What is it about DD washers?

[norgechef]

I don't see why so many people love direct drive washers. Could someone please explain the liking of these machines? Personally I think they're great for commercial washers but I would never have one in my house. My reasoning for not liking them is because of the neutral drain, loud thumping spastic agitation and because EVERYONE else has one unless they have a GE. Every time I check kijiji (Canadian eBay) all thats there is dd washers mostly with the Kenmore branding so I cant see why everyone else seems to like them so much? sure they last forever and have great cleaning power but i just don't see the interest. I'm sure many of you would say the same about me liking loud Norges and Norgetag washers. My current daily driver is a norgetag (Maytag Ensignia) and i like it so much better than any of my previous direct drives. When it is running all i can hear is a faint hum which is a bit boring but at least it keeps quiet, i also love watching the spin drain much more than the rumbling neutral drain on dd washers. Obviously I would prefer a direct drive over a newer belt drive but i really don't care for them. To each their own i guess...I would have thought Whirlpool would have came up with more than 3 top load designs by now but i guess they must be trying to phase them out.

 

[pierreandreply4]

i had a direct drive washer dryer from 1993 to 2004

i had a direct drive inglis superbII washer from 1993 to 2004 it was a good daily driver i was a bit disapoited when i replace it with my duet frontload washer as i dislike my duet the cycle is to long the set in the pic i google but it was that excat set io had

 

[DirectDriveDave]

My reasons for liking them is because they are VERY easy to fix whenever the time comes, and, at least for me, have been very reliable. The one here at home is going on 23 years now and does exactly what it should every time and has only had agitator dog and drain pump replacement in all those years.

Now, at least in my opinion, are they silent? Certainly not, but at the same time I don't at all consider their sounds the least bit annoying, and honestly, not loud at all, and to be fair, I like it when machines make noise, within reason. (and I particularly love the transmission sounds during neutral drain but that's another topic). Very early DDs did spin drain but there was concern over excessive wear on either the spin clutch or spin gear, so the neutral drain was added. I personally have not seen the benefit of spin-draining with a perforated tub machine. Spin-drain machines I have used the most are Maytag Dependable Cares. Between those, and the DD here, both cleaned extremely well and I have not noticed any differences in the fabrics.

To be fair, this DD has been here since I was 2 years old, so I guess you could say I have grown with them, as silly as that probably sounds...[this post was last edited: 6/11/2013-23:10]

 

[supersurgilator]

I also love the DD machine. They are extremely reliable, and they have the best turnover of any machine that I have used. I have never had any items torn or stretched like other people claim to have happened.
Yeah they may be a bit noisy when draining, but all washers have their own sounds, we cant expect a mechanical piece of machinery to operate silently.

 

[rinso]

My DD TOL Whirlpool started clanking through neutral drain and going into spin at less that the two year mark. At 8 years, the electronic control panel failed, and a replacement was no longer available from WP.

 

[laundromat]

I hate the top loading models but adore the front loading ones!

 

[laundromat]

I hate the top loading models but adore the front loading ones!

 

[whirlykenmore78]

WP DD washers

I like them for the cleaning, reliability, ease of service and longevity.  To be sure I have much fewer problems with my WP DD and it makes a lot less noise than the MT Atlantis (Norgetag).  I find little difference in results between the 2 machines.  The only exception being very gritty loads like yardwork clothes where the neutral drain seems to settle the dirt out better. 

WK78

 

[whirlcool]

All you have to do on a WP direct drive machine is to lift the lid and close it again just when the neutral drain starts. Then you will get a spin drain.

I don't find the DD washers too noisy. Our laundry room is right next to our den and we don't have to increase the television volume when the machine is running.

Plus outs has the Hot/Warm Warm/Warm wash option. You can't buy a new machine today with those options. The government has taken it away from us.

Our machine cleans our clothing very well and as others before me have attested these machines are reliable and since so many of them were sold (probably millions of them) parts will probably be available for the next 25 years or so.

 

[laundromat]

The three dd washers I had (kenmore, whirlpool, and Maytag) all tore my clothes. Towels, dress shirts, dress slacks and when I'd wash my shoes, all they'd do was float. The only toploaders that would continually turn my shoes were my Frigidaires. Now that I have the LG, Whirlpool Duets, and Affinities, my clothes are cleaner, smell great and it costs me a lot less to usd them over the tls.

 

[gmmcnair]

Another DD Fan Here

Had a TOL Whirlpool that was fussy but my BOL Admiral (made by Whirlpool) has just been fantastic. It cleans well, is extremely reliable, and I have not noticed any excess clothing wear. Plus, it holds a big load of laundry without overloading it. I think that these machines most likely become shredders when even slightly overloaded. I don't do that.

Yes, it's noisy, but not offensively so for me. Seriously, I hope parts are available for the next 25 years or so. I want one as long as I can get parts and service.

In comparison to other machines I have owned, it outcleans my Frigidaire and Filterflo top loaders, as well as the Maytag Dependable Care (20 now and still in my mother's custody).

 

[retropia]

Did all of the Whirlpool-made direct drive washers get the dual-action agitator at some point? My understanding is that those agitators are considered to be somewhat gentler on clothing.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Generally I am not a fan of the direct drive machines, however I do have one that I do like.

 

My first real experience with a DD was when I picked up a used 1984 Whirlpool 24" machine.   This was one of the early DD washers with a spin drain.   A 2 knob wonder, 1 speed, etc.   It damaged one of my shirts which "soured me" on DD machines.

 

Enter the 2000? Kenmore Elite Catalyst.  Many cycles, options and a 3 SPEED motor.   While it will agitate on the highest speed, the speed is determined by both cycle choosen AND the selected water level.   Lower water level, slower agitation.   I really like this about it!

 

Kevin

 

[DirectDriveDave]

Dual-Action Agitator

Retropia, I believe the higher models had the Dual-Action while the lower models had the Straight-Vane. Though, either will fit a DD machine, so they could be switched around.