New Washer Choice

[msmaiden]

Whirlykenmore78

I agree with you. Last October my beloved Maytag A606 from the 1960's finally bit the proverbial dust. I loved that washer.
It took weeks of research to locate a new machine that was as close to "old school" as that one. Metal gears and actual belts my husband can change himself led me to the SQ TL. I am so happy with the decision we made. No regrets for a moment (and for me that says alot)

I know many like all the "bells and whistles' of modern appliances, I however do not.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I could be wrong -

Back when I got my Duet in 2005 and reading the forums, they did not recommend you use them on a 2nd floor or wood floor unless it was reinforced. I do NOT think this is the case now with modern FL washers.

I will not argue that the SQ TL washers would be great, but out of those 3 things you mentioned, I'd get the LG. But if you had listed WP or MT FL washers as one of your options, out of all of those, those would be my first choice. But that recent post showing the 3,000 used SQ FL's on craigslist - I'd take those too.

 

[brucelucenta]

48bencix

All I can really suggest to you is that you carefully go through and do a search on ALL of these different machines you are considering. There are some HORROR stories about several of the same brand of machine that you should be aware of before getting anything. From what I have learned from this site, other information and personal experience is front load machines are the way to go. Top load machines just do not do the same job as they used to and the only brand that does, has "issues" with capacity and durability. Just check out everything before making an educated decision. Good luck with whatever set you get.

 

[rapunzel]

For people who want a 'traditional' top loading agitator washer, the SQ is that in construction and function.

I've been doing laundry with a SQ top loading washer for almost 30 years now and I am onto my second SQ washer (purchased in 2007). The first SQ ran for 20 years without a hitch. The SQ top loader does what it is intended for extremely well and ticks all my boxes. My clothes are as clean and in as good a state as clothes owned by people, who wash theirs in other premium brand washers; top or front loaders.

The mechanical timer failed two years ago and I got a replacement from the internet for half the cost I would have had to pay if I'd purchased it from SQ or via a repair person. It was an easy repair and I also took the opportunity to increase the water level at the time. When the timer failed (to advance), I was still able to use my washer. This, I believe is not possible with modern electronic controls.

Should there be any other issues in the future I will consider repair before replacement. That is how satisfied I am with this product.

 

[brucelucenta]

Unfortunately that is not the experience some people have had with sq. It seems that people either really rave about how wonderful they are or absolutely despise them after having all kinds of problems with the machines and service for them.

 

[bobbi]

How much capacity do you need? Speed Queen does not offer a lot. The Maytag offers more, and the LG you mentioned offers the most. Have you had a machine with an on-board heater before? Does Speed Queen dumb down their water temps like some (most or all?)modern machine manufacturers nowadays?

 

[48bencix]

This is why I love AW

Thanks for all of the thoughtful ideas and responses. I do not need a large capacity machine. There are just two of us here me and my partner. I do not have a comforter, using blankets for now. I usually do two loads per week and not crammed in. So a TL from SQ would do nicely. about 10 years ago I would recommend Duet washers to friends. Now I think LG has better quality control. I also like the clean out door on the front of their machines. The Whirlpool family has a solid front panel that you would have to remove to clean out the pump, if necessary. I am in the camp of believing in the quality of the SQ and in talking to the dealer, he says they have very few problems with them and sell them more than any other machine they carry.

I am still thinking about the options and considering your ideas. Although I would like to keep the cost down, the SQ price of $860, relative to inflation, is about what I paid years ago for the MT LAT2500.

Has anyone tried those $299 Amana washers and dryers? Those darn things will probably last as long as anything else, except the SQ.

 

[mark_wpduet]

You think LG

has better quality control than WP? What makes you think this out of curiosity? Just wondering. Thanks

 

[bobbi]

OK, sounds like you are pretty strong for going with the SQ. What about going with used machines, from a dealer and with a warranty, to keep the price down? Or did someone already mention that?

 

[48bencix]

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2016

percentage of models that had problems

Front Loaders
LG 12%
Samsung 14%
Amana 15%
Kenmore 18%
Maytag 19%
Electrolux 20%
Whirlpool 21%
GE 24%
Frigidaire 25%

Top Loaders
Speed Queen 9%
Roper 12%
Maytag 16%
Samsung 16%
Whirlpool 17%
Kenmore 19%
GE 19%
LG 23%

Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2017

Front Loaders
LG 18%
Samsung 19%
Kenmore 23%
Electrolux 23%
Whirlpool 25%
Maytag 26%
GE 27%
Frigidaire 29%

High Efficiency top loaders
Maytag 19%
LG 19%
GE 20%
Whirlpool 22%
Kenmore 23%
Samsung 24%

Differences of 6 points in 2016 and 5 points in 2017 are not meaningfull.

I see they changed from top loaders to high efficiency top loaders in 2017, thereby cutting out Speed Queen from the ratings.

LG for both years has the lowest repair rate for front load. Overall it is appalling that so many brands have 1 of 5 or 1 of 4 needing a repair. Definitely makes a case for the repair of what I have or seeking a reliable used machine.

One other aspect to consider is that I really would like to have a machine produced in the USA.

I hope this does not violate any copyright for Consumer Reports.

 

[48bencix]

Decision Made

I have driven myself nuts really overthinking this decision. New or Used. Repair or Replace. Front Load or Top Load. American Made or ?. Speed Queen or Other.

I looked on Craig's List many times and do not believe very much of what is stated. How old and beat up are these appliances? Also almost nothing meets the quality of my LAT 2500 which has a porcelain enamel on steel top as does the matching dryer. I don't know of any company that does that anymore. But the transmission is shot and it really is time to get a new set.

So I went to Zijac Applainces this morning and placed my order. When they get here I will start a new thread.