Why Are Washer Cycles Built Into the Timer Knob?

[Chetlaham]

I noticed this GE washer where normal/delicate was via a separate switch instead of two distinct cycles on the timer.

My question is, why wasn't this done more often? I've noticed that on many machines of all brands cycles were through the timer, and even those that had selector switches for speed, prewash, extra rinse, ect still had these multiple cycles redundantly built into the timer.

Seems like more complexity by adding more increments and drum indents on the timer.

 

[turquoisedude]

I can only guess that it was done to make operation of the machine easier for the user.   I have a couple of GE's and a Blackstone with the speed selection switches and I very much like having the choice. The 57 GE is my fave as you can set regular or gentle for both wash and spin, giving me plenty of flexibilty.  The 59 Frigidaire's Fabric-Master has wash and spin speeds set according to which fabric washing option is selected, which is also fairly flexible.   I also would guess the average person probably doesn't want or need that much flexibility in washing... 

 

[washerlover]

Thanks for sharing this video! There’s something cool about BOL appliances even though I do love my ‘74 piano key Lady Kenmore…

 

[DADoES]

 
Early 1-speed automatics typically had one "regular" wash cycle and a "short" cycle for delicates with all segments (wash, spin, rinse, final spin) of shorter duration.  An added slow speed was most easily done by a selection switch.  Separate speed switches for agitate and spin may also be provided.

Whirlpool/(Kenmore) on introducing a choice of speeds opted to integrate speed control into the timer.  This also allows avoiding user selection error and insure a slow spin on later Wash-n-Wear or Perm Press cycles for proper results, for example.  WP did offer the top-of-line Imperial Mark XII and Mark 18 for a few years with separate speed control.  Then later on direct-drive models when the timers were simplified such as Kenmore having choices of Ultra Clean (regular) and Permanent Press (with cool down).

 

[washerlover]

Interesting to note that my Maytag 806 washer has a separate Permanent Press cycle, still with the options of selecting wash and spin speeds (via a separate button control), yet it spins at normal speed despite selecting the slow spin option when in the Permanent Press cycle. Is there something wrong with my machine or is that normal?

 

[appnut]

It is normal. I think the final spin. Is the slow speed but fast speed because of the cooldown phase and pump out

 

[DADoES]

 
Maytag ran high spin on Perm Press from the beginning, maybe until later in production.  906 is hard-coded for it.

 

[Chetlaham]

My pleasure! I love bottom of the line washers like this. And I mean I really love them.

I think its much better to have a single cycle on the knob modifying it separately with switches as needed. Timers typically have about 72-45 increments, however that number could either do one cycle or 5 cycles each with their own extra rinse and adders.

Plus seeing timer rotate in real time adds to the experience of it all.

 

[Chetlaham]

Two Cycle One Speed Wonder

Here is another vid of a simple washer:



Here is the tech sheet:

https://usermanual.wiki/Pdf/KenmoreWasherWiringDiagram3954487.654272181

Technically, one could combine the normal and PP cycle going from 60 second to 30 second increments. Add a two speed motor and a speed selector switch. Simple spray rinse for the cool down like latter models >>>

 

[Chetlaham]

One Cycle Two Speed Washer

Here is my ideal setup from a direct drive coin op washer.

Speed and temp selector switch, 30 second increments, 24 second spray rinse, partial timed fill, and a fabric softener light.

(download for high resolution image)