POD 11-9-2017

[wft2800]

Didn't the old Westinghouse machines rust out?

The old Frigidaires with the pulsating agitator got decent rollover, but even the sainted Maytag centre-dials didn't roll over that well.

Compare and contrast to the vigorous tumbling of any decent FL... and I don't think it's just a question of temp either. OK, a 90+ celsius wash will get whites properly clean or purge nasty smells (e.g. I've got a neurotic cat who has declared my bedroom HER territory and sprays on any clothing, bedding etc that ends up on the floor - I love her really, but she has made me grateful for my Miele's 95c cottons wash!). But, a 40c cycle is perfectly capable of handling all normal cleaning...

The Hotpoints with the spiral agitators got discontinued in the early 90s for the simple reason that they did nothing better than the FLs and weren't selling. Factor in the fact that most of us over here keep our washing machines in the kitchen, under the worktop...

If ever I had the means to start a large collection and could find any (I understand a very few were sold in Europe), a Unimatic of some kind would be nice to have...

 

[mrsalvo]

I remember when these models came out and was so saddened to see that they replaced the washing system, I thought "WTH? Why?" It truly was the beginning of the downhill slide for a once innovative, mighty American company. I don't think any of us on here are truly over it. It was such a stab-in-the-back. A shock. And they tried to keep the consoles the same to fool us!!!

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Awwww, the warm, fuzzy feeling FRANKLIN gives me! Too bad, not really here...

-- Dave

 

[hilovane]

In response to wft2800, and with due respect; if you honestly believe there's no longer a market for TL washers, then why are companies like Samsung, LG, GE, and all the makes under the Whirlpool umbrella (still) manufacturing HE TL's?

It appears that you've overlooked the likelihood that in some households, primarily those with "hidden" laundry rooms ( which are really nothing more than oversized pantry-like rooms, with folding doors) don't allow for the space accommodations for a FL?

And, there are those who for any other reason, prefer the ease and convenience of a TL?

As an aside, the first-generation HE's (The TL Whirlpool Calypso; and the TL AND FL Maytag Neptunes; the latter could arguably be considered the "Edsel of washing machines") were not all they were cracked up to be. If it' wasn't a mold issue, then it was an issue of the rubber under the washplates being vulnerable to tears and punctures from sharp objects left in pockets.
Then, there's the issue of purchase cost versus durability. Would you want to pay THAT kind of money for a washing machine, only to have to replace it within five to seven years (OK; maybe 10, if you're lucky).

So, my question to you is, do those who out of necessity, or preference, insist on TL's (the HE variety, specifically), make THEM ( as you put it) "luddites?

 

[wft2800]

I just don't understand the point. If you've got space for one of those lousy HE top-loaders, you've got space for a front-loader that does the job far better... even if the LGs, Samsungs etc that dominate the market are a pile of you-know-what...