Consumer Reports often lacks in credibility. Just look at the top-rated Whirlpool Calypso, which many people demonize as "Colapsos". I know of one that has appeared several times on Craigslist, which is now marked down to $80.00. I'm waiting to see if he finds a buyer. If not, then I may just swoop in and pick it up for scrap. Or, maybe I'll fix it up if I can find a cheap pump.
The trouble with today's highly regarded electric gadgets, is that they can fail. But many personal computers keep going for years, even decades, so I won't always fault the electrical components. The real problem, however, points to the engineering and mechanics. There are a lot more parts to remove and diagnostics to be made in order to get to a specific cause, and simplicity lacks. Hence, a technician is usually called to fix what ever breaks. These machines often cannot be serviced by the consumer. They are designed to be REPLACED instead!
Back to the Speed Queen. My own observations of Alliance's offerings, is that they are all very solid. Unlike the plastic GEs and fragile Cabrios, or the plastic Boschs, they appear to be designed to last through many years, or even decades of use. Speed Queens will continue to hold their value far longer than any fancy front loader on the market. And, I do feel that Speed Queen makes a much better front loader than other manufacturers because they are not nearly as finicky with detergents. And this is in spite of the lack of an internal water heater. You can run smaller amounts of regular detergent through a Speed Queen front loader, but trying that with a Duet will most likely void the short warranty!
NorfolkSouthern
