Whirlpool Calypso & Catalyst
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One of the Convention vids I do believe features a clip of a Calypso goin... (Although it may only be a couple seconds...)
knitwits1975
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No videos but,
I was looking at them a few years ago. If interested, just about any dealer (at least here in the states) has them plugged in to power. These machines have a nifty demo cycle. just ask them to show you. I looked at them in early 2002 and to be honest, the difference in price hardly seemed worth it after seeing the energy guides. So I bought a Kirkland Signature Top loader instead. Now that the prices have gone down, my next machine will probably be a duet.
I was looking at them a few years ago. If interested, just about any dealer (at least here in the states) has them plugged in to power. These machines have a nifty demo cycle. just ask them to show you. I looked at them in early 2002 and to be honest, the difference in price hardly seemed worth it after seeing the energy guides. So I bought a Kirkland Signature Top loader instead. Now that the prices have gone down, my next machine will probably be a duet.
Not in AU
Hi Knitwits,
These machines are not available in Australia.
We either have the Traditional DD TL or the European FL machines.
Hi Knitwits,
These machines are not available in Australia.
We either have the Traditional DD TL or the European FL machines.
vivalalavatrice
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On Kenmore website
Look at Kenmore websiste, the Kenmore Elite page has the video of the Calypso wash motion (in quicktime)!
I didn't found yet any video of Catalyst action...
www.kenmore.com
Look at Kenmore websiste, the Kenmore Elite page has the video of the Calypso wash motion (in quicktime)!
I didn't found yet any video of Catalyst action...
Best Appliances for Home, Kitchen, Laundry, & Cooking | Kenmore
Kenmore Appliances have been trusted for over 100 years. From the newest innovative smart appliances to all the tried and true kitchen, cooking, and laundry staple appliances. View our large selection of top quality products & product information here.
maytagman806s
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I inquired sometime back when I learned of the Calypso machine, about the Catalyst cleaning action. The Catalyst portion of the cycles in Calypso, is nothing more then a special "pre-treat" cycle. Measured soap is place in the dispenser at the beginning of the Catalyst cycle. The soap is then released into a special chamber where it is mixed with water to create a foam-like solution. While this happens, the machine begins to spin. I am not sure what the actual speed is, but I would guess it to be about 400-600 r.p.m. Calypso machines have variable speed drive motors on them, and can run at any speed, at anytime, depending on how the programming is set up. Regardless of the speed, once the machine reaches that given speed, this special solution is released onto the spinning load. From what I understand the idea is, if you can force water out of clothes with spinning action, then you can also force this solution into the clothes using the same centrifugal force. A moisture sensor on the machine, tells the main control unit when the load has been saturated, and once this has been accomplished, the machine pauses and proceeds into the selected wash cycle.
I picked up my Calypso about a year and a half ago out of the trash, replaced the leveler assembly (a very weak point in all Calypso machines), and it has been working ever since. They are indeed, a fascinating machine. They seem to be quite efficent in terms of conserving water and energy, due to the fact they have no water level switch to speak of, and are programmed to utilize Automatic Temperature control unless you tell the machine otherwise. The load is never submerged in water as in a top loading machine or tumbled through a "pool" of water as in many front loaders.
I am not really convinced that the washability is there compared to an agitator-type top loader as of yet, but I'm sure the technology will evolve as it has in all the aspects of the appliance industry. I personally would take one of these over any front-loading machine on the market today. If I had to choose a front-loader, the Duet would be my first choice. But take it from someone who knows a little something from a mechanical standpoint. For the difference in wash capacity, final spin speed(800 rpm on Calypso, 1200 on Duet), and cycle flexibilty options, I really don't see the justification in price difference. Your just doing laundry. Look at what the old Bock extractors used to spin at. What about 750 rpm? And the clothes would come out of them almost dry. OK. Lets talk capacity. How many people are actually going to utilize the full capacity of a Duet? My guess is, they probably won't.
So I guess in summary, I would say if you like flexibility, then Calypso is going to give you more for your money.
I picked up my Calypso about a year and a half ago out of the trash, replaced the leveler assembly (a very weak point in all Calypso machines), and it has been working ever since. They are indeed, a fascinating machine. They seem to be quite efficent in terms of conserving water and energy, due to the fact they have no water level switch to speak of, and are programmed to utilize Automatic Temperature control unless you tell the machine otherwise. The load is never submerged in water as in a top loading machine or tumbled through a "pool" of water as in many front loaders.
I am not really convinced that the washability is there compared to an agitator-type top loader as of yet, but I'm sure the technology will evolve as it has in all the aspects of the appliance industry. I personally would take one of these over any front-loading machine on the market today. If I had to choose a front-loader, the Duet would be my first choice. But take it from someone who knows a little something from a mechanical standpoint. For the difference in wash capacity, final spin speed(800 rpm on Calypso, 1200 on Duet), and cycle flexibilty options, I really don't see the justification in price difference. Your just doing laundry. Look at what the old Bock extractors used to spin at. What about 750 rpm? And the clothes would come out of them almost dry. OK. Lets talk capacity. How many people are actually going to utilize the full capacity of a Duet? My guess is, they probably won't.
So I guess in summary, I would say if you like flexibility, then Calypso is going to give you more for your money.
Somebody must be buying Calypsos if they're still on the market, but it's not often I've heard anyone praise them. Epinions (I know, take that place with all due caution) is full of scathing reviews. I personally DO think it's a fascinating machine, however.
Unless I'm remembering wrong, there is a water level pressure switch. Two, actually. One is for flood/overfill sensing. I believe it was Greg and John Lefever who bypassed the water level switches on John's Calypso and filled it to the top, with VERY splashy results.
Unless I'm remembering wrong, there is a water level pressure switch. Two, actually. One is for flood/overfill sensing. I believe it was Greg and John Lefever who bypassed the water level switches on John's Calypso and filled it to the top, with VERY splashy results.
maytagman806s
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You are quite correct Glenn, the Calypso does have a flood/pressure switch. I understand that this switch monitors the water level in the supply tank, and if it is bypassed, I can just imagine the water show you would have. How I am seeing so far, is that the switch is calibrated to keep somewhere around 2 gallons of water to circulate on the load available at all times. The main controller adds the necessary water according to load size to keep whatever this value is supposed to be, in the supply tank. Given whatever items are in the machine for that washload, would dictate how much water will be absorbed. I'm sure that widely varies between say, a couple pair of denim jeans to a load of the wife's shorts.
I suppose you could use the term water level switch, but the way this machine is formatted, I don't know that its really the right term. Hence, I don't use it when referring to Calypso machines.
I am not much of a computer freak, but my next project when I get the basics of my machine down in stone, is to get a laptop and break into the control system and modify the programming. Personally, I would love to see how this machine would behave if it had shall we say "a little pepper in it". I'm just waiting for those to tell me it can't be done. Uh, for those people, just remember that performance chips are available for your car or truck in many cases. How do you think they are made? The control systems for this machine operate very similar to an automobile. So if they can be "tweeked" then so can this washer. The big thing is getting into the system. Personally, I would rather hack into this washer then someones personal information.
I suppose you could use the term water level switch, but the way this machine is formatted, I don't know that its really the right term. Hence, I don't use it when referring to Calypso machines.
I am not much of a computer freak, but my next project when I get the basics of my machine down in stone, is to get a laptop and break into the control system and modify the programming. Personally, I would love to see how this machine would behave if it had shall we say "a little pepper in it". I'm just waiting for those to tell me it can't be done. Uh, for those people, just remember that performance chips are available for your car or truck in many cases. How do you think they are made? The control systems for this machine operate very similar to an automobile. So if they can be "tweeked" then so can this washer. The big thing is getting into the system. Personally, I would rather hack into this washer then someones personal information.
What I never liked about the Calypso is that the clothes roll over or tumble much less than in traditional frontloaders and toploaders. They seem to be rearranged much less. I wonder if that is the reason for the initial complaints that dog hair wasn't removed and their were streaks on dark clothes.
On my last visit to John LeFever's I got to spend some time observing his Calypso in operation. I was really suprised to see how well a large mixed load of jeans, towels, underclothes, etc. rolled over----at a rate more comparable to a machine with a pulsator! It did take a long time to get underway though, as the machine seemed to constantly test the load for content, water, etc.
I had a somewhat skeptical view of Calypsos up untill I spent those few hours with it, and went away with a different opinion. Now that I have one of my own I need to do the mods that will by-pass the lid switch and allow me to observe it in more varied situations----such as with a comforter in it!
I had not thought to ask John about by-passing the water level control----hmmmmmmm.
I had a somewhat skeptical view of Calypsos up untill I spent those few hours with it, and went away with a different opinion. Now that I have one of my own I need to do the mods that will by-pass the lid switch and allow me to observe it in more varied situations----such as with a comforter in it!
I had not thought to ask John about by-passing the water level control----hmmmmmmm.
lightedcontrols
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John's Calypso
....I also remember at John's, when we put in a sudsy detergent, the recirculation system was completely non-effective and just bogged down. Rollover continued but at a much slower pace. Still a very interesting machine though. I would love for Robert to take one and remove the bottom thingy and replace it with a Philco like flapilator agitator, raise the water level to fill all the way up, and then see what happens. Might be a really good machine then. Mark
....I also remember at John's, when we put in a sudsy detergent, the recirculation system was completely non-effective and just bogged down. Rollover continued but at a much slower pace. Still a very interesting machine though. I would love for Robert to take one and remove the bottom thingy and replace it with a Philco like flapilator agitator, raise the water level to fill all the way up, and then see what happens. Might be a really good machine then. Mark
Sudsy detergent??? Honey Pleeeeeease, what'cha thinkin' up there?
This is the letter I got from Sears about the machine I'd purchased six months prior (a returned/serviced unit at closeout price) warning owners to use only HE detergents. I never tried to choke the poor dear with regular detergents, but I can imagine the results you had...
This is the letter I got from Sears about the machine I'd purchased six months prior (a returned/serviced unit at closeout price) warning owners to use only HE detergents. I never tried to choke the poor dear with regular detergents, but I can imagine the results you had...
It was Robert and John that bypassed the flood control switch and the operating pressure switches (there are two separate switches in the panel) for the splashy wash cycle. I would think there would be more tangling with the clothes moving more freely about in the tub but I don't remember what the final verdict was from their experiment. I sold the one I had after six months or so - to make room for other things but during the time I had it, I thought it was a very capable washer. I had very few tangling problems, no more than with any other washer. My sister has a Kenmore Catalyst top-loader that she really likes. I've found several of those machines and have rebuilt a couple of them for her now. They are well thought out machines as far as cycles and operation goes, using a simple suds-saver type diverter valve to create the recirculation system (very similar or the same system as used in the Resource Saver Whirlpool washer with recirculating rinse cycles) which seems to be quite effective although with normal detergents, the subsequent wash cycle can be a bit too foamy for my washing tastes. The only thing I don't care for with the Catalyst washer is the porcelain top and lid aren't quite of the quality needed to prevent rust from forming around the opening (a condition worsened by the rubber splash guard that tends to trap moisture around it's edge, speeding the decomposition process) and the dispensers, although better than previous designs in the DD machines, are still messy and sometimes difficult to keep clean. My favorite part of the cycle programming is the soak option that gives an intermittent soak and wash program - alternating soak periods and agitation periods for the duration of the wash cycle. I think this is an ideal combination for a DD machine (or any agitator washer for that matter) that is still very effective and allows for a little less agitation time than might otherwise be required for most loads.
knitwits1975
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Bummer! Sorry bout that. This leaves me some curiousity about what is available down under. Would you like to show me some examples.
US Washers in Australia
Hi Knitwits,
We get the following US Machines in AU:
Maytag - Atlantas, Performa, Original Neptune, and Maysung Machines (not the US variant)
Whirlpool - Standard TL DD DA machines. The most they have is ATC, no other resource savers yet. The Whirlpool FL machines come from Europe.
Then we have the Australian made TL machines:
Simpson, Hoover, Westinghouse, and they are all pulgitator based in different variants, some with SS tubs, others with plastic. But all three brands now have the same mechanicals underneath. All models other than the hoover now offer some sort of resource saving rinse.
F&P: We have the F&P TL machines the same as you have in the US, and european rebadged F&P FL machines.
FL Wise they are all mainly european, except for the Low end stuff and LG:
Euro FL:
Miele
Bosch
Asko
Whirlpool (High End)
Asian FL:
LG
Simpson
Whirlpool (Low End)
I'm not sure what the origins of our electrolux FL machine are, I'm assuming that they're based on a european design, but I think they are assembled in AU.
Most other brands are all Asian Import cheapies. Panasonic hasnt sold washers/dishwashers in Australia since the mid 80's.
Hi Knitwits,
We get the following US Machines in AU:
Maytag - Atlantas, Performa, Original Neptune, and Maysung Machines (not the US variant)
Whirlpool - Standard TL DD DA machines. The most they have is ATC, no other resource savers yet. The Whirlpool FL machines come from Europe.
Then we have the Australian made TL machines:
Simpson, Hoover, Westinghouse, and they are all pulgitator based in different variants, some with SS tubs, others with plastic. But all three brands now have the same mechanicals underneath. All models other than the hoover now offer some sort of resource saving rinse.
F&P: We have the F&P TL machines the same as you have in the US, and european rebadged F&P FL machines.
FL Wise they are all mainly european, except for the Low end stuff and LG:
Euro FL:
Miele
Bosch
Asko
Whirlpool (High End)
Asian FL:
LG
Simpson
Whirlpool (Low End)
I'm not sure what the origins of our electrolux FL machine are, I'm assuming that they're based on a european design, but I think they are assembled in AU.
Most other brands are all Asian Import cheapies. Panasonic hasnt sold washers/dishwashers in Australia since the mid 80's.
I had a look at the Australian Electrolux website. The EWF1087 shown there is definitely a Zanussi design. The EWF1090 comes closer to the AEG design, but it's hard to recognize a real AEG nowadays from an Electrolux/AEG design. The European version of the EWF1090 has a different doorhandle than the one on the Australian website. Could be that they are assembled in Australia, but don't know.
andrewinorlando
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- Oct 18, 2004
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I've had a Calypso washer for almost 5 years now. The machine has performed flawlessly for me, washing anywhere from 12 - 16 loads every week. It cleans beautifully, washes big loads with no problem, washes blankets, pillows, rugs, car mats, etc., with ease. Imagine putting car mats in a front load washer??? No way....but because of the Calypso's flexibility and design, it handles loads like that with ease. I wash big loads of dirty, smelly clothes (my honey is a personal trainer...imagine what those clothes come home smelling like), not to mention my dogs bedding, towels, and blankets every week. That's some dirty, smelly laundry. And the Calypso handles it all with ease. It's not great at removing hair, but it does remove stains well. The dryer takes care of hair and residual lint, leaving clothes perfectly clean. I would definitely consider buying a new one when this one dies. I'm sure they're not built like the 23 year old Kenmore it replaced, but nonetheless, my old Kenmore can't do what the Calypso can, and as quickly!
