New Speed Queen vs mid-90's Maytag

[hereitgoes]

Hi all,

I have a 1996-97 Maytag washer. I don't have the model # offhand, but it is a 2 speed tranmission model with extra capacity (5 water levels, though mini - medium have always been pretty high).

I'm looking at new washers due to a leak in my current one. Because I want a top loader with simple controls that is heavy duty, Speed Queen seemed to fit the bill (at a price, as you all know!).

I am wondering if anyone knows the capacity of the older Maytags, and if a new Speed Queen would be any more energy efficient? The salesman thought mine could have 40 gallons vs the 31.4 of Speed Queen, so I'd save on water but would I be doing more laundry? He also didn't think there would be a difference in efficiency.

My Maytag was about $550 when I bought it so certainly not cheap. I don't think a current one would last as long as what I have now.

Thanks for any input!

 

[imperial70]

Have I got a speed queen for you.

Top of the line AWN-542. Hardly used because it does use more water than I would like. It is one year old but only used for about 6 months and very light use at that. If you want to contact me look up my email. I live in metrowest boston area.

It's a great machine. The water level is not an issue. It does a very large load of laundry and very well. I just like my front loader for the energy and water savings.

 

[washman]

Here' s virtual test drive

of my machine in action.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may (or not) have.

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=WabEONEKhyU

 

[kenmore71]

Where is the Maytag leaking from? Even if it's the stem seal it may be worth repairing. I put a new stem seal and spin bearing in a 1994 Maytag about 2 years ago. This machine is put through worse than commercial duty by doing 10-12 loads a day, 365 days a year washing towels and clothing from a large commercial dairy. Still leak free at this point!

 

[hereitgoes]

It's leaking from the lower bearing IIRC, so that's probably what you did as well. Seemed to be common when I researched it last year. We took it enough apart to figure that out. $100 in parts, 2-3 parts plus the spanner wrench. It's been leaking for probably 18 months that I know of, so not sure if anything else has been damaged - there's a bit of squealing coming from it every once in awhile now. Tub is starting to pit as well. My SO would rather buy a new one - just easier for him. I'm still on the fence.

And I thought I washed a lot of clothes - wow!

 

[kenmore71]

In that case you are probably just as well off to replace it. I have all of the tools and partly did this stem-seal job to prove to myself that I could! I now have no fear of it.

 

BTW, Maytags of this vintage typically used about 40-42 gallons of water for the normal cycle at the highest water level. The tub technically holds 19 gallons and the spray rinses add another 2-4 gallons depending on your water pressure and whether you use cold or warm rinses.

 

[combo52]

New SQ Tl Washer Vs a mid 90s MT Dependable Care Washer

The SQ will be a little more energy efficient to be sure and will easily wash as much laundry as the MT could. That said you should look very seriously at the SQ FL washers if you want something really that will likely last the rest of your life.

John L.

 

[hereitgoes]

Kenmore71 - thanks for the clarification on the water capacity. I didn't realize that was total water usage per load, I thought it was tub size. I am slightly concerned that I won't be able to fit as much in a new SQ as my old MT.

John - can you clarify on the SQ FL? Do they not suffer some of the issues of other FLs ie leaking, musty seals etc? Do you have to use HE detergent? I had never even considered one based on my feelings about FLs in general.

Thanks!

 

[dnastrau]

Tub capacity: Maytag DC vs. current Speed Queen TL

Greetings:

 

The advertised tub capacity for the current Speed Queen top loaders is 3.3 cubic feet.  The last top loading Maytags (Dependable Care) were advertised at 2.9 cubic feet.  When we built our house in 2000, that is what the Maytag Dependable Care capacity was advertised as.  The KitchenAid toploader that we bought instead at that time (and I wish I had kept) was 3.0 cubic feet.

 

Andrew S.

 

[DigAPony]

clarify on the SQ FL

A Speed Queen Front Loader could be more than you want to spend, about $1,700 + tax I believe, (just for the washer).

 

[hereitgoes]

Yes...... The top loader is expensive enough!

 

[DigAPony]

My Maytag was about $550

Look at it this way, you got 18 years out of the Maytag, if repaired correctly it could probably go many more.

On the other hand, $550 in 1996 works out to about $835 in todays inflated dollars, just about what a new TOL Speed Queen goes for. The SQ should be good for 20 years of service along with a very good standard warranty.

 

[hereitgoes]

Is it worth looking at the commercial line? Or are they a ton more? There is a place in town that sells them.

 

[combo52]

New SQ TL Washers

The commercial TL SQ washers are almost twice as much as the home line and have a smaller wash basket.

By far the least expensive option for a new washer is the SQ Front Load washer, when you figure in the energy savings plus the longevity you will either get tired of it or die before you ever wear one of these washers out.

Depending on many factors most people will break even on initial cost of the SQ FL vs the SQ TL washer in 5-12 years and in another 10-12 years when the SQ TL is worn out and in need of replacement the SQ FL will have saved enough energy and worn out clothing to become free and could easily last another 10-20 years or more.