My thoughts...long.
I am glad Speed Queen is bringing back a new Classic, but I feel Speed Queen needs to make things right with dealers who were honest about the TR series. I do not sell or repair washers, but even I can see the TR series wash action reminds me of a carnival ride that spins in one direction and suddenly reverses direction. When the direction changes suddenly, the force of the change in the carnival ride packs people together. In the case of the washing machine, the clothes are packed together. Despite Speed Queen's marketing attempts, I could never be convinced that the "perfect wash system" is somehow different and is able to "push soap and water through the garments". There seems like there would be no space between the clothes. This does not mean that it may not work well for some.
When I compared it to the Maytag mvwp575gw, these differences stand out.
1. Speed Queen has no automatic temperature control (ATC) or other restrictions now on hot water. For those who already have the Maytag, the ATC can be disabled, if needed. I think the max hot temperature is 105 or 115 degrees F at the most.
2. The TC5 wash action, if like the awn432, should be a noticeable improvement over the TR series. However, I do prefer the Maytag's dual agitator. Not only does the tub and agitator move in different directions, but the top and bottom of the agitator move independently. With either machine, the result should be clean and fresh smelling clothes. Points to the Speed Queen for slightly less wear/tear on clothes. Points to the Maytag for having an edge in cleaning tougher soiled items.
3. Water level selection. With the Speed Queen, one has two water level choices (14 gallons/19 gallons). It looks like those choices are available with Bulky, Heavy, Permanent Press, and Delicates. It also looks like one can choose the water temperature too. The Maytag has full tub wash (22 gal? /maybe 25 gal for Bulky only?) and full tub rinse ONLY when Bulky, Delicates, Mixed, or Powerwash is selected. The Maytag has a half tub wash (14 gal?) / spray rinse but ONLY with the Normal (Eco) cycle. A half tub rinse which requires resetting the cycle to normal after it washes but before it does the spray rinse. Unless automatic temperature control is disabled, one cannot change the water temperature. The normal wash motion on the Maytag may be too rough for delicates. Clear win for Speed Queen TC5 on this point.
4. Speed Queen Transmission vs. Virtual Modula Washer (VMW). I do think the SQ will last longer, but I think the VMW would be easier for me as a consumer to fix (will have to wait and see the internals). However, I am a fast learner and can follow YouTube videos ļ. Does anyone know if this is the same transmission used in the AWN432?
5. Speed Queen TC5 is $1029? The Maytag can be found for $750 or less. The parts and labor warranty is also five years instead of three (why is the tC5 only 3 years instead of 5 or did I read this wrong?)
I wonder if Maytag can address the water temperature levels with a software fix. It appears the thermistor is capable of measuring temperatures between 32 degrees and 149 degrees F.
I am unable to determine if Speed Queen does not have the water level or auto fill selection in the TC5 model due to cost, wanting to keep some advantages with their TR series, or due to not passing eco standards also with it (yet it's in the TR5?). It would have also been a slam dunk instead of back in the court again. However, I am so pleased Speed Queen listened to their customers! The name is perfect!
I will be curious to see Maytag's response to this since this machine was designed to be a direct competitor.
The one thing neither washer address is the small loads and loads where one would not want to use an agitator. For less than $200, one may find a portable washer fills that gap better especially if you already own the Maytag versus the cost of replacing a whole machine. I have no clue why the government continues to believe less water, cooler water, cheaper construction, etc. saves energy and the environment.
I plan to keep my Maytag, which has not had any issues in the 9 months I have owned it. It has worked like a champ for our kid and pet friendly hh so far. I will use the time left under warranty while these two manufacturers make improvements to their TOL models that must meet new eco regulations.
