Whirlpool's New Agitator Toploader

[pulsator]

After months of anticipation for me, I FINALLY got to see the "new" topload washer that will be replacing all the low end DD washers! I was quite impressed with the machine, it actually felt solid! I was a little surprised to find that they have kept the same tub and agitator from the DD washers and slapped in a new transmission and suspension system!

I'll be getting one of these machines for Christmas and look! It has a bow already!

 

[pulsator]

Here's the money shot! Notice the tub ring... It's a bit different, but the tub and agitator are the same! This machine does have the cable suspension system just like the Cabrio machines.

 

[pulsator]

Here's a close up of the tub ring:

 

[pulsator]

Here's a clip of the tub. The quality will improve once the video has been processed!

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[mrb627]

Not Bad Looking

Interesting looking machine. I am interested in seeing on in action someday.

Malcolm

 

[coldspot66]

I bought the Kenmore version a few weeks ago, and have done a few loads in it. It behaves very much like a World Washer. The agitation is not as choppy as a DD. I still haven't figured out the rinsing sequence. I've only used a few cycles, but they seem to provide deep rinses, no matter where you set the rinse switch. Also it has no brake; spends alot of time coasting to a stop. Takes a while to fill also, as it has a lazy type waterfall that is aimed right at the clothes, and the tub revolves slowly as it's filling to wet the clothes. I think it would have been better to use the triple spray pattern of the DD washers of late. The washer wouldn't spend so much time filling. Overall seems to be a decent machine...time will tell about dependability. TREMENDOUS dislike for most here about DD washers, it's a hard act to follow.

 

[pulsator]

Hmmmm.... Don't suppose a video is possible? I'm so impatient to get mine!!!

 

[mrb627]

Price Point

What is the price point of these new machines?

Malcolm

 

[pulsator]

Whirlpool suggests $429, Lowes has them available via special order for $399 I believe.

 

[mrb627]

$399.00

Probably not a bad choice for an under $400.00 machine.

Malcolm

 

[llmaytag]

New Whirlpool

Presumably it's a neutral drain? I have the DD drive model and have never liked it as much as my Maytag Dependable Care. Also, are there spin-sprays? My Maytag had a spin-spray after wash, first and second rinse. My Whirlpool only includes it after the first rinse.

 

[kenmore700bill]

Also noticed that he base of this agitator base is lower and wider like the Maytag Load Sensor agitator whereas the Whirlpool Direct drive agitator base is narrow base and more slanted and they put the whirlpool DD top piece with softener dispensor.

 

[pulsator]

It is a neutral drain machine and I don't know about the spray rinses, I'll keep and eye out when I get one!

The agitator is actually a DD agitator! Nothing different from it's older cousins. Here is a link to the agitator for that washer.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-number/Whirlpool-Parts/Washer-Parts/3951744/0026/110/Model-WTW4800XQ0/1198/0153200?keySuffixId=NA&productTypeId=x&searchModelNumber=WTW4800XQ0&subCompDesc=Basket%20and%20tub%20parts&brandDesc=WHIRLPOOL&mode

 

[llmaytag]

Neutral Drain

On the DD, if you lift the lid during the drain, it will shift, and drain/spin. Is this transmission the same?

 

[frigilux]

I wonder how fast the agitation is. Never cared for the hyper-fast 120-160 opm speeds on the Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAids.

 

[pulsator]

There is no transmission on this machine, just a pulley from the motor to the agitator shaft. The only "transmission" would be the mechanism that engages/disengages the basket. This machine won't spin if it has water in it, plus, you can't lift the lid anyway as it locks.

 

[vintagesearch]

what about the ones that have the auto load sense are they similar to these? they look interesting these new models....

 

[rapidry1000]

Went to the Whirlpool site for this machine. The user manual says rather than a deep rinse, it spin spray rinses for the normal cycle. Can someone confirm this?

 

[pulsator]

The autoload sense machines are the HE version. They have no agitator, just a wash plate like the other Cabrio machines.

Not sure about the rinses... There is a rinse option dial though: