POD 11/5/2017

[brucelucenta]

This looks like the beginning of the new design Philco washer that washed with the rubber finned agitator. This machine looks like a TOL model and those had all the bells and whistles that came with it. This design washer was rated on the same level as Norge in the late 50's which was the top rated washer at the time. So it obviously did quite well in the tests other than sediment removal. I have used several and they do wash and rinse quite well and spin out about the same as Kenmore/Whirlpool. They were impressive looking and interesting to watch. The dryer was quite slow at drying in comparison to others and since the Phico washer did not spin the water out quite as well, it took even longer to dry a load of clothes.

 

[frigilux]

The controls on this one remind me of those on a mid-'50s Bendix front-loader. A handsome console, to be sure. I've seen several videos of these in action; the surface of the water is very calm when filled to highest setting. Only saw one of these. My godparents had a TOL Philco, but was never able to see it operate.

 

[johnrk]

CR August 1960

has an interesting washer test, where they test TOL washers with 'economy' washers of the same brand. I wish they'd done this more often.

What they found was that, of course, the economy machines washed pretty much the same as the TOL machines. The difference was in the number of options. And of course, warm rinses were everywhere then. The one feature they weren't ambivalent on was the need for two speeds.

The big difference was between the Westinghouse front-loaders (and their Wards Signature clones). As some of you know, I'm sure, there were two different sizes of machines, so they did perform somewhat differently. Unfortunately, in both price levels, these machines were at the bottom of the ratings. Plus, they stated that with the smaller, economy model, water would come out the door if it was opened after filling.

I'd post it if I could--there's a fascinating photo of the guts of two of the control panels for a washer brand. The economy one looks naked: there's just a number of wires coming of a timer mechanism. The TOL model looks like a Chinese noodle swamp! What a mess that must've been to trace intermittent problems back there.

Looking at all the brochures I've bought at this site, I know I'd go below the TOL on so many of these for the same reason that I avoided the Filter-Flo models with the fabric/pre-set controls: I have enough sense, and I like to control, my own settings. I've always preferred Rolleis, Nikons and Leicas with manual controls, etc.

Great ad--thanks!

 

[brucelucenta]

johnrk

I agree with you about that issue of consumer reports, Aug. 1960. I also found it quite interesting that most of the different brands of machines were basically same in design from the TOL to the BOL models. I also found it interesting that Westinghouse models were reported as having a significant capacity reduction in the BOL models, which would have been like the "space saver" 27" models we have heard so much about recently. The slant front 30" models accommodated a significantly larger load than those did. The other machines with a smaller capacity in the BOL models were Kenmore/Whirlpool. Most the other machines were the same only fewer features.

 

[johnrk]

brucelucenta

I have at least a half-dozen vintage CR's testing washing machines. Let me know if you'd like me to scan any of them for you. Least I can do since you entertain me with these POD's.