I used a regular front loading washer today for the first time!

[strongenough78]

Well let me clarify, one that wasn't at a laundromat. It was a Kenmore maybe 5 years old, hard to tell. It did an alright job considering it seemed like there was no water in it. I watched it during the fill and it seemed to dispense a good amount of water, but there was no splashing at all or suds for that matter. It looked to have 3 cycles. Regular, Eco-Wash and Delicate. It had 3 different spin settings, slow, normal and fast. Extra rinse options and I think 6 different water temperature settings. All functions were by knobs, no buttons. I used the Regular heavy wash cycle, extra rinse and fast spin on all 3 loads I did. The first load I used warm wash warm rinse. Hot water flow was more than sufficient since the window glass was very warm to the touch, even at the end of the cycle. The last load was a hot wash and again the hot water flow was great cause the glass was pretty hot during the wash. I switched it over to Warm/Warm for the rinse cycles since the hot wash only had a cold rinse. Over all I guess I was happy with the results. I would have liked to seen more water in there for some more splashing and a little suds. The wash action seemed a bit slow to me though. And the fast spin speed didn't come until the final spin. I'm not sure what the R.P.M.'s are during the spin but it was pretty fast. My clothes came out a bit drier than from a top loader, but not as much as I was expecting. I used Sears Ultra Plus detergent. I used about half of that little scoop per load. I think that's what it calls for in a front loader. I probably wouldn't object to using it again but I think I would prefer a top loader over it. Luckily there was no mildew or musty smell in it. The owners DO use hot water washes luckily. Not bad but not totally impressed. I prefer my clothes submerged in water. Clothes seem to come out a bit fresher that way.

 

[strongenough78]

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the set I used, but I found a picture of a very similar set to give you an idea. Here's the link.

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[volvoguy87]

FriGEmore.

This is made by Frigidaire.

Dave

 

[strongenough78]

Ah ok. I'm wondering if they bought the dryer at a later time cause it did say Frigidaire on the dryer and looked slightly different. But they had it stacked.

 

[arbilab]

From your description it sounded like my Frigiwhite and from the picture it is EXACTLY. The same product was sold as Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore and in Europe as Electrolux, who designed it. White owns the Frigidaire badge, imported and assembled it for the ones they don't own.

Spin is 800, not remarkable but adequate. You saw a later model, the originals had no spin speed selection. Other than, the 800 spin was only the last minute of 'regular'. W&W and delicate, as well as all intermediate spins, were 550. The rinse temp switch only affects final rinse, intermediates are always cold.

Mine is 12yo and has not needed repair. That's something right there. Straightforward design, nothing fancy, less to go wrong. Can't explain why you saw no water except it does not "climb up" the door. If no suds, you didn't put enough detergent for soil or water conditions. The directions on the box are VERY generic.

 

[strongenough78]

Well I've used the same amount in the Speed Queen front loaders at the laundromat. I think they are double maybe even triple load. There's a higher water level in those and the suds to accumulate. I use the Sears Ultra Plus which rarely ever suds to begin with, but I do notice quite a bit when I use it in a front loader. But not the one today lol. Clothes did come out clean from what I could tell, so I know I used enough.

 

[arbilab]

I get some stuff really dirty and even after 12 years with the same washer and Tide HE I still have to adjust detergent amount once the machine is running. I don't know the characteristics of Sears detergent.

If the water climbs up the glass it's much easier to see/evaluate suds. Water doesn't climb the glass in ElectroWhiteGEpoolaires.

 

[strongenough78]

Yeah I noticed that. I'm wondering where the water level is though. I saw no evidence of any kind of level. Usually I can see a little splashing in a laundromat front loader but none at all in this one. How is the tumbling action on yours? This one seemed a bit slow.

 

[arbilab]

If the tumble were any faster the clothes would centrifugally cling to the drum and not 'plop' in the water like they're supposed to.

The model you saw and the one I own may be different, though the picture you linked to is identical. The model did evolve as it went along. Mine is early, 1998.

Yes they use little water. The water level is set about 2" below the glass. How much splashing you see depends on the load. Imagine how much worse the current "high efficiency" machines are. Especially with regard to rinsing. Can't rinse in a gawldang tablespoon of water. I'm a rinseaholic and this machine rinses thoroughly.

 

[strongenough78]

Well i know anything too fast would do that, but I have seen slightly faster. I liked how quiet the machine was though. The only noise I heard from it was during the drain and spin. No noise at all during the wash.

 

[qualin]

To me, that's always the biggest thing to get used to is the difference in water levels.

I noticed this particular kind of washer has a very deep tub in comparison to other front loaders I've seen. Most other front loaders I've seen have a shallow tub in comparison, especially the large capacity machines.

I recall that when I'd go to the laundromat in my mid 20's, I'd stuff the front loaders so full of clothing that the middle would stay dry. How was I supposed to know that the clothing should tumble instead of just spin around?

I'll be the first to admit that top loaders certainly give a much more exciting wash action, especially if there is good turnover and the agitator has a decent stroke. (Especially the really fast action of the GE Filter-Flo machines!)

For me though, I love the splashing and sloshing sounds that front loaders make. It's so relaxing and theraputic IMHO.

 

[teknikleespekng]

I have a Fridgemore - circa 2001 that looks similar except I got the rear panel controls. I have 6 temperatures (3 that have ATC) and 3 wash cycles (Delicate, Permanent Press and Heavy Duty). My model has the 8 hour delayed start, but I never used that feature. It has 2 spin speed selections, regular and fast. On heavy duty it always uses the fastest spin. And also a selector for extra rinse. Its a 2.7cuft capacity.

The water does not fill above the boot, but it has plenty of water. The tub is deep enough and this allows you to add items after the cycle has started/added water. The only items that have been dry are fluffy comforters which I generally dont use anymore. The machine is plenty big for my family of four.

I also use Sears Ultra Plus HE detergent. I use the perfume-dye free version. Depending on the size of the load, I use between a quarter scoop to three quarters scoop for a load (using the scoop that's included in the box). I use the liquid version for pre-soaking and pre-treating. My experience with this detergent is if you see significant suds, you used too much. I see a little but you can tell you have enough detergent cause when you reach in, the water is slick and the clothes come out clean. Also, if Ive used too much you see a bit of suds residue on the glass and in the boot after the last spin.

I am still running the machine. I will be purchasing a SQ front loader to replace it since the bearings are failing. Otherwise in all the years Ive had it, Ive never had an issue. I agree, it was a very quiet machine in its prime - the loudest noise was the pump!

 

[wayupnorth]

Thats the same model 2 of my neighbors had that both spun bearings and destroyed the outer tub. One in 7 years and the other in 8. Both replaced with similar front loaders and have the same dryer. And they wonder how my 1984 Maytags are still running perfect. Go figure.