Anyone have experience with a SQ FL Washer?

[bwoods]

I saw this SQ on Craigslist, and am considering getting it. Has anyone had (or have) this model?

If so, some questions. How does the tub size compare with the older (late 1990's) WCI front loaders, which I now have. How many rinses does it give (spray and deep) and does it have a higher spin speed than my WCI Frigidaire's 900 rpm, and does it have a balance problem during spin.

It's rather expensive, so I am not going to get it unless it would be an improvement over what I have.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/app/3517099634.html

 

[washer111]

From what I've read for the new SpeedQueen machines, the FL machine uses an 800rpm final spin speed. This may have changed since around April last year, although I doubt it would've changed, unless SQ have gone for a better efficiency rating. 

 

My assumption is that it has one or two rinses, but I cannot remember. Something seems to ring "1 Rinse" because people here remark about "resetting" the machine for another rinse after the cycle completes. 

 

Be aware a machine that you are looking at *may not* heat the water, instead relying on a Hot & Cold tap. The self-heating models now are now longer existent, so beware of this if buying a newer machine. 

 

That said, the SQ machines as supposed to be pretty darn good - worth a look in any case in my opinion. If what I've read here is anything to go by, the WCI machine might not last forever either: Good to have a backup, just in case, lol. 

 

[mrb627]

Imperial

My SQ Imperial has a final spin speed of 1000 rpm's.

Rinsing starts with a spin spray followed by 2 <deep> rinses. (3 with extra rinse turned on)

Malcolm

 

[launderess]

Link Does Not Work Pour Moi

If you are speaking about the SQ front loaders there are basically two models. The older versions without an internal heater,and newest with.

Build wise SQ front loaders are just like their commerical cousins. Problem is cycle wise they are pretty much the same as well. What you get are three or four basic cycles with a few modifiers, but nothing say like a Miele or even Samsung or LG.

These machines can hold about 15lbs or so of laundry and are designed (again like their commercial/laundromat cousins) to do washing quickly with no fuss. They are very heavy machines but despite that heft there are many complaints about vibrations and machines "walking". Methinks this could be because the suspension simply wants a firm concrete type flooring similar to what is found in commerical settings.

 

[bwoods]

Washer111, This SQ in the CL post is a 2004 model, so it probably would not have an internal heater. But that's OK with me.

Laundress, I thought I had heard that, too, that theses machines don't handle unbalanced loads well. The tub capacity looks about the same as the WCI, but it's hard to tell from a picture.

What year is your machine, Malcolm? Do you like it?

 

[mrb627]

2009

My Imperials were purchased in 2009. They are currently in the garage. I recently replaced them with a Miele set, but haven't been as impressed with the Miele's as I expected. Which is making it difficult to part with the Speed Queens. While others may complain that they don't have all the bells and whistles of other machines, I haven't noticed clothing being any cleaner coming out of the Miele's. The SQ machines don't seem to require a heater to get clothes clean and seem to get there in less time. The Miele's boast a heater but I have found that it isn't used nearly as much as initially thought it would and won't guarantee that a target water temperature is reached.

I think the SQ machine, if in good working order, will impress you time and time again.

Malcolm

 

[combo52]

SQ FL Washer

I have had this washer since 2005 except mine has the heater option, $250 is a bargain for this machine if it is in working order. This washer has NO spray rinses, the normal cycle has two deep rinses with the option of three. This smaller door machine has the same size tub that SQ is still using, it is more than enough as you can stuff it full and never begin to hurt this washer. The small door models had less problems with door boots and vibration. This SQ like current SQ FL washers has a projected life of 25,000 loads [ that is 21/2 times longer than those cheap German M machines, LOL ] which means at ten loads per week it will far out live either of us.

 

[launderess]

@MrB

Saw your posting about Miele washers and target temps; for what it is worth my older Miele washer will not hold the cycle either until desired temp is reached. That is the thermostat is not wired through the timer as with say some dishwashers.

If the set temperature for my Miele is not reached in the time alloted the timer will advance. However the thermostat will not shut off the heater until either the heater reaches set temp, or the wash cycle is over, whichever comes first.

On the "Short" cottons cycle this can be a problem as about 1/3 or 1/4 (forget which) of the time normally alloted for heating water is skipped. On the normal cycle this could be less of a problem as there is buckets of time for the 3000w heating power to take even the coldest water to near or at boiling.

Cannot speak for the 1900 or later series, but if you pose a general question in the group am sure someone will pipe up.

 

[jetcone]

mine

has been on the 3rd floor for 10+ years nary a shake or rattle.

Yes I agree with John, $250 is damn cheap if it is in working cond.

 

[tomturbomatic]

I have said it before and will say it again, compared to most other large front loaders, the SQ is built like a brick house. It is a rugged commercial washer under the control panel. There is none of that pathetic trying to balance and half-assed attempts at spinning, then stopping. This machine has a dammit-to-hell attitude and just plows on ahead and spins. The cycles have no options about wash time and I believe that the spins between the water changes are not adequate for heavy fabrics, but that just gives me the opportunity to rinse them in another machine. It's a good washer; not great, but good, almost very good.

 

[qualin]

Well, so far I've had my own Huebsch (Same as SQ) front loader for about a year and I'm quite happy with it so far.

I concur about the concrete floor. I can feel the whole foundation shake if the machine is unbalanced. They weren't kidding when they said this machine is heavy. Even the dryer is heavier than other dryers!

I should mention that it does do a single spray rinse, but only after the main wash cycle as a suds killer, then two rinses. Three if you select the extra rinse option.

I can't get over that this machine is only slightly slower than my top loader, 40 minutes for the entire cycle. To hear about 60-120 minute cycle times with other machines seems almost stupid in comparison.

 

[launderess]

SQ Front Loaders Are What They Are

In both domestic and laundromat settings; sturdy well built machines designed to process wash loads quickly with no fuss. They don't have four hundred various programs and so forth, but those that tend to purchase them know that and deal with what they've got.

 

[cleanlaundryluv]

@MrB

Yea, wanted to pipe in that my Miele does reach the correct temps. But I have one with electronic controls so nothing is hard coded for time--that and it is the last of the 240V models they made for N. America (W1213). I have it hooked up to cold only too to get profile washes. But, I pay for all this via longer wash times--something I'm more than willing to sacrifice b/c I get excellent results!

It's too bad they no longer make 240V machines for NA as their newer NA models have even better electronic controls and more cycles, but, alas give up profile wash capabilities and guaranteed temps.

They do make 60Hz 240V machines already for those few places in the world that have 60Hz power so, I don't know why they don't bring them here. No need to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, giving us "special", and I dare say, slightly neutered NA models. It doesn't make sense!

In South Korea (60Hz power), for example, they offer models with up to 1600 rpm spins, way more cycles and options, including dosing recommendations via weighing your wash load in the drum & of course, profile washes. Some even have automatic doseing of liquid detergent. They also have capacities up to 10kg! Oh, and if you look at the prices in CAD prices, they're practically the same! So, we pay the same for way less!

I'm kind of partial to the W5962 my self--why is this not offered here?!!

 

[tomturbomatic]

Our models were dumbed down with the advent of the 1213s compared to what our members in the UK, Europe and elsewhere could purchase.