Admiral or Speed Queen
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macboy91si
Well-known member
Yaris vs Camry
I compare this in car terms to 2 cars. The Admiral (WP DD) machine would be like a Toyota Yaris as the SQ would be like a Camry. The Admiral is a basic machine, fairly simple to do most work on and the DD's historically seem to have some durability. The SQ is the "luxury" line so to speak, it is smoother, heavier built and costs more. The SQ has it's roots in the commercial laundry business, so it is a well built machine no doubt. Either would be a great machine in my opinion, just a matter of taste and what you want to spend.
I like the SQ because it has a long, slow stroke much like older washers and I think that's a lot of appeal with the crowd here. The big draw backs for the SQ is cost and availability. It's not a brand that is stocked locally usually. You can also almost get the Admiral washer and dryer for the cost of just the SQ washer. If I were in a pinch with little money I'd go with the Roper (Lowes) or Admiral (HD).
Ultimately it all depends on your budget and taste. I think the SQ is a good machine for "enthusiasts" but don't feel it's the most practical choice from a budget standpoint for the average consumer. If you want good and cheap, I think the Admiral is a good choice. If you have more money to spend and want commercial level quality, the SQ would be a good route.
-Tim
I compare this in car terms to 2 cars. The Admiral (WP DD) machine would be like a Toyota Yaris as the SQ would be like a Camry. The Admiral is a basic machine, fairly simple to do most work on and the DD's historically seem to have some durability. The SQ is the "luxury" line so to speak, it is smoother, heavier built and costs more. The SQ has it's roots in the commercial laundry business, so it is a well built machine no doubt. Either would be a great machine in my opinion, just a matter of taste and what you want to spend.
I like the SQ because it has a long, slow stroke much like older washers and I think that's a lot of appeal with the crowd here. The big draw backs for the SQ is cost and availability. It's not a brand that is stocked locally usually. You can also almost get the Admiral washer and dryer for the cost of just the SQ washer. If I were in a pinch with little money I'd go with the Roper (Lowes) or Admiral (HD).
Ultimately it all depends on your budget and taste. I think the SQ is a good machine for "enthusiasts" but don't feel it's the most practical choice from a budget standpoint for the average consumer. If you want good and cheap, I think the Admiral is a good choice. If you have more money to spend and want commercial level quality, the SQ would be a good route.
-Tim
mrb627
Well-known member
Capacity
I think the Speed Queen is a little bit larger capacity machine.
Malcolm
I think the Speed Queen is a little bit larger capacity machine.
Malcolm
Thank you for your opinion/explanation.
I do seem to fill my washer to the 'brim' so to speak so probably the commercial quality would be better for me.
Also, any problems with the machine...if any arise...would have to be dealt with by a repair person, not me.
Seems like I read that the Admiral flooded sometimes. Whether that is the machines fault or the comsumers I don't know.
I do seem to fill my washer to the 'brim' so to speak so probably the commercial quality would be better for me.
Also, any problems with the machine...if any arise...would have to be dealt with by a repair person, not me.
Seems like I read that the Admiral flooded sometimes. Whether that is the machines fault or the comsumers I don't know.
Flooding?
The Admiral is no more likely to flood a floor than any other Direct-Drive washer. It is of the most commonly built washer of all time (something like 90 million manufactured) and believe you me, Whirlpool knows how to build them by now. If DD Admirals have flooded anything, it's either pure bad luck that could happen to anything, OR user fault.
Gordon
The Admiral is no more likely to flood a floor than any other Direct-Drive washer. It is of the most commonly built washer of all time (something like 90 million manufactured) and believe you me, Whirlpool knows how to build them by now. If DD Admirals have flooded anything, it's either pure bad luck that could happen to anything, OR user fault.
Gordon
macboy91si
Well-known member
Admiral vs. SQ
There is a slight difference in size. The Admirals have a 3.2 sq ft tub and the SQ is a 3.3 sq ft so I doubt there is a usable size difference. The Admiral is also (I believe) a 1-speed unit, which would make it comparable to the AWN311 base model SQ. Neither the lower end SQ or the Admiral have noise insulation and are both a little on the loud side.
Around here the SQ AWN311 runs a tag of $549 and the Admiral can be had on sale for $299. You've not mentioned what your budget is and how much you are willing to spend. I think for the money, you'd be hard pressed to get a better deal than that Admiral (or comparable WP DD machine) for the cost new. I know a lot of people are big SQ fans here, myself included, I just don't think they compete from a price standpoint in the average home laundry market. Money talks for me, and that's a good machine for the money.
From a repair standpoint, the Admiral is a much more common platform and parts and labor will be cheaper if the need for repair ever comes around. I've never heard of WP based machines having any abnormal flooding/draining issues and essentially the Admiral is a rebadged Whirlpool. We ran a bottom model WP DD machine hard (3 kids) for 7 years with only a pump being replaced (easy and cheap replacement). That washer is now in the field house at a local high school seeing use still.
I guess that's a lot of typing to say that I think the Admiral would be the better buy here. Also not knocking the SQ, if you have the money and want something nicer, get the SQ. The Admiral however should suffice fine for a lot less.
-Tim
There is a slight difference in size. The Admirals have a 3.2 sq ft tub and the SQ is a 3.3 sq ft so I doubt there is a usable size difference. The Admiral is also (I believe) a 1-speed unit, which would make it comparable to the AWN311 base model SQ. Neither the lower end SQ or the Admiral have noise insulation and are both a little on the loud side.
Around here the SQ AWN311 runs a tag of $549 and the Admiral can be had on sale for $299. You've not mentioned what your budget is and how much you are willing to spend. I think for the money, you'd be hard pressed to get a better deal than that Admiral (or comparable WP DD machine) for the cost new. I know a lot of people are big SQ fans here, myself included, I just don't think they compete from a price standpoint in the average home laundry market. Money talks for me, and that's a good machine for the money.
From a repair standpoint, the Admiral is a much more common platform and parts and labor will be cheaper if the need for repair ever comes around. I've never heard of WP based machines having any abnormal flooding/draining issues and essentially the Admiral is a rebadged Whirlpool. We ran a bottom model WP DD machine hard (3 kids) for 7 years with only a pump being replaced (easy and cheap replacement). That washer is now in the field house at a local high school seeing use still.
I guess that's a lot of typing to say that I think the Admiral would be the better buy here. Also not knocking the SQ, if you have the money and want something nicer, get the SQ. The Admiral however should suffice fine for a lot less.
-Tim
$549 - $299 = $250. 311 in my neighborhood is $499, TOL $599. The SQ has a full 3 year 'bumper to bumper' warranty, in home, plus 5 on tranny and lifetime on stainless steel tub. Not sure about the Admiral....guessing 90 days/1 year? 3 year extended warranty for Admiral = guessing $100? Most mom/pops deliver for free.
The SQ agitator is skinier than 'cork screw' type agitators. My initial concern over the 3.3 cu ft were quickly gone. I know I was surprised on how wide it was (as opposed to deep style tubs with Whirlpool style washers).
SQ dealers - go to SpeedQueen.com and look to see what's around you...THEN look at the service locator - there will usually be many more certified service personell that can service the unit than dealers under warranty/post warranty. SQ allows you to chose whoever you want to service as long as they are from their directory/certified. They take care of all issues, not your dealer.
I can honestly say that my SQ hasn't budged an 1/4 inch since I installed it (from horrible vibration spins/banging). That's worth the $200 alone to me.
Just some things to consider/ask in your evaluation of what's right for you.
The SQ agitator is skinier than 'cork screw' type agitators. My initial concern over the 3.3 cu ft were quickly gone. I know I was surprised on how wide it was (as opposed to deep style tubs with Whirlpool style washers).
SQ dealers - go to SpeedQueen.com and look to see what's around you...THEN look at the service locator - there will usually be many more certified service personell that can service the unit than dealers under warranty/post warranty. SQ allows you to chose whoever you want to service as long as they are from their directory/certified. They take care of all issues, not your dealer.
I can honestly say that my SQ hasn't budged an 1/4 inch since I installed it (from horrible vibration spins/banging). That's worth the $200 alone to me.
Just some things to consider/ask in your evaluation of what's right for you.
More like...
Yugo vs. Camry
Yugo vs. Camry
"From a repair standpoint, the Admiral is a much more common platform and parts and labor will be cheaper if the need for repair ever comes around."
I believe the basic design of the Speed Queen is over 25 years old with refinements through the years...with thousands of commercial installations. Not sure if you can get more common than that.
I believe the basic design of the Speed Queen is over 25 years old with refinements through the years...with thousands of commercial installations. Not sure if you can get more common than that.
Someone mentioned insulation would that be more for soundproofing or does it help 'protect' against the cold.
Mine would be in the garage.
The price of the Speed Queen 432 (the only one the store had on display) I was quoted a price of ...I think it was $616. He said the reg. price was $699. Also they charge about $50. to deliver and take away the old one.
I checked and at least 2 different places locally do authorized work on Speed Queens. I didn't ask any questions of how expensive repairs were or anything.
Yes, I want a machine that is gentle on clothes. I've never had a tear or snag from what I've been using all these yrs.
Mine would be in the garage.
The price of the Speed Queen 432 (the only one the store had on display) I was quoted a price of ...I think it was $616. He said the reg. price was $699. Also they charge about $50. to deliver and take away the old one.
I checked and at least 2 different places locally do authorized work on Speed Queens. I didn't ask any questions of how expensive repairs were or anything.
Yes, I want a machine that is gentle on clothes. I've never had a tear or snag from what I've been using all these yrs.
cfz2882
Well-known member
old,proven designs
both of these are older,long proven designs-the DDs came out
in 1982 and the basic design of the speed queen dates to 1981.
motor coupler breakage used to be the most common problem with
DDs,but the coupler has been strengthed and refined over the
years and the DD might be the most reliable and easy to repair
washer for sale today.
I have heard of rapid belt wear with the speed queens,but i'll
let people running late speed queens speakup on that-both my
'84 SQs are still running their original belts...
I'd say the speed queens are a little easier on clothes with
their "old skool"slower long stroke agitation.
The agitation of the DDs is powerful and effective but harder
on fragile fabrics...
both of these are older,long proven designs-the DDs came out
in 1982 and the basic design of the speed queen dates to 1981.
motor coupler breakage used to be the most common problem with
DDs,but the coupler has been strengthed and refined over the
years and the DD might be the most reliable and easy to repair
washer for sale today.
I have heard of rapid belt wear with the speed queens,but i'll
let people running late speed queens speakup on that-both my
'84 SQs are still running their original belts...
I'd say the speed queens are a little easier on clothes with
their "old skool"slower long stroke agitation.
The agitation of the DDs is powerful and effective but harder
on fragile fabrics...
SQ VS WP DD
I sell both machines and would rate then as both worthy choices. I really like the longer warranty of the SQ the trans is covered for 10 years and even the motor has a 5 year warranty. If maximum capacity is important get the WP and add a dual action agitator it will then wash a far larger load than the SQ. Dual action agitators wash far larger loads with much less wear on the clothing also the short fast stroke does less clothing damage than a long stroke does which will actually hold on to clothing and drag them back and forth. One thing to keep in mind with a fast stroke agitation washer is that you use a shorter wash time to get the same cleaning.
I sell both machines and would rate then as both worthy choices. I really like the longer warranty of the SQ the trans is covered for 10 years and even the motor has a 5 year warranty. If maximum capacity is important get the WP and add a dual action agitator it will then wash a far larger load than the SQ. Dual action agitators wash far larger loads with much less wear on the clothing also the short fast stroke does less clothing damage than a long stroke does which will actually hold on to clothing and drag them back and forth. One thing to keep in mind with a fast stroke agitation washer is that you use a shorter wash time to get the same cleaning.
Used?
Why not go pick up a used Whirlpool or Kenmore? They are the same basic machine as the Admiral. They are readily available and usually pretty cheap. If it turns out you don't like the machine then you haven't wasted $300.
I've never bought the argument that the direct-drive models are hard on clothes. I've been using one for many years without any problems.
Why not go pick up a used Whirlpool or Kenmore? They are the same basic machine as the Admiral. They are readily available and usually pretty cheap. If it turns out you don't like the machine then you haven't wasted $300.
I've never bought the argument that the direct-drive models are hard on clothes. I've been using one for many years without any problems.
powerfin64
Well-known member
If I was in this situation, I would look at: Quality, features I would use and like, warranty. Speed Queen has been around many years and isn't a low end product. Look for features that will be used alot. look to see what the full warranty is and what it covers.
I've never been a fan of fast short-stroke machines from day 1, for many reasons of my own.
Im a firm believer when it comes to belt drive long stroke machines, again for reasons of my own.
Used machines, they would be a better price, but you don't know how the machine has be treated. (I would rather have a full warranty than not at all, when something does happen unexpectedly from a used machine.)
Rich
I've never been a fan of fast short-stroke machines from day 1, for many reasons of my own.
Im a firm believer when it comes to belt drive long stroke machines, again for reasons of my own.
Used machines, they would be a better price, but you don't know how the machine has be treated. (I would rather have a full warranty than not at all, when something does happen unexpectedly from a used machine.)
Rich
macboy91si
Well-known member
Servicing and Longevity
Well, one could argue that the DD machines have been around for a bit as well. Speed Queens are not a common household brand, at least not around here. The commercial places here use Maytag, GE and SOME Huebsch (SQ). Your local, smaller repair shop probably has more experience with WP based machines based on shear numbers, they're a very common machine. I think it's in fact very safe to say that you can get more common than SQ, WP and it's derivatives outnumber SQ's quite a bit in the home as do GE's and many others.
I'm not arguing the superiority of WP to SQ, which is what I feel like this is becoming. I'm simply stating that for someone who needs a washer, who doesn't know the mechanics and just wants something that works for a reasonable prince, the WP comes out on top. SQ sells a high brow washer and charges accordingly for it. For this you get very well made machine yes, but an expensive one. That said, if I was fiscally able to do so I would certainly have a SQ set as I do like them. If I had a limited amount to spend on laundry equipment however, I'd get a basic WP variant set.
Also to the shred statements, I've always heard the DA agitator referred to as "Cruel Action" or a "Shredmore" but I've never had this issue personally. I prefer the longer stroke, but have never had issues with the WP agitator cleaing or being unusually rough on clothes. I don't wash a lot of delicates or frailies though so I can't speak there.
-Tim
Well, one could argue that the DD machines have been around for a bit as well. Speed Queens are not a common household brand, at least not around here. The commercial places here use Maytag, GE and SOME Huebsch (SQ). Your local, smaller repair shop probably has more experience with WP based machines based on shear numbers, they're a very common machine. I think it's in fact very safe to say that you can get more common than SQ, WP and it's derivatives outnumber SQ's quite a bit in the home as do GE's and many others.
I'm not arguing the superiority of WP to SQ, which is what I feel like this is becoming. I'm simply stating that for someone who needs a washer, who doesn't know the mechanics and just wants something that works for a reasonable prince, the WP comes out on top. SQ sells a high brow washer and charges accordingly for it. For this you get very well made machine yes, but an expensive one. That said, if I was fiscally able to do so I would certainly have a SQ set as I do like them. If I had a limited amount to spend on laundry equipment however, I'd get a basic WP variant set.
Also to the shred statements, I've always heard the DA agitator referred to as "Cruel Action" or a "Shredmore" but I've never had this issue personally. I prefer the longer stroke, but have never had issues with the WP agitator cleaing or being unusually rough on clothes. I don't wash a lot of delicates or frailies though so I can't speak there.
-Tim
mrb627
Well-known member
DD Design
Whirlpool has gradually begun to phase out this direct drive design. So if you want one, you had better grab it soon. While the Admiral is not for me, I can certainly see where people shopping on price would chose it. And if loaded properly and used with care, it would prove to be an adequate performer. However, I do believe Whirlpool has been guilty of embellishing capacity in the past. And the corkscrew agitator, in my opinion, just promotes machine overloading. I can remember my Mother looking at the DAA at Sears when they were first introduced. And she countered the salesman that if you are putting so much in your washer that you need a big screw to move them around, you're overloading and we walked away.
Malcolm
Whirlpool has gradually begun to phase out this direct drive design. So if you want one, you had better grab it soon. While the Admiral is not for me, I can certainly see where people shopping on price would chose it. And if loaded properly and used with care, it would prove to be an adequate performer. However, I do believe Whirlpool has been guilty of embellishing capacity in the past. And the corkscrew agitator, in my opinion, just promotes machine overloading. I can remember my Mother looking at the DAA at Sears when they were first introduced. And she countered the salesman that if you are putting so much in your washer that you need a big screw to move them around, you're overloading and we walked away.
Malcolm
SPEED QUEEN QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE IS HARD TO BEAT.....
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR........................
BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT.............................
HOW YOU START, IS HOW YOU FINISH................
BUY THE SPEED QUEEN IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY
I DID, I LOVE IT, AND BOUGHT ONE FOR MY MOM TOO.
GOOD LUCK,
MIKE.
P.S. I THINK THE ADMIRAL TUB IS ONLY A 3.O AND NOT A 3.2, NOT MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE BUT, JUST CHECK.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR........................
BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT.............................
HOW YOU START, IS HOW YOU FINISH................
BUY THE SPEED QUEEN IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY
I DID, I LOVE IT, AND BOUGHT ONE FOR MY MOM TOO.
GOOD LUCK,
MIKE.
P.S. I THINK THE ADMIRAL TUB IS ONLY A 3.O AND NOT A 3.2, NOT MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE BUT, JUST CHECK.
The Admiral Can Be A Good Buy
I can see where the Admiral can be a good buy. For people who need a decent washer at a low price--and who can accept fewer frills--it (along with WP brands Estate and Roper) can serve users well. By the way, the Home Depot near my Las Vegas home is selling the Admiral at $259. The Speed Queen top loaders are decent machines, and can be a good buy for those willing to pay the premium.
Once upon a time, it was Maytag that used to earn the initial price premium. How things have changed.
I can see where the Admiral can be a good buy. For people who need a decent washer at a low price--and who can accept fewer frills--it (along with WP brands Estate and Roper) can serve users well. By the way, the Home Depot near my Las Vegas home is selling the Admiral at $259. The Speed Queen top loaders are decent machines, and can be a good buy for those willing to pay the premium.
Once upon a time, it was Maytag that used to earn the initial price premium. How things have changed.
