Does anyone like Whirlpool or GE still make them? I can't find any, but I can still get what appears to be a direct drive thin twin. What is the story with those anyway?
Portable Top Load washers
- Thread starter Chetlaham
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arbilab
Well-known member
The only current portable US-sold topload automatic I can think of is Haier. Read the reviews before jumping into one.
tinkr
Well-known member
Haier washers 1.6 cu ft.
It cleans well. 120 degree hot water max. They review as one of the best.
But before anyone buys one they should make sure there is a repair co that can work on it near you.
I purchased mine thru Walmart. With extended 2 yr warranty.
I was very careful not to overload it but the transmission went out, no warning just stopped. just before the extended warranty expired.
There was only 1 repair co in the Phoenix area, they did fix it.
It's 5 years old and still running.
How long will it last heaven only knows.
It is not my weekly driver. I usually use a Maytag wringer. And the haier as a spinner only.
It cleans well. 120 degree hot water max. They review as one of the best.
But before anyone buys one they should make sure there is a repair co that can work on it near you.
I purchased mine thru Walmart. With extended 2 yr warranty.
I was very careful not to overload it but the transmission went out, no warning just stopped. just before the extended warranty expired.
There was only 1 repair co in the Phoenix area, they did fix it.
It's 5 years old and still running.
How long will it last heaven only knows.
It is not my weekly driver. I usually use a Maytag wringer. And the haier as a spinner only.
The Laundry Alternative
The Laundry Alternative has a fully automatic model.
The footprint a lot smaller than the Haier but the capacity is almost the same (the tub is only 1 inch shorter).
Some people think it's a toy, because the washer is really small.
Even built in China, it's an american project, so it was made for the american needs, including a decent lint filter, stands up to 120°F and it has a decent full tub water level. No "High efficiency" dumbness.
It's much cheaper than Haier and it comes with a 2-year full coverage warranty. If something goes wrong with it, TLA simply sends you a new washer for free.
Review:
Product link: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/our-products/super-compact-full-automatic-washing-machine/
The Laundry Alternative has a fully automatic model.
The footprint a lot smaller than the Haier but the capacity is almost the same (the tub is only 1 inch shorter).
Some people think it's a toy, because the washer is really small.
Even built in China, it's an american project, so it was made for the american needs, including a decent lint filter, stands up to 120°F and it has a decent full tub water level. No "High efficiency" dumbness.
It's much cheaper than Haier and it comes with a 2-year full coverage warranty. If something goes wrong with it, TLA simply sends you a new washer for free.
Review:
Product link: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/our-products/super-compact-full-automatic-washing-machine/
Thats awful. Why did Whirlpool stop making them?
I think i know the reason.... ENERGY GUIDE LABEL.
the bigger the washer, the better it is for the energy efficiency standards. not exactly for the clothes, but for the waer and electricity use ratings.
Add to that the "average american estereotype consumer" that is a workaholic and HATE doing laundry so they accumulate dirty laundry for as much as they can to do everything at once. Understand it as washing bed sheets, clothes, towels, kitchen towels, whites, coloured and blacks, underwear with tiremarks and even the children, the cat, the dog, and it it fits, even the matress and the husband all together in the same load.
To make things worse, there's the "show off" factor. people that want to show off to their friends only to say "look, my washer is bigger than yours"
And also, the production cost. A 1 cu ft washer costs almost the same as a 5 cu ft washer. What varies according to the size is reasonably cheap (plastic, steel, zinc, glass) and what really costs in a washer is the same (motor with a minimal price change) drain pump, inlet solenoid valves, wiring, control board, and production line staff.
the bigger the washer, the better it is for the energy efficiency standards. not exactly for the clothes, but for the waer and electricity use ratings.
Add to that the "average american estereotype consumer" that is a workaholic and HATE doing laundry so they accumulate dirty laundry for as much as they can to do everything at once. Understand it as washing bed sheets, clothes, towels, kitchen towels, whites, coloured and blacks, underwear with tiremarks and even the children, the cat, the dog, and it it fits, even the matress and the husband all together in the same load.
To make things worse, there's the "show off" factor. people that want to show off to their friends only to say "look, my washer is bigger than yours"
And also, the production cost. A 1 cu ft washer costs almost the same as a 5 cu ft washer. What varies according to the size is reasonably cheap (plastic, steel, zinc, glass) and what really costs in a washer is the same (motor with a minimal price change) drain pump, inlet solenoid valves, wiring, control board, and production line staff.
But surely people who live in apartments need one?
launderess
Well-known member
Whirlpool's Last Compact Top Loader
Was model number LCE4332PQ which though recently discontinued can still be found if you look hard enough.
https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/LCE4332PQ.html
My guess is WP concentrating on their front load "compact" washer which aside from not being portable is probably a better bet capacity wise. You can fit far more into the latter and use less water.
You can find a pretty exhaustive list of compact "portable" top loading washers here: http://portable-washing-machine.toptenreviews.com/whirlpool-portable-washer-review.html
Was model number LCE4332PQ which though recently discontinued can still be found if you look hard enough.
https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/LCE4332PQ.html
My guess is WP concentrating on their front load "compact" washer which aside from not being portable is probably a better bet capacity wise. You can fit far more into the latter and use less water.
You can find a pretty exhaustive list of compact "portable" top loading washers here: http://portable-washing-machine.toptenreviews.com/whirlpool-portable-washer-review.html
I always wondered about A.J. Madison if they kept NLA appliances in stock for a long time or if they were just bad at maintaining their website.
launderess
Well-known member
Should have looked at the bottom of webpage
A.J. Madison lists the product as NLA, indeed many places sold out of the units including Sears and Sears Outlet.
For urban dwellers such as in the New York City area those compact top loaders are a big seller. Especially where you aren't allowed to have W&D units installed. Just roll them up to the sink to do their business, then put away in closet or in a corner hidden by perhaps a table cloth or sheet.
A.J. Madison lists the product as NLA, indeed many places sold out of the units including Sears and Sears Outlet.
For urban dwellers such as in the New York City area those compact top loaders are a big seller. Especially where you aren't allowed to have W&D units installed. Just roll them up to the sink to do their business, then put away in closet or in a corner hidden by perhaps a table cloth or sheet.
Launderess, there's somethign wrong on that comparison...
both Midea and Magic Chef 1.6 cu ft washers are exactly the same product, made exactly in the same plant, with the same components and exactly the same cycles. THe only difference is a different design on the lid.
How can they have a discrepancy on the tests?
both Midea and Magic Chef 1.6 cu ft washers are exactly the same product, made exactly in the same plant, with the same components and exactly the same cycles. THe only difference is a different design on the lid.
How can they have a discrepancy on the tests?
launderess
Well-known member
Don't look at me
Only found the link......
*LOL*
Only found the link......
*LOL*
There haven't been any worth a damn:
Since WP stopped the production of the DD portable. The best ever was the KM version of that which was the ONLY portable to offer dual action. It is also a very robust machine. Overbuilt to say the least.
WK78
Since WP stopped the production of the DD portable. The best ever was the KM version of that which was the ONLY portable to offer dual action. It is also a very robust machine. Overbuilt to say the least.
WK78
vacerator
Well-known member
Three quarter scale Whirlpool
washers and dryers were the best.
washers and dryers were the best.
user 3941
Well-known member
GE and Kenmore
both have "portable" models. The GE one is 2.6 cu ft but is wicked expensive. The Kenmore might be new and it sells for around $450-500...looks like a nice machine...with matching dryer. The Kenmore has a 110 source code, for Whirlpool, so my guess is WP supplies it to Kenmore, but it's doubtful they actually make it...I dunno...
http://www.sears.com/ge-appliances-...p-02604402000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
http://www.sears.com/kenmore-44422-...2644422000P?prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10
both have "portable" models. The GE one is 2.6 cu ft but is wicked expensive. The Kenmore might be new and it sells for around $450-500...looks like a nice machine...with matching dryer. The Kenmore has a 110 source code, for Whirlpool, so my guess is WP supplies it to Kenmore, but it's doubtful they actually make it...I dunno...
http://www.sears.com/ge-appliances-...p-02604402000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
http://www.sears.com/kenmore-44422-...2644422000P?prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10
IS there a parts list for that? I just don't get it, I mean they still supply a compact dryer and Whirlpool's thin twins are still direct drive. That and the fact nearly all modern top load whirlpools are based on the "splutch" design which originated out of Whirlpool portables.
vacerator
Well-known member
Those look
like Asian made washers, not the Whirlpool world washer design.
like Asian made washers, not the Whirlpool world washer design.
yogitunes
Well-known member
the 'world washer' seemed to take the DD place.....most likely, cheaper to build....down side of not having a matched set, as far as size of the units, you could set them side by side for a somewhat counter top when not in use
now your only choice is a stack rack....
I have an Avanti 1.7...impellor machine...works flawless, actually better than its bigger full size counter parts...features and options those don't even offer, especially for the price they charge....
puzzled by the ones with a transmission....didn't know there were ones with them, most of all the ones I seen just have the solenoid/actuator to hold the tub in place until ready to spin....
typical of any machine out there, some good that last forever, and some not so great, with a series of issues....
but yeah, most all look alike, most likely all built by the same company, Midea, RCA, Avanti, Haier, Danby....
now your only choice is a stack rack....
I have an Avanti 1.7...impellor machine...works flawless, actually better than its bigger full size counter parts...features and options those don't even offer, especially for the price they charge....
puzzled by the ones with a transmission....didn't know there were ones with them, most of all the ones I seen just have the solenoid/actuator to hold the tub in place until ready to spin....
typical of any machine out there, some good that last forever, and some not so great, with a series of issues....
but yeah, most all look alike, most likely all built by the same company, Midea, RCA, Avanti, Haier, Danby....
Kenmore World Washer
If anyone is interested I found a site about the internal parts within one of these portable:
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Kenmore_110_Series_Washing_Machine
Anyway, looking at the manual on the Sears site it looks like it might have a similar design transmission:
http://i.sears.com/s/d/pdf/mp-tc/10130653/prod_2049220612
Question. Does Whirlpool still make the DD design for their thin twins or is it just left over stock?
If anyone is interested I found a site about the internal parts within one of these portable:
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Kenmore_110_Series_Washing_Machine
Anyway, looking at the manual on the Sears site it looks like it might have a similar design transmission:
http://i.sears.com/s/d/pdf/mp-tc/10130653/prod_2049220612
Question. Does Whirlpool still make the DD design for their thin twins or is it just left over stock?
this portable is actually a "consul" washer from Brazil, and it's nothing more than an old "Brastemp Clean" that came right after the world washer.
Until today Whirlpool uses the World Washer platform for all Brastemp and Consul models in Brazil and some other brands in south america. (Whirlpool, eslabón de lujo, etc)
It's reliable up to a certain point, specially after they started to make the washers bigger and bigger but kept the same size for the parts.
If i'm not mistaken, this Whirlpool/Kenmore washer is actually made in Brazil.
Until today Whirlpool uses the World Washer platform for all Brastemp and Consul models in Brazil and some other brands in south america. (Whirlpool, eslabón de lujo, etc)
It's reliable up to a certain point, specially after they started to make the washers bigger and bigger but kept the same size for the parts.
If i'm not mistaken, this Whirlpool/Kenmore washer is actually made in Brazil.
How close is the drive mechanism to the old world washer design?
harpon
Well-known member
There are some nice various models of smaller portables listed on Amazon. Some are obviously the same manufacturer and listed under different names: Midea, Curtis RCA.
As someone who lives alone- I love the- they are very lightweight and portable. I have a Haier hooked to a laundry faucet I put in in place of an old double sink counter in the bathroom, and that lets me drain it right there too. A semi-permanent set-up and the laundry faucet controls the temp easily. (See my Haier thread below)http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?66272_2
The portables come basically from les than a cubic feet up to 2.5 or 3 feet and then they start approaching more typical top loads in design.
I thought there may be more use ones appearing for sale, but they are still not that plentiful several years later. I still see some whirlpools and small Kenmore units too. There seem to be more listed in Gainesville here all the time, so I guess they are popular with mobile students.
I've had the 1.5 Haier unit two years now and it works wonderfully, and just picked up another newer model used for a song.
As someone who lives alone- I love the- they are very lightweight and portable. I have a Haier hooked to a laundry faucet I put in in place of an old double sink counter in the bathroom, and that lets me drain it right there too. A semi-permanent set-up and the laundry faucet controls the temp easily. (See my Haier thread below)http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?66272_2
The portables come basically from les than a cubic feet up to 2.5 or 3 feet and then they start approaching more typical top loads in design.
I thought there may be more use ones appearing for sale, but they are still not that plentiful several years later. I still see some whirlpools and small Kenmore units too. There seem to be more listed in Gainesville here all the time, so I guess they are popular with mobile students.
I've had the 1.5 Haier unit two years now and it works wonderfully, and just picked up another newer model used for a song.
launderess
Well-known member
IIRC
Like dishwashers the market for portable/compact washing machines was never that large. This is why really only a handful of appliance makers historically produced all units either under their own name or rebadged.
Portable dishwashers and washing machines probably had greater demand back in the day when many homes of any size lacked permanent connections.
Built in dishwashers have long since gone from a comfort to something most looking at a new home demand. Washing machines and dryers even for that last holdout (apartments) is fast becoming the same, even here in NYC.
When you think about it a "compact" (but standard size elsewhere in the world) front loader can handle more laundry than a traditional portable top loader with a central beater. Only problem is it isn't portable, but you can built it in or whatever often even where space is tight.
The design that won't die; impeller washers having been around for ages does make sense perhaps for those small apartment/compact top loaders. Removing the central beater does free up room to increase capacity. Making the design adaptable to not just the USA but the world increases the market for what could be an otherwise limited demand.
Like dishwashers the market for portable/compact washing machines was never that large. This is why really only a handful of appliance makers historically produced all units either under their own name or rebadged.
Portable dishwashers and washing machines probably had greater demand back in the day when many homes of any size lacked permanent connections.
Built in dishwashers have long since gone from a comfort to something most looking at a new home demand. Washing machines and dryers even for that last holdout (apartments) is fast becoming the same, even here in NYC.
When you think about it a "compact" (but standard size elsewhere in the world) front loader can handle more laundry than a traditional portable top loader with a central beater. Only problem is it isn't portable, but you can built it in or whatever often even where space is tight.
The design that won't die; impeller washers having been around for ages does make sense perhaps for those small apartment/compact top loaders. Removing the central beater does free up room to increase capacity. Making the design adaptable to not just the USA but the world increases the market for what could be an otherwise limited demand.
Makes perfect sense. But to be honest its more out of missing what I had. Those world washers were better than DDs in almost all respects. They were gentler, cleaned better, rinsed really well and never suds locked, no matter how hard you tried. I remember using one to avoid the dreaded GE top loader I had in my apartment a decade back, and while I thought at first I made a mistake buying it (I was really skeptical and was convinced it would be only a hair better) it actually turned out far better than I expected it to be. To be honest I ended up liking that little washer more than my previous DD. It was a Kenmore which even came with a Hand-wash cycle. Only down fall was the machine would do a 180 after every spin cycle came to an end, but latter models took care of that by running the pump (and in turn splutch break solenoid) after the drive motor shut off letting the tub coast to a stop. I miss the little critter. A seal leak did it in (it was used) and the latter version I ended up giving away when I moved and acquired a full size belt drive Kenmore.
