From the Archives: Fridgette Twin Tub Washer and Dryer

[arbilab]

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Arbilab, did your Panasonic have an electric pump?
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Yes, a standalone DD with diverter to pump from either wash or spin tub. Panel knob was 'drain wash--center off--drain spin' so the pump wasn't running unless it was actually being used. The only thing it didn't have was a suds save setting to pump from spinner back to wash tub, had to do that manually by moving the hose.

Both tubs were plastic, the spinner aluminum. Offset swirlator very effective turnover even on bulky items like sheets and towels. I'd dump my '98 Frigiwhite FL in a heartbeat if Pana still made these. Simpler is better, and TTs are more fun. Also extract better.

 

[bradross]

Great little machine - and vids!

Hey Tim...thanks for posting those! Very entertaining - looks like a great little machine. I had one similar about 13 years ago - I think it was an Hitachi with a reversing impeller. I didn't like it because the wash action wasn't "vigorous" enough, unlike the wash action in yours, which looks great. But, man was it quiet - I like your comments about Hoovers not being apartment "friendly". When I turn on the Hoover's spinner, it sounds like a jet aircraft taking off! I much prefer my Speed Queen Supertwin - efficient and much quieter!

You must have quite the collection of twins now.

 

[macboy91si]

Twin Tub Collection

I have well over 20 now, which is getting a little ridiculous. These days I focus my efforts on something "different" which this certainly is. My holy grail machine is the SQ/Simplicity/Servis twinnie though, I may very well stop collecting after that. I love my Hoovers, but there is something nice about dramatic AND quiet.

-Tim

 

[macboy91si]

More Video!

Here is a little clip I shot of the spinner in action:

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

-Tim

 

[qualin]

That is some absolutely amazing wash action for a single impeller.

That washtub is like a a black hole.. some amazing vortex action there.

What a great find.

 

[whirlcool]

It's a Whirlpool wash action, literally! The water forma a whirlpool and then in go the clothes.
A very neat washer and an exceptionally good video with excellent explanations.
Thank you for taking the time to show us this washer.

I noticed those socks going in were quite dirty. Did they come out clean?

 

[macboy91si]

Thanks

I really enjoy making these little videos. The socks came out spotless and they were very dirty. I have a habit of walking around in just my socks. This machine gets em as clean if not cleaner than the Maytag in just 5 minutes and with 1/8th the detergent!

Some people have asked for some more video of various things and I will be working on that this week as well.

 

[mickeyd]

I'd trade in my Hoover for one of those in 2 seconds

wondering if some of the UK Hoovers that Mike and our friends have are as loud as ours with their vacuum motors screaming!

 

Tim, how many towels will the Fridgette hold at the 9 gallon water mark?

 

Had to smile as the spinner coasted to a stop, again reminding me of a Unimatic.

 

Really nice shots of the water sprays.

 

[macboy91si]

Towels

It will hold 2 full-size bath towels and maybe some smaller rags. Not too bad considering the tiny tub.

I think the UK Hoovers are just as loud, sometimes the loud is nice though

-Tim

 

[Jsneaker]

Post# 559016, Reply# 15 11/24/2011 at 22:03 by peteski50

Hi Peter! I wonder, and am pretty sure, that the "automatic" control on the Fridgette you remember, meant the washer went from wash-fill to drain, to fill to rinses with no intermittent spins, of course.