Vintage washers: Only One Shot!

[firedome]

While the better half is (kinda) OK my obsession with at my multiple Vintage Kitchen appliances, the line's been drawn the line at Laundry, but finally agreed to at ONE pair of vintage machines... so I have One Shot here and want to get it Right, vintage washers and dryers being what I have minimal experience with, except the new Maytag BOL machines we bought new in '74, used for 15 yrs with nary a repair. Then several Whirlpool pairs, bought new each time we moved, none of these being used over 3 to 5 yrs., new Whirlpool semi-BOLs are present in the bsmt now... and all of them have been fine, albeit tinny & cheesy as hell.

SO, I prefer: late 50s/early-mid 60s Streamline Flashy design (like my '58 GE Stratoliner Keyboard with colored lights 40" Double oven Range). I like Frigidaire for it's flash and GM-ness. I like Maytag for reliability. I LOVE colors. If I was to look for ONE Laundry set (not necessariy matching), that can be used reliably, that one can reasonably get parts for, that represent the best of vintage machines for coolness, and that "She who must be Obeyed" can actually use sometimes w/o complaining about my hobby... what would be recommended?? I gotta get it right!

 

[firedome]

Or perhaps to put another way: if you could have only 1 pr of vintage late50/early-mid 60 laundry machines, what would they be?

 

[frigilux]

Go for maximum excitement-in-viewing: A Kelvinator or Frigidaire!

Maytags, GEs or Kenmore/Whirlpools are great machines, too...but if you can only have one, I'd put fun-to-watch at the top of my list of requirements.

 

[polkanut]

But, if you want something that has greater parts availability, I'd opt for Maytag, Kenmore, Whirlpool, or possibly GE.  Yes they may be more boring, but you stand a better chance of fixing them if something breaks.

 

[frigilux]

Tim, I want you to know that I did make an effort to be somewhat practical in my recommendation.  My first inclination was to tell him to look for an Apex (bouncing basket) washer, LOL!

 

Roger-- Be sure to let us know when the new vintage set arrives.  We love follow-up around here.  Good luck with your search! Hope you find something awesome, no matter what the brand.

 

[firedome]

So Kelvinator had JetCone too? I was always fascinated by that agitation system. Unreliable, or parts hard to get? What years had it? I always thought Frigidaire had some of the best styled appliances ever, any years particularly good to get or avoid?
I love a cooool looking design... hence my 50s fin car obsession.

 

[peteski50]

Only One Shot!

Kelvinator didnt have a jetcone it had a circular motion like a mixer.

 

[polkanut]

Eugene,

I did detect a hint of practicality! lol

 

[combo52]

BEST CLASSIC EVERY DAY DRIVERS

I can't think of any 1950s washers and dryers that would make good EDDs except a WP or KM that have been completely rebuilt by an expert. Even if you were to find a new in box WP or KM they would need some attention before put into everyday use. 

 

Things get a lot better by the mid 1960s and on. MT washers become a reliable choice after they introduced the 06 machines around 1966 and peak in the 1970s but start to go down hill in the 1980s. Only big problem with MT washers is the barely average and generally boring performance [ although compared to some of the new machines it may not seem that bad LOL ]. WP & KM gas or electric dryer are still the best and they got a lot better after 1966. GE electric dryers could also be very good if you stick to the electric models. It is impossible to begin to cover all the different possible choses in choosing classic laundry appliances without talking to you in person but these are some general thoughts Good Luck in your search.

 

[firedome]

Thanks - these wouldn't be the actual daily drivers, we have the new WP pair for that, but in order to gain spousal acceptance would have to be able to be pressed into service when needed - like when all the family is here for visits! They will be permanently hooked up and used occasionally, not strictly museum pieces.

Because I'm all about design, a flashy look is also a major requirement, so right now I'm thinking early 60s to early 70s Frigidaire like the Clamshell or something equally cool looking... gotta have Jetcone, the lights, chrome, buttons, colored cabinet (Poppy is cool!) etc... any specific recommendations? Anyone got anything like that they are downsizing?

 

[polkanut]

1958 Frigidaire's

How about a lilac set like those featured in today's POD?  They would be extremely stunning in the right laundry room set-up.

 

[firedome]

Those lilacs would be AWESOME! I've been thinking lately about painting my Lincoln light purple... Lincoln called it Wisteria...!

 

[jetcone]

Lilac

They never made lilac, who put that up there??

 WHO??

 

[gansky1]

WCI-58-LL

 

It's right here in my manual.  Don't you have any Frigidaire doctrine?

 

[polkanut]

Greg,

Thanks for backing my play!

 

[whirlcool]

If you are looking for something that will last, I vote for a Whirlpool/Kenmore late 1990's machine. They are easily found, don't have too many parts to mess with PLUS they built so many of them I think parts will be available for them for at least the next 50 years or so!

 

[firedome]

Late '90s is too modern for what I want - I pretty much have decided late 50s to early 70s Frigidaire is what will ring my chimes best...

They'll need to work or be made to work, but they won't be used all that much, and they have the look and action I want. Plus I like vintage GM cars, kinda goes with that too.