POD 9-15-17 Kenmore 700 On Sale!

[tomturbomatic]

This machine had the water temperature and speeds in the timer like the push button lock stop timers, but without the more expensive and space consuming lock stop timer assembly so they could sell the machine at a lower price because in addition to a less expensive timer, they were able to get by without separate water temperature  and speed switches, except for the cold water option switch. It was pretty clever marketing to be able to present a programmed washer for less money. It was basically what you got with the lock stop timers if you pushed the manual button under the timer.

 

[frigilux]

The 700 certainly had a nice array of features for the price point. Throw in a suds-saver for only a few dollars more. Kenmore/Whirlpool was very fond of letting the cycle dictate agitation and spin speeds. Recall only a few models with independent speed selection.

I think Bob (appnut) is very familiar with the 700/800 models. Maybe he'll drop by and add his experience to the conversation.

 

[jmm63]

That was the washer I grew up with and the matching dryer.  Purchased in 1969 in Coppertone. Moved with us to 3 different houses. Mom had it until 1996 when the washer finally quit and replaced it with another Kenmore set.  

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

And you can order it with a Suds-Saver!

-- Dave

 

[brucelucenta]

What more could one ask for? This machine pretty much had everything anyone might want or need in a washing machine. I personally preferred machines with separate settings for everything, but this one did seem to do everything you would probably ever need with only a dial and a couple of switches. Nice heavy duty machine that usually lasted a long time and did it's job quite well.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Letters "A" through "G"--Where is "H&#34

I see in place of a letter being designated for a "Soak" that a switch is put there, allowing the washer for it to automatically advance there or for the user to manually do it if he/she desires, regardless of the cycle--and a third position of that switch turns it off...

-- Dave

 

[appnut]

Switch is 2nd rinse.

 

[lordkenmore]

I honestly can't get very excited about this washer's "programming." When it was new, it seems like one might as well have learned basic laundry practice and applied it to a washer that is probably cheaper and that will likely work as well as the 700.

 

While more complicated, the Lady Kenmore did have full programming--no need to coordinate letters and dial positions. Just punch a button, and twist the knob. The only advantage I see with the 700 is that it would make modifying a cycle easier. My mother had a LK, and I remember her often hitting a button ("Selective Dialing" IIRC) that would allow her to shorten the cycle time. So, in that case, the 700 would probably have a slight plus.

 

 

 

 

 

[circlew]

My Aunt Eloise had this washer (and matching dryer) in Avocado. It was purchased when they moved into the new home they built in the Summer of '71 to replace the one destroyed by Hurricane Camille in '69. The old house had a Frigidaire washer that was in a detatched laundry shed at the end of the driveway - I guess it got washed away. They got some old washer to use until they built the new place, but no dryer until the new house.

 

[vintagekenmore]

We had this machine in Coppertone. Mom bought it from a used appliance dealer for 75 bucks....I remember it having the gold agitator with the fabric softener dispenser on top of it. When she used it, Mom always used the "B" cycle. Our house was old and the hot water pressure to the basement was really bad so it took forever to wash a load of whites if we used the "A" cycle. I think we had that machine for three or four years until one day Mom went to use it and when she started the machine "poof" and smoke came from around the timer. It was definitely a workhorse for sure

 

[appnut]

This really isn't much different than its upscale sibling the Kenmore 800.  The 700 didn't have a console light (fluorescent I don't think).  It also didn't have timed detergent dispenser and auto soak/prewash to wash.  Otherwise the rest of the essential features were the same.  The family next door my mom grew up with had one daughter her same age.  The two of them were very close all their lives.  One of the last times I was in their Houston house she had this washer and a Kenmore 800 dryer lol.  There was also a Gaffers & Sattler rotorack dishwasher.  (Yes that's right).  I even walked over and gave it real close inspection to make sure I wasn't misreading the dishwasher panel.