My GE Mini washer and dryer

[southernmdgeguy]

LOL <blush>

I see I made a typo, I got them in 1990, not 1980...

 

[westytoploader]

More info on my GE

Of course mine has the plastic-covered balance ring since it's the later model...but it's not a "cheap" machine by any means! I'll have to count how many seconds the impeller runs in each direction...thought it was 15 if I remember correctly. It does like to tangle on some loads...but that's just the nature of an impeller machine (regardless of whether the impeller's on the side or bottom) so I'm used to it.

During the spin spray rinses on my machine, the drain pump does shut off and kick back on again...and it's pretty effective too. It also does no first spin. I heard the Asians liked suds, and they used massive amounts of detergent per load. Since it's an Asian design, that makes sense, as a first spin causes EXTREME suds-lock under those conditions...I tried it once!

--Austin

 

[toggleswitch]

That might explain 2 deep rinses "standard" even our "American" water hogs don't do that usually!

 

[westytoploader]

2 deep rinses? Not on my machine...

 

[westytoploader]

Later model...

Here's my GE, full view. Tom, do you know the approximate year of this style? The control panel had become a little more "GE-esque" by this time...especially the timer knob and markings!

 

[westytoploader]

Here's the interior...notice the blue 4-vane impeller, plastic balance ring and different-shape tub ring. Still has the porcelain tub though!

 

[westytoploader]

And a timer close-up. 8 cycles if you count the wash times and the Soak. Permanent Press adds a "Cool Down" phase with neutral spray rinses. The Gentle cycle reverses the impeller more frequently so the clothes don't get thrashed around as much. All cycles spin at the same speed though.

 

[westytoploader]

And the funky "shower-spray" fill...partial sheet/pillowcase load with 1 Persil Liquigel added.

 

[westytoploader]

Washing away! The impeller spins quite fast, creating a vortex action..."blending" the clothes! Although based on experience, it's not that much of a "rough" machine.

Scott, how's the action on yours with the 5-vane impeller? The vanes appear larger in the picture, so I'm thinking it's quite a bit stronger than mine.

 

[gansky1]

What is the washing action like on lower water levels?

Speed Queen also had a "Contempo-Mate" compact set, also Asian made. Theirs had a center shaft on the impeller, but otherwise a similar design to the GE.

 

[toggleswitch]

OOOPPPS Austin I was thinking of a double rinse "nornmal" cycle on a SANYO, not the HitaGE.

 

[toggleswitch]

I think these machines are really great for super limited space and to take to summer "resort" rentals...

Can you picture me with one strapped on my back on the ferry to Fire Island?

Their vibration is minimal IMHO... what say you?

 

[westytoploader]

The GE's washing action on low water level (fills to the 5th row of holes from the top on mine) is much more violent if you're not using the "Gentle" cycle...LOL! So violent the now-exposed impeller whips up a good amount of suds when the water vortexes around the tub! I usually do "medium-sized" loads, and find it too low...the clothes are generally flung around the sides and don't get "pulled down" to the center for effective washing, even when it reverses. If it's not overloaded and filled properly (you really can't "underload" this machine, IMHO), the action will be similar to the GE Harmony. Here's a shot of low water action...notice the suds!

I remember seeing a Contempo Mate on eBay with the "Pulgitator"...and service manuals as well. I wonder how the washing action would be with that? It certainly wouldn't be spinning as fast as the impeller during agitation!

 

[westytoploader]

Oops...almost forgot

Toggly: The suspension is very soft on this machine to eliminate the shaking and shimmying you'd normally see, so it does vibrate a little. The tub assembly hardly moves once it hits 800 RPM though regardless of the load...it's probably the most well-balanced machine I've used!

 

[toggleswitch]

Now if only I could get well balanced PEOPLE into my life

I thought so, thanks Austin.

It IS the ideal candidate to sneak into a rental apt where washers are prohibited. PITA downstairs neightbors cant complain if the vibration is minimal.

Buy in late Novemeber, early December and wrap in Christmas paper. Does wonders to keep the neightbors and mgt off your tail. (Or any time of year with Juvenile Btirthday paper.)

 

[southernmdgeguy]

Austin,
Thanks for posting those, as you see, yours is both newer and more "deluxe" with multi cycle options, bleach dispenser, and three water levels vs my two. On the low water setting mine does really spin the water, but I always use the high setting.
It works better than I ever thought it could, gets good turn over as it changes directions. Mine does rinse twice, then spin, interesting to learn that is to avoid a suds lock~ I love how much I learn here every day.

 

[southernmdgeguy]

Toggle,
My machine is quiet and smooth, can barely hear it run, same with the dryer. Like Austin said, it seems to be well balanced.

Scott

 

[westytoploader]

Hi Scott, the bleach dispenser is molded into the top and drains into a provision on the tub ring. I also forgot to mention that the tub sinks downward during fill due to the weight of the water, rises back up during spin, and the motor slows down considerably at the end of the spin cycle, before it brakes.

The timer cams clinking into position is really interesting to hear, I can always tell when the drain pump is going to come on, when it's going to spin, when the spin is nearly over, and when it's going to brake, the split-second before it happens! The timer motor is audible as well, unlike many other "silent" timer designs. Of course this excludes the "snappy" vintage timers!

As much as I like my machine, I would take yours any day because of the styling, color, and differences between designs!

--Austin

 

[toggleswitch]

I'm thinking a "must-have" for my collection.

 

[launderess]

Aren't 110 Portable Dryers

Rather puny in terms of heating power? IIRC the Maytag "Porta-Dryer", comes in at only 1375 watts of power. Have hair dryers that produce more heat.

Launderess