Today's POD: Whirlpool Solid State Pair

[imperial70]

Although I did not own a pair of Solid State Whirlpools washers from this era, I did own an Imperial Seventy with the dura-white tub and the winged Super Surgilator. I can honestly say (IMHO, of course) that it was the best wash system I have ever used. It could wash items that said "dry clean only" as well as heavily soiled garden clothes on "Super Wash".

I consider myself truly honored to have owned a whirlpool from that era. I didn't know what I had until I let it go.

If any of you have that wash system, cherish what you have.

 

[arbilab]

What year was this? The ad didn't say.

Some earlier 'hi tech' machines were ahead of their time (Westinghouse program computer). Buyers seemed averse. Or the price was wrong. Or the market. Some beautiful equipment went under appreciated. Then 'electronic controls' became the norm and so did unreliability. IINM these early 'computers' were actually hard wired rather than microcontrollers subject to heat/moisture/failure of peripherals like 'wax motors'.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

The lighting in the pic gives that pair a sort of Aqua color...

Reminds me when I drew pictures w/ magic markers & went through so many Light Blue ones just to draw things in Silver & White!

-- Dave

 

[DADoES]

 
The advertisement features washer LFA-9800 and dryer LFE-9800 (or LFI-9801 if gas).

Marketing year 1977-78.

The ad color probably was originally almond, has been "photoshopped."

Neighbors had this pair in almond.  The washer had the "quiet-pak" motor mounts but a standard belt, as I recall.

Correction on the marketing years:  1978-79.[this post was last edited: 12/3/2013-07:58]

 

[combo52]

LFA9800 Pair

This was WPs first fully electronic Washer & Dryer, while WP had been building fully electronic dryers for the KM label since 1965, these were the first washers.

These were fully electronically controlled just like machines today, and they sure had problems right from the beginning with bad boards and touch membrane control panels. [ We sold quite a few of these washers and I actually have one older couple that still has one that runs ] Today washers are far more reliable, most electronic controls will never have a problem in the expected life of more than 20+ years of new washers.

 

[imperial70]

Buliding electronic washers since 1965?

I think you mean somewhere around 1975, right?
I don't think they could miniaturize the electronics cost effectively in 1965. I think you'd have to have a cabinet about the size of the washer just to house the "electronics" in 1965.

 

[combo52]

Yes WP Built Electronic Dryers Since 1965

And Maytag beat WP by a couple of years with electronically controlled dryers.

 

[imperial70]

ooops my bad.

I read your post wrong. I see that you said dryers now.
Probably thermistors or something like that.