TL or FL? The Answer In European washing-machine !!!

[MrX]

Also it's worth remembering WWII basically completely stopped ALL european consumer product innovation for about 20 years.

During the late 1940s and 1950s, Europe was effectively flat broke and rebuilding. So, many households wouldn't have even been able to afford a washing machine.

Hence, it's not supprising that the first front loaders and automatics arrived in the 1950s rather than the 1930s and 40s.

Also, once WWII kicked off almost ALL manufacturing capacity was converted from producing consumer products to producing weapons, military communications systems, radar, etc etc

So, in general, many of the companies that would have been innovating were tied up making military products.

 

[Cybrvanr]

Bendix washing machines were sold as standard equipment in the kitchens of Levitt homes back in the fifties. These were front loading machines that fit under the cabinets. Kenmore mentions that the White-Westinghouse machines were still on the market, so were household grade versions of speed queens.

I am one that tends to perfer front loading machines myself, even from my youngest days. They were fun to watch as a kid because I was eye-level with the glass door windows and could watch the tumble actions going on. My grandmother had an old Westy Laundromat that she ended up getting rid of when I was about 10 years old when the timer broke. She wanted another FL but couldn't find anyone selling one. I was dissapointed with her new TL too, because I couldn't watch it run.

I was working at Sears when the Fridigaire FL came out, and I thought that was a great machine! They were so quiet, and used so little water. They sounded really professional while running because they didn't rumble and whine like FL's did, they had a subdued whir in spin cycle, and that was about it. The insides looked very well engineered too. Despite the interest in mechanical components here, I believe properly engineered electronics will actually outlast mechanical timers and components. The Fridigaires impressed me being having more electronics, and less mechanicals than the TL's.

As much as I like FL's, I hope that they do not dissapear from the market. It's nice when buyers have a choice, and I think that they have a place on the market. One of the things that TL's are great for is soaking heavily soiled clothing, and their fast cycle times. Being single, fast cycles are not an issue with me...I just start the machine and go do other things. I imagine this could be if one had kids, and need to do a lot of clothing in a short amount of time. Oddly enough, it's not something that salespeople bring up with shoppers.

 

[brisnat81]

TL Elements

Hi MrX

Most of the machines over here had 2400W elements (10Amps). Its always been unusual to get appliances requiring 15+amps.

Our sockets are either rated at 10,15 or 20 amps.

 

[spee_man]

TL washer

Thank's for informations! I think I shoult try to get a English washer with internal heater, they run on 230 V too. It's Interesting I can't see any reason for the success of FL washer in Europe. The first ones were constructa and V Zug in Europe. But I cant remember a single manufacturer who made an agitator Automatic. There still where non automatic washers with agitator and a spin dryer or a wringer up to the late 60's. American manufacturers who sold their products on the european market, only purchased Fl washers.

WW2 as a reason for stopping innovations

I think this could not have been the only reason! Bendix developed the first automatic in 1937 pre- war time. Miele didn't do anything, they still sold theyr wodden tub washers with wringer. The first automatic made by miele came out in 1957 or 58. I think the reason was that the manufacturers didn't think that it could be nescesary to develope an automatic. Developments that higher the Standard of Life where mostly made in the USA! Let's take cars for example: servo steering, air condition and radio were first built in US Cars.

 

[foraloysius]

Small correction

The first V-Zug was an H-axis toploader.

And there were some automatic agitator washers, especially from the UK. They had Servis and Hotpoint machines. Neighbours of us had an agitator machine also, but I can't remember what kind of brand it was. I've seen a GE that looks a bit like it, but I'm not sure about it.

Frontloaders probably got more popular because they heated their own water. We (actually my parents had one but replaced it by two tankless) didn't have the big tank water heaters like in the US. And frontloaders are definitely more efficient in heating their water than an agitator toploader.

After the war things were pretty tight in most European households, so there was just no market for luxury things. But in the 60's Europe was catching up I think.

 

[spee_man]

No correction needed!

I only summed up the first automatic FL washer in Europe!

 

[foraloysius]

Perhaps it's me, but i read that you are stating that the first FL's were Constructa and V-Zug. But the V-Zug isn't an FL.

 

[spee_man]

I know,

but over there in America, fl means an H- axis washer.

 

[lavamat_jon]

Actually, FL means Front Loader in America too. The Staber washer is referred to as an H-axis toploader .

Jon

 

[vivalalavatrice]

I wonder why?!?!?

If all those new American FL wahsers your are speaking about were with a top loading sistem...
That's would be THE SOLUTION! Any renounce to TL advantages with the efficientest washing system!
I remember my aunt's old washer... a 1972 IGNIS (a Whirlpool brand now) h-axis TL wahsers (54cmx60cm, with a very faboulous outter tub closing system), it was a great machine! She still have a TL but now is a 1992 Zoppas (Zanussi's brand)...

If anyone knows or has got any pics of that IGNIS.. ah, I will be pleasent and greatful only to view them!

GoodBye everyone
Diomede