Whirlpool Washer Rant!

[agiflow]

@agiflow consider yourself lucky to not have a washer like mine no matter if i select warm or hot even when doing a control board reset its stuck to cold water wash oh the world that it would break before reaching the 10 year mark so that i can convince my mom into looking into a use refurbish as new direct drive kenmore like thisView attachment 318208View attachment 318209

It's kind of funny because I wanted to go back to new again after having these other old machines which work well. The only old machine I want to keep is my Kenmore. As long as the control board holds up on this Whirlpool 4816 I'll be happy.

 

[vacerator]

Hot vs. cold washing; I know that cast iron retains heat. Porcelain on steel might a little. Stainless less.

 

[pstehle]

Superior results as in ? I'll get just as clean clothes out of a VMW as any Speed Queen front loader or top loader and I dare say moreso because of the extended cycles and pauses depending on cycle chosen. Build quality yes, the Speed Queens have it, but I'm not impressed. They really do have a cult following and I was in that....today not soo much. Too much money for a classic top loader with limited options. It's nice that it's there but at this point I would agree with John and if I was to go with Speed Queen I would probably go for the front loader.

I'm looking forward to hooking up my SQ front load stack. It's a model specifically intended for Commercial use, the documentation actually states "not to be installed in a residence". Picked it up in pristine condition for $500, looks to have been used very lightly. Of course it weighs as much as a 1950's Frigidaire side-by-side...

 

[pstehle]

Porcelain costs money. They all used to have it.

A good powder coat finish can last nearly as long as porcelain and won't chip as easily. SQ makes pretty much anything about as well as possible.

 

[pstehle]

Wait, I'm confused Pat. WTW4816 shows up as some type of weird off market novelty/export model. Doesn't even seem to have a transmission or brake. I don't even know why its being offered in the US.

Why not get a descent direct drive or dependable care?

GWTXW-8500-NFD is a good middle line model, comes with dual action agitator and stainless steal inner and outer tubs. Ball bearing balance ring, Porcelain enamel lid and cabinet. They're now offering a free 24oz Clorox bottle with the Tide and Downy. Flood Check hoses standard. It has that goofy temperature/cycle matrix selection scheme yes and that grey galore control panel but it gives you everything else you need for the price.


View attachment 318105



Wiring diagram indicates nothing superfluous besides the indicator lights.

View attachment 318106



I go with this as your daily driver.

WOW!!! Only $1425 for a washing machine with plastic gears inside a tin transmission... where do I sign up? Is this a fast-forward to 2045?

 

[Chetlaham]

WOW!!! Only $1425 for a washing machine with plastic gears inside a tin transmission... where do I sign up? Is this a fast-forward to 2045?

Thats what a direct drive would cost today in 2025 with an all porcelain coated cabinet, commercial drive components, stainless steal wash basket, metal timer, beefed up motor, and Eaton style water valves. If anything the price is really low for all the vintage engineering involved.


Even a simple residential grade direct drive from the 2000s would approach the cost of a Speed Queen if built new today. Raw material costs have gone up substantially.