Just saw the new issue. They did not test the Speed Queen FL at all. Would one of you who has a subscription please write them and let them know they should test this machine? Thank you.
CU Report on Washers, May, 2016
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Actually they did test it but you have to go online to see the ratings. The ratings that they published was recommended models only. My thinking is that I pay plenty to get the magazine at home and they should print all of the ratings instead of doing what they do. They want to empty your wallet for an online subscription as well. I never used mine that much so I let it lapse and the emails I get from them is a tad much at times.
Stopped buying and mostly reading CR years ago.
Also think it takes some darn cheek to ask for someone who has already paid for a subscription to pay again for online access. Worse all the good content is online including much of the deep reviews.
So what again are people who subscribe to the print issue paying for?
Also think it takes some darn cheek to ask for someone who has already paid for a subscription to pay again for online access. Worse all the good content is online including much of the deep reviews.
So what again are people who subscribe to the print issue paying for?
Thanks, I did not know that, although I cannot imagine the SQ not being recommended. I just happened by the serials rack in the Sci, Tech and "Bidness" Reading Room and saw the new issue. Stupid them, they talked about the best Washer-Dryer Combination for your needs. Most of those whipper-snappers are too young to know the error of their terminology. The issue does pay tribute to the magazine's 80 anniversary this month.
I'll tell you something else, too. I pick up repair parts each Thursday as I have since 1981 and the SQ parts are FAR cheaper than comparable parts for other brands of washers and dryers, not to mention that they are made here in the USA.
I'll tell you something else, too. I pick up repair parts each Thursday as I have since 1981 and the SQ parts are FAR cheaper than comparable parts for other brands of washers and dryers, not to mention that they are made here in the USA.
The new Speed Queen received a total score of 70 (top-scorers from Maytag, LG and Samsung received 80-85). Very Good for cleaning performance and energy efficiency. Excellent for water efficiency and gentleness to clothing. Rated only Good for capacity and noise. Resistance to vibration, Very Good.
They test using the Normal cycle at the highest soil-level setting, which timed in at 55 minutes---substantially shorter than all other front-loaders, which ranged from 70-110 minutes. I'd bet the farm that cleaning rating would jump to Excellent if the wash tumble was 20 minutes longer.
As for capacity, most of my loads would fit comfortably in the SQ's 3.42 cu.ft. drum---although I have to admit that the Maytag 8100's 4.5 cu. ft. drum is awesome when you wash queen-size comforters a lot, as I do. Also great for giant loads of bath linens. The top-rated Samsung has a 5.0 cu. ft. drum, but the machine won't fit through my early '60s laundry room doorway.
Back on point: It scored quite a bit higher than the previous SQ front-loader, but not quite high enough to put it in the top one-third of the ranking---which is usually what gets covered in their magazine.
If pressed to choose, I'd definitely drop the mag and keep the online version. (Let me save you the trouble: "Drop both! I wouldn't want either of the damn things!"). LOL![this post was last edited: 5/13/2016-18:10]
They test using the Normal cycle at the highest soil-level setting, which timed in at 55 minutes---substantially shorter than all other front-loaders, which ranged from 70-110 minutes. I'd bet the farm that cleaning rating would jump to Excellent if the wash tumble was 20 minutes longer.
As for capacity, most of my loads would fit comfortably in the SQ's 3.42 cu.ft. drum---although I have to admit that the Maytag 8100's 4.5 cu. ft. drum is awesome when you wash queen-size comforters a lot, as I do. Also great for giant loads of bath linens. The top-rated Samsung has a 5.0 cu. ft. drum, but the machine won't fit through my early '60s laundry room doorway.
Back on point: It scored quite a bit higher than the previous SQ front-loader, but not quite high enough to put it in the top one-third of the ranking---which is usually what gets covered in their magazine.
If pressed to choose, I'd definitely drop the mag and keep the online version. (Let me save you the trouble: "Drop both! I wouldn't want either of the damn things!"). LOL![this post was last edited: 5/13/2016-18:10]
Eugene, Thank you very much for sharing this information with us. I don't know what it is with size and washing machines. It's like engines in cars in the 60s. I thought that families were getting smaller. How could people need such huge washers? I wonder if the shorter cycle time is because the machine goes into spin so easily and does not have to fiddle-fart around trying to balance the load perfectly. The Speed Queen front loader will probably still be turning out clean clothes long after the plastic machines they liked so much have been recycled.
I still find it ironic with the way CU hated front loaders that front loaders are now the state of the art for laundry.
Oh, by the way, did they bother testing Mieles? Too small for their tastes, probably.
Thanks again.
I still find it ironic with the way CU hated front loaders that front loaders are now the state of the art for laundry.
Oh, by the way, did they bother testing Mieles? Too small for their tastes, probably.
Thanks again.
I'll say it again, put in the damn heater!!! Oh, but wait a minute, then it wouldn't be "Speed"y, just an ordinary Queen.
My laundry is cleaned far easier, without interaction with me other than putting stuff in the machine, because of properly maintained temperatures--especially higher temps.
Not ALL families are small. Some are having 3 & 4 children again.
The bad thing about huge washers is it encourages poor laundry habits. Throw everything in for a family of 4 every 3-5 days.
My laundry is cleaned far easier, without interaction with me other than putting stuff in the machine, because of properly maintained temperatures--especially higher temps.
Not ALL families are small. Some are having 3 & 4 children again.
The bad thing about huge washers is it encourages poor laundry habits. Throw everything in for a family of 4 every 3-5 days.
I would buy a Speed Queen front-loader in a heartbeat if it had:
1) an internal water heater
2) the option for a very, very long wash tumble (60-70 minutes)
3) a 4.5 cu. ft. drum
There is absolutely no question that the SQ front-loader has the best build quality in the US. That's a given. John L. (and others) have also lauded the machine's serviceability. That's rare these days. The great warranty inspires confidence in the product.
Alliance did a nice job of improving cycle flexibility--especially with the option of multiple extra rinses.
I have a Maytag 8100 and love, love, love it. It has a 4.5 cu. ft drum, but is only 27" wide; it has the footprint of a standard washer---a little deeper, maybe.
Interesting: Here are the times for the Normal Cycle
a) Light Soil = 41 minutes
b) Med. Soil = 44 minutes
c) Max Soil = 75 minutes
I'd bet the farm that big jump in cycle length (all of it added to the wash tumble) was to ensure excellent cleaning for CR's tests. The Normal cycle is the only one featuring such a large increase in time between Medium and Max soil settings. Most of my loads need only the 41 or 43-minute cycle; but it's nice to have the option of having it bumped to 75 minutes when dealing with very heavy soil or stains.
Bob and I are of the same mind about internal water heaters: It's a deal-breaker. We experience unbeatable stain removal using the Sanitize cycle in combination with the steam function.
If SQ made those three changes, their machine would shoot to near the top of the ratings; I guarantee it.
Having said that, Alliance, whose bread and butter is the commercial industry probably couldn't give two hoots about Consumer Reports' ratings. People looking for the best build quality are going to give serious consideration to SQ regardless of any other shortcomings.
SQ was on my short list back in August (or was it September) when I was in the market for a new washer. In the end, I felt the Maytag had the best bang for the buck in the areas of performance and features.
1) an internal water heater
2) the option for a very, very long wash tumble (60-70 minutes)
3) a 4.5 cu. ft. drum
There is absolutely no question that the SQ front-loader has the best build quality in the US. That's a given. John L. (and others) have also lauded the machine's serviceability. That's rare these days. The great warranty inspires confidence in the product.
Alliance did a nice job of improving cycle flexibility--especially with the option of multiple extra rinses.
I have a Maytag 8100 and love, love, love it. It has a 4.5 cu. ft drum, but is only 27" wide; it has the footprint of a standard washer---a little deeper, maybe.
Interesting: Here are the times for the Normal Cycle
a) Light Soil = 41 minutes
b) Med. Soil = 44 minutes
c) Max Soil = 75 minutes
I'd bet the farm that big jump in cycle length (all of it added to the wash tumble) was to ensure excellent cleaning for CR's tests. The Normal cycle is the only one featuring such a large increase in time between Medium and Max soil settings. Most of my loads need only the 41 or 43-minute cycle; but it's nice to have the option of having it bumped to 75 minutes when dealing with very heavy soil or stains.
Bob and I are of the same mind about internal water heaters: It's a deal-breaker. We experience unbeatable stain removal using the Sanitize cycle in combination with the steam function.
If SQ made those three changes, their machine would shoot to near the top of the ratings; I guarantee it.
Having said that, Alliance, whose bread and butter is the commercial industry probably couldn't give two hoots about Consumer Reports' ratings. People looking for the best build quality are going to give serious consideration to SQ regardless of any other shortcomings.
SQ was on my short list back in August (or was it September) when I was in the market for a new washer. In the end, I felt the Maytag had the best bang for the buck in the areas of performance and features.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
I don't think washer size is necessarily directly connected with size of family. I'd bet it has more to do with general Laundry Laziness--the average American hates laundry. (I know, this is totally foreign to us. LOL) They want to get it done with Fast. The more the washer holds, the better.
And I suppose it's a selling point having big capacity so that large/bulky items can be done at home (e.g., comforters) that used to require a coin operated laundry.
And I suppose it's a selling point having big capacity so that large/bulky items can be done at home (e.g., comforters) that used to require a coin operated laundry.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
>People looking for the best build quality are going to give serious consideration to SQ regardless of any other shortcomings.
I'm not in the market for a new washer, and likely may never have one. But I have to say: SQ quality is a HUGE selling point, or would be if I were in the market. Yes, it's fun having different appliances...but my feelings with washers of today is that they are...just appliances. There isn't the diversity or fun of washers of years gone by... So, with that in mind, I'd be inclined to buy quality and hope it lasts the duration.
Your mileage, of course, may vary...
But the heater issue is one area of concern. I am VERY impressed by the accounts of what an internal heater can do. At the same time, however, I'm not sure it would be that useful for what I need--I don't generate mountains of horribly stained clothes. Also detergent technology is improving--and it may reach a point where there will be no practical reason for super hot temperatures. Maybe, maybe not...
I'm not in the market for a new washer, and likely may never have one. But I have to say: SQ quality is a HUGE selling point, or would be if I were in the market. Yes, it's fun having different appliances...but my feelings with washers of today is that they are...just appliances. There isn't the diversity or fun of washers of years gone by... So, with that in mind, I'd be inclined to buy quality and hope it lasts the duration.
Your mileage, of course, may vary...
But the heater issue is one area of concern. I am VERY impressed by the accounts of what an internal heater can do. At the same time, however, I'm not sure it would be that useful for what I need--I don't generate mountains of horribly stained clothes. Also detergent technology is improving--and it may reach a point where there will be no practical reason for super hot temperatures. Maybe, maybe not...
@frigilux - It's interesting that you point out the increase in time on the max soil setting on your Maxima. My Bravos XL does the same thing; Light, Medium, and Heavy soil settings are only a few minutes apart, but the Extra Heavy setting adds 30 minutes more, making the max time for the normal cycle 1:30*. The biggest difference I've noted is that while the agitation period isn't increased much at all, the presoaking/recirculating phase is much, much longer, so I typically just leave the normal cycle set at Extra Heavy because I feel the clothes get their cleanest and the detergent does its best work with that extra soaking. That jump in time isn't there for any other cycles, just like your Maxima. I had never thought about the correlation between that and CR's testing methods before you mentioned it!! The more you know...haha
*for those who I know will put their over-inflated 2 cents in (anti-HE and YouTube trolls specifically): I am well aware of the amount of time the cycle takes, and I'm well aware of the time spent "just spinning and spraying", because that's exactly what I want the machine to do, for the very reason that all that "spinning and spraying" is actually doing a tremendous amount of work by soaking and pretreating heavy stains in concentrated detergent, which is why my clothes do, in fact, come out brilliantly and gently cleaned with only a "cup" of water. Cheers!
*for those who I know will put their over-inflated 2 cents in (anti-HE and YouTube trolls specifically): I am well aware of the amount of time the cycle takes, and I'm well aware of the time spent "just spinning and spraying", because that's exactly what I want the machine to do, for the very reason that all that "spinning and spraying" is actually doing a tremendous amount of work by soaking and pretreating heavy stains in concentrated detergent, which is why my clothes do, in fact, come out brilliantly and gently cleaned with only a "cup" of water. Cheers!
Internal heater's on FL Speed Queen's
Speed Queen DOES produce a front loader that HAS an internal heater BUT only for the Chinese market would you believe!
Why? I have no idea.
I downloaded the Parts Manual and it shows a specific model number for the heater model.
I even asked Speed Queen which market this was for and they said the Chinese domestic market in 240 volt.
It's a pity they won't offer that model here in Australia.
Leon
Speed Queen DOES produce a front loader that HAS an internal heater BUT only for the Chinese market would you believe!
Why? I have no idea.
I downloaded the Parts Manual and it shows a specific model number for the heater model.
I even asked Speed Queen which market this was for and they said the Chinese domestic market in 240 volt.
It's a pity they won't offer that model here in Australia.
Leon
I'd certainly consider one
But being a new homeowner with other expenses right now and the TL running just fine, I cannot justify getting another washer.
That being said, if the TL grew legs and walked out, got stolen, or caught fire and burned up, would I get a SQ FL. Certainly.
Hi frig!
But being a new homeowner with other expenses right now and the TL running just fine, I cannot justify getting another washer.
That being said, if the TL grew legs and walked out, got stolen, or caught fire and burned up, would I get a SQ FL. Certainly.
Hi frig!
ilovewindex
Well-known member
Front Load Raitings
ilovewindex
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Regular Top Loaders
ilovewindex
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HE Top Loaders
ilovewindex
Well-known member
The only compact they tested.. Never mind the small bosch, whirlpool, miele, asko or maytag..Or Equator or Edgestar
Jeff-- CR is pretty strict with their copyrights, so we are not supposed to post anything from their magazine or website. Don't be surprised if the four posts above disappear. You are still within the window of time to delete them yourself.
brucelucenta
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I have read consumer reports for years now. I personally think they are rather bias about products and have never gotten much help from buying what they recommend. If you look at washers through all the years, they have recommending many that proved to not last very long, such as the Norge machines back in the 50's. In some cases they have been right on, such as through the 60's and 70's rating Maytag washers as the best. But they down rated many machines that were pretty good machines and should have been much higher in rating and up rated machines that were not very good. I think now, it is all about energy and water consumption. So any rating you see has to do mostly with that. The only top loading washer I can see that actually washes and rinses the clothes properly is the speed queen and they down rate it because it uses too much water. The magazine seems pretty useless to me now. As far as how long one will last, that is purely judged by the past and many are too new to make a useful judgement of that, since they change all the time.
When I bought the LG made Kenmore set I have now, it was because I needed something that would hold a king sized feather comforter and it does wash and dry it effectively. So far I have had no issues with either machine, but I consider that lucky. I think these days that with front loaders it is a crap shoot as to how long one will last or how many problems you may have with it. I would probably never buy a top loader again, considering how they are designed to wash clothes now. Speed Queen is the only one left that seems to actually wash and rinse the way a traditional top loader was designed to work and only then, if you select a deep rinse or fabric softener option. I guess all the others just barely get the clothes wet.
When I bought the LG made Kenmore set I have now, it was because I needed something that would hold a king sized feather comforter and it does wash and dry it effectively. So far I have had no issues with either machine, but I consider that lucky. I think these days that with front loaders it is a crap shoot as to how long one will last or how many problems you may have with it. I would probably never buy a top loader again, considering how they are designed to wash clothes now. Speed Queen is the only one left that seems to actually wash and rinse the way a traditional top loader was designed to work and only then, if you select a deep rinse or fabric softener option. I guess all the others just barely get the clothes wet.
