New Speed Queen Dryer vs late 70s Maytag

[jbellafesta]

My Maytag DG106 developed some minor issues over the weekend that should cost less that $100 to repair. I've been satisfied with this performance, but it sometimes requires lots of flipping for my queen mattress pad...not that big a deal. I'm buying a new SQ front loader (on order) so for the heck of it I stopped into my dealer to compare the matching SQ dryer (ADGE9B) as well as the residential "commericial' series Maytag. I was not impressed much with the build quality of drum and cabinet on either...not as nice as the heavier porcelain steel on my old Maytag. The dealer said he'd give me the new SQ dryer for $500 since I've already ordered the matching washer. Given that discount, what are your opinions on repairing old Maytag vs new Speed Queen. I've read some reviews that complain the SQ dryers do not perform consistently...overdrying some items with taking longer than normal for bulky items. Any advice on performance of this model SQ? Price isn't much of a factor for me. It's more an issue of performance and whether I can accept lesser build/finish quality of the newer machines. Thanks!

 

[rp2813]

Save yourself $400 and fix the Maytag. 

 

Speed Queen stubbornly refuses to improve its dryers with proper dryness sensing components, and you'll end up with extra crispy everything.  We had the Amana version of a SQ dryer and it got so hot that the exhaust smelled like the clothes were being ironed.

 

The best dryer we ever had was a DG806.  While your 106 may not have the cycle options or electronic control, the mechanics and heating system are the same.  Our 806 was quiet and efficient.  You'll be disappointed with the noise and the tinny construction of anything new, and I will guarantee you that no new dryer will run for 40 or so years like your Maytag has.

 

 

 

[stricklybojack]

.
I have spoke negatively about my SQ dryer more than once, however I always qualified my comments with “for the money”. At $500, for the dryer pictured, I might say, “go for it.”

Although look at the Wascomats I found in your area! $175 sounds like a steal...

http://https//pittsburgh.craigslist.org/app/d/gas-dryer/6658476522.html

 

[jbellafesta]

Thanks for the CL listing...it's an interesting proposition. I wonder which will last longer and be easier/cheaper to maintain? A 1977 maytag used in home or a wascomat with 6yrs commercial use.

 

[pierreandreply4]

my advice

its also my advice that you keep your older dryer and have it repaired and vintage is also a good solution exemple of a vintage set pic 1 a whirlpool set second maytag but have no idea if your dryer is full electric or gas

 

[combo52]

Dryer Choises

I would get the new SQ gas dryer, other than the lack of a porclean enameled top the build quality of the new SQ is more than equal to your MT dryer, you can stand on the top of the new SQ, something you can not do with other any current dryer.

 

SQ dryers dry fast and consistently, yes their electronic dryness control is not the most sensitive control I have ever seen, but we have had very few complaints and you are used to a timed dry only dryer, the new SQ will diffidently be more accurate than that, and of course you can always use the SQ on timed dry.

 

Your old MT will need a motor at some point [ expensive [ a timer [ NLA ] and it is just not as safe to use [ it has no thermal fuses etc ] this is actually one of the few times in life that you can buy a replacement appliance that is better built than the 40 YO one and at a cost adjusted for inflation much lower than the MT you would be replacing.

 

John L.

 

[helicaldrive]

Load size

Buy the matching SQ dryer because the SQ FL washes bigger loads than the MT dryer is designed to handle.

 

[jbellafesta]

saw wascomat dryers from craigslist yesterday. were from a housing authority. seemed solid, but not sure how many cycles had run over the past 6 years. nicer build quality than sq, but given cost of parts and diffuculty of switching between programs, the sq may be better fit.