Advice needed on buying a new washer & dryer

[vacfanman]

Hello Everyone,
I was just reading a number of comments regarding the poor quality of washers and dryers that we are stuck with buying nowadays. I have been out looking at models that still have an agitator in them and are top loaders. There aren't many. And most of them look so cheap and are light weight when I would lift up on the washer. But I met an older man at an auction the other day that suggested the Speed Queen automatic laundry pair. He said that he sold major appliances years ago back when they were made in the USA and were built to last. He said that everything today was made to only last for a few years, that companies don't want them to last. He told me of a single store in the town where I live, that started last year to carry two models of the top loading Speed Queens. I went to check them out. The store did only have two models. One model was built for a
Lanudry Mat. It only had a place to put your coins in, and to select the water temperature. The household model was Speed Queens top of the line laundry pair. I was shocked to find something that appeared to have some quality behind it. The washer alone weighted 190 lbs the salesman told me. There was a big difference when I tried to lift up on it. The pair had all the bells and whistles. I went to Speen Queens website and looked at the models that were in the store. I was impressed. Would you guys give me your thoughts and opinions. The washer is model # AWN542...and the dryer is: # ADE4BR. And if any of you own this set, please let me know if you have been pleased, or wish you had never bought them. The salesman also told me that it was made in the USA with only Commercial quality components, parts, motor, and transmission. The website says about the same thing. He said that with care and not overloading, the pair should last a good 10 to 15 years easy. He also said that in the two years that the store has been selling the Speed Queen brand, they have not had any complaints, or service calls. All other brands in the store has had at least one service call in around a year or less he stated. I watched the AWN542 model Speed Queen in action on You Tube. It was extremely quiet. It sounded and looked a lot like my old 1982 Amana laundry pair. I had to replace the motor switch on the Amana washer in 1998 and the switch was a Speed Queen part. I appreciate and welcome all of your comments.
Thanks
Charles

 

[countryguy]

Charles,

If you want to get expert advice on washers and dryers then you really should go to automaticwasher.org which is the sister site to this one. The guys over there know everything there is to know about old and new washers, dryers and every other appliance in existence. Speed Queen is very highly rated.

Gary

 

[suckolux]

I looked at these machines 5 years ago when I bought new at our local mom and pop shop. They said they were very good machines, better made than the ones I bought, the Estate range of Whirlpool, but also admitted that their agitation was very weak. No more dirt than I get prob should have gotten them anyway, but it was also much more money. Hindsight? Maybe.

 

[dustin]

We have had 2 Speed Queen washers and a dryer over the years; the first washer was bought new in 1994, it lasted 12 years of use (and abuse by a couple friends), and 3 moves. It was still working fairly well when we sold it (Big mistake). The second washer (and dryer) were in our house when we moved in last year, they were bought in 1989 and as far as I know both are still running on original parts (including belts), and the washer cleans FAR better than the newer maytag we have upstairs. I would definitely recommend the Speed Queen set, even though it seems expensive. If you are looking to spend less, I have had a chance to use a new lower end Whirlpool top loader, and it seems pretty decent, and also very quiet.

 

[bee-vac]

Speed Queen

Is the last of the Quality made machines made in the U.S.today. My room mate and I

looked into these when he was going to buy a new set. These machines are commercial

quality. But the only thing I hear is they're not all that quiet. The reason for

this is that their transmissions are all metal construction and if you ask me, I'd

be happy to hear the sound of that. The only reason he didn't get a pair of Speed

Queens, is that he decided he wanted a vintage set of Maytags. So I say go for the

Speed Queen set hands down!

 

[tylerawells]

The dorm I lived in my freshman year of college had Speed Queen washer and dryers, my biggest issue was they were slow slow slow to wash. What takes 20-30 minutes in my Maytag Bravos took 45-60 in the Speed Queen

 

[nycwriter]

Keep in mind ...

... that just because the washer cycles for only 20-30 minutes doesn't mean it got the clothes as clean as the Speed Queen taking 45-60 minutes.

It just means the cycle ended earlier.

 

[tylerawells]

You have a point there, but they seem to do about the same job, but I am no washing machine expert.

 

[reactor]

Speed Queens

Hello. This is my first posting as a member of this site. Wishing all of you a Merry CHRISTmas!!

My two cents worth. I have been a member of AW.org for close to ten years and a collector of washing machines.

If you absolutely have to buy a new machine, I agree with those above that Speed Queen is probably the last to be built with true quality. The TOL front-loader Speed Queen is one of the few modern washers that still has an option to give a warm rinse. (Thanks to Energy Star requirements a warm rinse is considered taboo by most manufacturers)

If you elect not to buy a new machine you might want to try to find a vintage General Electric Filter-Flo or a Frigidaire JetAction. Both are awesome performers!! They actually used enough water to wash and rinse thoroughly, unlike many of todays machines. Both are built to last.


I find GE's especially easy to repair, and not hard to find parts for.

Barry

 

[vacman1961]

Hi, I have been in the floor care and appliance business for over 30 years. After closing my business after 23 years, I now work for a Whirlpool Factory Certified Care Company, I have to say, Whirlpool used to make the best top load washer since 1985 when they came out with the direct drive model, now their top load washers are mediocre at best. If I had to recommend a washer today I would highly recommend the Whirlpool Duet front load washer with the 4.3 cubic food or larger tub, stay away from the 4.0 cubic foot capacity. If your mind set on a top load washer, I would say to go with a Speed Queen, they still have a manual water level control and also I believe the tubs fill completely with water in both the wash and rinse cycles, many top load washers today only fill the tub partially with water during the rinse cycle. Whirlpool still makes a direct drive top load washer it is pretty much kept a secret, it is a great machine, it has the same technology as the 1985 direct drive model the only thing it lacks is a full tub of water in the rinse cycle, here is the model number, GCAM2792TQ, it is part of the Whirlpool commercial line, it does not meet 2013 energy requirements, it is 2007 Federal Energy Compliant. There is a way to make an adjustment so the rinse water is higher than factory set, but it will not adjust with the water level control switch, it will be set from the inside.

 

[vackid]

My Speed Queen experience

We recently bought a Top of the Line Speed Queen 542 to replace our Amana washing machine that was about 12 years old. To put it into perspective for how these Speed Queens are made, I carried the Amana out, on a hand truck, up our 17 basement stairs, by myself. It took my dad and I both to get the Speed Queen DOWN the stairs. These things are HEAVY, but that just proves it's made out of the heaviest materials. The dealer showed me all of the parts that really make these worth their money. To describe them in another way, Speed Queens are like the Riccars of washers, they might not be the flashiest but they will do a better job and do that superior job for a much longer time than anything else. It's a wonderful washer, my Polo Ralph Lauren sweaters come out in beautiful shape, and my dad's greasy work clothing (Drilling Rig Company Service Manager) comes out looking like new. It holds a ton of clothing and the Pre-Wash and Extra Rinse cycles are really an appreciated addition.

Speed Queens do not come cheap, but quality doesn't come cheap. For the price we bought our Speed Queen, we could've purchased a front loader from Lowes or Home Depot, or for a few hundred dollars more, a Miele (We get dealer costs on all appliances for personal use because were a Miele dealer). But after talking to several washer collectors and 2 appliances stores, we went with the Speed Queen.

As I mentioned earlier, you can easily buy a cheaper washer, but remember when you're buying a Speed Queen you're also buying the service behind it. Buying a Speed Queen from a local dealer isn't like buying an appliance from a big box store. The dealer selling it to you, services them as well (I don't know if this is mandatory, for the vacuum brands we sell, we have to service them, so it may be the same). Most Locally Owned Appliance stores are going to offer you the best service before, during and after the sale. Keep that in mind, because no matter how well something is made, it'll need service someday and it'll be nice to have someone you can call who you know can service it and get the parts for it. In short-Buy a Speed Queen, local, and you'll be washing happy for years.

Buy the best and you'll never be disappointed.

-Evan

 

[xraytech]

I purchased a Mid-line Speed Queen top loader and matching electric just ove 1 1/2 years ago. They are pricier than most other choices, but with the build quality and the long warranty period on them its worth every penny. The stainless wash tub holds more than the Kenmore 80 series super capacity plus it replaced. It has a more gentle agitation as well, with a long slower 280 degree rotation of the agitator, unlike the short rapid strokes of other top loaders.
We do about 15 loads of laundry weekly and I cant imagine using anything else