Help Me Pick a Washer!

[crenchy]

Several people have suggested the KitchenAid since it's listed for $300 and the Speed Queen is $500. However -- if the store's 25% off online coupon is valid -- the Speed Queen could be $375.

If I am able to bring our old Maytag to the store selling the KitchenAid, they would take $25 off the KitchenAid, making it $275.

Knowing the features of the KitchenAid (cycle vs. rinse temperatures, etc.) and the features of the Speed Queen, would you all still recommend the KitchenAid over the Speed Queen if the Speed Queen is $375 instead of $500?

 

[william8]

Several people have suggested the KitchenAid since it's listed for $300 and the Speed Queen is $500. However -- if the store's 25% off online coupon is valid -- the Speed Queen could be $375.

If I am able to bring our old Maytag to the store selling the KitchenAid, they would take $25 off the KitchenAid, making it $275.

Knowing the features of the KitchenAid (cycle vs. rinse temperatures, etc.) and the features of the Speed Queen, would you all still recommend the KitchenAid over the Speed Queen if the Speed Queen is $375 instead of $500?

I wouldn't pay $275-$300 for any 24 year old machine. Too old.
You can get new machines for just a little more., and it will be delivered.

 

[crenchy]

I wouldn't pay $275-$300 for any 24 year old machine. Too old.
You can get new machines for just a little more., and it will be delivered.

As panasonicvac (and others) have told me, "Nowadays there's no new top loader I'd recommend anymore."
I would rather get an older machine that's more durable and effective than a new machine that won't last. I'm not sure I've met anyone who has said, "My new washing machine is better than the old one we had!"

Keep in mind, the washing machine being replaced is a Maytag A606S that has lasted FOREVER. It still runs perfectly, it's just depositing oily spots that are impossible to remove on clean clothes. If it weren't doing that, we wouldn't consider replacing it.

 

[agiflow]

That's the speed Queen I had for 7 years and a great performer especially with unbalance load handling.

The KitchenAid though older has many more features. Warm rinsing if that is important to you. It has a porcelain top and lid which is better against chipping and scratching. The KitchenAid will also handle bulky items better. It will have thorough gentler wash action too.

 

[panasonicvac]

I personally own a Kenmore that's made by the same company as the KitchenAid (Whirlpool). What I like about my Kenmore over the SQ is that it has a more aggressive agitator that I find does better on turnovers especially on the delicate setting when the load is completely full and cleans more thoroughly. I also like that the tubs are plastic. And they don't use a belt which in my opinion is an extra thing to wear on the SQ but I think any machine should get a tune up every five years or so. My Kenmore has never had a break down or even a tune up, though it should get one. But I think any machine you can't go wrong with. The reason why I said I'd get a SQ as a second set is because I'd rather not get something that's the same thing as my Kenmore which in my opinion is a bit boring to have, I like switching things around that makes it more interesting. Even if the KitchenAid breaks, you should still be able to find parts and have it fixed because these machines which are known as direct drive, were the most popular top loaders sold back in the day so not only parts are easy to get but they're also inexpensive as well. I think I'm gonna have that Kenmore for the rest of my life. Here's a video of what a direct drive washer is and why they were so great. You can skip over to 5:23 if you'd like so you can hear what this user has to say about them.

 

[DADoES]

Keep in mind, the washing machine being replaced is a Maytag A606S that has lasted FOREVER. It still runs perfectly, it's just depositing oily spots that are impossible to remove on clean clothes. If it weren't doing that, we wouldn't consider replacing it.

Then that kinda means it isn't running perfectly.

 

[stan]

The Kitchen Aid has a selector switch for agitation & spin speed. I personally like having a separate control.

 

[crenchy]

The Kitchen Aid has a selector switch for agitation & spin speed. I personally like having a separate control.

Wait, do you like having a separate agitation switch and a separate spin speed switch, or do you like the way the KitchenAid is with the one combined switch separate of the cycle switch?

 

[stan]

If I’m reading the control panel correctly from the pic of the Kitchen Aid.. it looks like it has a selector switch to chose agitation speed
My Kenmore had this feature and I liked it.

 

[DADoES]

The KitchenAid compared to the Whirlpool .... KA has larger lower fins on the agitator and a 3-speed motor. KA runs the medium motor speed for high agitation. Ex-Low motor speed for low agitation. The larger fins on the KA agitator provide water action at medium and ex-low motor speeds equivalent to high speed and low on a WP with a smaller agitator ... but the KA is considered to produce less stress on fabrics.

Note that there are some WP models with 3-speed motors but the machine you're considering appears to be 2-speed (the model number would help clarify).

 

[combo52]

Best used top load washer to replace an old Maytag, a 606 with sub saver

This is what I do for a living. I help people make decisions on the best appliances and then implement them if they ask for that help as well.

You’ve left out way too much information to make an intelligent choice here.

How many loads a week does your grandmother wash? Is the sun saver important to her that the Maytag has, if it is, she may be horrified at how much water the top load washer uses without the sun saver feature.

In general the best choice for a new machine today as a front load washer, but that said millions of people every year buy new top load washers that are very pleased with them whirlpools putting out nearly 20,000 top loaders a day and people are generally very pleased.

Back to the choice at hand, I would not buy any used washer unless the price is you’re quoting include delivery installation and a minimum of a one year home parts and labor warranty backed by a very reputable company that has a good reputation for standing behind products.

None of these three machines, including the Speed Queen are a good bet if you don’t have good warranty with it. The motor for that Speed Queen is a $500 part for example. It’s not a good deal unless someone’s willing to stand behind it and assure you that it’s in perfect working condition

Just on the face of it, the KitchenAid in the whirlpool or the better washers for performance the Speed Queen is likely the most durable one, but we do not know the condition of these machines.

John L

 

[combo52]

Best used top load washer to replace an old Maytag, a 606 with sudssaver

This is what I do for a living. I help people make decisions on the best appliances and then implement them if they ask for that help as well.

You’ve left out way too much information to make an intelligent choice here.

How many loads a week does your grandmother wash? Is the sudsaver important to her that the Maytag has, if it is, she may be horrified at how much water the top load washer uses without the sudsaver feature.

In general the best choice for a new machine today as a front load washer, but that said millions of people every year buy new top load washers that are very pleased with them whirlpools putting out nearly 20,000 top loaders a day and people are generally very pleased.

Back to the choice at hand, I would not buy any used washer unless the price you’re quoting include delivery installation and a minimum of a one year home parts and labor warranty backed by a very reputable company that has a good reputation for standing behind products.

None of these three machines, including the Speed Queen are a good bet if you don’t have good warranty with it. The motor for that Speed Queen is a $500 part for example. It’s not a good deal unless someone’s willing to stand behind it and assure you that it’s in perfect working condition

Just on the face of it, the KitchenAid and the whirlpool or the better washers for performance the Speed Queen is likely the most durable one, but we do not know the condition of these machines.

John

 

[crenchy]

If I’m reading the control panel correctly from the pic of the Kitchen Aid.. it looks like it has a selector switch to chose agitation speed
My Kenmore had this feature and I liked it.

That's what I thought you meant, I just wanted to double-check.

 

[crenchy]

The KitchenAid compared to the Whirlpool .... KA has larger lower fins on the agitator and a 3-speed motor. KA runs the medium motor speed for high agitation. Ex-Low motor speed for low agitation. The larger fins on the KA agitator provide water action at medium and ex-low motor speeds equivalent to high speed and low on a WP with a smaller agitator ... but the KA is considered to produce less stress on fabrics.

Note that there are some WP models with 3-speed motors but the machine you're considering appears to be 2-speed (the model number would help clarify).

Thank you! The speed vs. fabric stress is good to know.