Speed Queen TL: 542 vs 432?

[tiggerific]

I'm in the market for a new TL and trying to decide between the 542 or 432. Do I really need the fabric selector switch? What are some specific laundry scenarios where adjusting the settings would be better vs going with preprogrammed settings on the 432? Also, isn't there some difference in the delicate/handwash cycles on these washers? Is the 542 gentler on delicates? Please explain!

Many thanks!!

 

[washman]

Hope this helps

AWN542 Extra Cycle Features
The AWN542 has a fabric selector switch that separates control of the agitation
and spin selection speeds from the timer. This option gives the user more
control over the wash cycle when compared to other models. All other models
incorporate the agitation and spin operations into the cycle selection timer.
A KNITS or DELICATE fabric selection with a REGULAR or PERMANENT
PRESS cycle selection delivers a constant slow agitation coupled with selectable
fast or slow extraction spin. None of the other models operate with the constant
slow agitation feature in a complete cycle. The AWN542 continues to
incorporate traditional Delicate and Hand Wash cycles that utilize intermittent
slow agitation, extended soaks, and slow speed spins to perform a gentle wash.
Another unique option is the ability in the SOAK cycle to use a fast or slow
agitation and spin extraction.

As far as the agitation speeds go, they are the same on both machines.

 

[mrb627]

Slow/Fast

Is there a cycle on the 432 that provides slow agitation and fast spin?

Malcolm

 

[frigilux]

Get the 542. I use the slow agitation/fast spin combination quite often, especially with small to medium-sized loads. You can, for instance, set the regular cycle to Heavy Soil and the fabric selector to Knits (slow/fast) with no worry about the agitation being too agressive. Reference point: The SQ's slow agitation on small/medium loads provides the same washing action as a vintage Maytag on its fast agitation speed.

There isn't much difference between the Delicate and Handwash cycles.

It comes down to this: You're obviously planning to keep this washer for many years. I'd much rather have the increased flexibility of the 542 than to spend years thinking "Damn it, why didn't I pony up the extra $$ for the 542? It sure would have been nice to have that slow/fast speed combination."[this post was last edited: 10/17/2014-22:58]

 

[appnut]

From what I've studied of literature and such, the knit selection yields only a fast spin on the regular cycle.  Permanent Press and Delicate have only slow spins built in to the cycle.   If I was forced to get a top loader, the 542 is the only model I'd go with just for the reason Frigilux cited. 

 

[jeffg]

I agree with the 542 advice. It's one of those things where once you have the extra capabilities you can't imagine doing without them. But if you've never had them or learned how to use them you'll have no idea what you're missing. We use it all the time, in fact we don't even run cycles other than Normal because the FS switch gives us the ability to speed up or slow down agitation and spin speeds at will.

Also, the extra rinse switch included in TOL models, if you don't actually need or use the feature, and aren't concerned with possibly upsetting Alliance if you ever need warranty support, can be easily converted into a warm/cold rinse selector switch. AFAIK it's either the or one of the only TL washers that can still be easily modified to provide warm water rinses. The lack of consumer choice is simply astonishing imo.

 

[tiggerific]

SQ 542 vs 432: Followup Questions

Ok, thanks for the advice, I'll get the 542. SO EXCITED!! I've been enduring an old rusted-out Kenmore getting off-balance and making horrible noises during spin. It's been serviced a couple of times and the noise keeps coming back (I think a plastic part that keeps wearing out or breaking?). With two young children, the laundry has to keep moving, and I like it clean with no stains. Also hoping the SQ will perform better with regard to load balance. I'm just about ready to spend any amount of money for a functional laundry situation!

Please excuse my denseness, but I want to have a better understanding of how to use the fabric selector switch. I suppose when the settings are automatically programmed in, you never think about how different variables will affect things. Reminds me of using a DSLR on auto vs manual! What I'm understanding so far: I can get clothes clean with less wear and tear by using a longer wash time but slow agitation (why would this be important with small-med size loads-- do you mean when using less water so clothes wouldn't be as cushioned?). So I'd want to use slow/fast with most normal cycles except sturdy, heavily soiled loads? Slow spin for dress shirts/wrinkle reduction, and fast spin for absorbent items like towels/heavy bedding/pillows for more water extraction? Do I need/when do I need the extra rinse cycle (assuming no sensitive skin issues in the family)? Any other pointers are much appreciated! This is a great site!

 

[frigilux]

Use fast agitation for loads that are two-thirds to maximum capacity (unless they're delicates---sweaters, lingerie, etc. of course). Your Speed Queen has powerful agitation, so you may want to opt for slow agitation for, say, a load of only 6 or 7 dress shirts. You'll decrease the water level for a smaller load, so the clothes really get whipped around. Using slow agitation ensures the items in a smallish load won't get rough treatment, especially if you want to use a longer wash time (Heavy soil, which is around 12-15 minutes) to give the detergent more time to do its job.

On the other hand, if you're washing a smaller load of grimy white socks and towels, go ahead and select fast agitation.

Use a slow spin speed for loads of dress shirts/slacks (to help prevent wrinkling) or delicates. Choose a fast spin for everything else.

You won't need the extra rinse unless you have a family member who is very detergent-sensitive or if you use an extra large dose of detergent for a really tough load. I used the feature once or twice when I was a little heavy-handed with the Tide.

Regular Cycle: This is the one you'll use most often. In fact, I rarely use the Perm Press, Delicate, or Hand Wash cycles. Both the Delicate and Hand Wash cycles alternate brief periods of agitation with soak time.
Most of the time, I'd rather just set the Regular cycle to 'Light Soil' and get 6 full minutes of slow agitation. And with the 542, you can do that!

Perm Press Cycle: Is nearly identical to Regular, but with slightly shorter wash periods. If you choose fast agitation/fast spin on the fabric selector, the first spin will be slow, but the final spin (after the rinse) will be fast.

Delicate/Hand Wash: As mentioned above, these cycles alternate periods of of agitation and soaking. The spins will always be slow, even if you set the fabric selector for a fast spin.

Be sure to use enough water to keep the load "rolling over" at a moderate pace. It is better to err on the side of using a bit too much water rather than not enough.

You shouldn't experience many out-of-balance loads. Don't wash a single heavy item alone. Add a few other items to balance the load.

Enjoy your new Speed Queen! While I've been a front-load devotee since the mid-1980s (my "daily driver" is currently a 2010 Frigidaire) I also enjoy using (and get great results from) my AWN542. It's the last of the old-school top-loaders and should prove to be very reliable. [this post was last edited: 10/19/2014-16:14]

 

[tiggerific]

Thanks to all for taking time to send info and tips. Things are making more sense now, and I can definitely see the advantages of having more control over the settings (the sales guy at a local dealer actually recommended the 432 over the 542!). I may see if the installer can adjust the water level thing also.

 

[frigilux]

Tell your installer/dealer you called Speed Queen's customer service and spoke to a man named Chuck, who told you the installer was authorized to raise the water level to the top row of holes in the tub. That way there's no trouble with the warranty being voided.

Worked for me. And there really is a man named Chuck who works for SQ customer service.

 

[wayupnorth]

My local rag that gets mailed to every mailbox had a full page color ad on the back today for a Speed Queen washer and dryer, with the 2 smaller knobs on the left, obviously towards bottom of the line and no model number, for $1500 for the pair and they would throw in the full 5 year warranty on the dryer.