rpms
Well-known member
What was so great about the mineral-filled Bakelike agitator on the Whirlpool washer?
P.O.D
- Thread starter rpms
- Start date
Help Support :
Is that a so called diaper washer?
Reply #1
I believe so. Not sure who coined that term but it’s just another term for a cheapskate special of a machine/BOL machine with no options or features. It’s interesting when most people think they are getting value for money when buying BOL appliances but really aren’t getting their money’s worth since there’s no real selection in options not to mention it’s a 1 speed machine. Most people also assume (your average uninformed consumer) that basic appliances have simpler mechanisms and such but really share the same major parts as their TOL counterparts and vice versa, only thing that’s really different is the selector switches, timer, 2 speed motor and a few other basic items. Wouldn’t make sense from a manufacturing standpoint to use a different mechanism for each model in your lineup, simply would be more expensive than using common components used in all machines.
I believe so. Not sure who coined that term but it’s just another term for a cheapskate special of a machine/BOL machine with no options or features. It’s interesting when most people think they are getting value for money when buying BOL appliances but really aren’t getting their money’s worth since there’s no real selection in options not to mention it’s a 1 speed machine. Most people also assume (your average uninformed consumer) that basic appliances have simpler mechanisms and such but really share the same major parts as their TOL counterparts and vice versa, only thing that’s really different is the selector switches, timer, 2 speed motor and a few other basic items. Wouldn’t make sense from a manufacturing standpoint to use a different mechanism for each model in your lineup, simply would be more expensive than using common components used in all machines.
Thanks Sean, but I think there is sometimes a difference. Quite a while ago I read something about repair rates. There was a significant difference between several models of the Whirlpool company. BOL Roper models and other had the lowest repair rate, MOL Whirlpool models etc. had a somewhat higher repair rate and the TOL KitchenAid models the highest.
Reply #3
I think those repairs were mainly to the selector switches and such along with the agitator dogs on higher end Whirlpool built direct drives with the dual action agitator, the lower end models simply had a single piece agitator which worked well with smaller and medium loads and larger loads that were lightly loaded but seemed to struggle with larger loads since shorter stroke machines simply don’t have the torque and momentum as long stroke machine such as the older belt drives and Maytag helical transmission. The main drivetrain (pump, motor, motor coupler, transmission) probably didn’t need many repairs if any at all unless one overloaded the machine severely and snapped the motor coupler or a defective neutral drain kit inside the transmission.
I think those repairs were mainly to the selector switches and such along with the agitator dogs on higher end Whirlpool built direct drives with the dual action agitator, the lower end models simply had a single piece agitator which worked well with smaller and medium loads and larger loads that were lightly loaded but seemed to struggle with larger loads since shorter stroke machines simply don’t have the torque and momentum as long stroke machine such as the older belt drives and Maytag helical transmission. The main drivetrain (pump, motor, motor coupler, transmission) probably didn’t need many repairs if any at all unless one overloaded the machine severely and snapped the motor coupler or a defective neutral drain kit inside the transmission.
The details weren't specified, but I do remember the differences were significant.
There's nothing related to the mechanical drive parts among the various brands that would reasonably account for differences in failure rates. Increased complexity of switches, timers, 3-speed motors, multi-port water valves for dispenser flushing and other such components for features on higher-end models are likely the source.
I first heard the "diaper washer" terminology related to budget-priced Frigidaire models aimed at young couples with a new baby. I have a pic saved of an ad for a 1962 "New Frigidaire Baby Care Laundry Pair - Lowest Price Biggest Value" but I don't recall if it's a Pic of the Day (which per AW rules aren't to be reposted outside POD rotation) so I'm not sharing it here.
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The "Diaper Washer" had a soak cycle and little else besides a temperature selector. This thing does not even have a temperature selector switch so unless you are doing a Warm/Warm load the user needs to be there to adjust the water faucets after the wash fill.
Easily where any alert and well-trained salesperson definitely directs a buyer to a more expensive but practical and useful model…
This one also would be good for exclusively washing work clothes!
— Dave
This one also would be good for exclusively washing work clothes!
— Dave
Thank you Tom for clearing that up.
Louis, You are welcome. Bill Cullen used to advertise the Diaper Washer on The Price Is Right. He did not move around much on stage because he had polio when he was younger.
We ran into the wife of your ambassador in the gardens at Hillwood last week. She told me the correct pronunciation of Leeuwarden. At least I remembered the word when I told her where you live.
Cheers!
We ran into the wife of your ambassador in the gardens at Hillwood last week. She told me the correct pronunciation of Leeuwarden. At least I remembered the word when I told her where you live.
Cheers!
That must have sounded strange to you I guess.
Best wishes Tom!
Best wishes Tom!
