Suggestions for a Beginner

[gmmcnair]

Hello Everyone,

I am currently in the market to replace my Kenmore laundry center. With a little creative rearranging, I should be able to put a standard washer and dryer in place of the stackable unit that doesn't meet our needs. It's a Frigidaire made machine and it works fine, no problems, but I cannot reach the water faucets to shut them off in the event of a ruptured hose. That makes me REALLY nervous.

I would like to find something with a bit of vintage flair, but this machine is going to need to be a daily use machine, something that's going to stand up to 1-2 loads per day, and have parts available for repair as necessary, from an appliance shop if no one on the forum has something to sell. I've been reading the posts, and I find the wonderful old Thors, Frigidaires, and Kelvinators wonderful, but I need something a little more common, but not so common as the new plastic tubbed machines or the front loaders that make old houses shake. I would also like to be able to call an appliance repair company on those occasions that I'm in over my head.

Of course, once I get my basement "showroom" complete one of these years, I would love to find some of these rarities. Until then, I need something to get my clothes clean and looks in character with our 1947 vintage house. Since I am new to this, what would all of you recommend? Basically, something with a reasonable tub capacity, relatively easy to service (I am a novice), and a good parts network. Thank you all so much...this is a wonderful place. I didn't know so many people shared my interest.

Mike

 

[westytoploader]

One word: MAYTAG! I'm thinking large-capacity, such as an A806.

 

[goatfarmer]

Yes,a Maytag.606's are a little more common than an 806,but both can still be found.Both are large capacity.Belt drive Whirlpools also seem to last forever,and are still commonly found.

kennyGF

 

[andrewinorlando]

Maytags, Whirlpools (belt drive) or the GE Filter Flo....all seem to last forever.

 

[brettsomers]

maytags from the 70s have the look of 50s appliances. if in white, it would blend well. (image borrowed from AW.org)

 

[pdub]

Mike,

I think a GE Filter-Flo set with the Extra Rinse option is what you need. I think I remember you mentioning in another thread that getting the detergent out of clothes was important to you (skin allergies). While Maytag's are great machines they lack that extra rinse option and also don't have a spray rinse in the final spin, only in the wash spin. I find myself turning the dial back when a load is done just to get one more rinse as I too like to make sure all the detergent is out of the clothes. I also love the solid tub machines that have the overflow rinse but those are going to be old enough that they might not stand up to regular use without some maintenance and parts. These are just my thoughts and am sure others may know of more machines with the extra rinse feature.

Patrick

 

[norgeman]

Re: different washer and dryer:

I agree with pdub and you should be able to find a Ge. Filter-flo or possibly a late 70's Speed Queen with the solid tub either one of these should stand up to one to two loads a day and not give you to much grief. Or better yet if you can find a Fedder/Norge product that would be even sweeter yet. Just a few sugestion. BTW, welcome to the club. Danf. a.k.a. (Norgeman).

 

[mayken4now]

Maytag A810 TOL

A littler new than 608 or 606, but excellent machines, helicaldrive still and wonderful dryer. 1980

And................ can be yours if the Price is Right!

Steve

 

[gyrafoam]

gmmcnair------

I have personally looked over the set of 'Tags' "Mayken4now" has pictured above. Those machines were pampered by their original owners and to look those over, they appear almost "new out of the box". If the cost of shipping is not too prohibitive to you I would HIGHLY recommend them. The level of reliability and the performance of these machines combined with all the TOL options would make this a premier set.This washer may also have an Extra-Rinse option---although I don't actually remember-----I'm sure Steve can tell you all about it.

In another ten years these will be vintage, and they should keep on ticking for many years after that.

What a great opportunity!
Best wishes!

 

[gmmcnair]

Thanks Everyone...

...and Steve, I'm drooling over those beautiful harvest Maytags. However, the cost of shipping puts them out of the running. :-(

Patrick, you're incredibly observant about posts. I do have a real sensivity to detergents. Certain products with enzymes and certain fragrances leave welts on my skin, so I think an extra rinse option would be good. (Right now, I buy the enzyme free Trader Joe's detergent and it doesn't bother me, but I miss Tide).

I like Dan's idea about a Norge Fedders machine....LOL...I love the "CLUNKS" they make and how much water they spin out. If I'm correct in remembering, Admiral, Magic Chef, Wards, and Western Auto machines were also that design and all built like (noisy) tanks. They used to have the commercial Norges at a laundromat nearby, and I really enjoyed using them. I used to have a GE filter flo, and I loved the clunks on those too....LOL.

Thank you all for your collective input. I really appreciate it. I will probably start my search on Craig's list and go from there.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[gyrafoam]

Mike---

I don't know about your area, but here in the south those old 'Noges show up all the time---as well as their re-badged relatives.

Good luck with your search---you will find something kool----just because you are looking!

 

[norgeman]

Re: New washer and dryer set:

Another sugestion it you want new would be mid to upper line of Frigidaire or even check into the new Speed Queen. The Frigidaire co. have really come up in their quality since Electrolux has taken them over. These are the ones that I recomend to people when asked. Thanks for listening Danf.