New SQ vs relatively new SQ?

[volvoguy87]

I am curious to learn more about Speed Queen's front loaders and how they have changed in recent years.

There was a TOL model called the Imperial a few years ago. It has a stainless steel cabinet, and a row of knobs across the top front. It has a 300 G-Force spin at 1,000 RPM.

The new stainless steel cabinet TOL washer has a digital touchpad instead of knobs and a 400 G-Force 1,200 RPM spin. The new one also lists a larger capacity.

Are the differences between one versus the other really significant? I might get one or the other and am leaning very strongly toward the older model because I REALLY like the controls. I just want to make certain the older one with its smaller rated capacity and weaker spin cycle would still be a fantastic machine to have for washing queen-size bed linens and jeans.

What do you think?
Dave[this post was last edited: 10/20/2016-15:10]

 

[qualin]

I have one of the older models, I bought mine back in 2011.

I guess it all depends where you plan on using the washer.

The newer washers have a higher spin speed, larger capacity, touch controls instead of knobs, but most importantly, they revised the suspension system so it has a balance ring, so it doesn't shake the floor with partially unbalanced loads.

In my case, my own washer liked to hop around a little with certain loads and only on the pulse spins. I put a stop to it just by cramming a wooden block between the wall and the washer. (You can see it in the lower left hand corner of the picture.)

The new washers don't have pulse spins anymore, they do a bit of a balancing act to get the balancing ring configured before they go into a spin, so no hopping.

Personally? I think that pulse spins add more drama to the wash, make it fun to watch (Especially with lots of towels) and speed up the entire cycle because the washer doesn't have to spend time balancing, it just gives 'er and away she goes.

I think that the Imperial is just a jazzed up version of the white cabinet machine I currently own. I thought about buying one, but the cost was prohibitive in comparison to the model I bought.

I think that if you can afford the newer machine, do so. If you like the look of the older machine and you can get one, great, but just keep in mind that caveat.

More importantly, if you plan on using it on a wooden floor or on a second floor, I would highly recommend the newer model. It won't shake the house as much!

 

[easyspindry]

I've got the newer . . .

. . . model with the electronic controls. Brought it home from the wash-in in Beltsville. So far, I love it. The only time I can hear it is when the pump is running. It holds a large load and does what it's supposed to do. The large door opening makes it easy to load and unload. The spin speed is 1200 or 1400 (can't remember which) and you can hear it ramp up during the last 4 minutes of the spin cycle.

Watching the action is better than most of what's on TV these days.

One of the first loads was six queen size sheets and pillowcases -- we had been to the beach with the family -- and it did fine.

This is my first Speed Queen of any kind.

Jerry Gay

 

[mrb627]

Imperial Set

I have an Imperial pair. They are currently stored in my garage while I play with the Elux set.
I've thought about selling them, but just can't seem to part with them.

If you are on concrete, either pair will get the job done!

Malcolm

 

[volvoguy87]

It will be on concrete.

I intend to use my fleet of vintage washers for most laundry, and only use the Speed Queen on large items like queen size linens, bath mats, and on things which could cause more rapid wear of vintage equipment, such as jeans (with their rivets and metal zippers).

I'd love the performance of the new machine, but I am no fan of touchpad controls. I have poor eyesight, and a nice big knob, like the ones on the Imperial, is a thousand times easier for me to use. I also like front loaders to have front controls and be able to rest on a stand. Bending down low to unload wet laundry is not my idea of fun!

My laundry cave is in a few rooms in my basement on concrete, so no wood floors to bounce.
Dave

 

[qualin]

It sounds like an Imperial set would be a good fit for you then.

I personally dislike the electronic touchpad controls as well and would prefer knobs, just because they're so much easier to use, very intuitive and simple.

The one thing that burns me up a bit though is that the Huebsch models, which they sell in Canada, only have symbols for all of the buttons instead of English. That's so they can sell them in International markets.

Canadian appliances must have both English and French on them, so this is one way around this. GE Filter-Flo machines from the 70's were kind of like that. The timer had all kinds of wacky symbols on it because they couldn't fit both French and English on the timer knob.

As tempting as it is to buy a new set and give the old set to my Mom, I'd say that I'll probably just keep this set I have until they blow up, burn out or wear out.

Besides, when my Huebsch is in the spin cycle, you KNOW it is in the spin cycle. Anywhere in the house...

 

[stricklybojack]

.
You can get the new design SQ FL with knobs rather than a touch pad, the AFN50RSP113TW01.
It has a 3 year warranty and fewer wash options, but it is otherwise the same machine.
We have it and love it..

http://https//speedqueen.com/products/front-load-washers.aspx?mn=AFN50RSP113TW01#build-your-own

 

[launderess]

IIRC early SQ washing took hits for their tendency to vibrate (weren't very happy on anything besides a solid concrete floor or similar), and the short cycles with no way of customizing. They basically were what they were; laundromat/OPL washers slightly redesigned for domestic use.

Being as this may could kick myself for not nabbing one of the units with "boosted hot" water for the short time they were on the market.