Best washer for large family?

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Patrice

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I have been looking at this site (via mobile only) for a few days and have found a lot of great info! You all know your stuff! I am hoping that I can get a recommendation.

Looking for a washer and dryer recommendation:

Family of 6 (4 kids, cloth diapers = need water and a machine that doesn't recycle rinse water)
Septic/well water
Living on a farm (lots of dirt, way out so hard for repair man to get to in a timely manner, etc)
Husband wants FL, I prefer TL (because our last crap FL was CRAP! :) So I can be swayed)
Would like a delay timer
budget is $2,000 for the pair.

Seems speed queen is highly recommended-- would a certain model be better than another? What others should I consider.

Thank you for any help! :)
 
Hi Patrice, my new Speed Queen is a week old today its the AWN432 top loader, and I love it. The tub size at first concerned me 3.3 cf, but wow it really does hold a lot and I have a large family. Everything washes clean, although I always soak whites overnight so I can't say how clean those would come with a normal wash time, but everything else including a dirty stinky load of gardening clothes came out clean and fresh. The speed queen will give you a full fill for wash and rinse and it uses true hot water, not dubbed down to warm.there's no locking lid. You can shut the washer to do soaks, do mothers still soak cloth diapers? My vote goes to Speed Queen. You will get some great advice here, and you can trust they will stear you in the right direction in your search. Good luck Cheryl
 
Budget is not set in stone....

We would be willing to pay more for the washer if it makes sense, so our budget is flexible :)

Thanks, Cheryl! Yes, I soak my diapers and would LOVE a true hot wash. I need to do more research on the sizes and what size loads can be washed. There is no laundry mat anywhere close to the farm, soI hope to get a machine that's large enough to handle my king sized blankets. (I have no big comforters bc I know they can't be washed in a home machine!).
 
If you can afford it, I would look into a front load Speed Queen set. That would definitely get you everything you want and the reduced water consumption would be easier on your septic system. Otherwise a TL SQ washer should fulfill your needs.
I'm not really sure if I would consider any other brands, especially if you like longevity.
 
Tankless water heater

Not sure about your hot water situation, but as you have to deal with verry heavy stains and have to get a certain hygenic standard with the diapers, a FL like the SQ without heater could eventualy have a problem if your water heater is far away.

Basicly, as this washer uses less water, the problem of cold water sitting in pipes could proof as bigger issue then with a TL.

There are 3 basic ways to compensate for that:
1. Run certain loads of heavy soiled items through a warm prewash. You'd set it on a warm wash, let it fill and tumble a bit, then set it to drain and spin and then start the main wash with hot water. Wouldn't actually waste hot water, but compensate the cold water issue.
2. Start the empty machine on a hot wash, then drain it after the fill. Reduces detergent usage, saves a bit of work time, but wastes a few gallons of water.
3. Get a tankless water heater installed right at your washer. This way, you don't have to bother about anything, you could use it with the delay timer and you could even get washes at 140° and beyond while keeping your house water at a safe temperature for your children. Of corse, instalation and unit will cost some as well.

But these measures are just theoretical if you notice that water is just not hot enough.

On the dryer topic: If your dryer still works to your satisfaction, even if it was paired with your dreaded FL (Which FL did you have by the way?), you could just keep it.
I know most people in the US somehow don't like the idea of non matching sets, but in most cases, non-matching of washer and dryer have even the advantage of either safeing money, getting a way better setup for your situation (just because the SQ washer fits you perfect, I guess a nother dryer like those cheaper WP dryers would suit you just fine) or even both.
 
Speed Queen

either top load or front load - can't go wrong.

I have the SQ top load; recent model; not top of the line, but more than adequate; King size blankets and quilts; no problem. Great cleaning and built to last. Queen and lesser size comforters; no problem; king size mattress pads also, no problem. The SQ front load I'm sure is equally durable, just don't have experience with them as I prefer more water - yes I'm one of the water non-conformists whom the government doesn't like, so sorry, I'll join a support group until I can do better.

John
 
I would consider a SQ frontloader for most of your laundry. If you have a working dryer, I would use it up. You might consider a inexpensive TL machine from whirlpool for heavily soiled work clothes and soaking diapers.  Even a used one, or continue with the TL you have.  Having the FL SQ in the lineup would save your well and septic system the brunt of most of the water.   I always like the cost effective route.
smiley-smile.gif
 
Oldskool, I'm in line behind you about the support group lol
Patrice, I remember the diaper washing days, they do require lots of hot water..I'm wondering if you went with a FL would you get enough water, also diaper rinsing is of concern, since diapers require excellent rinsing. I hear a lot of talk about FL'ers not rinsing well, but I can't say they are all like that.
 
I have a Speed Queen, worth every cent and time and effort to find. Clothes come out clean first time around and soap is rinsed out. I care for an elderly parent, so it was important to me to get any soap reside out, so I needed a washer that uses water. Warranties on the Queen blow everyone, and I mean everyone, out of the water. Exceptional machine. I have model 432.
 
I was going to say like alr, that 2 washers might work best for you, but I was going to say the SQ top loader and an inexpensive front loader for the comforters.

Oh, and be sure to do Family Planning, that will help keep the laundry from being any more!
 
well that one was from the horses mouth, but don't see that as a great impact on laundry, I swear I get more laundry from three kids than when I had ten....

later down the road, consider gray water setup for things like the washer and kitchen sink, it will save your septic a lot....

cycle times may be a factor to keep in the back of your head.....the TL with do a load in about 40 minutes, the FL will require just over an hour.....but granted too, the FL will hold twice as much.....

I am all game for two washers, more if space allows, as noted in some of our collections, but even something simple as a wringer would help with soaking things like diapers or rugged work gear.....
 
Pat, have you considered duvet covers for your comforters, a king duvet would fit in the SQ and than you could get by with going to a laundry every 3 months. I just strip mine off weekly to wash, and I made 2 for the grandboys beds out of sheets, rather crudely made lol but I love them. Just a thought.
 
If your on a well and have a septic system as well, I would not get a top loader like the Speed Queen. Granted they do a load rather quickly but your water pump will be in use quite a bit not to mention the water being dumped into your septic system. I have an LG 3570 front loader that I love and has the capacity you seek and also has a water heater...something the SQ front loader does not have. The washer also has a steam feature as well as a Sanitary cycle that is designed for things like diapers. This front loader rinses well and on Cotton/Normal cycle , times are right about equal to a top loader. The washer uses TurboWash which has two jets in the front and an overload jet to spray rinse the load.
LG front load machines are also rated well in Consumer Reports, the SQ machines...not so much. And they are reliable. The other thing is price, the LG machines will not break the bank like an SQ front loader can and for what you get for the money, LG is the way to go.
The other thing is that the LG washer door can be propped open to air out between wash days and it will also let you know when its time to be cleaned out. This washer is not shy about using water an it uses that water efficiently. The only thing you will need if you go LG is water hammer arresters since they use a rapid opening and closing of the water valves. It will also heat water if your water temp isn't up to par.
I had an SQ washer and I actually still have the machine in my basement that is off to the side. I have replaced the drive belt once and with a large family, you will go thru belts on this washer in fact it eats them. Replacing the belt is no small feat but it can be done. The belt runs about $22 a pop. No drive belts in an LG washer, since the wash drum is direct drive.
The LG washer also extracts much more water out of the clothes than the SQ top loader. High speed tops out at 1200 rpm, the SQ 710 rpm. The hole pattern on the SQ washer retains water I found. If you want your clothes to last longer and with a large family, thats a huge factor, then again, the LG is the winner here. The SQ top loader will wear the hell out of clothes and cleaning is kinda meh. The LG I can throw stains at this washer and with a good detergent like Persil, it will remove anything and old stains too that have been set in. With kids one has to think about that since they get into anything.
 
SPEED QUEEN

Buy once and buy right!!!

I have a six year old AWN 542 so does my mother and brother!!! No problems whatsoever!! LG IS KOREAN MADE GARBAGE!!!! Oh yeah my ex has an LG which I pissed away money on!!! Mike, please stop bashing SQ washers for you do not know of what you speak!!! No one on this forum has ever had a problem with belts!!! You let your tenant use your washer that was your problem!!!

My advice buy once, spend good money up front, Top Load or Front Load, SPEED QUEEN is the way to go!!! I'd bet money that you'd be happy with them and unhappy with LG!
Mike
 
Really???

Don't believe me? Google SPEED QUEEN WASHER REVIEWS FOR ANY MODEL and see what customers say!!
Mike
 
I know they are good. But we have first hand people who say they have problems as well.

On the other hand, we have people who have pretty good experiences with HE TLs and FLs as well.

And you can't deny that a washer that uses 20+ gallons per load might not be that good on a septic system.
And with a SQ FL clocking in at 1500$ at least, not even haveing a heater which actually might proof as a big advantage here, a LG for half the price might be a acceptable choice as well.
 
Normally, I'd recommend a front-loader, especially given your septic system; but if you want to soak diapers, a top-loading Speed Queen is probably your machine.

Mike, LG washers are not junk. Say it as many times as you want followed by as many exclamation points as you want. They are reliable washers that clean well using less water and energy than a Speed Queen top-loader. Everyone I know who has an LG made in the past five years likes it. A number of discerning people here at AW have one and swear by it.
 
Thank you for all the input. There's some passion behind these washers! ;)

To answer a couple questions,
I don't know what our previous FL was. I know it was the cheapest at best buy when we got approved for their credit card--- you live and learn.
We are not picky about having a matching set. I had just planned to get a matching dryer, but would love a great dryer for less! I do need a new dryer as well.

I've been researching a bit more and you all brought up some good points

I can't overload the septic... the TL SQ might be too much on the septic. While I do need water to soak my diapers, I can use the utility sink for that; making the FL a good option. The hot water won't be an issue. But, I do like the lower price point of the LG.
I'm going to research the LG and see what info I can find (I can hear the collective ".....ahhhh!...")
 
LGs

I think the common opinion is that these are good machines. TurboWash not only cuts down the time, it can help with rinsing as well due to the spray rinsing carried out. And with up to 3 deep extra rinse addable, clear rinsing is assured. Some of them have a prewash option, some even an optional soak.

However, these won't quite last as long as a SQ. Anywhere from 5 years up seems typical life span. Parts are usually not supplied any more after the 10th year. So there are drawbacks as well.
 
Well said Eugene in your reply #18. One man's poison may very well be another man's pleasure. I think that it is wonderful the Speed Queen owners are so happy with their washers. However they should consider that others may also be happy with their washers too, for different reasons. Seems like the members of this site would be well served to recognize that others have their own reasons for either liking or not liking their washers. That said, Patrice I think that you could very well use an LG FL for your diapers without needing to also use your utility sink. As I recall in the 50's and 60's before disposables became popular people soaked diapers in a diaper pail with either borax or Lysol. Then they would wash them in hot water, usually with soap flakes or powder. In an LG FL you could put the presoaked diapers in the washer, set for a prewash, then a reg cycle using hot water, add an extra rinse and turbo and you should be good to go. Since you will be washing diapers get an LG with an internal heater, this will insure extra hot water. And while the LG will take a bit longer than a Speed Queen TL, you will be able to wash way more diapers, therby reducing the number of times you'll need to take on this task. Good Luck! And as for a dryer, I own the companion dryer to my LG FL and it is wonderful. There is even an anti bacterial cycle that would be perfect for diapers.[this post was last edited: 8/23/2015-21:22]
 
All depends on whether you are interested in a machine that will do a good job with everything or.....if you are just interested in some sort of fetish about old school top load washers. The front load LG machines are far superior to all and any top load machines including the precious speed queen one. If the speed queen top loader machines are in comparison to the Maytag machines of the 60's, 70's & 80's then someone needs to rethink that. They are pitiful in comparison to those machines. Just because they are the closest thing you can get to anything made 20 years ago doesn't make them great. The LG front loaders wash more, do it better and even heat the water to practically scalding on some models. Does speed queen do that? No. Besides all that, speed queen has had serious mechanical failures in the machines made from the early 70's till now. The ones made in the '80's were crap and found in many land fills after they were a year or two old.
 
You haven't heard me voice a negitive about any FL'er, even though I'm a old school fan, but I've read many posts refering to fl'ers and issues with rinsing...I was pointing out the importance of excellent rinsing with diapers, can't have chemical residue that close to a babies tender skin. I don't have a fl'er so I have no idea how they rinse, but I'm always reading negativity about it.I've also spoken to die hard fl fans that wish for more water in the rinse.
 
Well water + Septic system+kids= Frontload

I am not a hater of FL's when my beloved LA series Tag dies off. I plan to try one,  Here is one other idea Patrice, go to rent a center  and rent a FL for the shortest term possible.   Try it out, put it through the "real life" paces of your household.  Let them pick it up and go buy what is best for your situation.  This is a big investment the rental would be a pittance to the hassle of a wrong decision.  Just a thought.

 
 
Air..not a bad idea, I have a friend who manages a Aarons rental store, you can rent for a week or longer until its considered paid off and you than own it, if at anytime you don't want it, well it was a rental so it doesn't affect your credit..they often have first week rental fee free and they deliver.
 
Being on a septic system the water saving of a front load machine make a lot of sense. Also load capacity of a front load machine will likely be superior.

You will read a lot of reviews on the Interwebs (also know as the CB on TV) which will state negativity towards front loaders due to a plethora of reasons. Supposedly they don't rinse as well, or that they all get stinky or they don't clean as well. The question is why do some users have great luck with them and won't consider changing from a front loader for their next machine? It's all how they adapt their wash practices to an entirely different machine. Its a bit like using a screwdriver like a hammer and saying it makes a lousy hammer...

Ultimately the choice is yours and it depends on what you expect from your machine. If you want to just do laundry as you always have, buy a SQ top loader which is the best currently available machine if that style. If you are willing to modify your washing habits then you can reap the benefits of a new front load machine.
 
I will tell you true. I am crowding 60 years old now and have used and worked on nearly every kind of washing machine made since automatic washers were around. I personally have always been fascinated with them since I can remember. I have had many through the years and the one's that do the best job and use the least amount of water for the amount of clothes are front loaders. I never had a front loader for my home machine before last year. I bought the biggest load one I could find. It is a Kenmore Elite made by LG. It holds a king size feather comforter that I have to wash sometimes. It is huge! And it has all kinds of cycles. It heats the water to "steam treat" when needed. It also will extra rinse up to 3 times. It does a better job than any machine I have ever used and spins the clothes out so dry it takes little time to dry in the dryer. It also promotes NO lint at all and no wear and tear on your clothes. Only difference is the cycle times, which are quite long compared to old style machines. It sometimes takes a couple of hours or more, but then new dishwashers take that long too these days. I have always loved top load machines, but this machine has changed my mind entirely. Anyone can say what they want, but a top loader just will not do the same job with the savings on water as a front loader.
 
Here is my reasoning

I can't offer an opinion of one machine over another, as most machines on the market are good, as other posters said; the user is what makes the difference.

 

I had a Maytag top loader that I loved, when It was near death I began searching.   Though I am on city water, we have had drout  situations for the last few years.   When I do the Saturday wash--the bedding.   It would take me three loads at 50 gallons of water each load.   Sure the cycle was done in 30 minutes, rinsing still wasn't that good, 

 

With a front loader I am able to wash what was three loads in one load: 2 king sized sheets and 4 pillow cases, 2 full sized sheets and two pillow cases, 2 twin sized sheets and 1 pillow case using approximately 18 gallons of water, taking about 1HR 10 MIN.   rinsing three times and if there were stains I could add a steam treat that would  20 minutes to the cycle.   

 

Another thing I discovered, dingy clothes were bright again,.  Pit stains were gone, and the clothes came out on high speed spin practically dry. 

 

Would I buy another front loader?  You betcha.

 

Honestly if you were to go with a top loader, Speed Queen would be about the only choice.   If you went with a front loader, there are many on the market, and with exception for a few you will more than likely get good service out of it. 
 
Wow!!! Someone who finally has some sense!!! I was beginning to think I was the only one. I have had nearly every kind of top load washer there is. I loved some of them because of the novelty of the way they washed. Most of them did at least a decent job on whatever I washed. The last set I had was a '90's set of Maytag's. They were very good machines that washed well, when you didn't overload them and rinsed adequately. I always used the 2nd rinse option. They wasted a LOT of water though. This LG made washer & dryer I have now will wash 3 sets of king size sheets with ease. I do have to split them up for drying just because they tend to ball up. But the washer extracts them so dry that it takes just a few minutes if I dry them set by set. The washer I have will rinse 3 additional times, if you want it to. The performance of these is just no comparison to anything else I have ever used. And I no longer have to take ANYTHING to the laundromat because it is too big to wash in my home machine. I'd say that was a GIANT plus!!! Samsung is even making a set that is a little bit bigger still, than the set I bought. I would NEVER have believed I would change over to a front load washer, but I have now. They are far more energy efficient and do a better job at washing and rinsing than a top load machine. Even the sacred speed queen washer pales in comparison and it uses far far more water. It also beats the clothes to get them clean instead of dropping them in the water. Your clothes will last way way longer along with towels and sheets. And there is virtually NO lint at all!!! You will find that out when you dry things. Even my Maytag set promoted lint. BTW, my old Maytag set found it's way to a friend's home that uses it everyday still. They were built to last. I will admit that for sure. The front load cycle is a LOT longer, but if you can do 3 loads in one, who cares?
 

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