Whirlpool Duet questions

[justjunque]

In another thread, I was reading the high praise that people have for the Duet washer.
I have no experience with front loaders, but wouldn't rule one of these out, when it comes time to replace our current washer.
I see a few listed on Craigslist. Currently, none close to me. But, I'm not in the market right this minute anyway.
I do have a couple/few questions.

I see that some of the listings specifically say "steam". Is that something different, or are all Duet washers "steam"?

I saw one that was being sold for parts. It stated that the kids overloaded it. Now, it washes, but won't spin. "It just beeps".
If it's empty, or only lightly loaded, it will still spin. Any idea what would be wrong with it? If not a big problem, it might be a good deal for someone, for the (I believe) $50 that they're asking for it.

I swear there was something else I was going to ask, but it escapes me now. I guess this will do for now.
Thanks!

Barry

 

[cam2s]

I had a Maytag Maxima, which is a duet twin. The steam function is an option on some models. Basically what is does is after the wash portion is fills with a small amount of water, enough to cover the heater but not enough to reach the items in the drum. The element would run and thus create steam.

As far as the used one you are looking at, suspension issues would probably be the main culprit. Could have board or other sensor issues too though. My maxima would not spin until it sensed a balanced condition.

 

[logixx]

The earlier washers with steam did have a dedicated steam generator on top of the tub - much like LG's TrueSteam.

It would come on an injection steam into the tub. Am not quite sure anymore, but the service manual said something like steam sanitize used the heater to get the water to 150F and then the steam is used to heat to 155F - something along those lines.

 

[DADoES]

 
U.S. Duet models (and sibling Kenmores) aren't all equipped with heating elements.  The first-issue Germany-made models with heaters didn't have a steam function/option.  The Sanitary, Whitest Whites, and Heavy Duty cycles invoked the heater with Sanitary heating to the highest temp (default Super Hot temperature selection).

The best way to confirm a given model has a heating element is via parts diagrams.

 

[mattl]

My 2 currently non working Duets both have a steam option, my original unit does not.  I really like the steam option, it has gotten stains out that have been around for years. These 2 units have the steam generator at the top.  I like these units, got the either free or quite cheap, but if I was looking now I'd opt for an LG with turbo wash.