laundryboy
Well-known member
Does anyone know why Kenmore switched the way their lids open, I always loved the sideways opening, its disapointing to see they no longer open like that..Like the loss of a favourite toy..
Kenmore Lids
- Thread starter laundryboy
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May have something to do with the new hidden lid switch. T/L washers now must not agitate or spin with the lid up, per UL requirements since July 2005. They will only fill with the lid up now. Might also be to streamline production, since they can all use the same cabinet configuration and lid. Side swing lid also limits where the washer should go (i.e. to the left of the dryer). Though I did like being able to see the controls with the side opening lid.
westytoploader
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- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 4,485
I was disappointed to see the side-opening lid go on the Kenmore as well, even though all Kenmores used a back-opening lid in the earlier days until 1955. Guess it was time to switch back again!
How sad :-(
The only reason that KM had a side opening lid, was because they were trying to make it look less as a Whirpool. The top of the machine was designed for a front to back opening lid. That is the reason the KM lid never laid down flat, like most other side opening lids did. As much as I love the 1950's/1960's KM, I do have to admit that the lid looks rather clumsy pointing to the ceiling when it is open. <:
Lids
I personally perfer back opening lids. It makes a top load washer look more uniform. As for the Sears side opening lids I didn't care for them because they always got in the way. As for some of the others like Hotpoint and Speed Queen among others the side lid always seemed to be out of place (just my openion) Also as mentioned above more height needed to open them.
Peter
I personally perfer back opening lids. It makes a top load washer look more uniform. As for the Sears side opening lids I didn't care for them because they always got in the way. As for some of the others like Hotpoint and Speed Queen among others the side lid always seemed to be out of place (just my openion) Also as mentioned above more height needed to open them.
Peter
Kenmore Lids
You are all correct, Streamline is the word! I was told by a friend at Whirlpool, now many different products can roll off the same line at one time!
One Whirlpool, One Kenmore, One KitchenAid, etc, etc!
One line is still outstanding; KitchenAid always comes with porcelin tops & lids and a much longer warranty than the others???
Which means on a KitchenAid day, only those Whirlpool & Kenmore models that offer porcelin tops & lids can be made?
You are all correct, Streamline is the word! I was told by a friend at Whirlpool, now many different products can roll off the same line at one time!
One Whirlpool, One Kenmore, One KitchenAid, etc, etc!
One line is still outstanding; KitchenAid always comes with porcelin tops & lids and a much longer warranty than the others???
Which means on a KitchenAid day, only those Whirlpool & Kenmore models that offer porcelin tops & lids can be made?
washertalk
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- Oct 14, 2006
- Messages
- 837
I'm shedding a tear as well. It was a beloved Kenmore trait that gave it personality.
But Kenmore wasn't the only one with side opening. JCPenny had them, several models from the 60s and 70s, I think Westinghouse did too. Most all these other models though the lid could lay flat instead of standing almost vertical when open.
I can understand the rational thinking though. I have seen more than a few Kenmores where people have forced the lid open further than the hinges were set at and the porcelain or paint finish on the top was damaged. You would never see that on a rear hinged washer. And yes, the manufacturing efficiencies that will be gained. sigh.
The new UL standards? How are younger generations supposed to be messmerized with washing action if they can't see what is going on by sticking a toothbrush handle in the switch hole?
But Kenmore wasn't the only one with side opening. JCPenny had them, several models from the 60s and 70s, I think Westinghouse did too. Most all these other models though the lid could lay flat instead of standing almost vertical when open.
I can understand the rational thinking though. I have seen more than a few Kenmores where people have forced the lid open further than the hinges were set at and the porcelain or paint finish on the top was damaged. You would never see that on a rear hinged washer. And yes, the manufacturing efficiencies that will be gained. sigh.
The new UL standards? How are younger generations supposed to be messmerized with washing action if they can't see what is going on by sticking a toothbrush handle in the switch hole?
better for busy working mom's. I would guess
IIRC a small toddler fell in a washing machine, and drown, think there was a post about it right here. They can't make dinner, laundry and watch washer freak kids. Quite sure if this removes another hazard from a household with children its worth it. Im not worried though you guys around here will have that switch bypassed. Guess if you would loan or sell a machine you have altered to
the non washer folk might be a good idea to put the switch back in, its a very real hazard. Maytag never entertained any moving parts when the lid was open as far as i know. very secretive LOL alr2903
IIRC a small toddler fell in a washing machine, and drown, think there was a post about it right here. They can't make dinner, laundry and watch washer freak kids. Quite sure if this removes another hazard from a household with children its worth it. Im not worried though you guys around here will have that switch bypassed. Guess if you would loan or sell a machine you have altered to
the non washer folk might be a good idea to put the switch back in, its a very real hazard. Maytag never entertained any moving parts when the lid was open as far as i know. very secretive LOL alr2903
Hidden switches
I remember many AEGs using magnetically activated switches in the 70's and 80's. Maybe you just need to slide a powerful magnet around until you find the "sweet spot?" I can't imagine the manufacturer's going to very much more trouble than that, really.
The rest of the world laughs at the paranoia in the US when it comes to product safety...yet it is too dangerous to take a walk after dark in the city.
Very strange priorities.
I remember many AEGs using magnetically activated switches in the 70's and 80's. Maybe you just need to slide a powerful magnet around until you find the "sweet spot?" I can't imagine the manufacturer's going to very much more trouble than that, really.
The rest of the world laughs at the paranoia in the US when it comes to product safety...yet it is too dangerous to take a walk after dark in the city.
Very strange priorities.
