Whirlpool DDs

[liamwa]

Hi,

I just wanted to get everyone’s general consensus on the Whirlpool, Kenmore, Inglis, and now Maytag DD washers. I know this design has been around for over twenty years, and that it has its detractors, shredmore and all that. It does seem like it’s the only half way decent conventional center post agitator top loading washer left. When you consider that the only other choices in this category really boil down to the awful WCI/Electrolux machines and the less then stellar GE offerings. The 1999 Frigidaire TL has been making some weird noises lately so I think we’ll be in the market for a new washer soon. We can’t really spend big $$$ on a front loader that will probably blow a bearing in seven or eight years, and I don’t really like the HE top loaders either. So it seems to come down to some sort of Whirlpool DD. What are your thoughts?

Thanks.
Liam

 

[volvoguy87]

DDs are getting better by comparison.

The Whirlpool DD is far from the best washer in history, but it is worlds ahead of the competition these days. Although it has its faults, the DD is reliable, cheap, and easy to repair, not that they break all that often. The FP may be better, but they are more pricy and harder to service. With a DD machine, you can swap your agitator for a more gentile one, should you want to. If I were to look for a washer to buy new today, I would buy a DD because it will clean your clothes with greater reliability and less damage than anything else on te market, for the money. Also, Costo's Kirkland-brand washers are Whirlpool DDs too.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[rinso]

I agree with Dave. The WP/KM/KA/etc. direct drive is the best of a lot of bad answers for TL machines these days. My mom's Kenmore uses a slow agitation and fast spin on its normal cycle, a good idea for a machine with such a short, fast agitation stroke. That should help with the "Shreadmore" problem. Really, the biggest deficiency of these machines is their propensity to bang through neutral drain, right into spin on the first load of the day, and their less than frugal use of water.

 

[joeblow]

GE's really aren't all that bad.........

The older Filter Flo design was actually very reliable, easy to fix and did a great job washing clothes.

The post 1995 GE's apparently have had some reliability issues but I think it just comes down to how well you take care of the machine. I've had a set of these in a rental property that have never had any problems for over 8 years.

A few simple things like making sure the washer is properly balanced & level, never overloading it and keeping the lid up when not in use goes a long way. A quirk about post 1995 GE's is that they should never be moved without the shipping rod in place at the bottom of the machine. I doubt anyone ever pays attention to this and I bet it is a factor with the apparent reliability issues.

It is my understanding however that the brand new GE's are based on a new design??

 

[panthera]

go vintage !

I suppose, if you just have to go with a new TL, then the Whirlpool family is the least bad choice.
But, why?
There are millions of good (real) Maytags out there which will either never break down or, if they do, just need a quick simple fix you can do. Real transmission breakdowns are very seldom.
The FL bearing problems in the Frigimores were either caused by not using HE detergent or, for a brief time around 2000 a stupid, idiotic, money-grubbing young-dynamic-manager who changed a seal.
They are otherwise very reliable - Electrolux offers a 25 year warranty on the drum and tub after all. (May not apply to the US).

 

[washerman8]

Speed Queen Perhaps?????

I have a Speed Queen washer/dryer and I love them. It has stainless-steel tub and a metal outer tub. Also, it has a metal transmission and a long-stroke agitation unlike the Whirlpool-made washers.

I can't recommend them enough.

 

[peterh770]

WP DD TL: Ick

Go with the SQ.

 

[liamwa]

Forgot about Speed Queen.

But it's pretty hard to find canadian dealers, I live on Vancouver Island.

Thanks.
Liam

 

[exploder3211]

I just replaced our Filter Flo with a new T/L.. I did not see the Kirkland stuff at our Costco, but all the same i choose not to get a Whirly DD made unit because every one i looked at had the shredmore agitator.. I wasn't shure if i could swap the agitators around and didn't really wanna bother with it.. Plus we too couldn't afford a F/L unit right now.. My health is more important. Soo... Wait to see my thread soon about my new washer. Wating for Best Buy to deliver.

 

[velcro]

The post 1995 GE washers had such heavy trannies in them that if you weren't careful loading and unloading them into trucks that the trannie would get to swaying back and forth and knock the rubber boot seal loose. Not a good choice of washers for folks that move in the middle of the night 6 times a year. LOL

 

[liamwa]

Just wanted to let you know I got a vintage Maytag A806 instead of a modern DD, Thread# 11960.

Liam

 

[solidtubman]

Speed Queen

I agree, Speed Queen is the way to go today for a top loader. I bought one 2 months ago and love it. It fills the tub all the way on large load and when you set it for hot water you get hot water not warm like in the DD whirlpool and kenmores now. Plus it has a faster spin too.