As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Maytag Portable washer
- Thread starter qsd-dan
- Start date
Help Support :
Maytag vs Hoover
Was the twin tub battle fought in the United States. IIRC Maytag stopped production before Hoover, but both are still found often enough at estate sales, fleaBay, etc.
Maytag's claim to fame was that it had dual propellers that reversed, which supposedly cut down on the tangling which Hoovers and all twin tub washers were famous for.
Maytag never had a stainless wash tub however, and IIRC the spin speed of their extractor basket is slightly less rpms than Hoovers.
L.
Was the twin tub battle fought in the United States. IIRC Maytag stopped production before Hoover, but both are still found often enough at estate sales, fleaBay, etc.
Maytag's claim to fame was that it had dual propellers that reversed, which supposedly cut down on the tangling which Hoovers and all twin tub washers were famous for.
Maytag never had a stainless wash tub however, and IIRC the spin speed of their extractor basket is slightly less rpms than Hoovers.
L.
I don't know the exact year but I remember a friend of my mom's having one and that was back in the early 70s.
Gary
Gary
Lots of New Yorkers had them. They were easy to sneak into apartment buildings and you could hook them up to any sink and any 110 outlet. For many it was preferable to the laundromats, but they didn't wash a lot of clothes and made a mess.
laundromat
Well-known member
I think it's sort of cannie that after all was said and done competitively,Maytag bought Hoover but never reintroduced their spinner washers.I think between the two,they'd have had a great outcome!
geoffdelp
Well-known member
I like my A50; it runs really well. It sounds like a jet when it's ramping up to the 2000 rpm's!! 
Clothes do get tangled during the wash, however. It untangles pretty easily when you transfer them to the spin tub.
Regular sudsing detergent creates too much suds; it's better to use HE and even then, there is a rich blanket of suds on top of the water. The older formula detergents were a little better; you used about 1/4 cup with a tablespoon or two with each reuse of water.
I believe these were made from the late 1960's (about 1969?) to 1983 when the wringer was discontinued. I don't have the actual dates, however.
My very first washer and credit purchase was a Model A50 in 1978; I was 19 years old and had my first apartment. That little machine saved me TONS of money at the laundromat. Back then, the dryers were .10; I remember lugging my wet laundry to the dryers and because of the fast spin on the portable, I would usually get away with about .40 to .50 per week for drying!!!
Clothes do get tangled during the wash, however. It untangles pretty easily when you transfer them to the spin tub.
Regular sudsing detergent creates too much suds; it's better to use HE and even then, there is a rich blanket of suds on top of the water. The older formula detergents were a little better; you used about 1/4 cup with a tablespoon or two with each reuse of water.
I believe these were made from the late 1960's (about 1969?) to 1983 when the wringer was discontinued. I don't have the actual dates, however.
My very first washer and credit purchase was a Model A50 in 1978; I was 19 years old and had my first apartment. That little machine saved me TONS of money at the laundromat. Back then, the dryers were .10; I remember lugging my wet laundry to the dryers and because of the fast spin on the portable, I would usually get away with about .40 to .50 per week for drying!!!
laundromat
Well-known member
Toshiba,Sanyo,Sharp,Pannasonic,and Sony all had versions of these.They also made them for Sears,Montgomery Wards,W.T.Grant,E.J.Korvette,Two Guys,GE and J.C. Penney.I liked the one that Toshiba made for Wards and Grants.
Maytag portable washer
I bought this washer and matching dryer in 1972. I was just got out of school and rented a very nice small house that did not have space for a regular washer and dryer. As I remember they were not cheap! I still have the invoice somewhere. They worked very well and were so quiet. The only problem was to remember to shut the water off when you were filling the machine! It seems to me that the wash water came back into the tub from the spinner. I sold them when I bought my first house in 1974 and bought the Maytag 806 pair which are still working! As I recall they were very high quality and it shook the whole house when it was spinning the clothes. Because you kept washing and spinning you could do a large quanity of clothes very fast. I loved the portables,loved my Maytag 806's and I love the New Neptunes. I have gotten stains out of things with the Neptune washer and dryer that I had given up. I was a hard sell for the front load washer but once I used them I was sold. They are so quiet. I just had to have them before Maytag closed!
I bought this washer and matching dryer in 1972. I was just got out of school and rented a very nice small house that did not have space for a regular washer and dryer. As I remember they were not cheap! I still have the invoice somewhere. They worked very well and were so quiet. The only problem was to remember to shut the water off when you were filling the machine! It seems to me that the wash water came back into the tub from the spinner. I sold them when I bought my first house in 1974 and bought the Maytag 806 pair which are still working! As I recall they were very high quality and it shook the whole house when it was spinning the clothes. Because you kept washing and spinning you could do a large quanity of clothes very fast. I loved the portables,loved my Maytag 806's and I love the New Neptunes. I have gotten stains out of things with the Neptune washer and dryer that I had given up. I was a hard sell for the front load washer but once I used them I was sold. They are so quiet. I just had to have them before Maytag closed!
You're right on, Geoff - intro'd in 68-69 and they ended production in '83. I was always surprised they carried them that long.
I have one of the washers now and have had several of the dryers over the years. Maytag made these themselves, they weren't sourced from anyone. Very high quality, but as with all twin-tub washers, you were very immersed in the laundering process! It's fun to use now and then - even if only just for reinvigorating the joys of automatic washing!
I have one of the washers now and have had several of the dryers over the years. Maytag made these themselves, they weren't sourced from anyone. Very high quality, but as with all twin-tub washers, you were very immersed in the laundering process! It's fun to use now and then - even if only just for reinvigorating the joys of automatic washing!
geoffdelp
Well-known member
I've always wanted to have one of those dryers; very nice.
I still like using this little machine when I wash small rugs; it does an amazing job and really gets the water out. But then again, you know me, I like "interactive" laundry!! Not always; but sometimes.
Greg (gansky1) taught me the "trick" to running the water into the spin tub over the clothing while you are loading it so you can reduce suds-lock; which is very common on this machine if you use too much detergent. It's funny, but when I use vintage Tide, Cheer or Oxydol, I use 1/4 cup and I don't have the suds lock issue. There has to be something in today's formula of detergent that does this; I haven't figured it out yet.
They were well made; weren't they? Very solid little machine and made in Newton!
I still like using this little machine when I wash small rugs; it does an amazing job and really gets the water out. But then again, you know me, I like "interactive" laundry!!
Not always; but sometimes.Greg (gansky1) taught me the "trick" to running the water into the spin tub over the clothing while you are loading it so you can reduce suds-lock; which is very common on this machine if you use too much detergent. It's funny, but when I use vintage Tide, Cheer or Oxydol, I use 1/4 cup and I don't have the suds lock issue. There has to be something in today's formula of detergent that does this; I haven't figured it out yet.
They were well made; weren't they? Very solid little machine and made in Newton!
Twin tubs are fun, but a person has to get one's self worked up to using the thing, especially if used to modern automatic washing machines. For loads of small items they're probably fine to whiz though a vast amount of laundry. Larger items like tons of sheets and such are another matter.
It also helps if one is not to picky about "rinsing" totally clean, especially if too much detergent was used. Many of us with modern front loaders that rinse several times until the water is clear, probably go nuts with seeing suds in the rinse water after one or two spin rinses, meaning the thing must be done again and again until clean rinses appear. This of course slows down the convoy from wash tub, to rinse/extractor to clothesline or dryer.
If twin tubs ever came back in a big way,would like to see the commercial Unimac units. Agitators mean no tangled mess, even if loosing some capacity, and center post spray rinses give better results automatically than hosing down.
L.
It also helps if one is not to picky about "rinsing" totally clean, especially if too much detergent was used. Many of us with modern front loaders that rinse several times until the water is clear, probably go nuts with seeing suds in the rinse water after one or two spin rinses, meaning the thing must be done again and again until clean rinses appear. This of course slows down the convoy from wash tub, to rinse/extractor to clothesline or dryer.
If twin tubs ever came back in a big way,would like to see the commercial Unimac units. Agitators mean no tangled mess, even if loosing some capacity, and center post spray rinses give better results automatically than hosing down.
L.
Maytag portable washer
Just for fun I looked up my invoice for my Maytag portable washer. Purchased on October 8,1971. The washer was $199.95 and the dryer was $129.95! It seemed klike a LOT onf money in 1971! I also found the invoice for my Maytag automatic that replaced these when I bought a new house. Invoice dated July 23,1974. The washer A806 was $369.95 and the DE806 was $269.95. I do remember that the 806 Maytags were much higher in price than the Frigidaire's. I remember the owner of the store telling me that would be the last washer and dryer I would need. Little did i know they would still be working today!
Just for fun I looked up my invoice for my Maytag portable washer. Purchased on October 8,1971. The washer was $199.95 and the dryer was $129.95! It seemed klike a LOT onf money in 1971! I also found the invoice for my Maytag automatic that replaced these when I bought a new house. Invoice dated July 23,1974. The washer A806 was $369.95 and the DE806 was $269.95. I do remember that the 806 Maytags were much higher in price than the Frigidaire's. I remember the owner of the store telling me that would be the last washer and dryer I would need. Little did i know they would still be working today!
According to my vintage Hoover service and repair manual (covers all Hoover appliances), the main cause of tangling is running wash cycles longer than "Heavy", that is resetting the wash timer to do more than one wash for the same load. Manual strongly recommends just the four minute (Heavy) wash cycle, period.
One has to remember back when twin tubs and wringer washing machines ruled, detergents with enzymes either didn't exist or were just being introduced. There were enzyme pre-soaks like "Biz", but that was pretty much about it. Enzymes take awhile to work, hence the long wash cycles of today. Though this can be worked around by tinkering with the enzymes and other parts of the detergent formula.
Now, using a plain ole strong detergent of old, especially one packed with STPP, would give one great washing results in a very short time. Especially if hot water and LCB were used.
L.
One has to remember back when twin tubs and wringer washing machines ruled, detergents with enzymes either didn't exist or were just being introduced. There were enzyme pre-soaks like "Biz", but that was pretty much about it. Enzymes take awhile to work, hence the long wash cycles of today. Though this can be worked around by tinkering with the enzymes and other parts of the detergent formula.
Now, using a plain ole strong detergent of old, especially one packed with STPP, would give one great washing results in a very short time. Especially if hot water and LCB were used.
L.
which supposedly cut down on the tangling which Hoovers and
Oh my word how could you say that!!!!, Lovely machine, the Maytag does tangle slightly less than the Hoover!!after all they where nicknamed "The TangleMatics"...the thing I wasnt prepared for on the Maytag twinny was the spin brake 2,000rpm to stop in what...0.1 secs I think...that BANG...heck nearly passed out from shock when I first used mine!!!
The only Twinnys that didnt tangle where the Hotpoint, Servis & Speed Queen which used the agitator action....bring back the agi twinny I say!!!
Grab this machine, its worth it, Mike
Oh my word how could you say that!!!!, Lovely machine, the Maytag does tangle slightly less than the Hoover!!after all they where nicknamed "The TangleMatics"...the thing I wasnt prepared for on the Maytag twinny was the spin brake 2,000rpm to stop in what...0.1 secs I think...that BANG...heck nearly passed out from shock when I first used mine!!!
The only Twinnys that didnt tangle where the Hotpoint, Servis & Speed Queen which used the agitator action....bring back the agi twinny I say!!!
Grab this machine, its worth it, Mike
Have found if my Hoover was loaded properly, and wash times not overly long, tangling is not that much of a problem on most loads. If items are whipping about at a good clip in the wash water, one should be fine. It is when the mass stops you know there is trouble brewing.
Agiator tubs are fine, but they cut down on already small capacity. Have not compared the wash tub of the Unimac twin tub to say a Hoover, to see if there is a difference.
Agiator tubs are fine, but they cut down on already small capacity. Have not compared the wash tub of the Unimac twin tub to say a Hoover, to see if there is a difference.
keithelong
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2008
- Messages
- 33
Maytag Portable Washer
Maytag discontinued the portables and wringer washers in October of 1983. I happened to be at a Factory School in Newton the week they shutdown production. They then used the manufacturing plant to produce the Maytag Stacked Laundry.
Maytag discontinued the portables and wringer washers in October of 1983. I happened to be at a Factory School in Newton the week they shutdown production. They then used the manufacturing plant to produce the Maytag Stacked Laundry.
mickeyd
Well-known member
Here are my tricks. Don't know if they mimic Greg's & Geoff's
First you have to bypass the spin can safety switch. The old fashioned clothes pin
works great; you just break one prong off and jam the other one into the slot. Of course you must practice a bit since the lid switch and spin can activation are one and the same.
The the garden hose with the spray nozzle attached works great for spray rinsing. With high pressure, aiming, and nozzle adjustments (fine spray/harsh spray, etc. you can achieve some really nice rinsing results.
If you get sudsed or want to drain without spinning, here's my favorite secret trick: the spin can yields very willingly to your thumb and fore finger. Yes if you grab the can, as soon as you engage the switch (clothes pin;'D), the spinner stays stationary and drains wonderfully without any locking, and then you keeps spraying with the garden hose.
These are unusual tricks, but that's me and I'm sorry to be so free and open about my washoholism.
Once you see how easily and gently the spinner yields to human touch, you'll have no fear. For my friends who worry, I have not tried to stop the spinner at full speed!!!
First you have to bypass the spin can safety switch. The old fashioned clothes pin
works great; you just break one prong off and jam the other one into the slot. Of course you must practice a bit since the lid switch and spin can activation are one and the same.
The the garden hose with the spray nozzle attached works great for spray rinsing. With high pressure, aiming, and nozzle adjustments (fine spray/harsh spray, etc. you can achieve some really nice rinsing results.
If you get sudsed or want to drain without spinning, here's my favorite secret trick: the spin can yields very willingly to your thumb and fore finger. Yes if you grab the can, as soon as you engage the switch (clothes pin;'D), the spinner stays stationary and drains wonderfully without any locking, and then you keeps spraying with the garden hose.
These are unusual tricks, but that's me and I'm sorry to be so free and open about my washoholism.
Once you see how easily and gently the spinner yields to human touch, you'll have no fear. For my friends who worry, I have not tried to stop the spinner at full speed!!!
keithelong
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2008
- Messages
- 33
Maytag Portable Washer
I remember the last portable Maytag washer I worked on about 3 years ago.. A elderly lady had one at her vacation home near a creek. The washer was immersed in ice from a flood and she had me look at it after it thawed out. I made adjustments to the lid switch and it ran without issue.
I remember the last portable Maytag washer I worked on about 3 years ago.. A elderly lady had one at her vacation home near a creek. The washer was immersed in ice from a flood and she had me look at it after it thawed out. I made adjustments to the lid switch and it ran without issue.
mickeyd
Well-known member
Hey Keith--I hear ya--they must be indestructible
I use mine on the deck in the summer and fall, and two years ago, a ferocious late fall storm blew it off the deck, and slammed it flat on its back along the cement sidewalk. Lifted her up, washed off the mud, plugged her in, and she said hello, Mikey.
I use mine on the deck in the summer and fall, and two years ago, a ferocious late fall storm blew it off the deck, and slammed it flat on its back along the cement sidewalk. Lifted her up, washed off the mud, plugged her in, and she said hello, Mikey.
