POD 4/11/2017

[brucelucenta]

Nice advertisement. This had to have been in the early 70's or so. Front loaders like this one only rotated in one direction and the water extraction wasn't very good. They did dispose of lint and sediment quite well though and were adaquate machines. They did not have much in the way of capacity and the opening to put clothes in and take them out was restrictive by today's standards. I personally never really cared too much for them as a daily driver.

 

[frigilux]

Although it was a 1986 WCI-made Frigidaire front-loader similar to the Westy shown in today's POD that made me fall in love with the format, I agree that today's machines are better in almost every way: Larger capacity; more energy/water efficient; internal water heating; vastly faster spin speed; better cleaning. I'd say rinsing and long cycle times are the only achilles heel for new front-loaders.

 

[gyrafoam]

Well, the water extraction WAS pretty lame, and they were very easy to sudz-lock with the old high-sudzing formulaes. However, if you used All or Dash they managed to rinse pretty well. I thought they were great machines for a beach location because of the superior sediment removal.

 

[oldskool]

Well...

...and at least the POD model used more than 2 cups of water! Today's machine's while larger capacity, easier to load/unload, have reversing directions, heat water and fast spins - I find it hard to accept no visible water at the window. Not saying they have to be swimming in water, but would sure appreciate seeing some, and hearing some sloshing and an occasional bubble or two would be nice. I've got one of the large front loaders (5.2), appreciate it's capacity, but don't like the lack of ample water and it's excessive cycle times.

 

[twintubdexter]

I had to look twice...

At first glance I never even noticed the appliances, just the late, great and totally wonderful Pearl Bailey. I fondly remember the many guest appearences she made on Merv Griffin's afternoon TV show. Sadly, I kind of think people have pretty much forgotten about Pearly Mae.

 

[lotsosudz]

WESTY FRONT LOADERS

I loved my WCI front loader from 1984. No it was not the fastest spinner, but it washed, and rinsed very well. The only issue I had with it was one time it knotted 2 sheets together, and I had to unknot them in the machine, before I could pull them through the small door opening. Otherwise everybody complimented me on my laundry, because of the great results. The brand may not have been everyone"s favorite, but with proper care and common sense, they could turn out a very well washed, and very well rinsed load of clothes. And great on Permanent Press clothes in particular.

 

[toploader55]

After our 1962 V-12 died we got a True Westy Front Load Washer and Dryer. ( Before WCI)

It served us well but had issues with coins in the pump. Other than that, the dryer "baked the clothes" well in spite of the poor extraction.

I wouldn't mind one again as I loved seeing the water splashing up on the window knowing the clothes were truly washed and rinsed.

 

[launderess]

"I kind of think people have pretty much forgotten about Pearly Mae."

No, not all of us:

 

[lordkenmore]

The part of the ad that got me was the comment about making things the way they used to. (See small clipping from POD as illustration below.)

 

I don't know much about Westinghouse, but I sure know I've heard lots of stories that talk about how Frigidaire was never the same after WCI took over...

 

[lordkenmore]

I certainly recognize the name of Pearl Bailey, although I recognize a lot of names average Americans have forgotten... Meanwhile, there are plenty of big names of 2017 I probably wouldn't recognize...

 

I can't say when I first encountered her, but the first time I definitely recall was a recording of several different musicians. One track was Pearl Bailey's "Five Pound Box of Money."