Maytag Ironer

[bellalaundry]

I don't think I've ever heard or seen of a Maytag ironer... I would think any Maytag enthusiast would want one of these for the laundry room!

Guy

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-iron-garment...er/1156547549?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[launderess]

Maytag Ironers

Came in a few versions. Some were built by Maytag, others sourced from other makers.

Ironrite built:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/8cEAAOSwDk5T66fH/$_1.JPG

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6JcAAOSwPe1T66fC/s-l300.jpg

Ironer shown in the OP picture is probably the last models from the late 1950's early 1960's and sourced from Conlon. There was only one maker of cabinet ironers with 30" rollers at that time (Conlon) and they were sold under that brand name as well as Frigidaire and Maytag. Besides the roller length key points in common for hand and foot controls and dual temperature controls.

Consumer Reports of the 1950's noted all three (Conlon, Frigidaire and Maytag) shared similar designs, features and performance. They all also suffered the same poor durability/reliability issues. Under testing all three exhibited wearing of gears under normal use. Can attest to this as my Frigidaire ironer despite being lightly used after purchase has stripped gears, and as such is going to be scrapped.

Back in the day you could call a repairman who would break down and replace the worn parts, but since they are NLA am not going to bother....

The main selling point of these large cabinet ironers by Maytag et al was their long rollers; widest at the time offered of any domestic ironer. This in theory allowed doing of large flatwork such as sheets or table cloths with minimal folds.

Other big point was the foot controls which left one's hands free to cope with feeding the wash through the mangle.

 

[launderess]

Ironrite with a Maytag badge slapped on:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/atq/5468550651.html

 

[combo52]

Maytag Ironers

To my knowledge MT never built their own ironers.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Just like their stoves and freezers in the ancient days. Fortunately, back then, they picked two good companies to carry their marque.

 

[kd12]

Ironing sheets

I wonder if anyone still irons their own sheets today. Grew up in the 70s and I don't remember anyone ironing sheets back then either.

 

[launderess]

Enough persons still iron bed and other linen

Enough that Miele continues to sell their ironer in the USA and worldwide.

Truth to tell ironers for home use were always a niche market. Maybe in the early part of the last century when virtually everything *had* to be ironed after it came from the wash things were different. Line dried laundry is often hard and scratchy much less looks less than perfect if not ironed.

Two things helped kill off ironer sales; tumble clothes dryers and man made fabrics.

 

[luxflairguy]

I still iron my sheets! I hate man made fabrics and have a collection of good old cotton sheets and even some linen ones from France. I've had my Miele rotary iron for about 20 years. It's the original 220V ironer and we tap into the dryer circuit as a rule. Combined with my Miele laundry pair of the same vintage I'm a happy camper! Guests always comment on the ironed sheets, too! Greg