Whirlpool Calypso washer

by Ian McDougall
(Canada)

These washing machines should have been recalled as everyone I have spoken with agree they are nothing but trouble. Incredibly expensive not to last longer than 3 or 4 years.

In the 4 years I have owned it we have had the repairman in 3 times and he was unable to fully solve the problem.

The last time it was out of warranty and the repairman said it will cost $800 approximately to repair.

Without a doubt this consumer feels cheated and will never return to purchase a Whirlpool appliance which applies to all the other brands that are built by Whirlpool and sold under competitors names. One Star.

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Comments for Whirlpool Calypso washer

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Nov 10, 2013
Rating

10 years old
by: Anonymous

We bought ours in September of 2003 had it about 3 years and we had to replace water pump. Then about a year and 1/2 later we had to replace the drum and the seal. Roughly 2 years later pump acted up again but my husband and I fixed it. The pump was getting clogged with hair paper fibers from towels and such. Took the pump off cleaned it out and it worked fine. We had the kept the pump from the first time they fixed it and lo and behold what do you know it was clogged too and worked fine once it was cleaned out. We luckily enough had warranty on ours and when it ran out we just added it to our home warranty so it hasn't costed us an arm and a leg to fix. Here we are 10 years later and had to take it apart thinking it was the water pump sadly enough it is more than likely the motor. We have had other problem such as mold and slime but I started making my own laundry detergent and that issue was eliminated.

Oct 05, 2013
Rating

Agree, horrible washer
by: Anonymous

About ten years old… have always had issues. Was “top of the line” at the time and very expensive. No lint trap, lint just hangs out a hole in the side of the wash tub. Bleach and fabric softener dispensers barely work… in fact bleach has not been able to drain for some time. Got OB all the time, water would leak out, would not do small loads without going OB, stopped - and got stuck at - the 8 min. mark all the time. Last and final issue is the CI error. After researching, and finding this board, sounds like it isn’t worth calling for service.

BTW, matching dryer died after 7 years (and two repairs). Last time, they wanted something like $350+ to fix.

And, lastly, when are they going to start making washers and dryers that last 25-30 years again - and are minimal to repair if they do fail???

Oct 05, 2013
Rating

Tired of the Lemon
by: Anonymous

Bought the washer and dryer 4 years ago. Two weeks after I got them home we had to have the repairman out to replace the board in the dryer. Thankfully that was under warranty. One month after the warranty ran out the pump went out on the washer. The following year had to replace the pump again.
Now, it is hit or miss if the dang thing will even work. You push the buttons and no power to the washer. You call customer no service and they tell you to run the diagnostic program on it. Well in order to do that the stupid thing has to have power to the unit. So their next suggestion is schedule another repair service call.
What I plan on scheduling is dragging this overgrown paper weight to the curb and let the trash man have it. IT is worth more as scrap than a washer. Won't be buying Whirlpool anymore.

Aug 03, 2013
Rating

Bad Water Pump Design
by: GQ

I bought this machine with a dry set back in Nov 2005. Jan or so 2007 350.00 worth of water-pump replacement. Thought this was odd for a new washer.. Several months later machine makes funny noise and again water pump not pumping right. So this time i pull pump myself and find all kinds of lint, string, etc around the pump pulley. Clean it up put it back in and few months later does same thing. For the past 5-6 years i have to keep pulling pump housing off and cleaning the debris out if it. No one should have to do this to use their washer machine. So today i call sears to ask for a new pump, understanding that it was redesigned because of this issue. Wow they want money more money.. I explained it was their manufacture's bad design not mine. They could care less. Send us some money we will help you out.. Well alot people are starting to not buy from sears now, wow they just keep adding to their list of bad customers. Sears use to not be like this and it is a shame greed has so much power.

Jul 27, 2013
Rating

Great Machine
by: Wardoggie

We bought this machine over 12 years ago, NEVER any problems. My wife does 6 or 7 loads every week. When our kids were here it was even more. We just had a problem with the Control Panel getting stuck on 8 mins. Nothing would reset.I ended up ordering two parts, the Electronic Control module and the Micro Computer module. I'm currently waiting for those to arrive. I'm confident that after replacing them, that the machine will give me another 12+ years of great service.

Jun 28, 2013
Rating

American Washers suck!
by: Anonymous

So many things get caught inside. You pretty much have to put all your underwears into a laundry mesh bag to prevent it. The pump failed and I replaced it. It still doesn't pump water into the basin to wash. What a piece of junk... I paid so much for it back in 2003.

I replaced it with a new GE. I had 3 service calls in one year. Glad it is still under warranty.

Never will I buy American.

Apr 20, 2013
Rating

Piece of junk!!!
by: Anonymous

THIS IS THE WORST WASHER EVER!!! Laundry is always getting stuck under the agitator. I hate it!!!

Dec 26, 2012
Rating

Dont buy this junk
by: Anonymous

Dont waist your money on this piece of junk , read teh following link , we all have same problem!

http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/washer-repair/1090-control-panel-touch-pad-not-working.html

Dec 12, 2012
Rating

washer repairs
by: linda in albany ga

Exactly 1 yr and 1 week after purchase started having problems with the pump--called repairman and it cost $200 to replace pump-he told us then of the complaints on this washer..then had to call him out again for the same thing-another $200-this time my husband watched, and he did the 3rd repair himself..now when you open the lid in the 1st wash cycle, the clothes are totally dry! I too am fed up with this washer--dryer seems to be ok

Nov 14, 2012
Rating

do not buy this piece of junk!
by: Anonymous

Worst machine ever! Eats your clothes and then spits them out!

Aug 31, 2012
Rating

Mine must be a freak. I works very well
by: Mark

I purchased my Calypso about 10 years ago and have only had a few problems...basically related to the pumnp. The original pump had a poorly designed screen and it would get clogged. Mine was replaced under warranty. I had it plug again a few years later and called a repair service. The problem was with the "furry" bath mats that I washed...they shed all kinds of crap that got stuck in the pump. The repairman showed me how to fix it, and only charged me $50. I have had to unplug it only one other time, which only takes about 30 minutes. I am very pleased with it and have never had any issues with clothes getting damaged.

Jul 16, 2012
Rating

LOVE MINE!!!
by: Anonymous

I have had my Calypso for 6 years, never had any issues. It cleans amazingly well. I love it and if it ever does go out, I hope I can find another one! I have a family of 6 and this washer is used daily. King size comforters to jeans and husbands greasy work clothes. A++++++

Jun 06, 2012
Rating

.They did recall these.
by: Anonymous

They did recall them and fixed the defective digital panel if you responded within a certain time frame. If you never sent in your warranty in than you would have received a recall letter offering to fix the problem at no charge. Unfortunately, I purchased mine from a Sears outlet store & although my machine was brand new, it had a small dent in the side and they will not sell these kinds of cosmetic problems in their store so they sell them at a reduced price in their outlet stores. For this reason, I was not offered a warranty even thought the machine is brand new so we had to pay for the digital panel and my husband installed it. Other than that, I love the machine

Jun 03, 2012
Rating

the towel and clothes destroyer
by: rose porcello

I cannot believe whirlpool got away with selling an expensive product that is totally defective.

This model was suppose to be the newest and best on the market.I bought this washer and dryer in or near 2002 Torn towels and other clothing have become common place.

Things have gotten so bad that I am going to buy a new washer tomorrow.

Jun 03, 2012
Rating

If you need a motor I got one!
by: Miss Tina

Every single thing everyone else has said is true! I just listed mine on Craigslist, but am getting ready to pull that ad. I will most likely take it to the salvage shop and get the going rate for Steel. However, if anyone needs a pump for theirs, I got one. New in Box. We thought it was the pump. Ours went out at Christmas. We ordered the pump and when we realized that wasn't the problem we then ordered that lovely control panel at a modest $400.00. Well since it WAS Christmas the Fedex people were unable to deliver and our undies were getting rank. So we went to the local box store and bought a bottom of the line Roper (also made by Whirlpool) It has performed just fine so far. The way we figure is what we spent on the entire set of "fancy" machines would have indeed kept us in the "cheap" ones for at least 10 to 15 years. I could have gotten my clothes cleaner using an old fashioned scrubbing board compared to the Calypso.

Jun 03, 2012
Rating

Disaster
by: Sabita Singh

This is the most horrible investment I ever made. Right now it's sitting in my laundry room half filled with water that's not going anywhere. I've repaired it three times already and finally decided to get rid of it - not going back to Sears either.

May 14, 2012
Rating

PAIN IN THE BUTT
by: Anonymous

CONSTANT OB AND LP PROBLEMS AND JUST RESETS SELF ...HALF TIME WON'T DRAIN ....JUST BADDEAL AND CAN NOT JUST DRAIN ,,, NO SIZE LOAD OPTION EITHER .....DIASTER...

May 06, 2012
Rating

Never to buy another Whirlpool
by: Anonymous

Bought the Calypso 4-5 years ago and had so many problems. First the pump caught too much lint. Now it says "ob" out of balance, but I took everything out but it still would not drain and says "ob". It does not wash cloth clean. My white sheets never comes out clean as the old Kenmore agitator 2-cycle machine. Wasted more than $1000. Never to buy Whirlpool again. Not a single item.

Mar 23, 2012
Rating

Hot Mess
by: Anonymous

I just learned that the a Calypso Washer is garbage, I had my washer for the past 10 years with no problems however for the past motnh I have been battling with sears to repair it. the repairs services has been coming ot my home weekly, and still no progress the last report is that the tub has a leak stay tune for next weeks probelm.

Mar 15, 2012
Rating

calypso washer
by: Anonymous

I have had my Calypso Washer for 7-8 years and have not had any problems with it. I do anywhere from 7 to 10 (sometimes more) loads of laundry a week (foster parent). Have never had to call a repairman!

Mar 01, 2012
Rating

Washer expensive, several hundred dollars in repairs, several hundred in damaged clothes
by: Anonymous

So, just learned the class action lawsuit only reimbursed the distributors and not customers who bought the machines! purchased the machine in 2005 for over $1000.00. Had it serviced 3 times at $300 + each time and we replaced two full set of towels for the household, several sets of sheets and had to replace countless shirts with bleach streaks on them. I feel Whirlpool owes our family at the very least $1000, but there is nothing we can do about it. I will NEVER buy whirlpool again! That is the only way we'll recoup our $$ by purchasing other brands. Shameful the way Whirlpool stood by this invention and refused to offer hard working people their money back. Ah, life's just not fair. Hopefully the cost of a customer will bring a little balance back. We shall see. Regarding the rating, I had to give this machine a 1 because it wouldn't allow anything lower.

Feb 26, 2012
Rating

Calypso Washing Machine
by: Larry Nordbeck

When the front loaders were going for $2,500 per set I thought I would go with a top grade $1600 set from sears. I bought the calypso washer and dryer. I had nothing but trouble after running both the washer and dryer for only a couple of months.After owning them for less than a year I had to sideline both appliances. i don't fully understand the details of thir fai;ures but it seems that the digital control panels and their circuitry were not well thought out and leads to problems that your average handyman or technician can not fix.I received no backup from sears I was only told to call a technician. I later realized that there was a class action suit in progress for both of my appliances even at the time of my purchase. I feel cheated by sears and will never give them any of my business. Lesson learned. Keep it simple. The less moving parts and the least amount of glitz gives you a fighting chance to fix it yourself. Screw you searsand whirlpool. You're getting yours, you can't stay in business when you can't even back your own products or loyal customers.

Jan 14, 2012
Rating

awful!!!
by: Anonymous

Like the previous comments, thought I was buying a better than decent machine, boy was I mistaken. Today I dump this piece of crap. It has ruined ALL of my towels, the pump broke last year and now the control panel quit working. The machine is 6 1/2 years old is a goner. I wish I was aware of the class action suit, I would have entered into it. Grease started appearing on clothes just recently but I didn't know it was coming from the washer. I'm done with it!

Jan 08, 2012
Rating

Worst Machine Ever!
by: Anonymous

I had this machine for a total of 4 years before it completely died. I, too, experienced grease-like spots on my clothing, pulls in all my towels, excessive lint-like marks on my dark clothing and unpleasant smells. It finally started showing strange codes (can't remember what they were exactly) and wouldn't work at all. After going almost a month without a washer (even though I purchased an extended warranty from Sears) and numerous calls to Sears with being transferred over and over again by service people who didn't want to deal with the problem, they decided that they would give me $100 towards a new washer but it had to be purchased at Sears. Well, I purchased a Kenmore and it just died (it won't spin) and I had this one for 5 years. Both these machines cost close to $1,000 each and I had them for 9 years total. I'm now going to abandon Sears (finally!) and spend the $2,000 for a Miele. At first I thought this was outrageous but I can get a 10-year warranty and they say the machine will likely last 20 years - sounds like a bargain to me!!! Good-bye Whirlpool, Kenmore and Sears - my experience with all three has caused me nothing but wasted time, aggravation and not-so-clean clothes.

Jan 08, 2012
Rating

Just another calypso problem
by: Anonymous

I got this washer because my sister recommended it. She failed to mention rust spots, bleach spots stinking clothes and repairs. I had to have a repair done on my washer less than a month from the date of purchase. It used to get the clothes clean, but now you open the lid 20 minutes into the wash cycle and the clothes are bone dry. There is no water on the clothes. I just thought my son and I weren't drying the clothes soon enough, but even when it was working it was common for us to have to wash the clothes twice and in hot water and bleach in order to get them to not smell like mildew. I called out Sears for a week before xmas and they can't get to it until January 4, and then, like last time I will more than likely have to wait 3 weeks for parts. The name Sears and Kenmore don't stand for quality like they used to. Its too bad they have sold their integrity as well as their jobs out to foreign interests.

Dec 28, 2011
Rating

Hate it!
by: Anonymous

Biggest rip-off of a washing machine ever - feel like i just threw $1,000 into the wind!

Dec 17, 2011
Rating

The worst washing machine
by: Anonymous

I am now getting ready to call the repairman out for the third time to fix my calypso washer. This washer has ruined all of my towels by pulling the threads. when I called Whirlpool the people I spoke with were down right rude.

Now again the machine displays LD and the machine will not wash. What a complete waste of money. Whirlpool should be recalling these and giving rebates. Washers and Dryers are so expensive and to have one that you are continually calling and paying a repairman for is a sin. Whirlpool should be ashamed of themselves.

Dec 12, 2011
Rating

Never buy Whirlpool again
by: Chicago Dave

Just like the others, we have experienced problems with our Whirlpool Calypso washer. Grease stains from nowhere, bleach splatters, poor performance, excessive noise and a rusty lid. Purchased it 5½ years ago. My Wife disliked it from the moment it got delivered. She originally thought it would take time to get used to the new he technology. Well, we are used to the fact that we got ripped off by Whirlpool and Best Buy salesman for hyping the Hell out of the Calypso. Like others, we saved to buy the best. What a let down from Whirlpool. Major let down.

Nov 30, 2011
Rating

liked it better than new one
by: Anonymous

wow can't believe all the negative comments. I got one of these in Nov. of 2005, wasn't thrilled with it, but no probs. Starting having SL and Ld come up after a few years. I had to mess with it a bit, then would do the load. Well, in Sept my house got flooded. We had to scrap the thing. I couldn't find one like it, sears said they don't carry them anymore. So I got a maytag bravos and it sucks. Sounds like its gonna take off, water stays in the fabric softener tub and I don't even use it.
shortest cycle is 38 min. The other cycles are over 1 hr long. I miss my calypso. There are vids online on how to repair them.

Nov 09, 2011
Rating

Calypso Washer
by: Anonymous

Just found out that the frame had rusted and I chose not to become a party to the lawsuit regarding the machine. Now, I am stuck with the product and now parts are available for its repair. Talk about being upset. I stuck with a hunk of metal.

Oct 03, 2011
Rating

Don't buy Whirlpool unless you like throwing $ down the drain.
by: Disgusted Diva

Whirlpool should be ashamed of itself. False advertisement. How could a washer be so expensive, perform so poorly, yet advertised as a beautiful piece of energy efficient "art"? Should I believe that Whirlpool just made a mistake; that I should ignore it and purchase another Whirlpool washer, just hoping the new product might work more reliably? Whirlpool always meant high quality in the past & I guess that's why I'm so disgusted. I saved & scrimped to purchase "the best" nearly 6 years ago. I will never buy ANY Whirlpool products in the future based on this purchase. Kudos to Fixya.com for providing valuable online information so I could retrieve the 5th table cloth from underneath the agitator. I've learned what a ratchet is, 3/8" bolt, a wash plate and how to use a socket wrench. This diva now has black fingers. Got any automotive hand cleaner?

Aug 17, 2011
Rating

Control Panel crazy
by: Anonymous

I've had my Calypso set for a long time--I think I got mine when they'd only been out a year or 2. I've only had minor problems, like a bleach splatter or lint fuzz on stuff. Nothing really serious until the last couple of years and even then, it's mostly frustrating. I was surprised to read of all the big problems people have had with their machines--I've been lucky.
What mine is doing, has to do with the electronic control panel, and I haven't read about anyone else having this problem. I started unplugging the washing machine, because it would light up and beep anytime it felt like it. This started in the summer but would do it sometimes in the winter as well, if I forgot to unplug it, or would think that it had "gotten over" its problem (I live in the north so we had the furnace on by then of course).
Hitting cancel/clear would clear it, but then it would light & beep again as soon as the touchpad was released. This was really annoying 'cause it's in our bathroom, next to our bedroom and would wake me up.
It also made it tricky to get the washer to start up when I needed to do laundry, whether unplugged or not, when it had its beep hiccups. My husband figured a way to get it running by holding down cancel and start and quick hitting the cycle pad I wanted, so at least it would still work. Mostly it did this in the summer. Then last year, the dryer quit. That was out of the blue, when I went to use it, the keypad wouldn't light up; my dryer seemed dead. My husband tried de-static; following the diagnostic chart he found in the control panel, he tried replacing the computer circuit board--a waste of our $. Nothing worked; I hung out clothes for several weeks, thanks to good sunshiny weather. Periodically my husband would try something else to get the dryer going--at last he decided we should give up; so we ordered a new washer and dryer but it took awhile to come.. In the meantime it was fall, and we had turned on our furnace. After a few days, my husband tried the dryer controls on a whim, and it worked! So we cancelled our order for a new set. This year we've made it all thru hot muggy weather, and last week, when I got thru 4 loads of bedding and the like, the washer began it's beep thing...and nothing we did this time will make it start. I think it will come back to life when the furnace comes on, but that's too long to be without my washer! My husband's fed up with the cantankerous thing and so this year I think we'll REALLY will replace it.

Jul 19, 2011
Rating

pump out again
by: Anonymous

Pump just went out again. Had the pump repaired last Tuesday. Repairman said then it may last a week or a year but on its way out. Just going to replace the pump and motor this time. Next purchase, more than likely I'll go back to Kenmore, sorry Whirlpool... built new house 7 yrs ago, all new Whirlpool appliances throughout. The handle has come off the fridge, and the built-in microwave door is cracked. Repairman been here so much even the dogs know him.

Jul 07, 2011
Rating

Clapso Calypso washer
by: Anonymous

This #@!$$$$&* washer has yet again put grease all over my new white slacks, blouse and my husbands dress shirts! Really, I am so sick and tired of all this extra work this machine is suppose to save. Nonsense! I warn everyone not to purchase or use as a freebe!

Jun 02, 2011
Rating

LD...Long Drain AGAIN!!!
by: Anonymous

My washer and dryer are about 6 years old and the LD light is flashing again...this will be the 3rd time :( that means Long drain, weird! Think it was about $200 to fix last time. I'm more amazed by the comments of the clothes not smelling good. We have been struggling with that and trying to blame everything except the washer! I told my husband to stop starting the washer if he was not going to be available to put in in the dryer THE MINUTE THE WASHER STOPPED. I thought they were sitting in the washer 20 minutes or more and stinking but moving them immediately isn't working either! My lid also holds water, didn't use to do that? You open the lid and water dumps on the spun out clothes!
Not happy!!!

May 30, 2011
Rating

Sorry Washer
by: wdh3007

I have this washer and have had some of the same problems mentioned here. I replaced the panel about a year ago but now a year later it started to leak water underneath slowly. The water pump was broken so I fixed it without replacing the pump which is attached to the motor on this particular model. Thats where they get you with these newer models everything is connected so your buying one piece with two parts needed to make it work. These digitals obviously don't last very long so I will never buy one again. GE makes Whirlpool but think about where the parts are made for that whirlpool you guessed it communist China. Bottom line don't buy communist junk.

May 15, 2011
Rating

Serious Calypso Issues
by: KSS

Worst washing machine ever! I've been a solid Sears customer for 30 years, but it is clearly time to change. My washer smells so badly that the entire laundry room stinks. Now the clothes smell bad too, and both my husband and me are experiencing serious allergy problems from the mold. We've taken the washer apart and cleaned it with bleach. Every time I do laundry, I always wash white clothing last with a big dose of bleach. I leave the lid open afterwards, but it still sours.

The clothes are never cleaned well, and I absolutely have to pretreat every piece of white clothing in addition to using bleach and detergent. The steps I take to try to have clean clothes are ridiculous. I love to smell freshly dried bath towels because they are supposed to be clean - what a disappointment to smell the towels washed in the calypso.

I heard about the class action law suit, but my machine was one year outside the window of those included in the suit. All of these machines should be recalled and/or replaced. Just looking at this site leads one to understand how many customers Sears is losing over this.

Next steps for me include trying some ideas that others suggest. 1) use only HE powder detergent; 2) run bleach through the machine followed by vinegar followed by powder Cascade. Hmmmmmm. . . .seems like wash day is far more involved than one would think. The machine may be water efficient, but it is labor intensive and expensive for the owners.

May 12, 2011
Rating

not worth it
by: Anonymous

I agree with everyone that this washing machine is junk and full of problems. I just want to know if theres anything we can do about it? I can't afford for service so I fix it myself, and it is alot of work.

May 10, 2011
Rating

Works Great when it works
by: SDShack

We purchased a set of Whirlpool Calypso washer and dryer in 2001. No problems at all, and my wife really likes the features.

Then in 2008 the touch pad panel went out on the washer. Kind of odd since it's only my wife and I, so the washer only is used a couple times a week. So you would have thought it would have lasted longer than that. Luckily, I was able to order the panel and replace it myself. About $200.

2 years later, the touch pad panel went out on the dryer. Again I was able to order it and replace it myself for about $200.

Just today, the washer quit. After trouble shooting it, I found a broken wire providing power to the pump. The wire next to it was almost ready to break as well. I cut the connectors off both wires, spliced in new wires, and reattached the connectors and hooked it all back up. After 3 hours everything works fine.

Luckily I have been able to troubleshoot and fix all my problems with these units. Had I not, the cost would have easily been close to $1500. For only 10 years of light use, I think this is ridiculous. These types of problems should not happen on a high end washer and dryer. Very poor product and quality control. I can see why they were discontinued. They work great when they work, but prone to break and are expensive to repair if you can't do it yourself.

Apr 29, 2011
Rating

Piece of Junk!
by: Pat K

We bought the Whirlpool Calypso in 2006, and we've been unhappy with it almost from day one. It broke after the second or third use, while still in warranty. The pump had to be replaced and the repairman said we should wash EVERYTHING with a nap--including sweatshirts and towels--on the DELICATE cycle, otherwise the same thing will keep happening because of how the machine was designed.

It didn't take too long to realize that, even on delicate, the machine was ruining all my towels. Whirlpool tried to tell me it's because of the towels I buy...that even expensive towels may not be sturdy! But it doesn't matter what brand I buy, or how much I pay, every single towel I've owned has had threads pulled out over the entire surface. I don't even remember how many bath towels I've had to throw out. Another repairman told me he sees this problem all the time with the Calypso. Whirlpool's answer was to send another technician who changed the "agitator." Didn't help.

Now that the machine is 5 years old, there's rust all around the cover and around the outside of the stainless steel tub. I guess it's just a matter of time before we get rust on our clothes.

I believe there was a recall on an earlier model. (If I'd known, I would never have bought this piece of junk!) Judging from the number of complaints, the recall should be extended to cover later models too.

Apr 16, 2011
Rating

Same Problems
by: Anonymous

I have experienced the same problems listed. I seached the web today because I have been missing small items such as socks and underwear off and on. Within the last month I have lost 3 pillow cases and assumed they were "stuck" to something else. Today I washed 3 pillow cases and a pair of socks with a load. I can't find the pillow cases or one of the socks. The washer has "ate" my belongings. How do I get the agitator off without calling a repair man or do I just wait for the machine to break down and just purchase a new one? I'll never buy whirlpool or from Sears again.

Apr 13, 2011
Rating

A Piece of CRAP, Whirlpoll could care less about alosuy product. I will never buy any Whirlpool product ever again. A horrible company yhat makes a horrible product.
by: Anonymous

A terrible product produced by a company that belives that they are too big to fail.Bad products made by a arrogant and obnoxious company that believes that they can have their way with consumers.

Mar 27, 2011
Rating

very angry
by: Sandy

I have had my Whirlpool Calypso washer for 6+ yrs. It had 4 motors put into it while under warranty and now the motor is shot again and I can not afford to fix it so now am so frustrated that I am going out today to replace it...!!! Never buy this machine!!!!!I really feel this machine needs to be recalled!!!!

Mar 04, 2011
Rating

NEVER BUY A CALYPSO
by: Anonymous

I have had many problems with this machine. Code problems, balance problems, and the worst problem that I can not get rid of is dirt. Every time I do a load of whites I get streaks of brown marks all over the clothing and I then have to wash them by hand to get out these marks. I am sure it is also on the darks. I find the clothes do not clean well. I use washer magic every month along with other cleaners and the problem still remains. We have even tried to take out the drum to clean it but, have been unsuccessful at removing it. I refuse to call in a repair man as the last time one was in he told me he does not know too much about a calypso and could not solve the problems. Thankfully my husband is a mechanic and repaired the problems. I hate to have to buy a new washer as this one was over $1000.00. When I do I am going back to the original regular washer.

Feb 22, 2011
Rating

What do you expect from American-Made ??
by: Eric

DON'T BUY WHIRLPOOL !!!

Whirlpool and it's competitors make garbage.

GE is owned by GE who also manufactures Hotpoint and RCA. Electrolux owns Kelvenator, Gibson, Frigidaire, White Westinghouse, Tappan, O'Keef& Merritt and others. Whirlpool owns Roper, Estate, Maytag, Admiral, Speed Queen, Amana, Caloric, Magic Chef, KitchenAid, Jenn Air and others

They don't stand behind their products.
Their designs are flawed.
Their repair parts stink and are inferior quality.
GE is especially crooked with a huge business tied to terrorist-enabling countries. And the windmills you see all across the country are not energy efficient....you know how much it takes to make, install and service those things ? Far Far Far more than the energy they provide.

But such is the American-made product....and the American worker.

Chevy cars stink, Ford stinks, Chrysler stinks.
American workers are lazy, entitlement-seeking morons who have no concept of a fair-days work. Unions who rape the American consumer and laugh all the way to the bank.

Buy FOREIGN.... European or Japanese products are far more reliable and the quality is far better.

Feb 22, 2011
Rating

Do not work
by: Marina Magalhaes from Brazil

I imported one Calypso Washer to use on my brazilien home.It broken after use one year. No repair.The parts that need are more expensive than a new machine!

Feb 16, 2011
Rating

Terrible
by: Anonymous

5 years and nothing but trouble. Repaired about once per year since we have owned it. Will never buy Whirlpool again!

Feb 15, 2011
Rating

Kenmore Elite Calypso Washer sucks
by: Anonymous

Worst ever washing machine. I bought mine in early 2002. Broke down within one year and had a part replaced cost more than $1000 but thankfully was covered under warrantly. Clothes were always wet and full of lint. It broke down again and I had costly repairs done out of my pocket. Finally it broke down again last week . At that time I found out that there was a class Action Lawsuit filed for Calypso. I was unaware about it. Sears never notified me. I have read lot of complaints from owners who were not notified. I am wondering if anyone has been notified. I am junking it now and buying something cheaper though not from Sears. I will not buy anything from Sears.

Feb 11, 2011
Rating

used to think whirlpool were quality
by: Monica Findlay

We spent $1000 for each. We've had the washer repaired and cleaned out five times and the dryer once. We have been unhappy with the cleaning function of the washer. Each time the repairman came out to repair the washing machine, he had to clean lint out of the motor. We were having to use two to three cycles to get clothes dried in the dryer. After all the lint was vacuumed out, it dried in one cycle. We are sorely disappointed in these products. We thought Whirlpool manufactured quality products. Whatever happened to the quality? We plan to replace these machines at the earliest opportunity.

Feb 11, 2011
Rating

Piece of junk
by: Anonymous

All of the problems cited by everyone else; mold, pump quits, leaks. Time to toss.

Feb 09, 2011
Rating

Calypso Washer Lasted 8 years....
by: Anonymous

Our Calypso lasted 7 years before it started acting up. Clothes were coming out dirtier than when they went in. In addition, clothes kept becoming trapped under the agitator. It's now lasted 8 years, but only because we only use the delicate cycle and an extra rinse.

Jan 08, 2011
Rating

I have had no problems
by: R J Larsen

I have had my Calypso washer for eight years and it was just this week that I had to replace the drain pump. It was easy to take out and put the new one in. If the repair man wants to charge what I see others here saying ($600?) I would find a new repair man. In fact sears has a set charge of about $129.00 plus parts, if they don't fix it the first time they just keep returning until they do, without further charge for the visit.

Jan 04, 2011
Rating

No problems here
by: Anonymous

We bought our washer several years ago and have had absolutely no problems with it. I love the large capacity and my clothes come out clean. I have never had the mold and mildew problems others have mentioned. Looks like I may have bought one of the few that actually works.

Jan 03, 2011
Rating

Calypso News
by: Jayme

I've had my calypso for 6 years and have had trouble with it only for the past 6 months or so. I have a honest repairman that has told me that the amount of laundry detergent is vital to this machine. Even when using the HE detergent, only use approx. 1 tlbs of liquid with each load. It is not the detergent that cleans the wash, it is the friction. Also, no matter what we're told, it cannot wash comforters or 15+ pairs of jeans, etc. It throws the machine off balance then breaks the springs and struts. So bottom line, the lower cost machines are just as good as the "high capacity" machines for home use.

Dec 28, 2010
Rating

Nothing but trouble
by: Heidi

I have had my washer & dryer for 13 years and have had trouble from the very beginning. Me and the serviceman had rounds about the problems and he tried to tell me there wasn't anything wrong. I found out on the internet that the washer had a problem with putting dark rubber marks on the clothes and I had to have a part that was expensive, but recalled. put in. It still just never works right. Now I have the water coming out from under the lid same as someone elses comment below. Also, the inside of my washer is rusting! Has anyone else ever had a washer that rusted? Even after this many years, there shouldn't be any rust in an appliance that is suppose to have water in it. Never will buy another whirlpool!

Dec 16, 2010
Rating

done
by: Anonymous

thats it im out replaced motor and pump ruined to much clothing to list. bought a sasung front loader

Dec 15, 2010
Rating

WORST WASHER EVER!!!!
by: Katie

I am so upset about this washer!!! I bought a house brand new that came with the Whirlpool Calypso and thought it was so nice!! I have only had it for five years and I am a single women, no children or husband, so with just me washing maybe a load a week, it is OUT!!! It will cost me over $600 to repair!!! For being such an expensive washer, I feel like I was ripped off!!! DO NOT BUY THIS WASHER!!!! It will not last you and your better off buying a more reliable machine!!!! I will NEVER buy a Whirlpool again!!!!

Dec 14, 2010
Rating

Love mine
by: Anonymous

I've had a Calypso washer since the year they came out. I love it. I love the size and it works great to clean my clothes. I've never had a problem with it ruining clothing.

Dec 05, 2010
Rating

Question!
by: Ih8work

I haven't had the serious problems with my Calypso machine like others, but we've always used HE detergent & softener. Although I do occasionally get dark spots on clothes, and I then have to rewash them after using a spot remover.

But this is really strange--the past week, whenever I open the top after running a load of laundry, water gushes out from around the gray rubber lining around the top of the washer. Anyone else ever had this happen? Any ideas what to do to resolve it?

Dec 03, 2010
Rating

washer broke
by: Anonymous

My calypso washer just doesn't work period!
I clicked on the quick wash, nothing happen.
Just the humming sound, with no water coming out.
Anyone have any suggestions to what the cause of this? Thanks.

Nov 24, 2010
Rating

what a POS
by: springfieldVirginia

There is really nothing I can add to the sentiments and anecdotes already posted here. We have had this POS for 5 or 6 years and I am about to knock it down once again to unclog something.

Or maybe I'll just push it to the curb and buy a new one.

But you can bet it won't be a Whirlpoo (and no, I didn't forget the 'L').

Nov 18, 2010
Rating

2004 Calypso worst purchase of my life
by: carol

The expensive top loader Calypso purschased after having 2 very reliable Whirpool products has caused me nothing but trouble.Our city asked us to buy new energy and water saver products so I bought the Calypso. Twisted, wrinkled clothes with lint all over is what I get. Moldy smell in washer-I always leave the cover open to try to stop the smell. I have put bleach in, sprayed bleach on the basket but to no avail. There are pieces of moldy lint sticking in the holes of the basket. They seem to be on the other side of the basket (how could it get there). I have called and complained but all they want to do is send an expensive repair man over and I know from reading comments that it will do no good. I don't know what to do. I spent so much money.

Nov 18, 2010
Rating

Never will buy another Whirlpool product
by: Anonymous

Nothing but problems. Control board issues, mild & mildew. Everything that every one else has experienced. This is the biggest POS that I have ever purchased. Whirlpool has lost us as a customer forever.

Nov 18, 2010
Rating

not the club i wanted to be apart of.
by: Anonymous

My washer went out last week w/ all the same problems I've just read about. It never really cleaned the clothes very well and would leave bleach spots on most of my clothes. I had the stinky water problem too. So i guess the pump went out on it because it wasn't getting the clothes wet in the wash cycle. I'm not going to try to fix it, like I said it never really worked that good to begin w/.

Oct 23, 2010
Rating

Uh Oh?
by: Anonymous

Some friends of ours bought a new house, which came with a Calypso washer and dryer. They already had their own, so they gave the set to us. Just set them up to day. After checking on the net, I'm really nervous. Will have to wait and see how they work. If I start having problems, I won't mess around and will quickly get rid of them. Have my fingers crossed.

Oct 23, 2010
Rating

Whirlpool Calypso
by: Anonymous

Worst investment I ever made. It is a shame the product comes from what used to be a reputable company.

Is there any solution to the never ending repairs?

Oct 20, 2010
Rating

A once dedicated customer, now Dissatisfied
by: Mark

I purchased a Whirlpool Calypso Washing Machine in April of 2004. I wanted to communicate it is the worst purchase of my life. It is poorly engineered and we have experienced numerous issues with the performance of this washer. Feel free to pass this along to your R&D department. We have been a dedicated customer of Whirlpool and Maytag, but the inferiority of this product forces me to rethink the quality of your Brand. In an effort to launch an innovative design while keeping product costs at a minimum, Whirlpool may have sacrificed quality in the process. I have been extremely patient and now have reached an intolerant point. As the washer ages, the problems mount. Here are the issues we have experienced the past 4-5 years. I can safely assume this isn’t the first you’re hearing of this.

1. The water outlet clogs easily and frequently from lint and soap residue. The issue occurs regularly enough where I keep the back panel off the machine.
2. Periodically an odor from this residue is transferred onto to the cloths.
3. Lighter clothing items, such as socks and undergarments pass by the inner gasket in the drum and clog the water discharge. We purchased a mesh laundry bag to help prevent this from happening.
4. We now have larger items getting caught in the inner gasket and drum tearing and twisting cloths and ruining zippers. The bottom line is, it is now damaging cloths forcing us to look at purchasing another washer.

If it were one chronic issue, I may consider repair, but I don’t foresee any sustaining resolution to the issues stated.

Oct 14, 2010
Rating

Whirlpool/Kenmore Calypso
by: Frank

I have to say we have had the same issues with this washer. My wife's aunt purchased it and then passed away. The washer sat in storage for ?? years. It had very little use. I remembered I had to clean out the pump one time for her. About a year ago we took the washer>>Big Mistake>> Within a month I had to replace the pump. (I got sears to cover the cost, I covered the shipping) I did the labor. used it then for about 6 months then the inner basket broke apart one day while in the spin cycle> sounded like a 747 landed in the laundry room. Called Sears they gave me run around> read my manual> guess what> basked was covered by lifetime warranty> Again, I had to do the work> Left the machine in storage until 3 weeks ago> Again, its not working> now something with the computer. I will be calling Sears in Chicago. I think Whirlpool/Sears should replace the pieces of crap for all of us that have them. Good concept Whirlpool Corp but go back to your old standard BELT DRIVE agitator with a filter washer!!

Sep 26, 2010
Rating

Sears/Whirpool Never again
by: Anonymous

Why on earth don't companies value customers? These 2 could care less about selling a piece of junk, or making it right. As a Calypso Crapo owner, why was I not notified of a class action lawsuit? Consumers should also know that Kenmore products are made by many suppliers including Whirlpool. AND Whirlpool owns many other brands of washers such as Maytag, Kitchen Aid, Amana and Jenn Air. Stay away from these brands as well.

Sep 16, 2010
Rating

Flawed Engineering
by: Robert

Machine keeps saying LD, CA and LF codes. Started dripping water fom underneath and flooding my garage. So i pulled off the back panel and noticed it has a plastic drip bag fo overflows! also always left streaks on clothes

Aug 22, 2010
Rating

craigs list
by: Anonymous

I have now realized I should have looked at used washer and dryers on craig's list rather than dealing with fixing this thing. Nothing can ever make these things right and whirlpool and sears have lost a customer for life. both companies failed to take responsiblity on a major issue....so disappointing!

Aug 20, 2010
Rating

Ripped Off
by: Susan Nolan

I'm so mad I could spit fire. I can't believe they are still making these things. I bought mine in 2000 from sears. I have kept the warranty. But it takes them 10 days before they will come out. I'm so discussed with Sears. I will never buy anything from them again. I wish I would have known about the class action suit. I just had the repair man from Sears out yesterday because I washed rugs, I should known better and one fell apart. Now today it stopped again. I could understand if it was a cheat machine but I think I paid around 2000 dollars for this machine. Plus I've kept the warranty for all these years. How much has that cost me?

Aug 12, 2010
Rating

Tiptoe around this expensive washer
by: Steve

First week we got this from Lowes the water pump siezed because we washed mopheads. Lowes manager was so mad at whirlpool about the Calypso they delivered a new washer to me free and returned the other. I should have swapped brands then. But, we have had pretty good luck if we tiptoe: no rugs or mopheads or stringy things, clean it out with bleach occasionally, use HE soap all the time. I did replace the rotating disk at the bottom of the wash tank once because it was dragging clothes under.

But NOW the water is turning on and off quickly during rinse...searching for solution: ANYONE?
I fully agree Whirlpool and Consumer Reports and any of the Big Gubment consumer protection employees completely dropped the ball on this product. We should have been protected from the design engineers on this one!

Aug 01, 2010
Rating

terrible
by: Cindylee Olson

Thee absolute worst, expensive, doesn't get the clothes clean, if you don't use it everyday water stays in reservoire and makes your clothes stink. Warranty is a joke. $300 5 year warranty even harder to get them to honor. My problems started with this machine from day one. They replaced the computer. 3 pumps I had to pay for,not under warranty ,the whole bottom rusted out because it always had water in it. It reused the water so your clothes were actually dirtier then when you started. They had a law suit against them because apparently I wasn't the only person with lots of problems, They were supposed to reimburse people for their machines or replace them with something else, never honored that either .

Well today it quit working again,so I went down to the recycle place and bought a reconditioned kenmore for $139 and I bet I'll have less problems with it then I did with these .I paid $2499 for the set and a 5 year warranty It has been the " Christine" of washing machines and the dryer was every bit as bad

Jul 27, 2010
Rating

I do not know?
by: Bill, CA

Hello, I bought my Whirlpool Calypso washing machine set from sears in 2004 and have not had any serious problems. It seems to not use enough water but still gets the clothes clean so do not overload and a piece of fringe got caught up in the pump. After lousy customer service and the runaround and sometimes rude customer service people I decided to repair the pump myself.

Once you get the front panel off the pump can be removed by two spring clips and I fished out the lint string. If took two hours of fishing and finally got enough out to allow the pump to spin again. Called for a replacement pump but the manufacturer does not piece out the broken part I would have to buy the electric motor as well which increased the price to about $180 or so with shipping.

Sears use to be a great company, one you could rely on but no more. Do yourself a favor a get a subscription to Consumer Reports to help you sort through the mirage of twisted tongue talk and empty promises and not to mention the lack of support that companies do not provide for their products anymore or they do if your pay through the nose for another warranty. Its a shame that once you buy anything anymore you are on your own, shop wisely and read the reviews. Good luck!

Jul 22, 2010
Rating

same problems
by: Anonymous

my repairman said these washers keep him in business with there poor design the pump gets clogged constantly and if you cant get the debri out you cant buy the pump seperately you must buy the whole motor he has been to my house 3 times and i have fixed the problem twice myself now i have other problems my washer gets stuck on 8 min extended cycle i will never buy wirlpool again

Jul 22, 2010
Rating

terrible
by: Anonymous

Our Whirlpool Calypso washer clogged up again, which is probably the 20th time in the past seven years. My husband said it was the top of the line washer when he purchased it, but it has been nothing but a pain in the butt. Either it's not draining or the suds are two heavy because we didn't use HE detergent. We called Whirlpool regarding the recall several years ago, But they said that particular problem was resolved before we purchased our washer. I think that Whirlpool should compensate their customers by given us a voucher towards a washer that actually works. Furthermore, I can't understand (with all of the complaints), why Whirlpool hasn't done anything about the problems with this washer. All you have to do is Google the name of this washer and you will see countless blogs about how disgusted people are. What's worse is Whirlpool is still selling this washer. Is this supposed to be a sick joke! The complany has to know this product is flawed, but the sales people keep marketing it as a top of the line washer.

Jul 22, 2010
Rating

Repair of Calypso
by: Anonymous

We have had the repair man working on our machine
for over a week now with little or no luck.He changed the motor control board and thought he had fixed the problem.He guarnteed it would work
and said if I had anymore problems he would cover them.After i paid the 345$ I had to call him with the same prolblem.Sometimes it goes all the way through the cycle just fine then ont next time it hanhs up in the rinse cycle and does short burst
of opperation.seems to me an intermittant contact
or dirty relay.repairman now has a problem but says he will fix it.I observed the tub our and all the crud down there and ysr slimy.he thinks the unit is not empting all the water which keeps it from spinning.He took it all apart and checked the water check balls and suspect dirt. We are running a clean out called washer magic through.
Nny ideas please post. We urdered new Steam Samsungs from lowes.My washer is 9 years old first problen going to move it to my warehouse
after it comes back from his shop. Good luck to all.

Jul 07, 2010
Rating

Sorry, Whirlpool!
by: Former Whirlpool customer

After repeated problems with this machine, and expenses, and now to know the repairman by name, I switched from the Whirlpool brand to another for my next appliance. We had a bad experience with the $$$$expensive Calypso, and I have read too many negative reviews about current appliances, currently shopping for a front loading washing machine. Sorry, Whirlpool!

Jul 05, 2010
Rating

Calypso Crap
by: Anonymous

Bought this piece of crap in 2003 and has repeatedly leaked water on the floor. Will never by one of these over priced things again.

Jun 27, 2010
Rating

I thought I had a lemon
by: Anonymous

I thought I had a lemon, but after reading other posts, I realize it was just a bad purchase.
Washer- My clothes do not come out clean. Sometimes they are not even wet. Clothes are incredibly wrinkled to the point where an iron at the highest setting does not work!!
Dryer- My dryer motor just broke and the service man said it would cost $340 to repair.
I bit the bullet, chocked it off as a loss (after 6 years) and bought a new LG washer/dryer set.
I will never again buy another Whirlpool product. I understand Kenmore is now built by LG. They dropped Whirlpool because they did not keep up with the new technology.

Jun 05, 2010
Rating

worst ever
by: Anonymous

i have this machine and have had nothing but problems. complained to company. they had recall but had to jump through many hoops just to get a response. nothing was ever done! i recommend to family and friends to stay away from whirlpool because of the problems and the way i was treated as a paying customer. all whirlpool employees should have the calypso machine in their homes for a few years and feel the financial pain

Jun 05, 2010
Rating

Calypso crap
by: Anonymous

I have had this stupid machine for 6 years and I have seen a repair man 9 times and its leaked and flooded my laundry room 3 times to the point where i have to replace the flooring in there. I went off on whirlpool so they offered me 40% off another machine well by the time you add the shipping it might as well be double price. absolutely disgusted on how the ripped off so many consumers. the guy fixing my washer says to buy a new dial up washing machine instead...problem its silver so i have to replace with a silver to match the damn dryer.....im at a loss

Jun 05, 2010
Rating

Dirty Wash Job
by: Anonymous

We are going on 8 years with our Calypso. Now we get clothes coming out with dark/moldy spots all over them somehow from the spin cycle. Contacting the company on fix...if there is one.

Jun 05, 2010
Rating

Whirlpool ??????? Never Again
by: Anonymous

I have to agree with everything I just read. We've had our machine for 8 years. We didn't start having problems until the second year of ownership. The machine has leaked since the second year and no one can get it to stop. We've replaced the instrument panel three times at the cost of another extended warranty. That's the only reason we still have it today.

Our clothes come out dirtier than they went in. Dark spots all over with no explanation, but what I read from another post, of being mold. We've even had little particles all over our clothes.

We will never buy another Whirlpool appliance. We were looking today at Lowes and a young lady wanted to show us a new Whirlpool product. We were very polite and said no thank you and walked away. It wasn't her fault.

Jun 05, 2010
Rating

Complete piece of garbage
by: Anonymous

Bought piece of garbage 1/04, serviced 6 times, twice just this week, still waiting, hopefully tomorrow. Control board problem. Have extended warranty, piece of garbage as well. Will never buy Whirlpool again or a GE extended warranty. Tempted to go buy a Kenmore our last ones lasted 18 years without problems.

Jun 05, 2010
Rating

SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED
by: Anonymous

I too have this machine and it is junk!! It is 5 years old and I have had it worked on over 6 times. Pump twice, drum and control panel you name We have had to fix it. It has leaked all over my floors several times and is squeaking and making all kinds of noise giving me all kinds of codes. I too think they should have recalled this washer. My sister who also bought one has had the same probems. Yesterday I called the service department and made an appointment. When the tech called to confirm the appointment he told me I was better off buying a new washer that it was would keep breaking. Well, I took his advise and went out and bought an Electrolux from Lowes. I feel sears should have handled the calypso's problems beter. I read reviews and was pleased with what I read on the Electrolux hopefully I will have better luck and it will last me more than 5 years. Oh alos I have the Calypso Dryer and have had that serviced over 3 times when it goes next time which I am sure it will I will be buying a Electrolux Dryer!

Jun 05, 2010
Rating

piece of junk
by: Anonymous

NOTHING BUT A PIECE OF JUNK I PURCHASED MINE 5 YEARS AGO I HAD IT REPAIRED 1 YEAR AGO NOW ITS BROKE AGAIN.

May 19, 2010
Rating

Sears stinks
by: Anonymous

Bought our Calypso in 2002 from a Sears scratch & dent store (about half off normal price; still new with minor dents). No problems at all until this year, 2010. Had to replace pump. Our repairman told us about recall and to check the web. Can't believe all the problems out there! Can I be reimbursed for my repair?? Still researching this, but if anyone has an answer I would be grateful.

I guess I'm lucky this time -- I'm usually in the category of folks who get screwed early on. Don't get me started about my Sears piece of sh**t Hoover vacuum I threw out or my Sears hunk of junk dryer I just replaced after only 8 years!!! I think I'm starting to see a pattern.... What happened to the Sears of my grandparent's day...? Thanks for letting me vent.

May 18, 2010
Rating

didn't last long
by: Anonymous

it is expensive and did not last long. I don't think i am going to but another whirpool washing machine again

May 15, 2010
Rating

calypso less than 5 years
by: Anonymous

The washer is bad. I bought the Kenmore calypso. I also have had particles on clothes,would notice it on whites. I would clean with bleach and tide washing machine cleaner, did not help. The machine would also leak at times. The machine stopped working. My hushand took apart the machine the second tub was completely mold slime, the smell was gross. Is there a recall??? This is very wrong, we spent alot of money on this washer, I would think a washer should last more than 5 years.

Apr 25, 2010
Rating

Love Our Calypso
by: ssg13565

We have had our washer for over 10 years and have never had a problem with it.

Apr 04, 2010
Rating

LEMON!!!!
by: Anonymous

I was fortunate enough to have purchased the extended warranty on this lemon of a machine.For a high end appliance I also feel cheated by this company.Will never ever buy a whirpool/kenmore product again ,which is a shame because I have always been satisfied with their appliances.

Mar 23, 2010
Rating

Piece of Junk
by: Anonymous

I have had my calypso <5 years. It has been leaking on and off for the last 2-years. Had two previous service calls (out of warranty), but leaking still occurred. This last service call, local folks, really tried to fix the problem. Kept it 5 days, said just when they thought they had it, it leaked again. I told them to bring it back to my house, got a "pan" to put it in, and am now trying to find a more reliable washer. Its a shame to seek out top of the line appliances (like Whirlpool) these days, rely on top brand names, and you only end of with problems. Each time, whether its dishwashers, washing machines, ice makers, I always seem to here from the service techs who come out " yea, this model has had problems since day one."
Probably just my bad luck, but I do not really think so.

Jan 09, 2010
Rating

Bad Machine
by: Anonymous

For the price that this thing cost, it is not worth it. Replaced the pump twice, the touch pad went out waited 6 weeks for it to arrive. Now it decides it does want to fill, then all of a sudden it does but won't pump out again. Called the service man when he walked in and saw it was a Calypso he said "I quit working on these Calypso's they are nothing but problems". And says Whirlpool can't even train their own tech how to diagnose and repair them. So now I am back to try to fix this myself.

Dec 09, 2009
Rating

DISGUSTED!
by: Anonymous

AFTER 3 YEARS OF DIRTY LAUNDRY, TORN UP CLOTHES, WASHING AND REWASHING, STAIN TREATING, USING BLEACH EXTENSIVELY, WE GOT RID OF THE WHIRLPOOL CALIPSO WASHER TODAY!

IT STARTED THROWING OUT SEWAGE TYPE MATERIAL ON OUR CLOTHES, ESPECIALLY WHITES. IT LEAVES A SOURED ODOR MOST OF THE TIME ON MY CLOTHES. FOR HANG TO DRY CLOTHES, IT LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE SMEARED COTTAGE CHEESE ON AND LEFT TO DRY. I HAVE TO TREAT COLLARS, ARM PITS AND PANTS CUFFS WITH SPRAY & WASH AND RUB TOGETHER BEFORE WASHING OR IT COMES OUT LOOKING LIKE WHEN I PUT IT IN, PLUS THE OTHER GARBAGE I MENTIONED BEFORE.

THE UP AND DOWN MOTION OF THE WASH CYCLE HAS A RUBBER RIM THAT GRABS FRINGE ON TOWELS AND TEARS THEM APART. IT DESTROYED A NICE BLOUSE BY PULLING THE ARMHOLE CASING OFF AND RIPPING THROUGH THE SHOULDER SEAM. THE HAND WASH CYCLE DOESN'T USE ENOUGH WATER TO WET A SMALL LOAD OF THINGS. HALF THE LOAD WAS STILL DRY(AND DIRTY) WHEN I TOOK THEM OUT. I HAD TO USE NORMAL CYCLE TO GET THEM CLEAN/HOWEVER THEY WERE SO TWISTED I HAD TO IRON THEM.

ANYWAY, IT'S ALL OVER NOW. PAID $599 FOR IT AND PAID AGAIN FOR A NEW WASHER. GOT A MAYTAG THIS TIME WITH A CHOICE OF 3 WATER LEVELS.

Nov 16, 2009
Rating

Problem with it draining properly
by: Jannie H

This machine was bought in 2003, and has been nothing but trouble. We had a problem with it draining properly, and have to spin it out twice. It streakes the clothes badly, and also lint is a problem. When we go on vacation and come back, the whole house stinks because mold forms in the bottom of the machine.

We need to dry everything on the line outside, so wind and air can make our clothes presentable. We bought a matching dryer at the time, and it works wonderful. It's hard to get anyone at Whirlpool that can give any decent advice; they just tell you to call a serviceman, which can cost more than the washer is worth...the dealer here won't even come and look at it...he says it is problem machine.

DON'T BUY WHIRLPOOL!!!!

Oct 28, 2009
Rating

Miracle: Clothes Last Forever
by: Charles Peterson

I bought my Whirlpool Calypso in Fall 2001. I had been following the sorry history of the first year of Kenmore Calypso production and decided to wait until the 2nd generation, and buy straight from the actual manufacturer, which has tended to be more conservative when their own name is on the product.

I am very happy with this machine, mainly because it is easy to use and it makes clothes last forever. Even clothes which were nearly worn out in my previous washer (which did more wear to clothes than actually wearing them) are still surviving, 8 years later!

I did have a pump fail after 3 years. That was replaced free under my comparatively inexpensive Best Buy extended warranty. The invoice cost for the repair, including part, was under $100.

Now there are things you must be aware of with this machine. You absoutely must use liquid HE detergent. Most of the failure reports I have seen involve use of other kinds of detergent. I did use non-HE liquid (sometimes the HE is not available at my local store) for a few loads, but quickly changed after I discovered my mistake.

For another thing, this machine will not remove lint and non-soluable dirt. Those things are readily removed in the dryer, even on zero heat. So this washer is not for you if you intend never to use dryer and only do line drying.

In most cases, it is the most gentle possible washer, even without using the "gentle" and "hand wash" cycles. However, certain poor quality washcloths, the kind you get in bundles for less than $1 apiece, and notably made in Pakistan, will fall apart in this machine (leaving lots of lint). The problem is those towels are made loosely assuming that the user will wash in a standard machine in order to tighten the fabric through wringing action. (You may notice a warning label "wash before first use".) I have not had any problem with washcloths made in China or USA, just Pakistan.

Also, though it has a large tub, I have had problems washing large non-porous rubber-like comforter allergen-proof covers in this machine. The problem is that these covers tend to trap air, and the Calypso motion tends to get them to inflate like a big balloon, and when that happens they get forced past the washplate seal and then pick up grease from the underlying machinery. The solution is to use a short wash cycle, and monitor the wash process every 5 minutes to make sure that balloon-like inflation is not occurring. I was able to re-wash the greasy cover without incident.

But most of the time, this machine is just a dream to use, and it saves energy without having to bend over. I doubt that even front loading washers are as gentle on clothes, though they might be better in the two cases that are a problem with this machine.

Sep 27, 2009
Rating

Calypso Washer
by: Anonymous

I bought this machine over 6 mths ago and have had no problems whatsoever.Somebody had spoke abouthow the washer washes the clothes and that they could wash them just as well by spraying a garden hose on them,well to inform that person who isnt totally educated on the wash system ,it is suppose to spray concentrated detegent and bounce the clothes and rotate them,it is a very exceptional cleaning system that works very well on tough stains and heavy fabrics.Whirlpool has changed many of the parts that were defective design such as he pump,it is now made of metal,the wash disc doesnt tear or wear clothes due to redisign,gone are what people call are moldy spots which isnt whirpools fault cause there is a cleaner for high efficencey washers including front loaders,they will produce mold also because they use very little water,i highly recommend the calypso for people who care to conserve water and electricity,oh and another thing...there isnt a class action suite against whirpool...so silly!

Sep 09, 2009
Rating

NEVER again will I buy a whirlpool product.
by: Allen, TX

0 out of 5 stars
the first thing to go wrong with it was the water pump failed. reason for failure: crappy design of the pump. A lint ball collected in the rubber fins of the pump and caused it to seize up. The motor was just fine, but the actual pump is non-serviceable. So a new pump, motor included, was $180; only because I replaced it myself.

And I was disgusted when I took that thing apart to see how 'stupid' the thing was built. I noticed right off the bat that the where the water was pumped out, that there was no way all the water could be removed via the pump!!! so if you did not do clothes for a week, like if you were away on vacation, then that water would sit in there!! And the overflow tube emptied all over the inside of the machine; a lot of rusted parts and bottom pan.

The final straw came when I opened up the top. I watched it through an entire washing cycle. I was amazed and thoroughly disgusted. The thing did nothing more than spin the clothes and spray water on them. The 'calypso action' only kept the clothes off the bottom of the drum!!!! There was no 'washing' at all. I could do just as good of a job, and probably better, spraying my clothes with a garden hose on the driveway!!!

NEVER again will I buy a whirlpool product.

Aug 31, 2009
Rating

Calypso is a lousy washing machine
by: Anonymous

I have had this machine for 5 years and it is a piece of garbage...we are on our third repair visit and I am seriuosly thinking of just ditching this machine and buying an LG or Bosch or even an Electrolux.
I have read comments all onver the internet and everyone seems to have the same problem. Where are the Consumer Protection people? This product should be recalled and never sold again.

Don't buy this machine, it doesn't clean the clothing well, breaks all the time and takes forever to rinse/spin. Very disappointing for $800-$900 dollars.

Jul 16, 2009
Rating

worst washing machine ever built
by: Anonymous

I agree with the previous post. This is the worst washing machine ever built. I understand there is a class action suit concerning the whirlpool calypsowashing machine

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Whirlpool Calypso washer

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