POD 5/2/2017

[brucelucenta]

Definitely one of the nicest looking and fanciest Kelvinator sets. I have not ever personally seen either model of this set in my years washer and dryer interest, but they certainly would be quite a find. Kelvinator has always been my personal favorite of top load machines because of the unique way that they wash. Their washing action does a good job of cleaning and is quite entertaining to watch through the big round glass lid. Back in the 50's and early 60's consumer reports rated them from high to about average. Once many of the other manufacturers re designed their machines to hold larger loads, Kevinator was not as popular and was down rated in consumer reports too. This was mostly because Kelvinator held a fairly small load of clothes in comparison to many of the other machines. Seems strange that so many of these interesting and unique machines like this were only made for such a short number of years. I think that ABC/Kelvinator only had their run from about 1948-49 to 1966-67. A relatively short interval actually.

 

[frigilux]

I knew one family with a Kelvinator when I was a kid.  Never saw another.  Many years later, I wondered if I'd only imagined or dreamed the "stirring" agitation action.  Upon discovering AW,  I saw Robert's video of his ABC, and the memories came rushing back.  They definitely take the checkered flag for high-action splashy drama.

 

Here's Paul's video of his machine.  It opens with the "Shampoo Action" (or what Kelvinator called the Magic Minute).  It completes the fill and remaining wash agitation at 2:04.

 

Don't know that the Shampoo Action/Magic Minute made much difference---the tub is nearly full of water so detergent concentration is increased only a bit and the extra scrubbing is so brief---but it allowed one to keep the lid open before everything went into hyper-splash mode once the tub had completed filling.

 

[peteski50]

Kelvinator!

It is very entertaining and by far had superior washing and rinsing action. I really wish they would have made a 1/18!

 

[vacerator]

Despite

current attitude, some good things have come out of Detroit.
In fact, on Townshend street, where Martha Reeves grew up, near Charlevoix are some very nice brand new town homes. Yesterday, it was announced the old St. Charles school there will be converted to loft style condos.
It's a slow comeback, but it is happening.
I'm certain it took a long while in Harlem also. It's also less expensive here, so it may be faster.
Community garden farms also. Hollywood California has one between Gardiner st. and the block to the west on Hollywood blvd.