Sears and Whirlpool Unveil a Revolution in Washing Machine Technology

Whirlpool and Sears today launched the Kenmore Elite washer with CalypsoWash Motion. The Calypso Wash Motion technology will enable consumers to thoroughly wash bulky items like comforters and rugs, yet it is gentle enough to care for washable delicates like silk and cashmere. It does all this, saves water and still qualifies for an ENERGY STAR rating thanks to its substantial savings in energy use.
The Kenmore Elite with Calypso Wash Motion offers convenience unlike any other machine on the market. "We developed the technology for a top load machine without the agitator in direct response to consumer demands," said Tom Ellspermann, director, fabric care, Whirlpool Corporation. According to research from the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science, 8 out of 10 consumers prefer a top loader.

The Kenmore Elite washer with Calypso Wash Motion is available exclusively from Sears. "Our newest Kenmore washer is revolutionary," says Tina Settecase, Sears vice president of home appliances. "It has no agitator so it has a huge cleaning capacity plus it gives consumers the format that 8 out of 10 users prefer. It's the only top-loading high efficiency washer on the market today."

The absence of the agitator allows for a completely open basket. This means there is more room to get clothes cleaner -- so the washer can easily handle large, bulky items like curtains, rugs and comforters. This saves consumers money because they can replace two smaller loads with one large load. Calypso Wash Motion technology can also care for delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere because it cleans clothes by gently bouncing them around the basket.

"With the average laundry load valued up to $500, it is our responsibility to help consumers protect their clothing investments," says Tara Aronson, consumer advocate at the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science. "When one of our consumers purchases a $300 gown, we need to be prepared to provide her with reliable fabric care technology that ensures the longest possible life for that gown."

The Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science works around the clock to meet the demands of the fashion industry and keep fabric care technology current with fabric and style innovations as well as consumer expectations.

"Calypso Wash Motion resembles the wobbling motion of a coin as it slowly spins down," explains Aronson. "It gently bounces clothes in a circular wavelike pattern around the basket."

Throughout the wash cycle, a safe concentration of detergent and water is repeatedly showered onto the garments resulting in superior cleaning power and stain removal. Clothes are never left swimming in dirty water, as there is a filter that traps dirt and particles, then flushes them away from the wash tub.

The Kenmore Elite with Calypso Wash Motion is available at Sears, Roebuck and Co. stores around the country in white-on-white, graphite and bisque-on- bisque, and costs $1099. www.sears.com

Source: Whirlpool Corporation