From the Archives: Fridgette Twin Tub Washer and Dryer

[macboy91si]

So a few months ago I drove up to beautiful Virginia in the trust steed to pick up a very unusual little washer and dryer. Partly unusual to find both the washer AND the dryer and also unusual to find them in as good of shape as they were. It was a long drive, roughly 6 hours each way and I was exhausted.

The washer needed a little work as did the dryer, but only from lack of use. These machine had not been used since around 1978 and not terribly hard in that 5 years. Some of the rubber hoses are starting to deteriorate in the washer, but for now I was able to revive them with some RTV sealant. The dryer needs an end on the cord, but what can one expect for old appliances?

These were initially posted here and I contacted the seller. They were very hospitable and kind people. There was some discussion about what these were exactly and they are Hitachi made. The dryer is appears to be heavily based on the Maytag HOH design and is actually VERY heavily constructed. It's heaver than the Maytag.

Here they are on the truck, adorable!

 

[macboy91si]

Washer

The washer after some service and cleanup

 

[macboy91si]

Washtub

Offset, one-way impeller and aluminum wash tub, in great shape

 

[macboy91si]

Control Panel Assembly

The wash controls. 15 minute mechanical timer and drain switch

 

[macboy91si]

Control Panel Assembly

Spinner timer and logo/brand, 5-minutes and the timer resets to 0 when the lid is opened. I think it has a very smart control panel.

 

[macboy91si]

Dryer

Front of the dryer. This dryer has a plastic, magnetic latch door. Some people were discussing the venting, even though the door loos like it is louvered, it is not. The dryer has a 3" vent on the back.

 

[macboy91si]

Dryer

Drum and door open. You can barely make out the lint filter in the back of the drum. It is very much like a Maytag portable.

 

[macboy91si]

Dryer

Timer on the dryer

 

[macboy91si]

Washer Intro

Intro video of the washer:

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

-Tim

 

[macboy91si]

Wash Video

Wash and talk video:

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

-Tim

 

[yogitunes]

Tim

you do some of the best videos....Thank you

what a unique little machine......it really pulled the clothes down fast

out of curiosity, with more water added and overflowing, you almost have a filter-flo design, all is needed is a filter bag or pan of some sort, suprised they didn't already have that with the clip for the hose

does the drain hose always have to be removed when in storage?

these twintubs are really fun machines, I got both of mine in full gear, of couse I had to make new impellor belts, but for the Hoover, a vacuum belt for the pump, and an auto belt for the spinner.....you ain't washing with the lid open!

thanks again

 

[chestermikeuk]

Twinny Washing

What a great set Tim, looks powerful enough to do the job and as you say the sturdiness of the machine - its a bit like a 60`s rolls machine that used one motor one belt to drive the washer, spinner & pumps...

These pulsators in the base can prove very powerful, at the last wash in with Aussy Mat, we mentioned what the Servis Powerglide wash action would have been like in a larger full size machine!!

Would love to see how the water pipes fron both tubs enter the pump etc..does it use a diverter valve?? When pumping out the spin water over the sink would it be pumping the wash re-circulation water??

The dryer looks cute as well, nice clean lines & logos etc...

Happy Thanksgiving & washing, Mike

 

[mickeyd]

What a furious little beast--I love it !

It may not be a real Frigidaire, but it sure acts like one, with the pump on and audible, and spillover during the wash and the very very live water action, all vintage Frigi trademarks. Wouldn't think the tiny impeller could create such "chaos in the tub."

 

What a cool thing to do for us on Thanksgiving, So Thank You, Tim, and Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[wiskybill]

Very cool machine

I had a JC Penney machine like this about 1972-73. Don't remember if it was a Hitachi or not but, it was very similar. I think it had a plastic tub, but really not sure. It was a few years ago so the details elude me a little. Didn't have the dryer, only the washer. Great looking set!

And you're right about the Hoover not being apartment friendly toward the neighbors. I love the one I have but it is on the loud side when spinning.

Good luck with your new set!

Bill

 

[cfz2882]

japanese twinnies in the US

Ca.1970-80 seems to be the heyday for japanese twin tubs in the US-seemed to be
about 5 different manufactures in japan making these,many as "captive imports"
for U.S. appliance brands or store chains.
brands i have seen include:
-hitachi
-matsushita/panasonic
-sanyo
-toshiba
-brother(this one,found at the dump in '82,was made in '78 and branded"montgomery
wards"-i took lots of parts from this one)
they all seemed to be about the same underneath:
-impeller belt driven from a split capacitor induction motor of about 1/8-1/10 hp
-spin can direct coupled to it's own split capacitor induction motor.
-shaded pole pump motor.

 

[peteski50]

Fridgette!

Hi Tim,
Good Luck with these nice units. I remember in the mid to late 60's one appliance store had a simular washer / spinner named Fridgette but it had automatic controls on the washer side. I was always curious about these machines.
Thanks for posting,
Peter

 

[arbilab]

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
-impeller belt driven from a split capacitor induction motor of about 1/8-1/10 hp
-spin can direct coupled to it's own split capacitor induction motor.
-shaded pole pump motor.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I had one. Panasonic. Wish I still did. Ultimate in simplicity and functionality. I could pick the whole thing up myself and put it in my VW with the passenger seat removed.

 

[alr2903]

I had a 2nd hand Bradford sold by the defunct W.T. Grant.  It was a pretty good washer. Apartment dwellers especially with young children bought ton's of these,  the last generation of apartments before tenants actually demanded w/d hookups, coincided about the time coin op washers went from .25 to .75 or a dollar.  They were a good machine and a good investment at that time.  Definately better than a creepy communal basement laundry room.  Your's look to be in very nice condition. alr

 

[stainfighter]

Fridgette action!!! Coppertone-style

Tim, yours is MINT!!! Ours had a lot of use from prior owner/console is rough. The aluminum tub stays hot/ great for soaking. I can get a spin-rinse going by lifting the spinner lid just enough to put the hose in, add water for a few seconds. I had never thought of the advantage of the impeller on the bottom/being able to run with only 5 gallons of water. That is usually how we use it; great for when we don't have a full load to do. Enjoy it