Frigidaire Classic Front Load Washer

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I bought this Frigidaire Gallery version in 1997 and still have them.  I guess I've been lucky,  the washer hasn't had any major failures (yet) and I've never had to repair anything on the dryer.  The only problems with the washer have been the tub shocks (twice) and the timer knob broke once.    I rarely use it now and the last few times I run a load, it kind of sounds like the shaft seal may be a little dry, but the bearings are still as quiet as ever.

 

They have been great machines, the washer uses a good amount of water (then again everything did back then) and it washes / rinses well because of it.   The spin speed is 650, then it ramps up to 900 rpm for the last minute of the final spin (reg cycle only).

[this post was last edited: 2/26/2018-16:32]

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Is your dryer a 2 way tumble dryer?

 

 

Yes, it runs one direction for 5 minutes, reverses for 1 minute, the other way again.  The blower wasn't designed properly for equal airflow both directions.   When it reverses for 1 minute, the airflow is noticeably less (maybe half?) and there's far less noise out the vent too.

 

The dryer drum is white, though the paint has worn off the back of the drum.
 
I have the Kenmore version, and it's my favorite washer I've ever had. Mine is 10 years old this year and still going strong. As I recall, these had a reputation for blowing up at about the 5-year mark, so I guess mine avoided that curse. I like that it uses a sufficient amount of water, will use tap hot water when I want it, does a long tumble spray before the first spin and rinse, can do an extra rinse for a total of four rinses, and spins when it's supposed to spin. I haven't had a single problem with it over 10 years and can't say enough good things about it. The only thing I wish is that I had bought another one so I would have a backup when this one eventually conks out, so that should tell you how much I like it.
 
E-Lux knows FLs

Electrolux as a whole knows FLs.

Here in Europe, they were always kind of one step ahead of others with a lot of things.
Quality was never extraordinary, but prices never were unreasonably high either.
Heck, for less then 500€ we got a 1600rpm washer with anything one needs, delivered, 5 year warranty.
These were never perfect, but if I had to sell someone a mid range priced machine, I would always sell an E-Lux product and know they wouldn't regret it.

They created some of THE stables in terms of drying over here (heat pump dryer, heat pump washer dryers, heat pump dryers that could dry wool and silk without any rack).
They perfectionised the recirculation wash system.
They were the first to realize the ingenious idea of enzyme stages in the main wash phase.
They made the eco valve common place.
They created spin washes and spin rinses in FLs.
They pioneered 1800rpm spins and implemented that across 3 different itterations of their machines.
They offer a time saveing system with up to 8 selections.
They are the only EU manufacturer that comes to my mind that has a 4 compartment dispenser.
I don't think I remember any cycle that did not make sense.

I can say that no load I ever washed in an ELux product was not ok in the end.

They aren't perfect by any means. But certanly far better then the most and far more interesting for sure.
 
Maybe it's a bit impolite...

But does one of you has a working set and is willing to do some shots of it's performance? :) I mean having the impression that this machine is for some people a kind of an icon in US front loading washers... it would be nice to see and hear it for "eternity" on youtube.
 
I remember these

were called FriGEmores. I never had one but I always heard they used more water and washed and rinsed well.

So Electrolux made these?

I never knew Electrolux EVER gave a 5-year warranty on any washer! I know this was in the UK so I guess perhaps they make their washers differently there than the USA? Wouldn't surprise me.

Another thing I notice is the lack of a coin trap pump access door. That still annoys me on washers today that do not have one.
 
Touch Pad Control FD Small Door FL Washers

We saw about a dozen pairs of these over the years and they really did not offer any advantage over the regular timer controlled models and the control boards are now NLA.

These FD FL machines did have a nice removable lower access panel, but even after you remove it there is no clean-out trap, instead you have to remove the sump hose from the pump to clean out any clogs.

john L.
 
.
Proud new owner of a pair...ahem, of FL Frigidaires that is.
Just picked them up from the original owner who had them in storage for 12 years. We unstacked the units...luckily he kept the washer top which apparently one removes if stacking the pair. Despite being standard sized units, both were able to fit in my Saturn wagon...at the same time!
He kindly gave me a 30 day warranty in case the washer leaks (presumably from a dry seal), and seemed like the sort who would back it up without question.
Will give them a test spin tomorrow and report back.[this post was last edited: 4/7/2018-19:41]

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Congratulations Robert! I think you will be very happy with these machines, especially the washer. They both appear to be in very good condition. You will be pleasantly surprised how much this washer will hold, and still wash well. It uses enough water to really clean and rinse very well.

Good luck with your new set.

Eddie
 
A friend of mine here found one of these and all it needed was a new strut.  I enjoyed having it from 10/2006 until 12/2011.  The bearings started rumbling more and more.  Once I discovered the incredibly cleaner, not-so-stressed laundry chore with the reality of a machine with a heater and gradual heating of water to super hot temps, I knew there was no going back and anything without a heater was a inferior compromise. 

 

Ricardo, my model had a quick wash rather than prewash.  My PowerWash cycle was called Cottons/Whites.  My Eco cycle was called Wrinkle Free/Colors.  If your Eco cycle is anything like my Colors cycle was, it's probably called eco because it uses less water by eliminating all interim spins except for a spin right before the final rinse and then the final spin.  Less spins is supposed to be gentler on colors. 
 
Electrolux UK machines

As far as I know, UK Electrolux front loaders were made by Zanussi of Italy, and simply badged as 'Electrolux'.

Electrolux machines weren't terribly common, but were usually seen to be in the superior price bracket.

Regarding the guarantee, I can't honestly remember if Electrolux had a 5 Year Guarantee.

Hoover and Hotpoint both had a '5 Year Parts Guarantee' with 1 year labour, as standard. Various vendors/manufacturers/stores offered cover for up to the remaining 4 years. Typically, the manufacturer insurer was Domestic & General.
 
This Frigidaire vs. her long-beloved Maytag!

I did my mom a huge favor by NOT buying that "cute little front-loader" at the mom & pop appliance store...

That is, I might have died, first...

-- Dave
 
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