While we cannot have them in this country, I think the ZUG at more than 3 times the price of the SQ could be considered a better home machine. Despite their smaller size, I think my Miele washing machines are probably better in most ways than this SQ, but they are not mass market machines either. That does not mean that the SQ is not a solidly built machine surpassing many in that aspect that cost more since it is built based on a design for a commercial machine, I think, and designed with a lot more simplicity & dependability in mind. Since I pick up parts each week, I know the parts distribution network for SQ products is well established in the United States, something I cannot say for some foreign brands.
As for the SQ drum not being large enough, a large size drum is not all that matters in a front loader and can be a distinct disadvantage. Smaller drums make for quicker and more even distribution of the load for spinning. Buying a machine based on its ability to wash large comforters, unless you do that weekly in which case I would consider duvet covers, does not guarantee that average loads will quickly distribute evenly for spins. Unless you are washing for a large family, which many are not, you do not need a huge drum in a front loader. Putting such a large drum in a moderately sized cabinet also makes necessary all of that jiggy sensor business that demands an almost perfectly balanced load before spinning will take place. The other thing about at least some of those machines (like the Duet) with the huge drum is that they have miniscule clearances between the drum and the outer tub coupled with such puny pumps and more stupid sensors that even when a load distributed and started to spin, the circuitry allowed the speed to ramp up too quickly and the amount of water thrown off by the load tripped flood sensors because the pump could not carry away the water. My W1986 Miele, which only cost about $500 more than a TOL Duet has very sophisticated motor speed control. It measures the increase in drum speed against the resistance posed by the water being spun into the outer tub and does not allow the speed to increase until it senses that the excess water has been drained. If suds prevent a spin from taking place, the machine resets to an additional deep rinse which takes care of the problem. I will admit that my standards of front loader performance have been spoiled by the no-nonsense performance of post 1960 Westinghouse front loaders. They had powerful pumps and adequate, recessed sumps that combined to pump out water fast enough to require that the drain hose be secured in the tub or standpipe because the force of the water would send it flying. With one motor running the tub and the pump, there was no stopping to pump out water being spun from the load and no need for it either. Getting through the cycle without delays caused by the machine alternately starting and stoping without making progress is a sign of a well-engineered machine and some of these super large size drum machines are not well-engineered.
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