The Kenmore 500 I use pictures

[j2400]

I just got a new-to-me digital camera. So I thought I might post photos of the washer I use.

This washer, a Kenmore 500 (model # on ID plate on back is 110-6904504) was left behind by the last tenant, and it was a selling point for moving here. (I couldn't say this anywhere but here without being called crazy!)

While cosmetically worn (control panel paint partly gone, some rust spots), it seems to work quite well. It certainly works A LOT better than the washer at my old place: a Frigidaire. (WCI, not GM).

One thing that impresses me with this Kenmore is that it never goes off balance. A strong memory of the vintage Kenmore I once knew pretty well many, many years ago was the sound of the off balance buzzer. I'd thought all Kenmores might have balance issues.

I'm not sure how interesting this washer is for collectors here. It's not restored, and it's cosmetically flawed. But I decided I'd post these photos, since someone might be interested.

I'm sorry the photos aren't the best--I'm still getting used to the camera, and the laundry room has various issues that don't really help.

 

[j2400]

Control panel:

-Left knob is water level (3 levels).
-Middle knob is timer. (Strange location for Kenmore--most I've seen have the timer on the far right. Stealing ideas from Maytag here?) Timer has 3 cycles: Normal (up to 14 minutes wash time), Delicate, and Permanent Press.
-Lever on right is wash temperature. According to the lid instructions, the rinse is warm for both hot and warm wash. For Permanent Press, they tell you to wait until the wash water is in, then manually switch the switch to cold. I may be an idiot, but I have to think that they could have wired things to support cold rinse automatically for Permanent Press for little extra. Then, again, I guess they needed incentive for people to buy a Lady Kenmore, instead.

 

[j2400]

The inside

 

[j2400]

The under lid instructions. You can tell it's vintage: they don't mention "energy saving" cold rinses!

They don't mention cold water wash for anything, either, although it's an option.

 

[j2400]

The 500 washing, which gives a good view of the lint filter.

The suds level is a little high--but we need not worry. It's a Kenmore, and, as we all know, Kenmores never suds lock!

 

[j2400]

In another thread, I'll show pictures of the matching dryer...

 

[danelto]

I'm in Love

She's absolutely gorgeous.

 

[toploader1984]

fabulous machine! i would LOVE to see some videos!!

 

[alr2903]

Sure, the painted parts may have a few flaws after all these years, of use. But the porcelain looks "minty" fresh. I hope it gives you many years of service.

 

[cycla-fabric]

Nice Kenmore

A nice Kenmore you have there, and in good shape for it's age too. It looks like it was built around 1969 or 1970. So take care of it, and it will serve you well.

Doug

 

[j2400]

Thanks for the comments. I think videos would be nice, although I don't have the equipment right now. It's amazing that I even have the camera--up until now, I haven't had a digital camera. At least, one that could take passable photos.

The condition of the washer is probably not as good as it looks. There are some slight rust spots (on the back if I recall right). I met the previous tenant (the person who moved the machine in). I'm not sure I remember the story right, but the best I can remember is that he'd moved the machine in, and it was like new. The laundry room condition (leaky roof) put an end to that. The roof is really bad now--although it will be fixed this summer. Or so I'm told.

Still, I've seen machines in worse condition.

Here's a picture I took last night, showing plain water. (Not totally plain--is during the deep rinse. But it's certainly more clear than water with detergent!) The water action can seem turbulent--although that may be because I was used to a newer Frigidaire! The water is more turbulent at the lowest settings--splashing high enough to easily hit the lid.

 

[70series]

Awesome Kenmore you've got there. You did not see many Rotoswirls in 500 models at that time, so that makes this very special. I am guessing that the knob regulating the temperature is a replacement. It seems to read Hi, Med, Lo, which is how a water level knob would read. Since this model only has one water level, that knob most likely replaced a broken temperature knob.

I love these models. My aunt had one like this, but hers was a 1970 model. The 500s from that year also had water level knobs and str8 vane agitators. You have got a beauty here. Thanks for sharing the photos.

Have a good one,
James

 

[golittlesport]

The water temp is on a slide control on the right side of main control dial...how unusual. The slide controls were usually used for the water level, while the smaller rotating dial would normally be water temp...sorta backwards of what one would expect of a Kenmore.

Cool machine. Thanks for the pictures.

 

[gansky1]

Does this have the maze filter or the mesh replacement?

You'll have lots of fun with this machine, I always like the BOL KM's from this time.

 

[70series]

Slide control:

Wow, I did not catch that. So I guess that knob really does regulate water level. I retract my earlier assumption.

Upon taking a look at the action shots, it does appear that the water is higher in the 2nd shot.

Have a good one,
James

 

[j2400]

The lever on the right does control the temperature. Apparently hot, warm, and cold wash. Warm rinse unless the cold wash is selected. It seems a little odd--I'm not an expert like some here, but I've seen a number of Kenmores from this rough era, and I don't think any had a lever for temperature.

I assume the filter is the maze--it's plastic, with pins sticking up that catch the lint.

And yes, I'm having lots of fun with this machine!

 

[alr2903]

You never know with Sears, it could of been a "only available by catalogue" machine.

 

[70series]

There were a few models that had levers to regulate temperature, albeit very few. The ones that did were 800 models from 1968 and 1966, and perhaps a few others. This is the only 500 series model that has one. Up until 1968/1969, 500 models only had the rotary knob that selected temperature. None of the 500 models from previous years had water level selectors. This washer is truly unique.