Thanks for showing this washer, it works great! My Kenmore is from 2000, before HE and knock on wood it uses water and washes great. Companies need to bring back washers that work.
I have a new-generation top-loading Whirlpool HE washer and if you follow the instructions and use a really high-quality HE detergent (I use Arm & Hammer and P&G Tide detergents), it actually does clean pretty well. A major issue is that some new detergents lack phosphates, and that can really cut the quality of cleaning.
My grandmother had one of these! I used to love to watch the agitator go up and down, and then the spin cycle was a thrill for me as a kid. And it sort of still is today! Thanks. Great Video.
This generation of machines was one of the best, and these Frigidaire washers were excellent performers. Yeah, they used water, and that's the key: In order for a machine to perform (i.e. "wash clothes clean"), water is necessary. These new machines cannot hold a candle to the older machines, as they use so little water and the new detergents are not as good as the old ones, that the whole process of washing has been broken.
I agree. to wash correctly a machine needs water.. In France there was an old (and amazing) advertisement made by Conord in the 60's : "Pub 60's Machine à laver Conord" (in French) and they are very very clear. It is said that to wash, water is necessary and to rinse, more water is necessary...The Conord washers had an agitator and is was said that the natural water movement was the best to wash safely and correctly...
Front loaders have always been more water efficient. It's in the design. The trouble is, the EPA mandates the same water standards for top loaders to receive certification, and it's not really possible due to the design. Top loaders need enough water to float the laundry a bit, so it can move around. For me, the solution is to turn off all the energy star crap, set it to deep water mode, and feed it 140 degree water just like you did with the old ones. Unsurprisingly, the clothes wash fine when you do that. 90% of the problems with modern top loaders could probably be solved if you could just set them to manual mode and select a water level and temperature like you did on the old ones. The fancy cycles do work to some extent with certain types of loads. Problems seem to come up with mixed loads of heavy items.
equid0x Or better still just ditch the outdated and inefficient top loaders all together. Front loaders are all we have used in Europe since the seventies. They wash better using significantly less water. They damage clothes less. Less detergent is needed. They use less energy. They heat their own water leading to further efficiency savings and better performance. They spin faster meaning shorter drying times which again uses less energy. Top load machines belong in museums, not homes.
@@spencerwilton5831 I've had both. The front loader wore clothes out faster than the old school top loaders. It also broke down more often. Europe moved to front loaders over water usage concerns not that the design is any better. When you compare an old school top loader to an old school front loader that used lots of water I never noticed much difference in the washing action. For home use, top loaders are a simple, reliable design that works. The only reason to have a front loader back in the day was higher capacity in a smaller more conveniently accessible space. The US doesn't have the water problems Europe has.
@@spencerwilton5831 ... you can keep your front load machine. I'll stick with my Maytag wringer washer, or another good top load machine. The "energy efficient" front loaders and top load machines, for that matter, do not wash as well as the older machines. Period.
Wow can that thing spin! The water is drained in an instant! My machine that was made sometime in the last 20 years can't do this! Love seeing vintage appliances in action!
We had the 70's version of that washer. Had to cut back on detergent compared to the standard type agitator model we had previously, or it would oversuds. In fact one brand we could not use at all - can't remember the name of it. This was before low-suds brands entered the market. Still the washer cleaned very well, though the flourescent lights in the house used to flicker a bit when it agitated!
For a 70yr old Washing Machine.... The Excellent Roll over the power of the spin is Incredible. Eugene if you ever want to sell or know of one s let my know...Thank's for a great vidio Eugene!!!
1:16 believe me, I wish I could fastforward my washer IRL. Whirlpool WTW5100SQ, I grow a beard before it's done filling. lol. Edit: side note, thank you for the idea of using vintage laundry detergent... I rather like Wisk, wish you could still buy it.
After about '92 that's when everybody called themselves "ultra" detergents and the scoop size decreased. Prior to that it was all just regular stuff that even for the little wash basket machines needed 1 to 1&1/2 cups. Kinda like Roma today, they still are old school 1 cup.
15:05 - Wife: "What the hell are are you doing in there?" Me: "Watching washing machine videos" Her: "Riiight" Wellp, time to put headphones on then....
I can't help but notice how it just yeets the water straight out of the basket by jumping straight from fill+agitate to spinning. It must have some VERY large or deep outer shell to hold all the water from the wash area. Does it pump it out slowly as it spins? Is the pump a separate motor? Or, heaven forbid, is it a gravity drain?!
I always wondered how these washers actually cleaned the clothes being that it’s only a piece of rubber on the bottom. I could understand a straight vaned agitator or even a dual action agitator the bottom part of it slapping the clothes back-and-forth and getting them clean but I never understood how this cleans, maybe somebody can explain it to me?
AmericaLovesRob In essence it does what the TR series of Speed Queen washers do, which is what I own. The clothes rub against each other and the center post. Actually works quite well.
Some people actually did think that back in the day. I personally wasn’t impressed with later versions of this cleaning system. But they were cheaply built and just on the way out when I got a hold of later washers like this. If they were so great why not put them in commercial use I always say.
@@Channel-cm7yc There were Frigidaire Commercial washers in the late 1960s and 1970s. The only laundromats where I saw growing up had Maytag top loaders, Westinghouse front loading Laundromats, and GE washers. Maytag washers were the most common.
@@peterharitatos6731 rubbing of the clothes produces lint. more lint/damage produced by over loading a washer and not getting proper circulation of the clothes (rollover).
I use the same amount of gain powder in our GE washer that is about three years old and you got just about the same amount of suds. I still thing the wai it agitates is kool!!! I can't use Tide it makes me itch.
Alec Bailey yes they truly were all those things. I look at these comments a lot and go (seriously) all the time! I always say to myself- they broke down with relative and swift expectancy and frequency that you could set your clock by them Lol lol.. But in defense they were made to be mostly repaired and serviced and move on until that became to expensive to do so un-like today’s junk where when it’s done- it’s done and people also forget about yesterday’s junk as well. It wasn’t the Mecca reliability the younger gens think it was. it broke and broke a lot. Yes I agree this would’ve be a huge pain in the ass to work on!
These machines honestly didn't wash as well as regular agitator machines. Not only did agitator machines roll over laundry, but they also gave them back and forth movement which helped with cleaning. Pat Cola told me that's how Whirlpool advertised their machines. If you look at the ketchup tests too, it shows that as well.
This is a solid tub washer, the water spins out the top of the tub when the tub spins . The tub is perforated with a row of holes and has lip to keep clothes in the tub when the tub spins and the wash and rinse water spins out. .
I thought you were supposed to load Unimatics in quadrants-heaps-instead of draping the clothes around the agitator-because they were notorious for tangling your clothes like twisted ropes.
This is the 2 nd vintage washer video Ive watched where the agitator pops off to fill with detergent. I’ve never seen those in my entire life and I’m pretty old.
yeah now weve got more landfills full of the new "efficient" stuff. but at least they didnt use much water when they did function, thereby defeating their purpose. progress!
@@stussels I mean, thats only because of consumers not understanding them/Them being made cheaply. A well made new machine can be both efficient AND reliable.
@@ExtremeGamer9951 youre right they can be all three. modern, efficient, and reliable. but you better have deep pockets. but for people that arent able to spend thousands on a new pair, vintage stuff can be a good compromise. my $100 set of '84 maytags has served me well and continues to do so.
CamoAssassin00 America loves its antique technology. No wonder they are the biggest polluters on the planet per head of population. If a machine doesn't use three times as much water and twice the electricity as necessary they aren't interested.
How can you not Love a Unimatic ??? Thank You Eugene for all the videos and work that you do.
Thanks for showing this washer, it works great! My Kenmore is from 2000, before HE and knock on wood it uses water and washes great. Companies need to bring back washers that work.
I have a new-generation top-loading Whirlpool HE washer and if you follow the instructions and use a really high-quality HE detergent (I use Arm & Hammer and P&G Tide detergents), it actually does clean pretty well. A major issue is that some new detergents lack phosphates, and that can really cut the quality of cleaning.
@@Sacto1654 Are you using liquid or powder? The A&H liquid with Oxi Clean is pretty decent detergent. I'd like to try the powder version too.
@@02chevyguy the Arm and Hammer Oxiclean liquid is honestly my favorite detergent so far.
I have an LG front-load from last year that cleans extremely well, despite using less water. I use all Free Clear detergent.
That old, and works like a charm..I personally would cherish that machine... They don't
make them like they used too!! Your lucky
to have one..
My grandmother had one of these! I used to love to watch the agitator go up and down, and then the spin cycle was a thrill for me as a kid. And it sort of still is today! Thanks. Great Video.
I wish these washers were still being manufactured today. Thanks for speeding up the water filling segments; I agree with you!
This generation of machines was one of the best, and these Frigidaire washers were excellent performers. Yeah, they used water, and that's the key: In order for a machine to perform (i.e. "wash clothes clean"), water is necessary. These new machines cannot hold a candle to the older machines, as they use so little water and the new detergents are not as good as the old ones, that the whole process of washing has been broken.
I agree. to wash correctly a machine needs water.. In France there was an old (and amazing) advertisement made by Conord in the 60's : "Pub 60's Machine à laver Conord" (in French) and they are very very clear. It is said that to wash, water is necessary and to rinse, more water is necessary...The Conord washers had an agitator and is was said that the natural water movement was the best to wash safely and correctly...
Front loaders have always been more water efficient. It's in the design. The trouble is, the EPA mandates the same water standards for top loaders to receive certification, and it's not really possible due to the design. Top loaders need enough water to float the laundry a bit, so it can move around. For me, the solution is to turn off all the energy star crap, set it to deep water mode, and feed it 140 degree water just like you did with the old ones. Unsurprisingly, the clothes wash fine when you do that.
90% of the problems with modern top loaders could probably be solved if you could just set them to manual mode and select a water level and temperature like you did on the old ones.
The fancy cycles do work to some extent with certain types of loads. Problems seem to come up with mixed loads of heavy items.
equid0x Or better still just ditch the outdated and inefficient top loaders all together. Front loaders are all we have used in Europe since the seventies. They wash better using significantly less water. They damage clothes less. Less detergent is needed. They use less energy. They heat their own water leading to further efficiency savings and better performance. They spin faster meaning shorter drying times which again uses less energy. Top load machines belong in museums, not homes.
@@spencerwilton5831 I've had both. The front loader wore clothes out faster than the old school top loaders. It also broke down more often. Europe moved to front loaders over water usage concerns not that the design is any better. When you compare an old school top loader to an old school front loader that used lots of water I never noticed much difference in the washing action. For home use, top loaders are a simple, reliable design that works. The only reason to have a front loader back in the day was higher capacity in a smaller more conveniently accessible space. The US doesn't have the water problems Europe has.
@@spencerwilton5831 ... you can keep your front load machine. I'll stick with my Maytag wringer washer, or another good top load machine. The "energy efficient" front loaders and top load machines, for that matter, do not wash as well as the older machines. Period.
Wow can that thing spin! The water is drained in an instant! My machine that was made sometime in the last 20 years can't do this! Love seeing vintage appliances in action!
We had the 70's version of that washer. Had to cut back on detergent compared to the standard type agitator model we had previously, or it would oversuds. In fact one brand we could not use at all - can't remember the name of it. This was before low-suds brands entered the market. Still the washer cleaned very well, though the flourescent lights in the house used to flicker a bit when it agitated!
Yeah that’s a wonderful piece of engineering!
For a 70yr old Washing Machine.... The Excellent Roll over the power of the spin is Incredible. Eugene if you ever want to sell or know of one s let my know...Thank's for a great vidio Eugene!!!
This is like the only vintage washer I find interesting.
This was COOL! I've never seen a hopping agitator before...just goes hoppy-hoppy-hoppy all day long, CUTE! 😍😁
It looks a bit RUDE to me! 😂😂😂
Well Christopher Althouse say hello to the "Unimatic" washing system by "Frigidaire" and built by "General Motors"
@@marcse7enBit rude innit?
Awesome! You got to love this old school unit.
This one is the only one I find interesting.
1:16 believe me, I wish I could fastforward my washer IRL. Whirlpool WTW5100SQ, I grow a beard before it's done filling. lol. Edit: side note, thank you for the idea of using vintage laundry detergent... I rather like Wisk, wish you could still buy it.
I've never seen a pump agitation instead of spin agitation. Very cool.
After about '92 that's when everybody called themselves "ultra" detergents and the scoop size decreased. Prior to that it was all just regular stuff that even for the little wash basket machines needed 1 to 1&1/2 cups. Kinda like Roma today, they still are old school 1 cup.
FOCA seems to be the best, if you want to avoid these HE detergents.
Get laundersol if you want detergent with phosphates in it.
love this machine no faffing around simple to use and gets the job well and truly done😁👍❤
I am a Baby Boomer, and I saw Frigidaire ( GENERAL MOTORS) washers in the 1950's in action.
We had one of those washing machines when I was young you can wash pillows and everything in them I wish I still had it
15:05 - Wife: "What the hell are are you doing in there?" Me: "Watching washing machine videos" Her: "Riiight"
Wellp, time to put headphones on then....
Show her the video and tell her it came with spacial attachments for the wife's pleasure and she might be encouraging you to buy one haha
That has really great roll over action !
Nice
I still have the bellows clamp tools
Show the control panel.
I can't help but notice how it just yeets the water straight out of the basket by jumping straight from fill+agitate to spinning. It must have some VERY large or deep outer shell to hold all the water from the wash area. Does it pump it out slowly as it spins? Is the pump a separate motor? Or, heaven forbid, is it a gravity drain?!
I want an older washer! They clean much better
You can. Go to ebay or facebook and look up whirlpool direct drives
I would have this washer instead.
what is the purpose of the extra fill just before spinning?
Overflow rinse.
The picture you showed in the thumbnail the paint looks pitted like the washer was repainted at one time.
the Illinois accent is strong in this 1
Sounds like a Wisconsin accent to me. Especially how he says his "O"s. But I guess both are similar
@@ego6342 I think he's from Cleveland
I always wondered how these washers actually cleaned the clothes being that it’s only a piece of rubber on the bottom. I could understand a straight vaned agitator or even a dual action agitator the bottom part of it slapping the clothes back-and-forth and getting them clean but I never understood how this cleans, maybe somebody can explain it to me?
It causes the clothes to rub against themselves and the centre post.
AmericaLovesRob In essence it does what the TR series of Speed Queen washers do, which is what I own. The clothes rub against each other and the center post. Actually works quite well.
Some people actually did think that back in the day. I personally wasn’t impressed with later versions of this cleaning system. But they were cheaply built and just on the way out when I got a hold of later washers like this. If they were so great why not put them in commercial use I always say.
@@Channel-cm7yc There were Frigidaire Commercial washers in the late 1960s and 1970s. The only laundromats where I saw growing up had Maytag top loaders, Westinghouse front loading Laundromats, and GE washers. Maytag washers were the most common.
@@peterharitatos6731 rubbing of the clothes produces lint. more lint/damage produced by over loading a washer and not getting proper circulation of the clothes (rollover).
I use the same amount of gain powder in our GE washer that is about three years old and you got just about the same amount of suds. I still thing the wai it agitates is kool!!! I can't use Tide it makes me itch.
I wonder has anybody figured out how to do a modern version of his vertical agitating washer?
The Whirlpool calypso
I have never seen a agitators like that
the one person , who gave this vid a thumbs down, probably washes their clothes in a bathtub by hand lol ( cool machine/video !!!)
Or they use the overteched machines that wash like crap
@@josephpacelli3691
Was just gonna say: Or they have a Samsung that they over paid for, is already broken, and their clothes aren’t clean… 😂
They should bring back the Frigidaire 1-18 washer. The machines of today are terrible.
These were very expensive and they were a pain in the ass to work on, so they were losing money. That's why they discontinued it.
Alec Bailey: Some of the machines that they make today is over $1,000 that’s a lot of money for nothing.
Alec Bailey yes they truly were all those things. I look at these comments a lot and go (seriously) all the time! I always say to myself- they broke down with relative and swift expectancy and frequency that you could set your clock by them Lol lol.. But in defense they were made to be mostly repaired and serviced and move on until that became to expensive to do so un-like today’s junk where when it’s done- it’s done and people also forget about yesterday’s junk as well. It wasn’t the Mecca reliability the younger gens think it was. it broke and broke a lot. Yes I agree this would’ve be a huge pain in the ass to work on!
These machines honestly didn't wash as well as regular agitator machines. Not only did agitator machines roll over laundry, but they also gave them back and forth movement which helped with cleaning. Pat Cola told me that's how Whirlpool advertised their machines. If you look at the ketchup tests too, it shows that as well.
Well everyone is so worried about climate change that everything has to be energy efficient.
Can you do a series of videos on a first generation whirlpool cabrio AGI that would be cool to see.
Sweet
I'm trying to figure out how it drains the water bc I never see any drain holes can someone explain
This is a solid tub washer, the water spins out the top of the tub when the tub spins . The tub is perforated with a row of holes and has lip to keep clothes in the tub when the tub spins and the wash and rinse water spins out.
.
I thought you were supposed to load Unimatics in quadrants-heaps-instead of draping the clothes around the agitator-because they were notorious for tangling your clothes like twisted ropes.
I thought you were going to sell it???
No double rinse? The only one was still sudsy.
Can someone explain why the capacity is so small in older washing machines ?
This is the 2 nd vintage washer video Ive watched where the agitator pops off to fill with detergent. I’ve never seen those in my entire life and I’m pretty old.
Maytags had a hollow agitator dispenser under the lint filter
You're not old...you're vintage
These old washers still going today 70 years later and my Samsung I bought last year already had to be replaced...
Whats the max rpm
Karl Smith technically 1140 rpm. I was able to measure 1136rpm
ive got the matching stove and fridge for that. 1949.
My piece of shit hotpoint washer can’t even spin out one bed comforter, hate the damn thing
Good thing we dont have these water wasting machines around anymore...
yeah now weve got more landfills full of the new "efficient" stuff. but at least they didnt use much water when they did function, thereby defeating their purpose. progress!
@@stussels I mean, thats only because of consumers not understanding them/Them being made cheaply.
A well made new machine can be both efficient AND reliable.
@@ExtremeGamer9951 youre right they can be all three. modern, efficient, and reliable. but you better have deep pockets. but for people that arent able to spend thousands on a new pair, vintage stuff can be a good compromise. my $100 set of '84 maytags has served me well and continues to do so.
@@stussels Im in the uk so its all frontloaders here and they seem way better
CamoAssassin00 America loves its antique technology. No wonder they are the biggest polluters on the planet per head of population. If a machine doesn't use three times as much water and twice the electricity as necessary they aren't interested.