New top load washing machines

[brucelucenta]

One think that I really fail to understand is why no one makes a solid tub machine anymore now. The new top loaders certainly cannot handle a lot of sediment or sand anymore. There is no place for it to go and it seems to get trapped in the impeller or whatever is used to move the clothes about and cause problems. Wouldn't a solid tub machine use less water? It would make sense that it did. I would think that a solid tub machine would be easier on tub seals and such too. The reason for all the manufacturers to go to perforated tubs was the sand and sediment problem. The top load machines of today cannot remove sand and sediment anymore. Only a front loader can do that now. With the tough plastic we have now, it would be cheap and easy to make a solid plastic tub machine one would think. And if would work quite well and use less water than a traditional washer.

 

[vacerator]

Why?

I guess cost and weight. Using less raw material is part of the Energy Star compliance.

 

[Chetlaham]

Although I know little about solid tub machines I am guessing cost, and size. For a solid tub to work you need to be able to spin all the water out which takes a sturdier drive mechanism (and motor). You also need the space to put all that water once it empties out as the pump is simply not fast enough to drain that much water.

Sure you can down size the tub, but consumer are looking for more room per machines. Also, I am betting that in 15 years top loads may become none existent. To re-tool and redesign now is not worth it.

But I do hear you and I am not knocking on you. I think modern top loads lack so much in so many ways its shameful.

 

[brucelucenta]

Yes, I sort of figure that top load machines will soon be a thing of the past because of obvious reasons.

 

[laundromat]

As great as the old FRIGIDAIRE and SPEED QUEEN washers that were the last to go from solid tub to perforated had horrible sediments of sand left on clothes and in the tubs. That was one of the reasons the old Jet Action washers and Speed Queens were rated last in CR. The difference between the Frigidaires was the most impressive changes GM ever did to improve their laundry division.

 

[gyrafoam]

CR may have thrown shade on Frigidaire for sediment but I don't think that had much effect on sales. I used solid tub Frigidaires in sandy areas, and they were all over the place in Florida back in the day. Of course, one had to have enough common sense to shake out the beach towels before bringing them into the house. You could just take a damp cloth and wipe out any sand or sediment. Only CR would dump a pail full of sand into a machine to see what would happen. I never once heard anyone kvetching over sediment left in their solid tub machine.

 

[launderess]

Did you speak to Miss. Betty Furness?

*LOL*





For comparison....

 

[gyrafoam]

Laundress, I remember that Betty Furness sales pitch. LOL
What she failed to mention was the laundry was too tangled to hold any sand.