New SQ vs. Maytag DC vs. Whirlpool DD

[lonestar]

see these debates popping up in other threads so thought I'd create a thread for it

The Alliance Speed Queen seems to be most agreed new washer to purchase for its simplicity and durabilty.. Have to admit, I like idea of getting one, but maybe thats the vintage/nastalgic side of me.. Some seem to not agree with its recognition.

Maytag Dependable Care Newton appears to have same simplicity and durabilty from 70s. Look like great machines, but may have little trouble finding one, and newest one will be ~10-15yrs old. Probably great pick for someone willing to do little work.

Whirlpool Direct Drives also get lots of praise, seems mostly for no belts, ease of repair when tranny does explode, and DA augar agitator. Also good pick for someone willing to do few minor repairs.

HECK, maybe best option is one of each...

so let the debate begin... ..

 

[frigilux]

There's also a certain amount of revisionist history with some of these machines. I remember a LOT of very loud negative opinions about the rapid, short-stroke agitation of Whirlpool/Kenmore/KitchenAid direct drives the first few years of their existence. Remember how often the term 'Shredmore' was bandied about back in the day?

A lot of venim was also aimed at the Whirpool/Kenmore Calypsos during their relatively brief run. Nowadays, they're looked upon as pretty decent machines---albeit with a few mechanical issues that affected their reliability. Personally, I'd take a Calypso over a new impeller-based top-loader in a heartbeat.

To answer your query: Of the three you mentioned (SQ, Maytag, Whirlpool DD), Whirlpool DD gets my vote.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

It's quite simple really:

If you need to go new then the SQ is the one to go with. It is the best TL on the current market.

If you are willing to go used then I would go for the WP/KM DD as it is by far the most reliable TL EVER. It also cleans clothes better than most.
WK78

 

[murando531]

Try to find a nice condition KitchenAid Superba TL. While they were identical to their Whirlpool/Kenmore sisters in the mechanical sense, they used an agitator with a wider base and wider vanes, and used a slower 120 strokes-per-minute agitation that was much gentler, quieter, and rolled large loads over effortlessly. The KA's also had a higher grade motor, a 1/2 HP "GoldSeal", most with 2-speeds, some with 3. Should you find a KA machine, just make sure that you -CANNOT- see holes at the very bottom of the tub. If you do see holes, it is one of the BOL versions of the machine with the standard WP agitator at 180 strokes a minute.

 

[stricklybojack]

Faced this very question last week..

I wrote about it in another thread but since it had to be new we went with a SQ but got the FL machine.
On a lower budget we would opted for the just phased out agitator, 5 button mechano-electric WP model.
That was for my mother, for me i would have just patiently watched Craig's for maybe the best Atlantis model, or a KA as mentioned above, or gone for vintage gold some steel and chrome monstrosity from days gone by that felt like a new member of the family.

 

[mr_b]

Check the Warranties

The best way to sum up this debate is Speed Queen gives you a 5 year warranty on everything and everyone else gives you a year.

 

[kb0nes]

Warranties don't really apply to this comparison of machines since two of the machines are vintage, and very few will still have an active warranty

A longer warranty is often used as a sales tool and a shorter warranty may just be a cost cut. A longer warranty length doesn't directly mean a machine is superior in quality or reliability, it only means the warranty period is longer! Of course that does give a certain piece of mind and at least some indication in the manufacturers trust in the machine.

With these older vintage machines, parts availability and ease of repair are far more important. I'd take the DD over the others too if I had to have a top loader.

 

[stricklybojack]

Extension warranties..

are easy to buy these days, Square Trade etc. They even go on sale from time to time.
With the SQ it wasn't worth it to go for the 5 year warranty electronic control model because my mother understands knobs well and i hate the idea of needing a controller board someday in the distant future.
Although i felt better about SQ's electronics than any other given their extensive experience in the commercial space. I saw a video that says they source the board from the same supplier, but it didn't say the same rigorous use and wear potential could be expected from the design in the new consumer electronic control machines, as that of the commercial SQ's.
I want to be covered out of the box, and through break in. They maybe past the 10 yr mark which of course is not a consideration. So 3yrs is nearly as good as 5yrs for my situation.

 

[mrb627]

Electronic

Has anyone noticed that the electronic controls are coded in an open source operating system?

Wonder what that means to the end consumer?

Malcolm

 

[frigilux]

Malcolm--- Can you explain what 'coded in an open source operating system' means? My tech knowledge is very limited. Thanks!

 

[mrb627]

URL in Manual

There is a url in the manual that takes you to the site for the o.s.
I'll have to find it and post it here in the link.

Might provide access to cycle programming...

Malcolm

 

[mrb627]

Link

Www.freertos.org

Malcolm

 

[lonestar]

I agree, can't necessarily compare warranties for older machines, especially for DIYers, or washer enthusiasts, that don't mind patiently scavenging craigslist for those certain jewel models or rescuing off curb for cheap, or free. Worth considering if looking at used dealer prices.

Seems shredmores initially had bad reputation when entering market alongside the older long stroke machines everyone was familiar with and gained acceptance when later GE and whirltags had even poorer performance/durability. And from what I've heard about the newer HE washboard machines they look that much better.

http://hen

 

[mr_b]

Open Source

Coded in open source probably means the operating systems (OS) used for developing the firmware and the kernel under which the application firmware is linked with and loaded into the electronic controller was probably Linux. Open sources operating systems are probably used in more electronics than closed source OS's.

 

[laundromat]

O.K.
First off, nothing personal,please. The Speed Queens I.M.H.O. are the only current top loading AGITATOR washers I would even consider buying new models of but,only if they were reasonably priced. However, the Maytags would be my first choice and I am not at all fond of the DD Whirlpools. They may wash well but too well. They tore my towels and dress shirts to shreds and the fast spin was not at all impressive. The newer ones being worse and I see more of their newer models at the dump then the DDS OR BDS. Lots of lint,lots of scum build up on their plastic outer tubs. The local used appliance dealers hate them and don't even look at them. They prefer the old DDs over the newer machines and rebuild them and sell them for $299 to$499 depending on their age and condition of the cabinet. They sand and repaint the rust and grime.

 

[mrb627]

Agreed

Whirlpool is certainly not what it once was and not where they should be for such a seasoned appliance manufacturer. They seem to be phoning it in lately. I'm beginning to understand why Kenmore looked elsewhere.

Malcolm

 

[norgeway]

I have to say it..

If im to be honest...A Speed Queen is the ONLY choice for a new washer, I would rather have a ingrown toenail than a DD or a Maytag...But then I hate all Maytags and my daily driver is a belt drive Kenmore..if I could get it new, I wouldn't trade it for 100 of the others listed new.

 

[stricklybojack]

Oops i said...

Atlantis, i meant to say Neptune. A later model with the bugs sorted out Neptune.
Isn't there member here who has a room full of these? Yogitunes i think? I was reading a member extolling their virtues then my wife said her favorite machine she could recall using was the one our friend has at her beach house--which we stay at a couple of times a year--and that pair are Neptunes.

The Whirlpools seem hit and miss. I just went over to the appliance store and liked the best of their basic white stuff,(not Cabrio). And being so ubquitious they had a closeout agitator model for $350 delivered...just not delivered to California where my mother lives!

 

[speedqueen]

DD vs SQ

Although I signed up here a few years ago this is my first post...

At my house we have a Roper (WP Economy line) DD washer from a few years ago. Shredmore is the best term to describe the way it treats the clothes. Holes in the middle of towels and frayed edges are the norm around my house. If you use it with a low water level and it gets a suds lock. The amount of noise it makes is ridiculous.

While easy to fix, in four years the fill meter went causing the bathroom adjacent to the laundry room to be flooded. Another thing that had broken was the one piece fill valve and spout assembly.

I have had enough of this machine so much as to be trying to locate a cheap Raytheon built Speed Queen washer from the late eighties and maybe a matching dryer. Slow, long stroke, agitation that will clean better without putting clothes through a paper shredder.

I had a SQ wringer and it worked well with its long stroke agitation.

Anyone agree?