GE Filterflo, should I buy?

[nuwash]

So I love filter flo machines but just can't find one around here so I bought avocado Maytag set. Wouldn't you know that a filter flo pops up on marketplace now! They want to sell a dryer to but offered to sell just the washer for 170. Is that just to high?

 

[pulltostart]

Price

How badly do you want it?

 

lawrence

 

[appnut]

That's a standard capacity model, not extra large capacity model.

 

[goatfarmer]

If I wanted it, and it worked, I would offer $100.00 That's a fair price.

 

[mrsalvo]

Agree with goatfarmer. $170 for a standard capacity machine with few selections on the console seems too high, in my humble opinion. But if you really want it, you better strike while the iron is hot. FF’s are disappearing.

Barry

 

[good-shepherd]

strike while the iron is hot. FF’s are disappearing

If you want it just go and make a lower offer. You'd be surprised how flexible prices can be when a willing buyer shows up with cash in hand.

By the time you decide to make a move it may be gone or scrapped.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

How can you tell what sizes are what?

Because I don’t know if my GE is standard or extra large capacity

 

[appnut]

Because I know the lineup from those year ago and I recognize that as being one of the standard capacity washers. Also, my next oldest sister's first townhouse she bought came with a GE pair and this model was what was in her new house at the time.

 

[pulltostart]

This one is your basic Filter flo - 2 cycles, 3 water temperatures, 3 water levels, one speed, no bleach dispenser, standard capacity.  A real workhorse, with no frills.  Bob's correct about the size.

 

lawrence

 

[yogitunes]

this machine only having two toggle switches on the left.....water level from this type is standard....

although possible for a standard capacity with mini-basket, most all ExLarge capacity machines had a turn dial selector for load size located roughly in the center of the console....never by a toggle switch....although there may be one odd ball that does....

I always say, worst case scenario, as long as you have a good base unit, you can swap control panels turning it into any machine you want.....this machine I have here was not created with this panel, I swapped it out to add 2 speeds and a Mini-Basket option...anything is possible...

 

[appnut]

Martin, the model my sister had was exactly as you describe, but hers was a 2-speed model and looks just like the machine of question. The Perm Press/Poly Knits (the darker band around the timer) was gentle speed. So it could be either.

 

[DADoES]

 
Changing a FF from 1-speed to 2-speed involves more than just swapping the control panel.  The clutch assembly must also be changed to a 2-speeder.

 

[kermit]

I say go for it. Filter flows, and the dryers, are super reliable. I lived with a 1986 GE 6 cycle dryer for six years, and not once has it failed on our family.

 

[yogitunes]

yes, Glenn, you do have to swap over some parts like the clutch, or the special valve if its a SpotScrubber....

never thought I would get so much use for a MiniBasket until I got one...

you can never have too many FilterFlos...

 

[stuftrock1]

I have a BOL-ish 1986 filter flo (WWA8320) and it unfortunately does not have a minibacket option. I love it, but man I will trade it for one with the basket option in a heartbeat.

 

[bradfordwhite]

standard vs EXTRA capacity

Most GE washers will tell you on the panel it's credentials. 

 

"Heavy Duty"  no you couldn't buy a light duty washer.  They all said heavy duty. 

"Extra Large Capacity" refers to 18 lb large cap vs. simply 

"Large Capacity" which will be the smaller 16 lb cap.  No sorry, you won't be able to find one that says "small capacity"

 

Older GEs made roughly before 1975 would mention the lb rating. instead.

 

It should also tell you on the panel  if it's one or two speed and if it has the mini-basket.

 

------

 

Don't assume all GEs with super capacity are more deluxe.  Sometimes they would offer the same panel on both capacities.   

 

It is safe to say that the b.o.l.  models, the one-knob-wonders made for big box retailers, only sold as "special buys" and meant to lure customers into the store with sub $200 prices were one speed, one water level, standard capacity, often one cycle, and perhaps only one temperature.  Mini basket or bleach dispenser?  Pah-leeze!  fabric softener dispenser?   LOL oh honey you're killing me here.  Available in colors and with chrome trim on the panel?  (sigh)

 

-----

 

It seems like it was around 1978 or 1980 that the washer makers chose to adorn all washers with "heavy duty" in their descriptions and capacity names also changed.  I remember this specifically with Sears.  "Standard" capacity became Large capacity and what was previously Large capacity became EXTRA Large capacity or some other hyped nonsensical term.

 

[pumper]

This set is still listed. Sounds like a nice day trip to Minooka IL.

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[bradfordwhite]

Serious price cut

Its a fun pair.  Just remember a FFlo is a water hog.

 

$12K+ down to $300. lol.    That's some serious savings there. 

 

[appnut]

Pumper, that pir is next to TOL or two down from TOL.