zanussi history

[andyzanni]

Hi guys I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on the history of 'the appliance of science' washers and dryers.
I'm vaguely familier with washcraft series and a few machines right up to the XC models, but don't really know model numbers, features, dates of production etc.
I'm particularly keen on the 90's models, JS, nexus, quick n clean etc.
Also does anyone know if there are any good websites for diagrams ??

Is the jetsystem still used and when was it introduced etc?

*any* help at all will be greatly appreciated!

 

[zanussi_lover]

as far as i know

The Jetsystem came out in 1985/86

from 1990/91 they changed to the Nexus tub arrangement, with corboran construction and quieter insulated brush motors,

in 1994 they updated the range to include Nexus, Quick n Clean and Jetsystem

in 1995 they released the AMIE washing machine for Visually Disabled People, they also created a top of the range washing machine Directa, which was a push button electronic machine

in 1996 the Jetsystem changed from spraying through the top of the drum to a jet at the front of the door seal, and these machines included RSI (Rinse Sensor Injection) Which i think was a kind of water saving device, but also increased pressure of water that was being sprayed on the clothes via the jet.

In 1997, the Input FL12 washing machine and WD15 washer dryer came out. which formed the basis in 2000 for the XC washing machines, as these had electronic controls and a time remaining display

In 1998, The range included Delta (base model) Sensorcycle, Aquacycle and Jetsystem RSI washing machines, and Aquacycle and Jetsystem Turbodry washer dryers. This range continued till late 1999

in 2000 we had

IZ - top of the range sloping washing machines with jetsystem available in 1200rpm and 1600rpm spins

XC (extra capacity) which had 1400, 1200, 1100 and 1000 rpm spins, and came in both jetsystem and aquacycle machines (aquacycle had progress lights and no display)

ZQ (zanussi quality) which came in 1200, 1100 and 1000 rpm spin machines with mechanical controls and push buttons.

 

[zanussi_lover]

If you want further information

Look at this link to an earlier blog in the archive from 2009 =]

We were talking loads about Zanussi Machines on there, with loads of pictures too

Kyle

Zanussi Washers and Washer Dryers

Hi again! Does anyone have any pictures of Zanussi washers or washer dryers.I really like them. Now could anyone identify this machine.Sorry No pic: I dial 1000 rpm spin speed 2 option buttons Light on door (of course lol) FL series i think It has a matching dryer. If anyone can, please post...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[henrypeter21]

Zanussi FC1200W

My First Machine for My Collection, The Zanussi FC1200W Studio Compact Machine. it was built in 1994, has a 3 KG Drum Load Capacity, And a 1100RPM Spin Speed.

 

[andyzanni]

Kyle

..... What exactly is a 'Nexus' tub?

Alos does the Jetsystem actually help get the clothes clean, or is it more of a gimmick thing?

Does 'aqua cycle' mean/do anything or is it just a name?

Obviously you can tell I Love Zanussis, love their styling and wash rhythm, etc

 

[fl1012]

The only things i've thought of in addition to those already mentioned are that Delta models were available below the Nexus, Quick N Clean & Jetsystem models circa 1994 & all these models were identified with their very thin grey text displaying the Delta, Nexus names etc on the powder drawer & coloured strips of plastic on the option buttons. I think Delta used the old cabinet (with rectangular filter door) & drum design (with metal paddles rather than plastic), also found on the Tricity Bendix AW1053 but not the Zanussi Nexus, Quick N Clean or Jetsystem.

The Jetsystem from this time said 'Rinse Sensor' on the bottom right of the control panel and was badged as (possibly amongst others) FJ1295 (1200rpm & at least 5 options on the control panel). This model was mildly updated cosmeticly & this could be when zanussi_lover mentioned the Jetsystem spray being altered, with 'RSI' badging in turquoise being applied to the powder drawer. This model, which i think zanussi_lover dated to 1996 was badged FJ1296 (again, around 5 buttons on the control panel & 1200rpm) & i believe a more basic 3 button version was also available, possibly with a lower spin speed (900/1000rpm).

This range underwent a more thorough facelift (see 1998 above) & i thought (but may be wrong) that Delta models were dropped at this point. I thought at this point the models were (in ascending order) Aquacycle/Sensorcycle (Sensorcycle having Auto Half Load), Quick N Clean & Jetsystem RSI. The font used for model badging was updated & was now coloured:

*Sensorcycle (dark green)
*Aquacycle (blue)
*Quick N Clean (orange)
*Jetsystem RSI (green)

The coloured strips on option buttons were removed at this point & other writing on the facia used a different font. Jetsystem models now all had the program guide mounted in a curved pattern on the top of the facia. Previously it'd just been the Jetsystem Washer Dryers.

I think Nexus tub was the move over to non-metal outer tub material combined with the introduction of plastic drum paddles with holes in to shower the load with water (the same grey plastic ones still found on some Electrolux group machines today). Previously the drums had thin metal paddles & most of these were solid (with the exception of some Jetsystem models & laterly Tricity Bendix models incl. AW1053 & Zanussi Delta's). Nexus tubs are not only on models badged 'Nexus'.

Jetsystem does help the cleaning process as it sprays the load with water during the wash & rinses & means the top of the load is getting wet whilst the bottom of the load is soaking in the base of the drum. It also meant machines could use less water without reducing cleaning performance as the machine makes better use of the water it has (ie by recirculation).

I think Aquacycle as in 'Aquacycle wash technology' may refer to the hollow drum paddles that scoop up the water and then shower the load. It's not a particularly ground breaking system tho, and many machines did a similar thing under a different name (ie Tricity Bendix 'Advanced Shower System' & Servis 'Rain Wave') or without even mentioning it. Aquacycle (as a standalone word) also acted as a 'trim level' although some models had Aquacycle wash technology without being badged 'Aquacycle' (standalone). For example the Quick N Clean models also utilised the same principle but didn't carry the Aquacycle trim name.

Hope that makes sence! :-/

Liam

Liam

 

[andyzanni]

wow....

What a mine of information! I'm trying to form a data base on microsoft spreadsheet, with model names and numbers etc fvrom 1980- 2000, so any info is great!

What is the general feeling about the Zannis? everyone I have spoke to about them, seems to be very keen on them!?

I'm an avid fan, if only I had my own place to store them

 

[hotpointfan]

Kyle

This AMIE disabled washing machine, how did it work?

Did you have a picture?

Jacob

 

[zanussi_lover]

Zanussi AMIE washing machine (FL1083)

I dont unfortunately have a picture, from what I remember seeing it in Co-op department store in Nottingham Broadmarsh back in 1995 (Before they changed to Allders in 1996), as they had a touch screen computer explaining the range, The AMIE washing machine had Large buttons a

3 Buttons (On/Off, Half Load and Prewash) in large text and they had a Central Static Dial that you could select the programme (this didn't rotate), these were in large Letters A B C D E F G H J K L M N

so a visually impaired person could see what cycle to use as it was in BIG text, it also had a programme progress indicator which was a a dot on a dial that rotated, so when the dot aligned with the line at the top, the cycle had finished.

Was a very simple effective machine, and i think more manufacturers should help build machines for people who are disabled or visually impaired.

Heres a link to the manual below

Kyle

manualsmania.com

 

[hotpoint9534]

"from 1990/91 they changed to the Nexus tub arrangement, with corboran construction and quieter insulated brush motors"

The enameled tub machines with brush motors were actually quieter than post 1991 because they had foam insulation around them. As far as I know the Nexus tub machines didn't. They certainly don't these days.

Tom.

 

[andyzanni]

jetsystem

I have seen some of the first jetsystems do like a spin every few mins on the wash cycle? did this benefit the clothes in anyway, and why was it stopped.
my hotpoint aquarius does a similar thing every 5 or 10 mins, but nowhere near as fast!!

 

[hotpoint9534]

My Jetsystem (ZFL1023 manufactured Novemember 1989) spins during the cottons main wash every 2 minutes. I believe there could be a few possible reasons as to why this was stopped:

1. Spinning every couple of minutes with water and a full load of washing puts increased strain on the motor.

2. With the introduction of the Nexus tub in 1990, the friction dampers were replaced with much less substantial suspension. Vitreous enamel and stainless steel tubs were replaced with carboran. Repeated spinning could wear out the more flimsy suspension.

3. People thought their machines were malfunctioning, despite the user manual reassuring that the spins were quite normal.

4. Maybe the spinning didn't make that much difference to the cleaning process.

I know that the washers dryers from the 80s Jetsystem range eg. WDJ1013 were prone to leaking from the top of the tub where it met the condenser.

Whatever the reasons, the spins certainly make for an entertaining cycle and I would certainly recommend tracking one down.

Tom

 

[andyzanni]

Tom

I had often thought the weight of wet clothes and water would put a huge strain on the motor......
Wish there were some vids on youtube- there was a while ago, but they have been taken off

 

[hotpoint9534]

Hi,

I still have the videos but they are unlisted. There is one in the link below. Let me know if you want the others.

Tom.

 

[andyzanni]

late 80's zanussis

I'm looking at some of the manuals online and gosh, some of them look very confusing !!!!

 

[andyzanni]

vids

Ah yes some more would be great, if you don't mind. Just watched that one - bit dramatic!!

 

[hotpoint9534]

Ok here is another. The machine doesn't jump about as much since I made these videos. I've got it properly level now and it also runs much more quietly since I changed the belt.

One day I will make some new videos.

Tom.

 

[hotpoint9534]

End of main wash.

 

[hotpoint9534]

Cooldown.