Should I swap out my Speed Queen set for this KitchenAid set?

[Marky_Mark]

Hi guys

 

Last year I bought a used Speed Queen AWN542 washer and (separately) the matching gas dryer ADG4BR.  I’m happy with both!  However...

I’ve just seen this KitchenAid set for sale near me.  Seller says they are in good condition and come with a 30-day warranty for $450 for the set.  Should I or shouldn’t I?! 

Mark

 

[rp2813]

I'm not a big fan of Speed Queen, so it would be an easy decision for me to pick the KA pair.  The KA dryer in particular is infinitely better -- a tried and true Whirlpool design that won't toast your clothes.  Whirlpool's direct drive washers are super reliable.  No belts to eat up like so many SQ washers like to do.

 

[pierreandreply4]

i would go for the kitchenaid washer dryer set

 

[appnut]

I vote for the KA set too.

 

[geoff]

Kitchen Aid for me.

I owned that exact washer in white. It was a workhorse and incredibly flexible. Not to mention that set in black is gorgeous!

 

[DADoES]

 
The KA's speed control references three agitate choices (High, Low, Ultra Low).  Presumably it's still equipped with a 3-speed motor and the large-base agitator, and High = mid-speed, Low = lowest speed, and Ultra Low = lowest speed intermittent.

Interesting that the Low/High selection is tagged for Sweaters, if my eyes are catching it correctly.

 

[repairguy]

I have the same kitchenAid washer and dryer also in black built in 2006. Would’ve been the last of them before Whirlpool made Maytag their top of the line. I like both the Speed Queen and the KitchenAid but if I had to choose between the two I’d go for the KitchenAid.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thank you, guys!

 

Well then it sounds like this KA dryer should work even better than the Speed Dryer.  I like that it has electronic moisture sensing and an even larger drum. 

The washer also looks good and very flexible.  I believe it has triple dispensers, with timed bleach and fabric softener dispensing, right?  

Mark

 

[geoff]

Correct

This set has timed bleach, timed fabric softener plus a detergent dispenser. Incredibly handy features.

 

[repairguy]

The dryer is definitely better than the Speed Queen. Yes the washer has detergent, timed bleach, and fabric softener dispensers. Spin starts on low and switches to high. You can still get tap hot water but it will not allow a warm rinse with hot water even if you switch to warm/warm after machine has filled for wash with hot.

 

[combo52]

Best W&D Pair

For a collector like us the KA W&D wins hands down, if a customer asked which pair will last longer and get the job done well with less service expense the SQ is the winner.

 

Assuming both sets are in excellent condition now the SQ set will last 10-15 years longer in a family of four than the KA because of repair expense and NLA parts.

 

I would get the KAs, when we talked about them last night I missed the fact they were black, after you get them and if you decide to keep them you can easily get $500-600 for the SQ pair.

 

John L.

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thanks everyone for all the great info!  

John: it was great catching up with you yesterday.  I forgot to mention that this set was black. 

I’m not surprised that so far everyone has agreed the WP/KA dryer beats the SQ.  But I guess I am surprised that no one has voted for the SQ washer over the KA.  I thought AW had its fair share of SQ devotees.  I’ve heard the KA fills slowly and I don’t think there’s a spray rinse until the final spin.  What is the top spin speed, 650 RPM?  I’ve read on AW that the KA has a gentle yet thorough wash. 

Melvin/Repairguy: what you said is really interesting.  I don’t do warm rinses; tap cold is fairly warm in the desert anyway.  But I’m surprised that it won’t do a warm rinse if selected after a hot fill.  Anyone know why?

 

[repairguy]

It was the beginning of energy efficiency through hot water savings.

 

[yogitunes]

when you select Warm/Warm on most of these machines.....its not the deep fill for the rinse that is warm, but the spray during the final spin that is warm....

 

[combo52]

Vintage KA Laundry Pair Vs A Newer SQ Pair

The KA should fill fairly fast, certainly equal to the SQ.

 

The SQ washer would be just a little more energy efficient due to its faster spinning 640 vs 710 and of course the SQ would also rinse a little better, although the KA will get rid of more sand and lint and will not leave streaks of lint and minerals on dark clothing because of its more sophisticated neutral drain system.

 

Overall I would diffidently have the KA laundry pair in my laundry room assuming you have other W&Ds if a problem arises.

 

John L.

 

 

 

[Marky_Mark]

Thanks for all the input.  

 

I am viewing the set this Friday.  Are there any particular things I should look out for?  Oh and how do I bypass the spoilsport lid lock? 

 

[DADoES]

 
The lid doesn't lock, just a safety switch.  This model may not do anything (except fill) with the lid open.  Tricking it depends on the style of switch mechanism.  Or flip the console open and place a bypass jumper (of appropriate wire gauge) on the switch harness.

 

[twintubdexter]

one risks exile for bucking the majority, but...

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">Before making your decision, ask yourself if you would feel differently if those laundry appliances said Whirlpool or Kenmore on them? The KitchenAid name on washers & dryers is not the same thing as on a KitchenAid stand mixer. In the case of the laundry appliances, the name (with regards to longevity, quality and repair-free life) is like beauty...only skin deep.</span>

 

[oldschool88]

Ordinarily, I would shout "blasphemy!" at anyone considering swapping out a pre-2017 Speed Queen...but that KA set is awfully darn nice hardware. I'd make the exchange without hesitation, assuming the KA washer has no transmission fluid leakage or other major issues.