Hotpoint UK Washers & Dryers - 1st Automatic to final New Generation

[hotpoint95622]

hotpoint 95622

Back panel off, not much has changed since the 1850, what has changed, the suspension differs, the early machines had 3 dampers and no top springs, now 2 dampers and a pair of top springs. Motor control has also evolved from the D.C. thyristor to the A.C. triac control allowing the faster variable spin speeds.

 

[hotpoint95622]

hotpoint 95622

Timers have also evolved on the inside the first having the Crouzet unit (fitted to my 1851/03) which is very quite in operation then the AKO timer came along with it’s unique sound.

Link to a video

 

[matchboxpaul]

thanks again for your photos Lee.

Your 18680 is certainly a smart looking machine.

Time to move onto the next phase of Hotpoint development, which was to basically 'Super Buy' the entire range of 17 and 18 series machines that they owned.
This comprised of replacing the classy silver door trims and fascias with bronze coloured features - effectively acting as market tester machines, for the route that Hotpoint was to take with their 'New' future models....

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 15790 and 15792

Will have to cover this final series in model number order, as the introduction dates fluctuate wildly bewteen 1981 and 1986 and its just too complicated to fathom it out. Well, I cant be bothered doing it

Lowest numbered in the brown series was the replacement for the 15690, in the form of the 15790 and 15792.

These were actual replacements and not, as most of the following machines were, Super Buy discounted models.

These were introduced in Septemeber 1982, as a way of having a bronze toploader in the range prior to the introduction of the 'New Generation' models.

As the new amond option was created, these machines followed the usual rule that models ending in a '0' were white, whilst those ending in a '2' were almond..

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 15790 Super De Luxe

Below is mine and Rob's 15790...

 

[matchboxpaul]

MOdel 15792 Super De Luxe

and Mikes almond 15792...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18331 and 18331/9

Both visually identical, model 18331/9 was an internally faffed about with 18331 Super Electronic.

This was the basic Best Buy model, with no fabric conditioner compartment, single spin speed of 800rpm and stud feet (so that the poor souls who bought it could have their lino ripped up when it was installed - much like today incidentally!).

Havent got an exact introduction date for either of these, as Hotpoint deemed them so very insignificant, they couldnt be bothered to actually state when they arrived on the scene...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18361

The 18361 Super Electronic differed from the basic 18331 by having a set of wheels underneath it and a dual spin capability of 500rpm and 800rpm.

Introduced in November 1981, these were equipped with the new A.K.O timer.

Two versions, though no change in model number, with the earlier version having a grey door trim...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18361

...whilst the later version had a smarter looking fawn door trim.

Below is mine and Rob's machine, courtesy of Mathew, with a video link underneath...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18371

This Super Electronic was the standard 4 button machine and again was introduced circa 1981.

This model received a couple of variations in its appearance as well, with early machines having a 'more bronze' fascia, with a grey door...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18371

Mid production machines having the more usual grey edged fascias, again with grey door trim ...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18371

whilst the most common version was the final trim change to the fawn door trim.

This machine was an 800/500rpm model and below is mine and rob's example, which should be re-energised in a month or so's time...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18381

The final Best Buy bronze 2 or 4 button model was the 18381 Super Electronic, introduced in June 1983, as a final hurrah for the standard style 18-series machine.

This was sold alongside the 95's, acting very much as the budget standard machine...

 

[matchboxpaul]

The exclusives - Model 1842 and 1852....

During the bronze 18-series era, there were two non-microtronic exclusive washing machines commissioned by Currys.

The earlier of the two was model 1842 (note the return to a four digit model number!) Super Electronic.

Below is mine and Rob's machine, which still hasnt been tried out, circa 2 to 3 years after it was purchased.

Model 1842 was introduced in November 1981...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 1852

June 1983 saw the arrival of the experimental model 1852 Super Electronic. This machine was effectively the publicly available prototype test bed for the soon to be commonplace plastic outer tub.

Prior to the introduction of this machine, even the New Generations that came off the line had enamel outer tubs. Once the success of the tubs in this machine was proven, they were rolled out across the range.

Almond with, like the 1842, 500 and 800rpm spin speeds.

The machine below is mikes and was saved from oblivion by Gary (electron1100) - note the regular type of damage inflicted on 17 and 18 series machines, whereby the door hinge is pulled off by people assuming that its the door release...

 

[matchboxpaul]

Model 18680 in bronze??????? HELP!!!!!!!!!

Mathew in Cardiff owns two of these fascia stickers for model 18680 Super Electronic De Luxe, but in bronze.

Now I havent the foggiest idea as to whetrher these were later replacements for the silver version 18680 (like Lee's) or whether model 18680 was actually subjected to and sold in the shops with a bronze tan.

I have never seen a picture of such a machine and nowhere is a colour change affecting this model mentioned in any official documentation that I have seen.

Anyone able to categorically state, through 100% accurate memories, as to whether the variable 18680 was sold in bronze?

 

[matchboxpaul]

Bronze Microtronics and dryers will be dealt with over the coming week.

Cheers
Paul

 

[hotpoint95622]

hotpoint 95622

Thank you Paul for a fantastic thread; I have been glued to the computer, thank you, thank you.

Model 18680 in bronze??????? HELP!!!!!!!!!

There is no mention of this in issue No6 Aug85 service information, its only remark is that it has brown controls with slight appearance changes to the 18580 and introduced in Sep82.

Perhaps the fascia sticker above is a cheap replacement spare instead of reproducing the more expensive metal original!!

 

[thelaundrylab]

The Nitty Gritty...

Excellent thread as always Paul, always love the work & imput you put in for us...

Superb,
Hass.

 

[qualin]

So, what era were the "Purple" themed Hotpoint machines made before they switched over to using brown buttons?

What era were the "Brown Button" machines was well?

I have to admit that the purple machines really stand out and are quite unique..

If these machines could be converted to 120v, I would consider bringing back a purple-themed TOL front loader and top loader back here.