That Roper looks like a good deal, particularly so if the seller will save you the trouble of picking it up yourself and having to get rid your GE somehow. Seems like a win/win to me.
Looking for a good used top load machine, advice?
- Thread starter leica
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The Roper...
Leica -
That ad sorta takes me on vacation just by reading it --- my grandparents lived on Honeymoon Island in Pinellas County for 15 years, I LOVED it there, loved it.
Anyway, on topic, I hate to be a nay-sayer, but I would use a bit of caution on that particular Roper. That is not a Super capacity machine, its a 2.5 cu ft. "extra large" and its basket is far more tall than it is wide, and there have been turnover issues with this capacity size vs. the similar height but MUCH wider 3.2 cu ft. Super capacity models. You can tell a 2.5 cu. ft. machine by looking at the agitator base when it has a corkscrew agitator -- it has an "up flip" wing at the edge of the skirt that the Super machines don't. This is necessary to help boost roll-over or try to prevent it from stalling due to the dimensions of that particular wash basket design.
I also somewhat suspect that the Gentle cycle is going to agitate at full speed and have pauses in the cycle to make up for not using the slow speed, since this machine has only two speed combos. If it had a slow wash and slow rinse, the panel would show at least three speed combinations.
Also I think the lid may have been partially painted due to surface rust from the Floridian environment. The lid hinges are usually unpainted stainless steel, but these are white like they got over-sprayed from a spray paint can.
On a good note, that sounds like a decent seller, so I bet they have some larger capacity models, OR you can go to their store and at least see the differences in person.
Gordon
Leica -
That ad sorta takes me on vacation just by reading it --- my grandparents lived on Honeymoon Island in Pinellas County for 15 years, I LOVED it there, loved it.
Anyway, on topic, I hate to be a nay-sayer, but I would use a bit of caution on that particular Roper. That is not a Super capacity machine, its a 2.5 cu ft. "extra large" and its basket is far more tall than it is wide, and there have been turnover issues with this capacity size vs. the similar height but MUCH wider 3.2 cu ft. Super capacity models. You can tell a 2.5 cu. ft. machine by looking at the agitator base when it has a corkscrew agitator -- it has an "up flip" wing at the edge of the skirt that the Super machines don't. This is necessary to help boost roll-over or try to prevent it from stalling due to the dimensions of that particular wash basket design.
I also somewhat suspect that the Gentle cycle is going to agitate at full speed and have pauses in the cycle to make up for not using the slow speed, since this machine has only two speed combos. If it had a slow wash and slow rinse, the panel would show at least three speed combinations.
Also I think the lid may have been partially painted due to surface rust from the Floridian environment. The lid hinges are usually unpainted stainless steel, but these are white like they got over-sprayed from a spray paint can.
On a good note, that sounds like a decent seller, so I bet they have some larger capacity models, OR you can go to their store and at least see the differences in person.
Gordon
I was hoping someone with more expertise would comment on the Roper -- and I hit the jackpot! Gordon is the authority on Kenmore (and other Whirlpool derivatives like Roper).
I was questioning the capacity of the Roper as well, but am not good at translating the "extra large, super, super duper, stupendous" and other such capacity claims on machines from roughly 2000 on up.
Gordon's suggestion to contact the seller about other machines he may have is a good one. You might even get a limited warranty by purchasing from him as opposed to a private party.
I was questioning the capacity of the Roper as well, but am not good at translating the "extra large, super, super duper, stupendous" and other such capacity claims on machines from roughly 2000 on up.
Gordon's suggestion to contact the seller about other machines he may have is a good one. You might even get a limited warranty by purchasing from him as opposed to a private party.
spookiness
Well-known member
youtube
If you think you might want to do your own repairs, there are a lot of videos on youtube. That would also be a good resource to check out "fan" videos to help you ID DD machines.
I have an "Admirpool" DD machine from Home Depot circa two or 3 years ago.
If you think you might want to do your own repairs, there are a lot of videos on youtube. That would also be a good resource to check out "fan" videos to help you ID DD machines.
I have an "Admirpool" DD machine from Home Depot circa two or 3 years ago.
neptunebob
Well-known member
But watch out!
As a thread a while back, some Roper machines do not fill up all the way for the rinse to save water. But this programming will leave your clothes unrinsed. Perhaps ask the seller if this washer fills up all the way for the rinse cycle.
As a thread a while back, some Roper machines do not fill up all the way for the rinse to save water. But this programming will leave your clothes unrinsed. Perhaps ask the seller if this washer fills up all the way for the rinse cycle.
DD washers that don't have a full rinse fill...
Were actually models from Roper, Admiral, Estate, Amana, and probably others. These were made in 2011 and 2012 only.
BUT, they can be easily spotted vs. others as they have a huge pictoral "how to use" sticker under the lid which discusses how to dilute fabric softener, how to load etc. using that incidious rinse (or lack thereof).
Even if you end up with one of these, all is not lost because they do have an internal rinse level switch which can be re-set to provide a high rinse water level.
Gordon
Were actually models from Roper, Admiral, Estate, Amana, and probably others. These were made in 2011 and 2012 only.
BUT, they can be easily spotted vs. others as they have a huge pictoral "how to use" sticker under the lid which discusses how to dilute fabric softener, how to load etc. using that incidious rinse (or lack thereof).
Even if you end up with one of these, all is not lost because they do have an internal rinse level switch which can be re-set to provide a high rinse water level.
Gordon
Those are great looking machines but I live in St.Pete and b
Well, sometimes one gets lucky and a nice machine can be found locally, other times a little traveling is necessary.
Mapquest says its only a 1 hr drive and used washer pickings seem pretty slim down there.
I'd bite the bullet and grab that Whirlpool if still available, you don't see that style too often.
Well, sometimes one gets lucky and a nice machine can be found locally, other times a little traveling is necessary.
Mapquest says its only a 1 hr drive and used washer pickings seem pretty slim down there.
I'd bite the bullet and grab that Whirlpool if still available, you don't see that style too often.
Yeah that's what I've been thinking.....That Whirlpool is probably the closest thing I'm gonna get to a Speed Queen at that price. I'm gonna call the guy and see what I could work out.....Is it worth giving up my GE for crappy trade/delivery value? It needs work but it runs good, I figured I could get at least 100 bucks for it if I pit it on CL.
Here are the specs of the Whirlpool:
Model: GCAM2792TQ
FEATURES
2007 Federal Energy Compliant On Premise Full Console Mechanical Washer
• 3.2 Cu Ft basket
• Automatic Electronic Temperature Controlled regular and gentle cycles
• 115F hot, 85F warm wash
• High speed spin on all cycles
• Powdered paint top, lid and wrap cabinet
• Reliable, Direct-Drive NO BELTS drive system
• Front and bottom serviceable
• Two-Speed Advantage with true gentle wash, high-speed spin only!
• 1/2-HP Motor with built-in Overload Protector: 120-volt, 60 Hz.
• AC Agitation Speed 180 spm/high 120 spm/low
• High Speed Spin 640 rpm (approx.)
• Residential-Grade, Water Inlet Hoses
• Corrugated polypropylene Drain Hose included
• Shipping Weight: 184 lbs.
• 90 Day Labor, 2 Year Limited Parts Warranty, US
Available in US and Canada
Model: GCAM2792TQ
FEATURES
2007 Federal Energy Compliant On Premise Full Console Mechanical Washer
• 3.2 Cu Ft basket
• Automatic Electronic Temperature Controlled regular and gentle cycles
• 115F hot, 85F warm wash
• High speed spin on all cycles
• Powdered paint top, lid and wrap cabinet
• Reliable, Direct-Drive NO BELTS drive system
• Front and bottom serviceable
• Two-Speed Advantage with true gentle wash, high-speed spin only!
• 1/2-HP Motor with built-in Overload Protector: 120-volt, 60 Hz.
• AC Agitation Speed 180 spm/high 120 spm/low
• High Speed Spin 640 rpm (approx.)
• Residential-Grade, Water Inlet Hoses
• Corrugated polypropylene Drain Hose included
• Shipping Weight: 184 lbs.
• 90 Day Labor, 2 Year Limited Parts Warranty, US
Available in US and Canada
Automatic Temp Control
Just be warned -- a "very warm" 115F "Hot" is what you'll get regardless of how hot your water heater is set. That's probably about the same as what you use when showering. The 85F "Warm" is tepid at best.
One of the things I don't like about my 2008 Frigidaire is that it determines the "Hot" temperature and will at some point start adding warm or cold water to lower it. I prefer a good old fashioned washer that fills with water as hot as I have my water heater set for and doesn't interfere to cool it down. This is one of the many reasons I'm seriously considering going back to an old-school top loader when my Frigidaire goes to pieces.
Just be warned -- a "very warm" 115F "Hot" is what you'll get regardless of how hot your water heater is set. That's probably about the same as what you use when showering. The 85F "Warm" is tepid at best.
One of the things I don't like about my 2008 Frigidaire is that it determines the "Hot" temperature and will at some point start adding warm or cold water to lower it. I prefer a good old fashioned washer that fills with water as hot as I have my water heater set for and doesn't interfere to cool it down. This is one of the many reasons I'm seriously considering going back to an old-school top loader when my Frigidaire goes to pieces.
Fisher Patkel
Here is a good FP Ecosmart like the one I bought for my mother when her 40 year old Maytag 806 died on us. Very good washer and can use the spray rinse or full rinse.
Here is a good FP Ecosmart like the one I bought for my mother when her 40 year old Maytag 806 died on us. Very good washer and can use the spray rinse or full rinse.
pierreandreply4
Well-known member
have you tryed looking in your local store if they have over stock direct drive washers and if you look at this link here is a direct drive inglis whirlpool washer idk if they are still made must be since its still listed on the inglis appliance website but must be on special order only but it would be worth asking if your local store could get one for you
Oh yeah, that KA set would satisfy every requirement on your checklist.
Back in the hunt
Well after being broke for a bit then working long hours I finally have some cash and time to start looking again.
DigAPony, that KA set is way too far, almost three hours away. I don't need a dryer either, my GE works just fine for now.
I will post more machines as I'm looking. I'm in no hurry yet as my machine still works so I'm trying to be patient and find a good machine for under 200 and trying to keep it local.
Well after being broke for a bit then working long hours I finally have some cash and time to start looking again.
DigAPony, that KA set is way too far, almost three hours away. I don't need a dryer either, my GE works just fine for now.
I will post more machines as I'm looking. I'm in no hurry yet as my machine still works so I'm trying to be patient and find a good machine for under 200 and trying to keep it local.
whirlcool
Well-known member
Those KA machines are nice machines, circa 1993-95 or so. And you don't see them all that often. I have a Whirlpool all electronic set from 1993. Still chugging along just fine. And as others have said parts will still be available for years to come and since everything is modular in the machine they are probably the easiest washers to work on should you ever need to.
Sometimes when a vintage machine pops up somewhere in your region you just have to act on them immediately. Three hours away is pretty close for some vintage washers.
I'm willing to bet that if you offered $135.00 for that KA set, you'd get them.
Sometimes when a vintage machine pops up somewhere in your region you just have to act on them immediately. Three hours away is pretty close for some vintage washers.
I'm willing to bet that if you offered $135.00 for that KA set, you'd get them.
I'm patient, and I'm confident something will turn up near me because I live in a highly populated area. I'd drive an hour but any more than that just isn't worth it to me. I just have to keep an eye on CL and be ready to jump at the right washer.
I'm going to update this thread each time I find a good candidate, so keep an eye on the thread guys!
I'm going to update this thread each time I find a good candidate, so keep an eye on the thread guys!
