Saturday, September 13, 2025

Bring Them Back

 


13 comments:

  1. simple, not much to go wrong
    and if it did go wrong it could be fixed simply, with a screwdriver and pliers

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    1. And often very "overengineered," by today's standards, for things like sheet metal thicknesses, burner line tube walls, etc.

      (One of the things modern CAD/simulation/CAM codes let one do, is find out just how little material you can use and still keep the failure rate way down within the warranty period.)

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  2. It was a better time, in so many ways.

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  3. Trump has killed many of the stupid Biden rules on appliances, I'm just wondering how long it will take for better, simpler products to show up in the pipeline.

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    1. Let’s see some of these rules.
      If you consider a BBQ a better, simpler appliance, you may get your wish. Because ain’t nobody gonna be making much or buying much over the next few years.

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    2. A while, if ever, I'm afraid. Modern manufacturing, regardless of features, allows things to be built for the absolute lowest cost that still meets the major requirements (most of the time). Even if the regulations are changed, and dishwashers (for instance) aren't required to not heat the water or some such silliness, the pump the manufacturer uses isn't going to be any more robust than what's in there now.

      Similarly, integrated circuitry is just too simple, low-cost and convenient, on the manufacturing side, to go back to separate relays and switches.

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  4. Long ago basic kitchen appliances. Same with cars.

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  5. Had a Kelvinator, added a USS in front of the name because it was as big as a boat, always worked. Justa quick wipe down for a cleaning. What we have now works but is much more complicated and has no personality.

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    1. My garage fridge is a 1950 "General Electric Refridgerating Machine".bought
      new by my wife's grandparents. Has never been serviced or repaired. Still
      ice cold after 75 years.
      Bubbarust

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  6. This all started under Obama...

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  7. Eventually, some manufacturers will make and try to sell what you're all writing about, namely more robust appliances. I hope they have the sense to dump the 'smart' stuff while strengthening the materials to keep costs down.

    I won't buy any appliance with WiFi capability because sooner or later the state will be telling me I have the oven on too long at too high a temperature or I run too many loads of dishes or clothes so my electricity will be cut off for 4 hours a day.

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  8. In my opinion, it's common for modern manufacturers to only make products that are overloaded with features many people don't want. You have to pay extra money to buy an undersireable product because that's all anyone makes. Then add in planned obsolescence. It's countrary to their interests to make simple products that will last.

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