Kitchenaid Washers

[pulltostart]

Anyone willing to express an opinion of the overall quality of current Kitchenaid top-loaders? Horror stories? Thumbs up vs. thumbs down? They are one of the few, if not the only manufacturer, to offer a black, top-loader. But how dependable is it?

Thanks for any information you can share.

Lawrence

 

[gansky1]

It just so happens I was at the "Mart" yesterday and stopped to look at the KitchenAid set in black. They seem like rather well-built machines. I couldn't find any feature charts for them so I don't know what they offer now but they used to have zinc-coated cabinets, heavier porcelain on the washer and dryer tops, Gold Seal motor (better bearings I think), sound insulating panels, commercial-quality bronze rollers and six-rib belt on the dryer for longer life. The KA website doesn't list many of these features now, but they still have the larger agitator (slower agitation strokes per min. for gentler action) porcelain tops on both, sound insulating panels, stepped spin speeds. It doesn't mention the construction components at all.

Right across the aisle from the KA's was a Whirlpool set in black as well. Very sharp looking color but keep a fingerprint cloth handy!

Don S. (jetaction) just picked up this washer yesterday for me, I've wanted a rapid-advance KA set for a long time. It was the last rapid-advance laundry appliance made in the US. We'll keep looking for the dryer...

 

[zipdang]

I have a 2 1/2 year old KitchenAid set. The washer is the KAWS850LQ. Overall it's a decent performer, although it has required two repairs. The first service was to replace the timer, which would just randomly stop. The second service was to replace both the inner and outer tubs. The original inner porcelain-on-steel tub wore a hole in the outer plastic tub, which allowed it to leak (the repairman's determination, not mine). Because KA's have a better warranty than some other makes, everything was covered.

Since being repaired almost 1 1/2 years ago I haven't had any more issues. I got a really good deal on them when I bought them; they were priced much better than the closest equivalent Whirlpool and Kenmore models. After I bought the set my sister-in-law bought the same washer, and she hasn't had any problems. If I had to do it all over (and got the same great deal) I think I would.

 

[frigilux]

Wow, she's a beauty, gansky! Can you hear the timer advancing during cycle set-up, as in the 1959-60 Kenmores? The last TL'er I owned was a 1988 MOL KitchenAid. Not quite as shreddy as the WP/KM versions (somewhat slower agi stroke). I think the 'fast' agitation on the KA was the 'medium' speed on WP/KM.

ANYWAY, congrats on a great find!

 

[westytoploader]

YAY!! Congratulations Greg!! I know how you wanted one of these machines in the worst way...now you have one!

 

[norgeman]

KA. washers

Another friend of my bought a Kitchen Aid washer and dryer. She said that for what they cost that they would not own another set. Paid way to much for them and it realy doesn't
clean very well doesn't like them very much. Way over priced
for what they are (they won't but another set.

http://[email protected]

 

[tolivac]

It would seem like the KA washers are nothing more than a rebadged WP machine?Is there a difference-if there is I am wondering what are the features that would set them apart from WP-KN machines.I haven't seen KA washers out here in my neck of the woods.

 

[maytagman806s]

Kitchen Aid Washers are nothing more then rebadged Whirlpools. If it was me making the call, for the price difference, I would buy a comparable Whirlpool or Kenmore. The best thing about them all.. You can get parts anywhere and everywhere for them at a decent price and practically fix them yourself.

 

[bendixman]

Kitchen Aid washers

I have owned a matching Kitchen Aid washer & dryer bought new in 1993. The washer model is the KAWE860W and the dryer is the KGYE850V gas model.These machines have been put through their paces by my 2 daughters who are now 26 & 22 and who still come home and do their laundry. And need I tell you that they always overload the machine. Both have given me nothing but good hard work and have NEVER needed a single repair. I know that they are rebadged Whirlpools but I love them. I have a Kitchen aid DW as well as their refrigerator from about the same time and all have given uninterupted service and I have never thought of replacing them with high efficency models. I will keep them going as long as I can. So I thinks buying a Kitchen Aid appliance is a good investment.

Please understand that in any appliance or manufacturer you can get a lemon but Kitchen Aid and their gurantee will stand by their appliances. Good Luck!

 

[magic clean]

Its worth noting the warranty on the KitchenAid is quite different than Whirlpool & Kenmore

 

[agiflow]

Funny that i see places like Sears, Lowes, and The Great indoors, P.C. Richard carrying most of the KA lineup of appliances except the TL washers. These seem pretty hard to come by these days. KA was my first choice when i was washer shopping a few years back, but settled for a KM and am pretty content.

 

[gansky1]

The warranty is much stronger on the KA machines, 2 years full parts and labor is nothing to scoff at. 3rd thru 5th year (parts only) on motor and centerpost bearings; 5th thru 10th on top, lid and gearcase and lifetime warranty (parts) on the porcelain tub. The dryers also have a 2 year full warranty, 3rd-5th (parts) on control boards, element/burner and motor and 10 years (parts) on the cabinet and drum rust.

The pricing of these machines isn't so far out of line when you take into account the warranty on the WP branded products is only one year full warranty on the machine. No other warranties on parts or other components beyond 1 year.

 

[frontloadfan]

Some Differences

I didn't buy a top loader KA, but rather a front loader KA. I don't think it is totally accurate to say that KA is merely a re-badged whirlpool.

I found that the price difference between the top of the line Whirlpool fl and the Kitchenaid fl was about $100. For that $100, I got an extra one year warranty, superior controls, higher final spin speed (1300 vs 1200)and premimum paint job (metallic, stainless steel like appearance). Most important of all, it had superior sound proofing.

On the flip side, the KA lacked a couple of cycles you would get on the top of the line Whirlpool (bulky and active wear I believe). Also the KA lacks the wash delay, but subs a feature called rinse hold, that does the total wash except for the final rinse. It will do the final rinse when you return home and push the rinse hold button.

Best of all though, is the thought that KA shares basic components and design with Whirlpool and Kenmore. There is some advantage when you know they have sold millions of machines with the same workings.

 

[sudsmaster]

Gansky,

What does "Rapid Advance" mean?

What year is your KA washer?

Did KA make washers before Whirlpool bought KA?

When is the last "good" year of belt-drive KA washers?

Thanks.

 

[tomturbomatic]

KitchenAid washers are made by WP, but most of the line of KA washers use a three speed motor. Normal agitation is done at the medium speed. High speed is used for draining and the Normal spin. I have had my next to the TOL KA since the early 90s and it just keeps chugging along. Granted it does not do all of the laundry, but I'll tell you it handles a larger load quicker and more dependably that the Duet beside it. I have no trouble saying that mine has been a very good machine. At the time mine was made, it had a special fill valve that gave a 60/40 mix of hot and cold water on the warm setting. Consumer Reports said that it had better cleaning than the similar WP and KM machines and maybe the warmer warm had something to do with it.

 

[DADoES]

Sudsmaster,

KA topload washers have always been rebadged Whirlpool, and they've always been of the direct-drive design.

I have a KAWE760/KEYE760 pair bought in 1991. I used them until 1999 when I got an F&P pair, at which time they went to my grandmother. She used them until 2004 when I upgraded my F&Ps, at which time the "original" F&P pair went to her. The KAs are currently stored in my garage. Never any trouble with the dryer. The washer's drive coupler broke about 6 months before we did the last swap, which of course I did the repair.

My parents have a KAWE670/KEYE670 pair, I believe bought in 1994. They're not top-of-line but the washer still does have a 3-speed motor. No trouble with their dryer. The washer's lid switch was changed, that's all for it. There is some rusting developing around the lid and beneath the top. They do not have it in a climate-controlled area.

 

[pulltostart]

Thanks for the input, y'all. I have a KA refrigerator that I bought about 3 years ago and have had no problems with it, but have no experience with the laundry products. A local retailer is offering the 850 pair in black for about $260 below MSRP ($919 for the pair) - very tempting! My only previous experience with Whirlpool/Kenmore was an early 90's TOL Kenmore pair that was a horrible experience. Lemon or no lemon, that washer was total crap, and Sears' service was no better. I kept that pair for 3 years, only because they came with a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. The minute the warranty expired, they were out the door and replaced with a Maytag Dependable Care pair. Needless to say, that bad experience left me dubious of Whirlpool/Kenmore/Kitchenaid quality. If I decide to take the plunge for the black pair, I'll let you know. Thanks again for the information.

Lawrence

 

[gansky1]

Rapid Advance Timer

This is a "one button" control for a washer that uses a small motor to turn the timer "dial" for you inside the control panel. This is a photo of my Maytag 906 control panel. The arrow on the left shows the motor, gearbox and shaft connecting to the timer on the right side of the panel. This gearbox and 'advance' motor is actually a very similar part to a rotisserie motor from a GE range.

 

[toggleswitch]

I have never before seen a siphon-break as pictued in the drain hose above. Hard to find?