Speed Queen FF7009BN and DF7004BG
- Thread starter concac
- Start date
Help Support :
I have the 7009 in white (purchased in Oct ‘23) and the non-steam version of the dryer. For reference, my prior set was the SQ 9-Series (purchased July ‘17), which was a top-loading washer.
I’ve had front-loaders as my daily driver since 1987, several sets were Frigidaire (both WCI and Electrolux versions) and a ‘15 Maytag.
I love the washer and like the dryer. Mine are on the optional 8” risers for ease of loading/unloading. Cleaning results with the washer have been excellent. I do wash in 140 degree hot water frequently as all my kitchen, bath, and bed linens are white. I have softened water and the washer is 8 inches from the water heater, so getting a true hot wash is not a problem. SQ front-loaders do not have an internal water heater.
My only gripe with the dryer is with the dryness sensor. The Frigidaire and Maytag dryers tended to shut off as soon as the load was dry, while the SQ—both the 9-Series and the one I have now—tends to run past the point the clothes are dry. Having said that, it dries clothes. Would have liked to have the steam function, but I took the dryer that was on the showroom floor.
I’d recommend the pair. The other machine in play when I made the purchase back in October was the LG4000 and its companion dryer. The SQ is about 2 inches shallower than the LG and space in front of the pair in my apt building laundry area is so tight that I went with the SQ.
I’ve had front-loaders as my daily driver since 1987, several sets were Frigidaire (both WCI and Electrolux versions) and a ‘15 Maytag.
I love the washer and like the dryer. Mine are on the optional 8” risers for ease of loading/unloading. Cleaning results with the washer have been excellent. I do wash in 140 degree hot water frequently as all my kitchen, bath, and bed linens are white. I have softened water and the washer is 8 inches from the water heater, so getting a true hot wash is not a problem. SQ front-loaders do not have an internal water heater.
My only gripe with the dryer is with the dryness sensor. The Frigidaire and Maytag dryers tended to shut off as soon as the load was dry, while the SQ—both the 9-Series and the one I have now—tends to run past the point the clothes are dry. Having said that, it dries clothes. Would have liked to have the steam function, but I took the dryer that was on the showroom floor.
I’d recommend the pair. The other machine in play when I made the purchase back in October was the LG4000 and its companion dryer. The SQ is about 2 inches shallower than the LG and space in front of the pair in my apt building laundry area is so tight that I went with the SQ.
<blockquote>My only gripe with the dryer is with the dryness sensor. The Frigidaire and Maytag dryers tended to shut off as soon as the load was dry, while the SQ—both the 9-Series and the one I have now—tends to run past the point the clothes are dry.</blockquote> Reducing the dryness level by one step leaves the clothes damp vs. Normal/default being too dry?
Hi Glenn- I almost always choose the ‘Near Dry’ or ‘Timed Dry’ settings. I think the four automatic options are Damp, Less Dry, Near Dry, and Dry. The dryer tends to run long, especially with loads of mixed colors—shirts, lightweight slacks, that sort of thing—but Less Dry leaves them a little damp. I use the Timed Dry and the lowest temperature setting for those loads. They usually dry in about 40-45 minutes. I use the auto Near Dry for bedding and loads of kitchen & bath linens. Temps run pretty high in SQ dryers. The temp marked Medium seems equivalent to most brands’ High setting.
The 7009 Washer: I learned a couple of days ago that if you choose hot water in the Normal (Eco) cycle, you actually get hot water! The water level for the two rinses is extremely low, but all the spins ramp up very fast and the final spin is about 13 minutes long at 1200 rpm. I like the Heavy Soil option, which gives a 50-minute wash tumble. Plenty of time for either enzymes or oxygen bleaches to do their jobs on stains without having to use too heavy a dose of detergent. Despite the very low water level in the rinses, the load doesn’t smell of detergent at the end of the cycle, nor do fabrics feel stiff or scratchy coming out of the dryer. I’ve actually grown to like the Normal cycle a lot—especially for smaller loads, which tumble better in the low water levels.[this post was last edited: 2/7/2024-21:51]
I can hardly believe that someone here says a lower water level is better! 
Happy washing Eugene!
Happy washing Eugene!
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
Hey Eugene
As you know us washer ppl like to keep up with the latest and greatest regardless if we need new machines or not..
As I'm waiting for my Duet to die (which could happen tomorrow or years from now) I had narrowed it down to an LG FL with turbo wash OR a SQ FL washer.
My current Duet is 3.8 cu feet (if I remember correctly) which has always seemed really large to me.. I'm wondering if I would even notice the small difference in tub size?
My water heater is pretty close.. Not as close as yours, but close enough.
The boot area of your SQ... Is that easy to clean in the nooks and crannies?
Watching videos it looks like it uses about as much water as my duet.
I've gone so many trouble-free years with mine all of the current brands really make me paranoid.. At least I know with the SQ the likelihood of having trouble-free service is far greater than the rest...even though they may not have a perfect track record.
As you know us washer ppl like to keep up with the latest and greatest regardless if we need new machines or not..
As I'm waiting for my Duet to die (which could happen tomorrow or years from now) I had narrowed it down to an LG FL with turbo wash OR a SQ FL washer.
My current Duet is 3.8 cu feet (if I remember correctly) which has always seemed really large to me.. I'm wondering if I would even notice the small difference in tub size?
My water heater is pretty close.. Not as close as yours, but close enough.
The boot area of your SQ... Is that easy to clean in the nooks and crannies?
Watching videos it looks like it uses about as much water as my duet.
I've gone so many trouble-free years with mine all of the current brands really make me paranoid.. At least I know with the SQ the likelihood of having trouble-free service is far greater than the rest...even though they may not have a perfect track record.
Hi Mark- While I love the SQ 7009 washer and like the companion dryer, it was my second choice to the LG4000 washer and its companion dryer. The SQ won because it is about 2” shallower than the LG and space in front of my pair is SO tight that those 2” made the difference. That, and the LGs would have to be ordered and the SQs were on the showroom floor, ready to go. Neither the washer nor the dryer are as sophisticated as the LGs, but that’s expected from machines that are basically laundromat machines. The LG’s balancing protocol is more effective than the SQ’s, although I haven’t had problems with it walking. Mine are on the 8” risers, which have rubber feet, and I’ve read a couple of times that having the washer on a pedestal actually reduces walking, which seems counterintuitive to me, but that opinion is out there online.
I really don’t think you’ll notice the very small difference in the capacity between a 3.8 cu. ft. drum and the SQ’s 3.5. My puffy, oversized queen-sized comforter fits comfortably. If I recall correctly my 2015 Maytag had a 4.5 cu. ft. drum and I really don’t miss the larger drum at all.
If you use bleach, it dispenses right at the beginning of the first fill, which would be an annoyance had I not come up with using the Quick cycle as my bleaching cycle, followed by the Whites cycle. Having said that, if you’re willing to return to the washer after the first fill and add bleach to the dispenser, it will dispense in the first rinse.
Maybe more brands of front-loaders do this nowadays, but when you press the pause button, it drains before unlocking the door. This means you can’t stop the washer and stick an instant read thermometer in there to check the water temp.
I think charging $2100 for the dryer—mine is the version without the new steam feature, unfortunately—is way out of line. The sensor is pretty crude compared to the Frigidaire and Maytag dryers I’ve owned.
I’m glad to have purchased a machine made in neighboring state Wisconsin. I like to “buy American”—although that term is not a cut & dried thing anymore. I read that most of the parts are made in the US, as well.
I’m happy with the SQs—especially the washer—but if you want a quieter, more technologically sophisticated and far less expensive pair, then the LGs would be a good choice.
I really don’t think you’ll notice the very small difference in the capacity between a 3.8 cu. ft. drum and the SQ’s 3.5. My puffy, oversized queen-sized comforter fits comfortably. If I recall correctly my 2015 Maytag had a 4.5 cu. ft. drum and I really don’t miss the larger drum at all.
If you use bleach, it dispenses right at the beginning of the first fill, which would be an annoyance had I not come up with using the Quick cycle as my bleaching cycle, followed by the Whites cycle. Having said that, if you’re willing to return to the washer after the first fill and add bleach to the dispenser, it will dispense in the first rinse.
Maybe more brands of front-loaders do this nowadays, but when you press the pause button, it drains before unlocking the door. This means you can’t stop the washer and stick an instant read thermometer in there to check the water temp.
I think charging $2100 for the dryer—mine is the version without the new steam feature, unfortunately—is way out of line. The sensor is pretty crude compared to the Frigidaire and Maytag dryers I’ve owned.
I’m glad to have purchased a machine made in neighboring state Wisconsin. I like to “buy American”—although that term is not a cut & dried thing anymore. I read that most of the parts are made in the US, as well.
I’m happy with the SQs—especially the washer—but if you want a quieter, more technologically sophisticated and far less expensive pair, then the LGs would be a good choice.
Speed Queen Laundry
The last time I saw a pair of these was last year. I believe it was sometime in November or December.
The last time I saw a pair of these was last year. I believe it was sometime in November or December.
It cleans as well as the other front-loaders I’ve had. The default soil level for all cycles is medium, which is fine for lightly soiled loads and keeps cycle times fairly short. I generally use the max soil setting if loads have stains that haven’t been pretreated to give either enzyme cocktails or oxygen bleach more time to work.No complaints in the machine’s cleaning ability.
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
Oh yes... I forgot all about the bleach dispensing in the first fill.. My duet dispenses it in the first rinse..
If all the loads I wash... a white bleach load is the least... Usually if I have 5 loads of laundry, there is only ONE load that I use bleach in.. and I'm not sure if I even CARE if it dispenses in the first fill.. as long as I know there is some bleach. Growing up with whites in a TL washer we always put bleach in the first fill with the wash..(we never used the bleach dispenser) I'm not sure why.
One thing my duet doesn't have is a prewash (which I've wanted to use many times of the years) but when I desperately need a prewash I have to do a separate first load usually the soak cycle..but that cycle ends then I have to come back and start the new load...whereas with prewash it all happens in one go...
About the dryer - I've been able to completely erase the need for a matching brand/pair when it comes to washers and dryers out of my mind. To me, they are completely separate (as long as they are the same color) That price for that dryer is CRAZY! Standard Whirlpool dryers or rebadged are my favorite, even though I'm sure the build quality of the SQ dryer is probably better.
I might change my mind but if I had to buy one right at this moment I think I'd go with SQ...but I've been known to change my mind so it still might be an LG. Whatever I get, my only MUST is that it's 27 inches wide and no wider.. so I can't get one of the monstrous 5.0 + cu feet ones.. Well, I could, but I need access behind my dryer
If all the loads I wash... a white bleach load is the least... Usually if I have 5 loads of laundry, there is only ONE load that I use bleach in.. and I'm not sure if I even CARE if it dispenses in the first fill.. as long as I know there is some bleach. Growing up with whites in a TL washer we always put bleach in the first fill with the wash..(we never used the bleach dispenser) I'm not sure why.
One thing my duet doesn't have is a prewash (which I've wanted to use many times of the years) but when I desperately need a prewash I have to do a separate first load usually the soak cycle..but that cycle ends then I have to come back and start the new load...whereas with prewash it all happens in one go...
About the dryer - I've been able to completely erase the need for a matching brand/pair when it comes to washers and dryers out of my mind. To me, they are completely separate (as long as they are the same color) That price for that dryer is CRAZY! Standard Whirlpool dryers or rebadged are my favorite, even though I'm sure the build quality of the SQ dryer is probably better.
I might change my mind but if I had to buy one right at this moment I think I'd go with SQ...but I've been known to change my mind so it still might be an LG. Whatever I get, my only MUST is that it's 27 inches wide and no wider.. so I can't get one of the monstrous 5.0 + cu feet ones.. Well, I could, but I need access behind my dryer
Best new front load washers
Good discussion going on here. The only comment I have is pedestals definitely increase stability problems. We have many more walking and vibration complaints when people have their front load washers on a pedestal. There’s no way having it up on a pedestal will increase stability. It’s just not possible or logical.
On service calls, I’ve often had to remove the pedestal when the machine is getting worn or the floor is not that stable. The pedestal gets removed and people have a lot less trouble.
John
Good discussion going on here. The only comment I have is pedestals definitely increase stability problems. We have many more walking and vibration complaints when people have their front load washers on a pedestal. There’s no way having it up on a pedestal will increase stability. It’s just not possible or logical.
On service calls, I’ve often had to remove the pedestal when the machine is getting worn or the floor is not that stable. The pedestal gets removed and people have a lot less trouble.
John
I think - might be completely wrong - but I think LGs 5 cuft offerings are normal width aswell, only the ones bigger than 5 cuft are wider.
But don't quote me on that...
But don't quote me on that...
For most people it’s not the width of the LG FL’s, or any other of the newer FL’s that’s a problem it’s the DEPTH.
Anyone that has a dedicated laundry closet for their washer and dryer can’t accommodate machines that have a depth more than a conventional TL and still be able to close the doors on the laundry closet. Speed Queen is the only manufacture that still makes a full size (3.5 cu) FL that will fit into these closets.
Most households really don’t need these massive 4.5 cu FL’s, and the 2.4 cu FL’s aren’t quite large enough to accommodate larger items, like kingsize bedding. If all the other companies would still build and sell 3.5 cu FL’s they’e probably sell a lot more FL’s and manage to get people to move away from TL’s. If they put as much energy into looking into what the average buyer really needs and building these machines, instead to machines with 20 different cycles maybe they’d sell more FL’s. Not everyone can or wants to spend $2,000.00 plus on a Speed Queen FL.
Eddie
Anyone that has a dedicated laundry closet for their washer and dryer can’t accommodate machines that have a depth more than a conventional TL and still be able to close the doors on the laundry closet. Speed Queen is the only manufacture that still makes a full size (3.5 cu) FL that will fit into these closets.
Most households really don’t need these massive 4.5 cu FL’s, and the 2.4 cu FL’s aren’t quite large enough to accommodate larger items, like kingsize bedding. If all the other companies would still build and sell 3.5 cu FL’s they’e probably sell a lot more FL’s and manage to get people to move away from TL’s. If they put as much energy into looking into what the average buyer really needs and building these machines, instead to machines with 20 different cycles maybe they’d sell more FL’s. Not everyone can or wants to spend $2,000.00 plus on a Speed Queen FL.
Eddie
I agree.
I completely agree. Seriously! These massive machines only entice people to stuff everything in and do laundry haphazardly. I've explained this so many times about how laundry should be done, but quite frankly nobody cares about laundry except for us. The same people who think we're weird or stupid about it are the same ones who demand a magic bullet for their reprehensible laundry habits. I don't know about you, but these massive machines just drive me nuts. Nobody is doing laundry for an army.
I completely agree. Seriously! These massive machines only entice people to stuff everything in and do laundry haphazardly. I've explained this so many times about how laundry should be done, but quite frankly nobody cares about laundry except for us. The same people who think we're weird or stupid about it are the same ones who demand a magic bullet for their reprehensible laundry habits. I don't know about you, but these massive machines just drive me nuts. Nobody is doing laundry for an army.
bleach in the wash
When we had the plastic GE growing up, we too added bleach in the wash during the whites. Specifically adding bleach, then laundry detergent, then clothes, then fabric softener.[this post was last edited: 2/13/2024-15:00]
When we had the plastic GE growing up, we too added bleach in the wash during the whites. Specifically adding bleach, then laundry detergent, then clothes, then fabric softener.[this post was last edited: 2/13/2024-15:00]
My 5.0 cu. ft. LG washer and matching dryer are just under 27 inches wide. The dryer is slighly deeper than the washer also. I purposely did not get a pedestal for the washer because of the reasons John cited above. But I do have the dryer on a pedestal. John, I'm assuming even having a washer on the short little risers will potentially cause movement for a washer just as if it was on a full blown typical pedestal. I personally sit on a step stool in frobnt of the washer to remove the washed load to put in the dryer.
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
My duet is on a pedestal...but my floor is one story concrete slab so it's always been very stable...but I'm not going to get a pedestal regardless for my next washer... Honestly, I will admit they are nice to have.. but I think I can do without it...
the reason I need the washer not to be any more than 27 inches wide is because I need to squeeze behind my dryer every 4 loads to clean the extra filter I have back there that keeps my vent run clean...which is another story.
Before when I had my duet dryer..it was even easier for me to squeeze back there. When I got the new standard dryer it was wider than the duet dryer (slightly)..
In a perfect world...SQ would offer real control FL washer then it would really match my dryer even more. LG used to offer a rear control too...now NONE of them do.
the reason I need the washer not to be any more than 27 inches wide is because I need to squeeze behind my dryer every 4 loads to clean the extra filter I have back there that keeps my vent run clean...which is another story.
Before when I had my duet dryer..it was even easier for me to squeeze back there. When I got the new standard dryer it was wider than the duet dryer (slightly)..
In a perfect world...SQ would offer real control FL washer then it would really match my dryer even more. LG used to offer a rear control too...now NONE of them do.
