Looking for info on Simpson Encore top loders (AU/NZ)

simpsonencore · Jun 22, 2023

Hi all,

I'm looking for information on a specific washing machine that my mother had growing up. It was a Simpson Encore 7.5kg top loader; has the Esprit body but full electronic controls featuring a time remaining display instead of knobs.

I've never seen another one in the wild here in Australia, and I'd never seen one online up until about a month ago... I'd say a slight majority of them are located in New Zealand. All of the images of Encores I've seen are mostly 5.5kg variants and none feature time remaining displays; only lights a la Fisher & Paykel. I specifically remember my mother's machine having that feature though, in an identical body.

She bought the washing machine new in about 1998-99 through someone she knew who worked in the Simpson factory. I'm wondering if she somehow ended up with a machine destined for export?

I've uploaded some images of other Encores off Google for reference.

TIA

grnappliance · Jul 19, 2023

Older Simpson washers are very popular in NZ even today. The most common ones I've seen are the 5.5 KG Esprit 550s with blue analog controls. As for the Encore series, there's actually still a handful of those machines left, including your one with the time display and 7.5 kg tub. I almost got to own that washer at one point.

Comparing the Encore series to the Esprit, some improvements include the addition of the Woolens, Perm Press, and Drip Dry cycles, plus the Eco rinse & Delay start features. The tub turns whilst filling, the agitation adjusts based on the water level, and the spin routine is programmed differently to help reduce noise during spin. Then, of course, the time display.

I have a Kelvinator (Simpson) with the same programming, and I have really enjoyed using it. They are a really cool twist to the original Esprits with the analog controls.

grnappliance · Jul 19, 2023

Brief history

The Esprit and Encore lines emerged in 1999 when Simpson joined the Electrolux Group, of which they are still a part of today. Some common brands for it to fall under included Simpson, Kelvinator, and Hoover. The machine was durable and affordable, which made it a great option for those who couldn't afford an expensive washer. Their smaller 5.5 KG washer also notably became a common choice for small households and holiday homes. Then, in 2006, the Simpson manufacturing plant was shut down and all production came from Electrolux factories. The mechanics for the machine are still used today in a Westinghouse variant, but the actual machine has received many cosmic updates in order to keep up with the times. That's a brief history of the machine. I often regard Simpson washers as one of NZ's most popular durable washers, Up there with Fisher & Paykel washers.

simpsonencore · Aug 9, 2023

@grnappliance WOW, you've definitely unlocked some hidden childhood memories there! Mum had her Encore until about 2007-8ish, when she bought an 8kg F&P AquaSmart (she got some government rebate on it for good water rating) and ended up giving away her Simpson

Speaking of my mum and washing machines; funnily enough, last week she bought a Haier HWT10ANB1 (link attached) and I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it performs for an agitator-less modern large-capacity top loader! Has heaps of wash and rinse options; let's hope she gets lucky and it lasts a decent amount of time...