New SQ? Older (NA4521) SQ? Something else?

[trakhack]

First time poster who has been reading this forum like an addict for the past week.

I'm moving to a new house and need a washer and dryer. My only washer/dryer purchase to date was 12 years ago, a top-load Whirlpool and electric dryer that have served me without incident. Laundry is my favorite household chore, but I don't get super obsessive about it. My weekly washing usually includes two smaller loads of delicates, a load of towels and cotton shirts, a load of jeans, a load of sheets, and a load of poly "performance" fabrics. Cashmere and wool are washed occasionally. I have cats, dogs, and horses, so there is always hair and frequently dirt. I've learned to bring most of the horse things to a laundromat (in my dream world, I would have a second washer dedicated to pet/horse laundry).

At first I had settled on a new SQ front-load. Great, decision made!

But then I did more reading, and with the regular smaller loads of delicates, I decided the top-load 9 series makes more sense. Great, I'm going to get a new SQ top-load!

Then I was looking at Craigslist, just in case a GE Filter-Flo popped up for all that pet hair, and I found an older Speed Queen, model NA4521, that comes with a gas dryer, NG5519, for $300. Cost isn't a deciding factor but I love a good deal. The new house is set up for an electric dryer, but I could have it converted, and gas is less expensive than electricity for me. Maybe I should take a chance on the used SQs, perhaps for the eventual pet/horse laundry?

I considered Miele, but there are no service techs anywhere near where I live and it was more than I really want to spend, so I took them out of consideration. One decision made!

The Whirlpools work and have no water restrictions. Maybe I should keep them, but maybe I've become accustomed to mediocre cleaning without even knowing it. And maybe, after 12 years and no maintenance, they are going to need some work.

I feel like I'm all over the map here. Every time I think I have made a decision, I keep re-thinking it.

Any recommendations from the experts?

 

[mtn1584]

Keep the Whirlpools!!!!!....................BUT,

if you really want a new set, either way the SPEED QUEEN front or top load washer is the way to go!!!
Since you already have the WP top loader and I suggest keeping it, go with your first instinct and get a SQ front loader.
Either way, let us know what happens, take plenty of photos and be well!!!
I have a seven year old SQ TL set.
Mike

 

[mr_b]

Speed Queen FL Deleicate Cycle

The Speed Queen FL does have a delicate cycle but as with all front load washers you need to have a minimum amount of clothes to wash in order to allow the spin to become balanced. You can also select a lower spin speed, which the Speed Queen FL does automatically when you select the delicate cycle, or select no spin for your delicates. Just wait to have a few more items to wash or put in a few towels during with the load.

 

[trakhack]

Thanks much

I ordered the Speed Queen FL with the rear electronic controls. If for some reason I don't like the FL, I can get the 9 series TL and it will match the dryer. I'll be looking at them every time I leave my house through the garage, so a matched set will be nice.

I'm planning to hang on to the Whirlpools, too, and keep them in the garage. The side of the laundry room where the hookups are shares a wall with the garage, so I'm hoping it will be relatively easy.

I'll post pics when everything is installed and looking good. The Speed Queens aren't scheduled to arrive until the end of May, so let the countdown begin!

Thanks again for your help.