Speed Queen AWN432 or AWN542

[DreamKeeper]

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a new washer and have narrowed it down to the Speed Queen. But, I'm having a hard time deciding between the AWN432 or AWN542. I know that the AWN542 has a few more cycles and the fabric selector but are those the only differences? And what exactly is the significance of the fabric selector? What does it do beyond what the different cycle choices do?

Thanks...

 

[rp2813]

Don't quote me on this, but I think the fabric selector provides more flexibility with wash and spin speeds as opposed to the pre-sets on the 432 and 412.

 

[combo52]

SQ TL Washers

The AWN-412 is the most durable choice and the one we sell most often.The problem with the other two is if you get in to the habit of using the 2nd rinse option it can shorten the washers life up to 50%.

 

[rp2813]

Having had a nine year experience with a Raytheon Amana, which at the time of its manufacture was a Speed Queen clone, I respectfully beg to differ.

 

My Amana emptied into a laundry sink and it was obvious that it was lousy at rinsing.  Today's Speed Queens from Alliance aren't any different.  The "Extra Rinse" switch on my Amana was always set to the "on" position.

 

After replacing the Amana with a Whirlpool Duet front loader, items that had been previously washed in the Amana created loads of suds in the Duet due to the residual detergent that hadn't been rinsed out by the Amana.

 

Based on my experience, I wouldn't even consider the 412, and I'd suggest prudent use of detergent with a 432 or 542. 

 

Simple arithmetic would suggest an additional rinse with agitation for only a couple of minutes followed by a brief spin amounts to far less than half of a standard cycle.  To me, that doesn't add up to 50% more use. 

 

 

 

[frigilux]

I have an AWN542 and strongly suggest you purchase that model. The 'Fabric Selector' is simply the control that allows the user to choose the agitation and spin speeds.

Regular: Fast agitation; fast spin
Perm Press: Fast agitation; slow spin
Knits: Slow agitation; fast spin
Delicate: Slow agitation; slow spin

The only way to get slow agitation on the other two models (412 and 432) is to use the Delicate cycle. That cycle alternates a few minutes of soaking with a few minutes of slow agitation. There are many times when I want slow agitation with a longer wash time, as when washing a full load of dress shirts, for instance. I use the Regular cycle on the timer/control dial, but choose Delicate on the fabric selector. This gives a nice, gentle but thorough wash time (anywhere from 8-15 minutes, depending on whether you choose Heavy, Normal or Light soil) and a slow spin to prevent wrinkles.

I also use the Knits speed selection for things like blankets, which require slow agitation, but fast spin to get as much water out of them as possible before putting them in the dryer.

You're probably choosing a Speed Queen for its longevity and high quality---not a machine you'll use for a couple of years and then get rid of. I suggest you spend the extra dollars on the AWN542 for its flexibility in cycles and speed selections. You won't regret it.[this post was last edited: 12/31/2014-21:08]

 

[Chetlaham]

If simplicity is your choice go with a 412, if looking for speed control, 2nd rinse and a prewash go for the 542. My understanding is that the timer issue was resolved for the 542?

Either way you will fall in love with doing laundry. Alliance also has integrity and treat there customers with respect. A win win for all.

 

[rp2813]

A Suggestion:

It's worth it to buy your Speed Queen from a retailer who also services them.  Prices on SQs don't vary much so cost would be about the same.

 

There seem to be gaps in the process when/if warranty work is required and the retailer who sold the machine doesn't service them, which leaves you to deal with Alliance's low-tech customer service department on your own.

 

[mrb627]

Models...

There is only one mechanical timer model left in production.
I would wait for the electronic models to be released, if you can.

Malcolm

 

[DreamKeeper]

Thanks for the replies everyone... I think I have a good understanding of what the fabric selector does now.

I know that SQ has new models coming out but does anyone know about when they will be available to purchase? I currently have a late 90's model Amana that was manufactured by SQ. It has worked flawlessly over the 15+ years that I have owned it with only the belt needing to be replaced once. But now the bearings are wearing out and I don't think I have much longer until they are completely shot so I will need to purchase something relatively soon.

As far as pricing goes for the new SQ's, so far I have quotes from three local dealers and two of them gave the same pricing - $759 for the AWN432 and $789 for the AWN542. The third dealer was higher than that. Does this pricing seem reasonable? Since these are now going to be discontinued models will they be discounting these further?

Thanks for all your help...

 

[rp2813]

If you've been using your Amana for 15 years (sounds like the same vintage I had -- and congratulations on only needing the belt replaced once in all that time), it would be a cinch to transition to a SQ with mechanical controls, and it sounds like electronic controls don't matter to you.

 

If you time your purchase so the dealers are looking to clear out the discontinued models, you might be able to swing a deal.  BUT -- Even at the price you were quoted for a 542, if it lasts 15 years, which it should, your cost is about $1 a week.  I say don't delay and go get the 542 you want before they're gone.

 

[DreamKeeper]

Purchased AWN542...

Hi All,

I went ahead and purchased the AWN542 this past Saturday and it will be delivered/installed at the end of the week. Are there certain things I should look for when inspecting the washer?

I've read that there was a grease in the tub issue and also a rough seam/scratches in the bottom of the tub issue. Have these since been resolved, or are they still occurring? I did notice that the two display models they had at the dealer did have a rough bottom seam and horizontal scratches along the circumference of the bottom of the tub. But, I'm not sure when those machines were manufactured because they looked like they had both been previously used with dried fabric softener in the little reservoir.

Has anyone bought one of these that was recently manufactured and had the grease/seam/scratches issues?

Thanks...

 

[rp2813]

I'm only aware of the grease issue.   My step-daughter bought a new SQ within the last year and I didn't notice a bad seam or scratches.

 

She used a rag dampened with some type of organic cleaner she likes and wiped out the tub before starting the machine.  It removed some greasy residue that appeared as charcoal colored smears on the rag.

 

Be very thorough about wiping out the tub, then run an empty load on full fill and longest wash period, with hottest water from your pipes and plenty of detergent.  After that, you should be good to go.

 

Congratulations on your new machine!  It's going to be a smooth transition from the Amana, and you have all the options you'll ever need.  Enjoy!

 

[washman]

Congrats

You have demonstrated you are thoughtful and thorough in your decision making process.

Welcome to the Speed Queen family of discerning launderers. As Abolutus Patronus (or something like that), I have been duly knighted by long time member Frigilux to extol the virtues of having a Speed Queen machine.

As far as the grease goes, neither myself nor my dad had any issues. I do know some did but AFAIK, that has been rectified.

The inner tub on my unit is smooth, no burrs or rough edges.

The only issue you might come across is the water level on MAX fill. Thanks to the eco-nazis, it does not go all the way up like it should. Perhaps it might not pose a problem for you, but I got tired of having to hold down the fill knob to get the level up where I wanted it so I adjusted the fill switch. It is very easy to do.

Other than that, you are good to go. You will be most pleased with the thorough cleaning. The ease of use. The sturdy construction. The use of metal where others see fit to use plastic. You are fortunate that you have the 15 year warranty on the tranny. Speed Queen alone offers the best warranty in the business.

FWIW, I use the second rinse when I do bath towels and I notice no degradation in the performance of the machine. My dad uses the 2nd rinse ALL the time on EVERYTHING; his purrs right along.

 

[washman]

Forgot one thing

Make certain your installers bring with them a friggin LEVEL and level the machine front to back, side to side. Mine was just put in and hooked up and I had to level it myself. Just sayin.

 

[DigAPony]

certain things I should look for

As Washman mentioned, I would ask the dealer to adjust the water level control to the highest setting. (Simply a matter of turning a set screw on the back of water level control).

AW member "Combo52" does it for his SQ customers if requested.

 

[DreamKeeper]

Thanks for all the info guys... I can't wait to get the new machine!

 

[combo52]

Water level on new SQ TL washers

I do not generally recommend raising the water level,of over 400 washers we have sold we have only raised the WL on about 5. When you raise the level the agitator is not really big enough to really turn over the size load that can be packed in this machine. It is too bad they have not started using a two piece agitator in their washers between this fault and the silly dirt retaining spin drain and the too small and too few amount of holes in the bottom of the wash basket you will never see one of these washers in my personal laundry room.

That said we sell a lot of these washers and they are good machines for folks that want a reliable no-nonsense washer, but if you go back just ten years there were much better TL washers available.

 

[rp2813]

That giant sucking sound you're hearing is wind being extracted from sails.

 

We're all entitled to express our opinion, but a courteous dissenter would stop short of making someone feel foolish about a purchase that most here would agree was a wise one.

 

Sean, you liked your Amana and it served you well for over 15 years.  The fact that you were able to replace it with a brand new machine that's nearly identical and better built is something worth celebrating.

 

[washman]

The only thing that reallly is silly

is modern washers with their absurd cycles that take a year and a day to complete.

The fact you have no control over how hot the darn water is coming into the machine.

The fact you have to use special "cleaning" cycles to clean a machine that, lo and behold, is supposed to clean your clothes.

The fact you must buy at additional expense, "cleaners" to clean the machine.

The fact they blow control boards and silly mode shifters right and left.

Now that is "silly".

Spin drain? For years Maytag, Frigidaire, Easy, and Speed Queen used this. I have numerous old copies of CR rating machines from the 50's to the 90's and none of them ding any of the above machines for having a spin drain. In fact, if it was so bad, why does SQ continue with it?