Unique Kenmore Dryer

[pulltostart]

I'm not sure this is in the correct forum - but I'll try this one and see what happens. Interesting gas kenmore dryer on Atlanta Craigslist for $30.

Lawrence

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/hsh/550556004.html

 

[70series]

I would guess that to be a 1985 model. It looks as if the cycle control is in the center, as they were for the rest of the Kenmore line that year. I have never seen anything like this before. This must have been a special edition model. The selectors look like rocker switches, much unlike the Kenmore knobs of that time period. But I do think it fits into the vintage category by the overall styling of the console, and the fact that it is so rare.

I just took another look at the photo. I wonder if this dryer was second in line to the 1985 TOL model with electronic controls, or perhaps a TOL model from a previous year.

Have a good one,
James

 

[appnut]

This was a unique dryer. Friends of mine actually had a matched set. It was a series 80 washer & dryer so it wasn't a LK dryer. Didn't have medium heat--only on LK.

 

[stainfighter]

What I think they did was...

went on the cheap when one knob broke and replaced all of them with some knobs that would fit/match. I have noticed one of our local shops that reconditions used stuff doing this to similar vintage washers and dryers, with the same style knob. Does give a bit of retro' tho...

 

[repair-man]

No. Those are the original knobs. I've seen 4 or 5 of these through the years. Still have a customer with one that I repaired recently. They are from that 1983 - 1985 time period. Funny though I have never seen the washer. Even the ones that were bought together had a washer with the chrome knobs. This is from the era when Kenmore had temp selectors that did a whole lotta nothing. A 2 temp dryer (plus air) could have six knob positions. The box like graphics and modern looking knobs were probably to market it as a new "computer age" look.

ED

 

[nmaineman36]

This dryer was a Solid State dryer. I do remember this design from Sears and it was one of those dryers that was a "match all" dryer. Meaning you could match it to any brand or model. The knobs are meant to be that way.

 

[neptunebob]

Actually, I think the switch for Kenmore to black control panels was inspired by Star Wars, which came out about the same time. Maybe they thought people would want to buy Darth Vader's laundry equipment?

 

[appliguy]

The center dial black control panels came out for 1976

a year before Star Wars.....so actually maybe they inspired Star Wars....(giggle) PAT COFFEY

 

[neptunebob]

I remembered when the Limited Edition came out it was available in black - Darth Vader, your washer and dryer are ready.

 

[stainfighter]

Huh...

then I guess I saw the matching washer a few months ago? Can't remember if it was labeled "solid state" but other than the switches on the control panel it looked like the standard tub (maybe 14 lb capacity?) with a gold straight vane agitator

 

[appnut]

Solid state refers to it being electronic sensor dry.

 

[andrewinorlando]

That is an early to mid-1980's design. The matching washer was a belt drive machine, so from that era. Weren't around in that style for too long. Maybe too contemporary for most at that time??