Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips?

[tc101]

Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips? I have a fancy Maytag that locks the lid when it is running, takes much too long to clean clothes, and is generally a pain. I wish I still had the simple mechanical washing machine that died 10 years ago.

[investorpeter]

SpeedQueen makes reliable, heavy duty, top-load washers with old-fashioned knobs and that supposedly allow you to open the top while it is working. I'm sure there are computer chips in there somewhere however...

https://speedqueen.com/products/home-pr ... d-washers/

[Kagord]

You would think washers today would be better than the ones 40-50 years ago. The only alternative to the expensive fake facade front loader trash they sell today is a Speed Queen Top Load model. It's not what it was, but it doesn't make a bunch of funny noises and need to run for 80-90 water miser minutes, and I can open the lid at any time

[Vtsax100]

About 25 years ago I moved into an apartment. An old lady was moving out. She let me keep her GE washer and dryer for $125 dollars. Fast forward to today and the dryer is still going strong. The washer gave up just a few years ago. I replaced it with a Maytag “commercial” piece of junk that I hate now. It runs forever, makes all sorts of long pauses, crazy noises, and wads my clothes up. Its impossible to wash sheets in. They don't get wet. I miss the good ole GE that used more water and got the job done.

[tc101]

Maybe I'll get a speed queen, as suggested. They are expensive though. $849 for the cheapest one on Amazon

https://smile.amazon.com/SPEED-QUEEN-Me ... 156&sr=8-4

[rkhusky]

When we moved into our first house, it came with a washer and dryer, which were who knows how old. They were still working 20 years later when we sold the house. I made some repairs myself, with the help of YouTube.

Our new house didn’t come with a washer or dryer. We bought a new gas dryer, but my wife insisted we buy an older model refurbished Whirlpool washer. The fellow initially had to come replace a couple parts, but it has been working fine for the last year.

[tc101]

I think I will try to find an old refurbished pre computer model.

[Tingting1013]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

[criticalmass]

You would think washers today would be better than the ones 40-50 years ago. The only alternative to the expensive fake facade front loader trash they sell today is a Speed Queen Top Load model. It's not what it was, but it doesn't make a bunch of funny noises and need to run for 80-90 water miser minutes, and I can open the lid at any time

The washers 40-50 years ago used 30 gallons of water to 'wash' a large load and beat the fabrics with agitators before leaving you with soggy wash after the final spin that required a lot of drying. Most of the water just sat in the tub with agitated wash to get pumped out again and refilled.

Since using a dreaded modern washer, I use a fraction of the water and energy, enjoy much cleaner wash that doesn't fade colors, and most importantly clothes last indefinitely because they aren't getting beaten with agitator pieces slamming into them. In Europe, we've used modern washers for many decades, as long as anyone can remember. It's nice to see that they are finally available and decent in 'high tech' USA too.

But no doubt, someone will find a superior washer, microwave oven, automobile, television, and perhaps even a device to post onto this website that doesn't use those dreaded frightful computer chips.

[criticalmass]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

Scare the heck out of people who believe technology reached its apex with the so-reliable 1970 Chevrolets and American style why-care-about-resources-and-our-environment washers common 50 years ago.

[SquirrelEater]

They still make simple washers and dryers with simple interfaces. I have no clue if there are any computer chips in mine or not.
Mine is a GE & Hotpoint. Was cheap, few hundred each brand new iirc. Knobs and push buttons. Just like the 80’s and 90’s but without the fake wood. Dryer is from Canada, washer from USA. Those two have been going good for about five years now.
There are still old fashioned appliance stores around. They can order you anything. The GE catalog for washers, dryers, fridges is like a little phone book. Incredible options available.

[Taylor Larimore]

Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips? I have a fancy Maytag that locks the lid when it is running, takes much too long to clean clothes, and is generally a pain. I wish I still had the simple mechanical washing machine that died 10 years ago.

tc101:

The May 2020 issue of Consumer Reports gives their highest ratings to LG Front and Top Loader washers.

May be of interest: My Dad was manager of the Miami laundry. where I began working. I even went to laundry school near Chicago. When our children were out of the nest, I've enjoyed doing our home washing well enough to avoid ironing (with proper fabrics and detergents).

Best wishes.
Taylor

Jack Bogle's Words of Wisdom: "We live in an uncertain world and face not only the risks of the known unknowns but also the unknown unknowns."

[whodidntante]

This one does not use modern technology and has a simple, time tested design. The motor will last as long as you do.
https://www.amazon.com/Columbus-Washboa ... 579&sr=8-7

[squirm]

I modified mine a while ago so the lid doesn't latch and also uses more water.

[tc101]

I modified mine a while ago so the lid doesn't latch and also uses more water.

Was that hard to do? Are there instructions on line about how to do it?

[F150HD]

About 25 years ago I moved into an apartment. An old lady was moving out. She let me keep her GE washer and dryer for $125 dollars. Fast forward to today and the dryer is still going strong. The washer gave up just a few years ago. I replaced it with a Maytag “commercial” piece of junk that I hate now. It runs forever, makes all sorts of long pauses, crazy noises, and wads my clothes up. Its impossible to wash sheets in. They don't get wet. I miss the good ole GE that used more water and got the job done.

LOL.

When I bought a prior home 20+ some years ago it came w/ a washer and dryer. The washer died and I replaced it but the gas dryer, Maytag, just kept on going. 20 years. Only issue was the door would not click shut so had to use a 3 foot piece of wood to hold it shut. Sounds silly, but prior homeowners were using it that way so I did.

Fastforward to selling that home....realtor suggested getting a new dryer as the piece of wood was tacky etc. I looked into fixing the door and it was a simple $1.59 part off Ebay. Felt like an idiot living for 20 years where a simple cheap part would fix the issue. Granted it was in a cellar where I didn't spend any time so the wood didn't matter, but, nonetheless....

The fewer buttons the better.

[JBTX]

This one does not use modern technology and has a simple, time tested design. The motor will last as long as you do.
https://www.amazon.com/Columbus-Washboa ... 579&sr=8-7

[MathIsMyWayr]

You would think washers today would be better than the ones 40-50 years ago. The only alternative to the expensive fake facade front loader trash they sell today is a Speed Queen Top Load model. It's not what it was, but it doesn't make a bunch of funny noises and need to run for 80-90 water miser minutes, and I can open the lid at any time

The washers 40-50 years ago used 30 gallons of water to 'wash' a large load and beat the fabrics with agitators before leaving you with soggy wash after the final spin that required a lot of drying. Most of the water just sat in the tub with agitated wash to get pumped out again and refilled.

Since using a dreaded modern washer, I use a fraction of the water and energy, enjoy much cleaner wash that doesn't fade colors, and most importantly clothes last indefinitely because they aren't getting beaten with agitator pieces slamming into them. In Europe, we've used modern washers for many decades, as long as anyone can remember. It's nice to see that they are finally available and decent in 'high tech' USA too.

But no doubt, someone will find a superior washer, microwave oven, automobile, television, and perhaps even a device to post onto this website that doesn't use those dreaded frightful computer chips.

Rising tide does not lift all the boats.

[Keim]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

Scare the heck out of people who believe technology reached its apex with the so-reliable 1970 Chevrolets and American style why-care-about-resources-and-our-environment washers common 50 years ago.

We recently bought a Speedqueen set. It replaced a 25 year old Kenmore set I had repaired a few times, until the motor went out. It is quieter, quicker and made better. I suspect it will last longer than most computer based sets.

I also still drive my 1976 Monte Carlo, which has proven to be a very reliable vehicle over the past 30+ years of ownership.

[rich126]

I'm all for technology and often people are just stubborn in old fashioned beliefs but no one will convince me that I need a washer with 5 different chimes that I can select to tell me it is done. Just make one that can do sheets and blankets without shutting down due to getting off balance while in the spin cycle.

[egrets]

i had no idea some of these lock the lids. I will have to watch out for that when I replace mine.

Presumably modern appliances are better for the environment, but older ones lasted decades. Now the modern ones are junk. That has to have an environmental impact. Plus those damnable eternal beeps when done.

[criticalmass]

i had no idea some of these lock the lids. I will have to watch out for that when I replace mine.

Presumably modern appliances are better for the environment, but older ones lasted decades. Now the modern ones are junk. That has to have an environmental impact. Plus those damnable eternal beeps when done.

Doors and lids need locking to avoid tragedies and lawsuits. Turn off the beep on your appliances if they cause an issue for you. I like being signaled when my instapot, washer, and microwave oven are finished working.

[Mr. Rumples]

I went with a basic top loader Speed Queen. I wanted something "old fashioned" I suppose. They all have electronics, but the bells and whistles are necessary for me. My model, albeit 4 years old, lets me open it to add items when its running. Of course, it stops until the lid is closed again.

[bob60014]

I have a LG and obviously time will tell about it's longevity but I'm not really too concerned.

Instead of turning a rotary dial I can press...
one button if I need to pause/unlock,
one button if I want a shorter wash,
one button to add more water,
one button to silence the beep(s).
It's simple enough and the clothes are cleaned same as if done in the old machine.

No offense intended, but I still don't see what the issue is with computer chips.

[Hoosier CPA]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

Scare the heck out of people who believe technology reached its apex with the so-reliable 1970 Chevrolets and American style why-care-about-resources-and-our-environment washers common 50 years ago.

The short lifespan of the modern units may negate any environmental advantages. There's a lot of energy consumed in manufacturing something that won't last that long before getting sent to the landfill, or perhaps recycled.

[Broken Man 1999]

This one does not use modern technology and has a simple, time tested design. The motor will last as long as you do.
https://www.amazon.com/Columbus-Washboa ... 579&sr=8-7

The perfect thing to pair with a solar-powered clothesline!

Broken Man 1999

[ClevrChico]

This is probably the best place to do this kind of research:

https://lorainfurniture.com/blog/

The classic line of Speed Queen fits your criteria. The newer models have poor cleaning performance, so pick carefully. The commercial Maytag model is apparently now "top dog" for a traditional machine, although I believe it has some digitization.

[j0nnyg1984]

Does Home Depot still sell the “Admiral” brand? I bought a set of those when I moved in 2010 for around $600 (total!); the set is still going strong now at my moms house since my new house came with a w&d...

[rich126]

i had no idea some of these lock the lids. I will have to watch out for that when I replace mine.

Presumably modern appliances are better for the environment, but older ones lasted decades. Now the modern ones are junk. That has to have an environmental impact. Plus those damnable eternal beeps when done.

The lids are locked when the cycle is on and until the spinning bin stops spinning. You can always hit the "pause" button (I have an LG) and then once the moving parts stop moving, the lid is unlocked and you can add/remove clothes as needed.

It isn't as if they are locked until the cycle is completed in 50 minutes or whatever.

[criticalmass]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

Scare the heck out of people who believe technology reached its apex with the so-reliable 1970 Chevrolets and American style why-care-about-resources-and-our-environment washers common 50 years ago.

The short lifespan of the modern units may negate any environmental advantages. There's a lot of energy consumed in manufacturing something that won't last that long before getting sent to the landfill, or perhaps recycled.

Interesting. I chose a washer that is well made and fully expect it to last a long time. "Modern" washers (now called high efficiency in USA) have been in use in Europe for many, many decades and have lasted just fine. If something goes wrong, I will repair it, not try to purchase and older agitating water wasting fabric beater.

[ballons]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

Scare the heck out of people who believe technology reached its apex with the so-reliable 1970 Chevrolets and American style why-care-about-resources-and-our-environment washers common 50 years ago.

The short lifespan of the modern units may negate any environmental advantages. There's a lot of energy consumed in manufacturing something that won't last that long before getting sent to the landfill, or perhaps recycled.

Survivorship bias.

Stop being suckered into buying overpriced, gimmicky garbage when shopping for new appliances. No, you don't need a washing machine that has WiFi, BT, and plays Netflix; all of that is going to break. Pick one that is dead simple, has great reviews, has spare parts available, and you can find a service manual so you can do repairs yourself. The "computer chips" today now have self-test diagnostics that tell you exactly what needs fixed:

"Computer chips" told me the exact issues with my dishwasher. A $0.10 relay.
"Computer chips" told me the exact issue with my fridge. Two sensors for $30.
"Computer chips" told me the exact issue with my washer. I forgot to clean the drain filter and it was clogged.

Yes the "computer chips" themselves can go bad. You don't toss the entire machine. You just buy the "computer chip" replacement board.

[lthenderson]

Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips? I have a fancy Maytag that locks the lid when it is running, takes much too long to clean clothes, and is generally a pain.

Maytag makes a simple pair of top loaders without computer chips. I know because I have a pair. Also a locking lid is not a sign of a computer chip but just an energized solenoid to prevent you from reaching in their while it is spinning and getting your arm broken or torn off. Also prevents little Billy from shoving little Joey over the side while Joey was watching it spin. As someone who designed washing machines for part of my career, in order for our product to be certified for sales in the U.S., it had to have a door lock on it along with multiple other safety features. So if you find a brand new washer being sold without a door lock, they are selling it illegally and opening the door to a huge lawsuit someday.

[telemark]

This one does not use modern technology and has a simple, time tested design. The motor will last as long as you do.
https://www.amazon.com/Columbus-Washboa ... 579&sr=8-7

And it doubles as a musical instrument!

[hicabob]

Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips? I have a fancy Maytag that locks the lid when it is running, takes much too long to clean clothes, and is generally a pain.

Maytag makes a simple pair of top loaders without computer chips. I know because I have a pair. Also a locking lid is not a sign of a computer chip but just an energized solenoid to prevent you from reaching in their while it is spinning and getting your arm broken or torn off. Also prevents little Billy from shoving little Joey over the side while Joey was watching it spin. As someone who designed washing machines for part of my career, in order for our product to be certified for sales in the U.S., it had to have a door lock on it along with multiple other safety features. So if you find a brand new washer being sold without a door lock, they are selling it illegally and opening the door to a huge lawsuit someday.

Surely all manufacturers use a 50 cent microprocessor for motor control nowadays?

[mgensler]

+1 for the speed queen top loaders. The miele's have electronics but they also have old fashioned mechanical switches activated by pressing buttons. They have been fantastic machines.

[quantAndHold]

I have an LG that I got at Costco. I put the clothes and detergent in, close the door, push a button, and sometime later, I get clean clothes. Beyond that, I don’t think about it much.

Am I doing something wrong?

[lthenderson]

Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips? I have a fancy Maytag that locks the lid when it is running, takes much too long to clean clothes, and is generally a pain.

Maytag makes a simple pair of top loaders without computer chips. I know because I have a pair. Also a locking lid is not a sign of a computer chip but just an energized solenoid to prevent you from reaching in their while it is spinning and getting your arm broken or torn off. Also prevents little Billy from shoving little Joey over the side while Joey was watching it spin. As someone who designed washing machines for part of my career, in order for our product to be certified for sales in the U.S., it had to have a door lock on it along with multiple other safety features. So if you find a brand new washer being sold without a door lock, they are selling it illegally and opening the door to a huge lawsuit someday.

Surely all manufacturers use a 50 cent microprocessor for motor control nowadays?

Most washing machines do have a microprocessor. But most manufacturers also have a low end base model without a microprocessor. They instead have those spring wound mechanical timers that has various tabs on the inside to actuate the various sections of a laundry cycle. I was always impressed with the percentage of people who still want an "old fashioned" washing machine. My company sold machines that could cost upwards of $20k for a single washer but during my time there we still have a significant amount of customers that bought mechanical timers. They were pretty much bomb proof. I've been out of the industry a decade but I'm guessing though that those sales are quickly dying out with the older generations.

[macheta]

Back in 2012, I purchased a whirlpool washer and dryer on craigslist. I repaired them four times now. The washer side mount rubber bellow was replaced twice. There was a broken wire causing some type of error code. Regarding the dryer, I replaced the heating element and heating sensors. The dryer was the funnest job because the entire machine had to be taken apart to access the failed parts. Everything was accomplished because I found the wiring schematic inside the dryer and useful youtube videos.

[atikovi]

I'm still waiting for the single unit washer/dryers to come out to free up some floor space. Until then, my '80's Kenmores are fine.

[Broken Man 1999]

We have had an LG laundry pair for several years. One inexpensive repair so far. Wife does laundry every day, and the LGs are large capacity.

Our previous laundry pair was Roper, basic, and cheap. These current Roper units seem to use mechanical controls.

Here is a link to a Roper pair available at Lowes:

https://www.lowes.com/collections/Roper ... Set/GR_526

Broken Man 1999

[TheDDC]

We have had an LG laundry pair for several years. One inexpensive repair so far. Wife does laundry every day, and the LGs are large capacity.

Our previous laundry pair was Roper, basic, and cheap. These current Roper units seem to use mechanical controls.

Here is a link to a Roper pair available at Lowes:

https://www.lowes.com/collections/Roper ... Set/GR_526

Broken Man 1999

These are low end computer chip machines that do not use actual mechanical controls.

You need to buy a washer/dryer pair with the "CRANKETY CRANK CRANK... CRANK..." mechanism type dials for a true oldschool warshing experience. Unfortunately I fear you will need to go "basement diving" in an old city row home to find one, and get to know a good laundry machine repairman

-TheDDC

[Bcdkgf]

I absolutely detest washers, driers, ovens, and dishwashers that have motherboards and chips. Despite having a whole house surge protector, we have replaced motherboards on these devices at crazy high costs of repairs that certainly cost more than the water or electricity they saved. I replaced the Jenn Air motherboard and touchpad of my stove at least 3 times, the last time it went out on Christmas Eve last year, there were no more motherboards. We had to buy a new stove, and it too, has a motherboard.

[Carguy85]

Have had our Samsung washer(top load)/dryer (electric) for 3 years. Family of 4. I’ve had to rebuild the dryer (new rollers) 3 times now and just had to replace the main circuit board on the washer... crazy how crappy these are now and they were not cheap. The appliances of 20 years ago seemed to last much longer.

[Northern Flicker]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

Scare the heck out of people who believe technology reached its apex with the so-reliable 1970 Chevrolets and American style why-care-about-resources-and-our-environment washers common 50 years ago.

There also is the energy, materials, and monetary cost associated with producing a large metal appliance with a 7-year life expectancy. How long does it take for the energy savings to pay back the energy debt of building something that last 7 years vs 20 years?

[F150HD]

The short lifespan of the modern units may negate any environmental advantages. There's a lot of energy consumed in manufacturing something that won't last that long before getting sent to the landfill, or perhaps recycled.

thats a HUGE point with a lot of items these days....a point forgotten or ignored when something is quoted as 'green'.

[AerialP]

I'm still waiting for the single unit washer/dryers to come out to free up some floor space. Until then, my '80's Kenmores are fine.

I absolutely LOVED my LG Washer/Dryer Combo (i.e. in the same drum, not the stackable types). I happily sing its praises. And I got ~15 years out of it before it finally gave up the ghost in multiple subsystems so I replaced it with its current equivalent and now rent that condo to my sister and she also loves the washer/dryer combo. Except in certain household circumstances, I think they work very very well and their relatively small customer base is rooted in unfounded selective squeamishness.

[criticalmass]

Yes they do, but your power and water bill will almost certainly go up.

What do you think all those computer chips in there are meant to do, anyway?

Scare the heck out of people who believe technology reached its apex with the so-reliable 1970 Chevrolets and American style why-care-about-resources-and-our-environment washers common 50 years ago.

There also is the energy, materials, and monetary cost associated with producing a large metal appliance with a 7-year life expectancy. How long does it take for the energy savings to pay back the energy debt of building something that last 7 years vs 20 years?

Why buy a 7 year appliance? Buy a modern appliance with a 20+ year life expectancy AND make sure it is an efficient product that is easy on energy AND water too. Lots of false choices in the thread, as if you have to choose appliances that have no electronics to get it to last a few years. If that was true, cars wouldn't last more than a few years either.

[Bogle7]

I'm still waiting for the single unit washer/dryers to come out to free up some floor space.

You mean similar to these?
https://www.ajmadison.com/washer-dryer-combos/f

[anoop]

Do they still make simple washing machines without any computer chips? I have a fancy Maytag that locks the lid when it is running, takes much too long to clean clothes, and is generally a pain. I wish I still had the simple mechanical washing machine that died 10 years ago.

How about this one?
https://www.wayfair.com/appliances/pdp/ ... a1000.html

[anoop]

I'm still waiting for the single unit washer/dryers to come out to free up some floor space. Until then, my '80's Kenmores are fine.

You could stack.