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spiraclean

spiraclean

Active member
Joined
Feb 26, 2015
Messages
40
Location
UK
Hi fellow washer lovers,
Here is a drum shot of the Dyson Contra Rotator the Worlds only Two Drum Washing Machine. The drum is designed in two halves during the wash each half rotates in opposite directions.
I have QuickTime videos of it in action so if anyone wants a copy my e-mail address is [email protected] they are just over 10Mb.
Best Regards.
Hugh

6-22-2005-16-57-42--Spiraclean.jpg
 
would be interesting to see it work-but didn't Dyson decide not to send that design to the US? I saw it discussed on "Whats the Best Vacuum Cleaner" website forum.I would think the counterrotating drums would stretch and tear clothes.On this forum they also talk about Haier buying Maytag.Tried putting in a link-but doesn't work.Just type up "whats the best vacuum cleaner" and that should get you to it.
 
Hi Rex,
Yes unfortunatly it was not sold in the USA and due to the high price (£1200 about $2100 at launch) it was not selling well in the UK and has now ceased production. I agree that one would think it could damage the laundry but it does not harm even the most delicate of fabrics.
I think it is a design worthy of sharing on this site.
Regards.
Hugh.
 
Hugh:
Thats interesting-the design didn't follow thru-guess what ones made it out there are now classics!!
I do have two Dyson vacs-the "Ball" and the "animal" The Ball I got new and the Animal one got from the Kirby distributor before she went under.The animal one was in pretty good shape.The $2100 price would not fly in the area where I live-The folks would look at it and say--"$2100 for a washer?We'll just go to Sears and get a Kenmore"The price is pretty steep.
 
The washer seems really gentle on your laundry. For some reason I thought it would be more aggressive.
 
Haha...

I agree, Lawrence....need to put your sunglasses on for that pic...

But it sure beats generic white! :-) Rather slick looking piece of hardware in my opinion...I rather like it.

John
 
Re: Dyson Dual Drum Washer:

Hi! Hugh, I'm confused somewhat, is this your actual Washer, or were you being kind enough to go to a dealer where you live and take these Photos of the Dyson Dual Drum Washer, inside and the Beautiful Front of the Cabinet? I as with no doubt so many love the Clear-Purple Accents on the Front of the Washer. If this is actually your Washer, have you ever used it, or did you just get it and have hardly used it or haven't used it as of yet?

Thank you for whichever this is, for sharing it with us.

Peace and Happy Washing, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
 
Hugh,

Did you have any information about the US launch. Some seem to think it's still coming here even though it wasn't a success in the UK.

>>Chris:
The Dyson washing machine (and matching Dryer) are not 'dead'. They are simply not being made in the UK (now the production is all in Malaysia), and are no longer sold in the UK. They ARE however gearing up for a US launch to coincide with the new water useable laws going on the books next year for many states in the US. America is going for front loading washers in a big way - and Dyson washers and dryers are going to appear on the US market soon. Timing is everything in business.<<
 
Hi Jet,
Unfortunately they are already NLA also a UK spec machine is fitted with a 2600 Watt water heater and would need to be connected to a Single Phase 240 Volt 50 Cycle 13 Amp electrical supply.

Hi Rex,
Yes I think the price was the problem but it is extremely well made and is fitted with two main motors mounted side by side driving the same belt. It’s a shame to see such an innovative design go out of production.

Hi Acerone,
Yes it is surprisingly gentle yet vigorous at the same time flexing the fibres of the laundry to let the detergent solution lift dirt and stains out. It cleans superbly.

Hi Jeff,
The drum fills through the detergent dispenser drawer so the water enters the outer tub on the top right hand side.

Hi Lawrence & John,
Yes it is eye catching to say the least but its styling does reflect its advanced design and you do get used to it after a while.

Hi Steve,
Sorry for the confusion. I am fanatical about washers and have quiet a few machines but I use my Whirlpool Top Loader more than any other machine and I like it best. There is nothing to beat a good old agitator thrashing away.

Hi again Acerone,
I am sorry I don’t have any information on a USA launch the information provided to me by a Dyson Engineer is that all production of the Dyson Contra Rotator has stopped world wide but he could be wrong. I think it would be great if this superb design could live on in the USA, as for a matching drier Dyson never produced one in the UK. Please keep me posted if the machine is launched in the USA I would love to hear about it and see its matching drier.

All the best.
Hugh
 
Dyson QuickTime Video

Hi everyone,
I have been sending out e-mails all night and I hope I have not forgot anyone. If you have not received your e-mail yet or an e-mail from YouSendIt.com (See my link) with a download link please e-mail me and let me know my address is [email protected] I will do my best to get it to you.

Hi hooverac216,
Your e-mail address seems to be invalid; if you email me with an alternative address I will be pleased to send it to you.

Must go now it’s almost 4AM here in the UK

All the best.
Hugh.

http://https//www.yousendit.com/
 
Hugh: Could see a few problems for the Dyson washer in the US-It would have to be designed to run on 120V 15A circuit.Thats what most washers in the US run on.That would make it difficult for a heater and running the motor(s) at the same time.In US homes-one could have an electrician run a 240V 15A line to run the machine with the heater.The 2600W heater would be impossible to run on the 120V 15A line.Is the machine temporarily out of production to move building it from UK to Malaysia?Most people in the US would not want to pay $2100 for a washer. to be honest I sure don't want to.I would use my vintage machines or even take the clothes to a laundramat. The $2100 price will price it out of the typical US market.I too love the TL machines with the tradiational agitators. Just what I am used to and like the shorter cycle times. The water use means nothing to me.Water is the least expensive utility in my area.But the counterrotating baskets sounds intesting though.Do both of them spin in the same direction when the machine goes inot its spin cycle?I was assuming that the baskets would.And you would think the counterrotating baskets could distribute the clothes effectively for spin balance.Too- one the motor drives-would there be a motor and belt for each basket?I don't understand how it would work by driving a common belt with two motors.And it is a pretty and attractive machine- Dyson LOVES to produce COLORFUL products- matches his vacuum cleaners.
 
Hi Rex,
Yes the voltage difference would certainly be an issue if the Contra Rotator is to be sold in the US. As for the price I doubt it would be marketed at $2100 I just made a price conversion from Pounds Sterling to US Dollars based on the £1200 UK launch price that I paid for my machine. There were also two cheaper models available with less features available priced at £1100 and £999 respectively and the price of the machines were later reduced by as much as £200. Also bear in mind that goods in the UK cost much more than they do in the USA, VAT is charged on almost everything even heating fuel at 17.5% and the tax on Gasoline and Diesel is nothing short of criminal.
The Counter Rotation is only used during the wash part of the cycle the drums lock together during rinses and of course the 1400 RPM spin (Spin speeds are reduced to 500, 800 or 1100 RPM on delicate cycles depending on the program selected).
The twin main motors drive a single belt which turns a single drum pulley, the Contra Rotation is achieved using an epicyclical gearbox which Dyson claims is as strong as a cars gearbox, it needs to be strong as a lot of torque is required to spin the baskets in opposite directions with a soaking wet load of laundry (7Kg 14Lbs Dry weight cottons capacity).
The purpose of the Counter Rotation is to provide much shorter wash times without compromising on cleaning and stains removal performance and it does work. It provides superb cleaning with fast cycle times but it's still no match for my Whirlpool Agitator Top Loader.
Regarding production unfortunately it is permanently out of production in the UK and the Dyson engineer I spoke to said it was not going to be produced in Malaysia, he said it was not going to be produced again as it was not making any money. I think its sad because it is a truly unique design like all Dyson products.

All the best.
Hugh.
 
Speed or cleaning

Hi David,
I mean cycle times, both machines clean superbly. I have no problems with stain removal in either washer. I used to do laundry for my elderly great aunt (She has sadly passed away at 98 years) she was doubly incontinent so I had heavily stained laundry to do every day. My Whirlpool Agitator Top Loader got everything spotless clean and fresh using a cold pre wash followed by a 10 minute hot wash with high speed agitation 180 oscillations per minute. My aunt’s carers often asked me how I got everything washed so clean again, I told them I used my Whirlpool American Top Loader.

All the best.
Hugh.

P.S.
I must go to bed its 6:10AM here, this site is far to addictive LOL.
 
that is too bad Dyson isn't going to build their washers anymore-does sound like an interesting and unique design.and even effective.Would like to see that epicyclical transmission.Well-think the fate of it was sealed if the WP TL machine could clean as well and in less time.I have a BD WP Imperial TL machine in my 3 washer collection.Very pleased with it.when I looked at the transmission in it-looks like something you would see in a car or a small tractor.Its got to be over 30 years old and still going strong.As long as the oil in it doesn't leak or get contaiminated-should run for??much like a projector transmission.It would have been interesting for them to introduce that washer to the US market and see how it does-If they had other models as was pointed out-probably would of had a chance.
 
Dyson video

Hugh Thanks for the video!

What's washing in the Dyson video? Is it a Duvet? It looks very puffy or maybe that's just the wash action. It reminds me of my Maytag Neptune TL which simulates hand washing like the Dyson. The Maytag sometimes tangles the clothes when washing; say a large load of only jeans in the long sturdy cycle. That's partly because it only turns in one direction. It sounds like Dyson took care of this by locking the two tubs together on rinse. Does the Dyson tumble in one direction and then in the other like other front loaders on rinse? Do you have the tangling problem with the Dyson?

To see the Maytag in action, click the link, and at the end of the video click "view the demo" under "the Maytag Neptune Top-Load washer:" at the end of that video click "cleaning & care" and at the end of that video click the middle of the tub "rotating tumblers" and you can see the action.


--Jeff

http://www.maytagneptune.com/TopLoadDemo/index.html
 

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