has always kept the silverware basket in the door. The exceptions are their very low-end models that have the durawash style of spraying, and also has a small capacity of 8-10 place settings because of all the funnels in both the lower and upper rack.

 

[agiflow-action]

I guess you may be right Appnut. I liked the Frigemores when they first came out and i still do. I guess it all has to do on what you have always been used to.
I just was not convinced about the capacity,seems everyone around here who owns one say they can hold just as much or more.
I am actually starting to like them more,now that more manufacs. are on the scene. I particularly like the new LG with the slightly smaller capacity,(forget what model it is)that one turned my head.
I have to say though, I am well pleased with the KM. slower speed for most wash. Jeans and heavier loads need the faster speed just to get turnover.It is all in the way that you use it.My clothes are still in good shape.

Pat

 

[launderess]

Problem with the FriGeMore models is that the bearing and tub assembly are one part. Even if only the bearings go the entire assembly has to be replaced, a very costly repair job unless under warranty. Most people just chuck the washer (if it cannot be repaired under warranty), and start new as the repair bill can easily come to half or more of the original purchase price.

There seems to be no rhyme or reason to why these units have bearing/tub failures. Some units work day in and day out for years without a problem, others see lighter use but still do not make it past the four year mark.

Launderess

 

[jasonl]

Year 3

I'm going on year 3 for Sir Frigemore. He's been tumbling 2 or 3 loads a week and after I'm done, I wipe the excess water from the rubbber boot, leave the door open, empty the excess water from the dispenser, wipe the hole for the disp. clean and leave it on top of the machine. The Frigemore dries out and honestly the washer smells new with a sweet detergent smell. I occasionally take the bottom off to check for leaks or anything amiss. I plan on owning this machine for a long time unless someone would trade me for a restored 1970 Kenmore 800 set

 

[kenmore1978]

heater/water booster

Since these machines run on 110 volts, adding a water heater would tax the average circuit. Power draw has to be tailored to the lowest common denominator, which is 15 amps in older homes. Even then, look at any 110 volt device and it'll amost always max out at around 13 amps in order not to totally max out a circuit in an older home.

 

[launderess]

Can understand your logic but several American front loaders, many with larger capacity than the FriGeMores offer water heaters/temp boosters. Heck even the cheap Danby can heat water to 200F on 120v power.

Launderess

 

[golittlesport]

I've had the Kenmore version of the Electrolux FL for four years and it runs like the day it was installed. (Knock on wood.) It does about 10 to 15 loads a week.

I think it will hold as much laundry as any agitator washer on the market today and wash it better, especially large loads. The tub looks deceivingly small, but there is no agitator and you can FILL it...not just loosely fill it 3/4 full like you have to with an agitator machine to get any turnover. Believe me, it will hold as much or more than an agitator machine. It excels on rugs, blankets, etc...any large items that an agitator can't move, but only thrash against.

These washers have been out since 1996 and are the least-repaired front loader in the US according to actual consumers responding to a Consumers Report survey. The Kenmore FLs actually rated fewer repairs than Kenmore's top-loaders, and about the same as Maytag top-loaders. That is not a bad record. I have heard about some owners having problems with the bearings, but I have to think these are the exceptions, at least according to what the majority of consumers are saying about these machines after 8 years. A lot of them are in use and Consumers Reports says about 10% have had to be serviced. That seems to inline with any top loader out there.(Whirlpool TLs=9%, GE & Frigidaire TLs=12%, Amana TLs=15%, Kitchaid TLs= 17% Maytag FLs=20%)

The problem is that almost any repair on any washer these days is going to cost almost as much as a new machine.

Philippe, sorry your washer broke, but I have to say that Electrolux was very benevolent to give you $500 after 4 years. I don't know of any other manufacturers that would have done that. I wish Whirlpool would have when the transmission of my Whirlpool DD top-loader went after a couple years of use in the 80s. Every manufacturer has lemons, albiet some more than others.

So bottom line....get a Kenmore FL (FriGEmore) at a Sears outlet for a reduced price. If you are doing a lot of wash you'll love the low water use and the fast, fast spin.

 

[kenmore1978]

booster heater power draw

I imagine that the machines that do have booster heaters have to keep the wattage so low that it makes the cycle time excessively long unless they also reduce the draw of the motor.

 

[laundromat]

FriGEMores

Hey Jason,
Keep your eyes pealed.Best Buy has told me that Frigidaire will be unvailing a 4.0 cu ft capacity front loader exclusively for them with a much larger opening as well as a larger tub and sleaker design control panel.No word as to the date but it supposed to be before winter.It will also have a more reasonable price as compared to other brands ie Bosch,LG,Maytag,and Whirlpool.I personaly am on pins and needles and bighting my nails to the quick waiting to see them!!!!

 

[golittlesport]

will it have a heater?????