Goodbye Indexing Tub: Frigidaire removes top-loaders from website

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frigilux

frigilux

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I've been checking the Frigidaire website once a week anticipating the arrival of their new impeller-based top-loader (as seen on another thread).

As of today, they no longer list their indexing tub, agitator-based top-loaders.

Wonder how long it will be before the new impeller machines appear in their place?
 
"old skool"washers

that will leave SQ T/Ls,possibly BOL GEs and WP DDs if any of those are still
production as the last"old skool"washers with induction motors operated
"across the line"
 
Indexing tub

I have had various models with indexing tubs and still have a super capacity stack unit with stright vane agitator. These washers over the years have become more reliable and larger in tub size. I purchased mine about 6 years ago and increased the water level upward. They can handle as large a load as a Speed Queen. The drawback is that they do not circulate clothes as well. They do circulate them just not lots of turnover. Unless you are loading clothes that are overly stained and dirty it really does not make a difference. Also, if there is that much soil on the clothes then a pretreat/soak and longer wash time would be needed anyway. In my opinion that design would be the best design to use with an impeller agitator of the right shape and size. These washers also have a great rinse cycle. One day soon we will miss them. As far as indexing tubs; my mid seventies Westinghouse washers have some of the best wash action out there and those tubs index too.
 
Indexing tub

I have had various models with indexing tubs and still have a super capacity stack unit with stright vane agitator. These washers over the years have become more reliable and larger in tub size. I purchased mine about 6 years ago and increased the water level upward. They can handle as large a load as a Speed Queen. The drawback is that they do not circulate clothes as well. They do circulate them just not lots of turnover. Unless you are loading clothes that are overly stained and dirty it really does not make a difference. Also, if there is that much soil on the clothes then a pretreat/soak and longer wash time would be needed anyway. In my opinion that design would be the best design to use with an impeller agitator of the right shape and size. These washers also have a great rinse cycle. One day soon we will miss them. As far as indexing tubs; my mid seventies Westinghouse washers have some of the best wash action out there and those tubs index too.
 
Sorry....but no great loss in that respect. Historically, they were interesting, but they really weren't very good machines. I had a Kenmore laundry center by Frigidaire, and I hated the washer.
 
I had a 2006 Frigidaire top-loader, and while it required more effort than should be required to achieve the right water-to-clothes ratio for good turnover, it was entertaining to watch the agitation portion of the cycle. And I'll say one thing for that big hunk of plastic, it had the best unbalanced load control I've ever seen in a top-loader. It would reach full spin speed under almost any circumstances.

However...I am a die-hard front-load man, so I wouldn't want a top-loader as my daily driver. I love my 2010 Frigidaire 4474 front-loader (with the caveat to always set the soil level to MAX, as the default cycles are too short) and feel I received the best value of features-to-dollars with it.

I generally cringe when I see videos of impeller top-loaders grinding away at a full load and currently have absolutely no interest in owning one. Ironically, this means I'll probably wind up getting one eventually, just to say I've had one. By the time the new impeller-based Frigidaires reach the market, curiosity will no doubt get the best of me, LOL.

The trick with Frigidaire is to buy their newly-designed/redesigned machines the moment they become available, as the introductory prices are always low. Prices gradually creep up over subsequent months. [this post was last edited: 7/24/2011-14:16]
 
I am like Eugene.  I have no desire to ever return to a traditonal toploader.  The modern ones with the short fast stroke are just too harsh on clothes as far as I'm concerned.  I"m also using less water, detergent, fabric softner, and my drying times are much shorter in my 1994 DDependable Care Maytag dryer.  Anybody wanna come claim my 1986 Lady Shredmore can do so, it's been siting in the garage ever seince the Fridgemore arrived 5 years ago.  My clothes are cleaner, stains get out easier, and my clothes are lasting much much longer iwth the front loader than either my GE FF or Lady Shredmore. 
 
While I love watching TL washers, I too love my FL washer. I have had it over 8 years now. I like that clothes look new so much longer than with my previous TL washers. It cleans really well too, getting out stains with just detergent. I use less detergent and other additives. I still haven't used up the spray bottle of Shout I bought before I got the washer!
 
Much As One Loves The Whirlpool "Portable"

Top loader, have to agree my Miele cleans better with less effort on my part.

No need to pre-treat, soak or any of the other bother required when using a top loader.

Mind you for not too badly soiled laundry that one wants washing quickly, often will bung it into the Whirlpool do two rinses and then into the spin dryer to get out more water.
 
Guess I'm with the minority. I've got the Kenmore version of the Frig TL stack with KM agravator and I like it. Large capacity, full deep rinse (even if the "warm rinse" option is a lie). I've not had good luck with my past two FL.
 
Minority member here too...

I got my first WW T/L set back in the '80s, when I worked for WCI...

Sold it to a friend, and got another set when the models changed...

Sold it, and got the Frigidaire T/L set with the corkscrew agitator...

Sold it, and got my first Frigidaire F/L...

For my needs, those washers were perfect...never the first problem...

The indexing tub was a plus for me, as my laundry doesn't get dirty, just wrinkled and smelly...

And with the gentleness of the wash action, my clothes and linens never lasted longer...

Currently use the Westy F/L for shirts and such, for the gentleness, and because it's about 35 years old...

Everything else goes in the Amana/SQ T/L, and anything less than 2/3 full get the hell beat out of it...even on a 6 minute wash cycle...very aggressive agitation, but great for full loads...

Sorry to learn Frigidaire has succumbed to the impeller...

But maybe they'll have some enticing closeout buys...

 

George

 

 
 
UPDATE: I called Frigidaire customer service to ask when the new Immersion Care top-loading washers would be on the market. Their representative told me the machines are still being tested, and there is no date established for the washer to reach Frigidaire dealers. So...I'm guessing it will be more than a few months 'til we see what Frigidaire/Electrolux has to offer in the HE impeller design.
 
ilogical eliminating the top loaders with agitator

me i think its ilogical to eliminate the classic top loaders with agitators and do not say that i am wrong or not correct on this i am they should think of consummers that have low budgets and can not afford those newer washers sure i may be a part of those that prefer using a top load washer and for me there are 3 important things that are important when buying a new washer and they are

1-washer must be simple to use

2-must be able to stop the washer if i need to go out of the house

3-Price must be within my budget
 
Two years ago, when my washing machine died, I would have agreed with you. However, prices have come down on newer technology since then. By shopping sales, you can get a new Energy Star top loader or basic front loader for only a little more than what I paid for my old school top loader. If the old machine had died this year, I would have taken advantage of the lower prices on Energy Star models and gone that route....probably a basic front loader.
 

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