Speed Queen top loader review / Consumer Reports.org
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Must be pot luck!
My first Kleenmaid branded Speed Queen lasted 20 years. My in-laws have had theirs for 19 years now and apparently never had any problems.
At my work we have another one that must be at least 20 years old and is used no less than half a dozen times every day. It gets serviced in-house by our own maintenance guy and I've only known it to have broken down once in the six years I've been there.
My first Kleenmaid branded Speed Queen lasted 20 years. My in-laws have had theirs for 19 years now and apparently never had any problems.
At my work we have another one that must be at least 20 years old and is used no less than half a dozen times every day. It gets serviced in-house by our own maintenance guy and I've only known it to have broken down once in the six years I've been there.
While it is true that CU did not like tumbler washers from their introduction until the mid 60s, a lot of it had to do with the performance of the low-sudsing detergents available at the time and the very small tubs in the machines. By 1964 or 65, they rated the straight front Westinghouse average in cleaning ability and we never had complaints with the cleaning ability of ours. Of course, detergents had been improving also so maybe that helped.
I believe that they could bring more expertise to their ratings and maybe a little less bias. For years they pushed the 6 cylinder engine in Toyotas saying it gave a smoother operation to the car. I always bought the 4 cylinder to save gas and never noticed rough motor operation. It is possible that with trying to achieve lower hot water usage and lower overall water consumption, the performance of top loaders has fallen. It is true that they do not spin as fast as many front loaders, but many front loaders don't spin all that well in the rinsing phase so their rinsing is sometimes not that great, but CU was not usually concerned with rinsing performance.
What specifically did CU say about your new SQ that you disagree with?
I believe that they could bring more expertise to their ratings and maybe a little less bias. For years they pushed the 6 cylinder engine in Toyotas saying it gave a smoother operation to the car. I always bought the 4 cylinder to save gas and never noticed rough motor operation. It is possible that with trying to achieve lower hot water usage and lower overall water consumption, the performance of top loaders has fallen. It is true that they do not spin as fast as many front loaders, but many front loaders don't spin all that well in the rinsing phase so their rinsing is sometimes not that great, but CU was not usually concerned with rinsing performance.
What specifically did CU say about your new SQ that you disagree with?
hilovane
Well-known member
Bottom line: SQ is the NEW Maytag!
toggleswitch2
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 5,000
~Consumer Reports often lacks in credibility.
I lost all faith in them years ago when they downrated Maytag (classic) Dependable Care washers becasuse they don't have a "lip" around the top to contain water.
I mean REALLY!!! Of ALL the criteria in the world, this is the most minor one of all.
I read their magazine second-hand (I won't give them one red cent of my money), and even then it's just good for a laugh.
I lost all faith in them years ago when they downrated Maytag (classic) Dependable Care washers becasuse they don't have a "lip" around the top to contain water.
I mean REALLY!!! Of ALL the criteria in the world, this is the most minor one of all.
I read their magazine second-hand (I won't give them one red cent of my money), and even then it's just good for a laugh.
CR is SUPER Inaccurate....
I can't believe anyone would/should believe in a magazine that states it test so thoroughly, but apparently cannot bother to notice the basics like YES, the Speed Queen DOES HAVE a bleach dispenser (doh!) and NO, it does NOT come with a ONE year warranty, but rather a industry-leading THREE YEAR warranty (double doh!). So much for thorough reviews.
Actually we have CR to thank - after following it's advice to dive into Cabrio purgatory, we have climbed out and are now the soon-to-be proud owners of a pair of 2009 Speed Queens! They will be delivered next week and we can't wait.
I have this website to thank for all the great pictures, action shots, and discussions that helped us make the decision. Frankly, the last I had heard of Speed Queen was in the 1980s. I called my aunt to see if she still had her Speed Queen and she had just bought a new Roper (omg) and given the Speed Queen pair to her daughter. The appliance store where she'd purchased the original SQ said they weren't made anymore and talked her into a Roper. Her Speed Queens were 31 years old and had only had a pump replaced back in the 1990s. I guess the wood grain control panel didn't match her newly remodeled kitchen.
I also was very impressed with the customer service of Speed Queen HQ as they patiently answered any questions that I had, sent me the parts and troubleshooting manuals via e-mail, and spoke of some of the history of the machines. According to them, the washer's last "major" redesign was in the late 1990s, and the dryer hasn't had a major redesign in 24 years. <!> If it ain't broke... I'm just glad they have the new controls panels...as 90s as they are, they are still an improvement. I told the guy they should bring back some of the style they SQ's had in the 60s, etc. He chuckled and pretty much said they're pretty stodgy on design. I did order the cool color (red) inserts for the knobs...we'll see how they turn out. And I've ordered the "Crown" badge/logo that is usually on the front left of SQ cabinets, but missing on these models for some reason.
I'm also thrilled to have a great 210º agitator with long sweep action than the corkscrews we've dealt with for the past twenty years. Looking forward to a non-dancing washer during spin and some soothing old-school washer noises. No more chug-chug-chug-chug-chug-chug for me!
Don't get me wrong, we've had excellent service from Whirlpool for 30 years, but the Cabrio turned out to be a deal breaker lasting only until the warranty was up (the lid started rusting, but was "patched up" by the 2nd repair man - the first never showed up). We checked out the newer machines and hate the "sensor" technology, etc. I'm perfectly capable of determining water levels and wash types myself, thank you.
My local dealer was great. Her knowledge of SQ was a little lacking as she's not been a dealer but for 1.5 years, but they made up for that in service. Although they are 40 miles away, I performed the entire transaction over the phone. The dryer is going to be customized for a left vent option (never even knew such a thing was possible! Thanks SQ!), they are going to reverse the door and install it--all at the whopping charge of $35. Wow. I don't even have to pay for it until it arrives at the house. Amazing. Take that Home Depot/Lowe's! The dealer and the service I received from SQ made the decision easy...and I feel great in supporting a local dealer and supporting a legendary American company (insert flag waving here). lol
Something I found interesting. According to the manual, you must fill the tub with at least 1 quart of water. I'm guessing this primes the pump. Never heard of that--but will be sure to do it before the first use. Another great SQ benefit--very detailed and useful owner's manuals.
Anyway, just wanted to throw out an initial post as I just registered for the site--along with a "thank you" for all the great info!
I can't believe anyone would/should believe in a magazine that states it test so thoroughly, but apparently cannot bother to notice the basics like YES, the Speed Queen DOES HAVE a bleach dispenser (doh!) and NO, it does NOT come with a ONE year warranty, but rather a industry-leading THREE YEAR warranty (double doh!). So much for thorough reviews.
Actually we have CR to thank - after following it's advice to dive into Cabrio purgatory, we have climbed out and are now the soon-to-be proud owners of a pair of 2009 Speed Queens! They will be delivered next week and we can't wait.
I have this website to thank for all the great pictures, action shots, and discussions that helped us make the decision. Frankly, the last I had heard of Speed Queen was in the 1980s. I called my aunt to see if she still had her Speed Queen and she had just bought a new Roper (omg) and given the Speed Queen pair to her daughter. The appliance store where she'd purchased the original SQ said they weren't made anymore and talked her into a Roper. Her Speed Queens were 31 years old and had only had a pump replaced back in the 1990s. I guess the wood grain control panel didn't match her newly remodeled kitchen.
I also was very impressed with the customer service of Speed Queen HQ as they patiently answered any questions that I had, sent me the parts and troubleshooting manuals via e-mail, and spoke of some of the history of the machines. According to them, the washer's last "major" redesign was in the late 1990s, and the dryer hasn't had a major redesign in 24 years. <!> If it ain't broke... I'm just glad they have the new controls panels...as 90s as they are, they are still an improvement. I told the guy they should bring back some of the style they SQ's had in the 60s, etc. He chuckled and pretty much said they're pretty stodgy on design. I did order the cool color (red) inserts for the knobs...we'll see how they turn out. And I've ordered the "Crown" badge/logo that is usually on the front left of SQ cabinets, but missing on these models for some reason.
I'm also thrilled to have a great 210º agitator with long sweep action than the corkscrews we've dealt with for the past twenty years. Looking forward to a non-dancing washer during spin and some soothing old-school washer noises. No more chug-chug-chug-chug-chug-chug for me!
Don't get me wrong, we've had excellent service from Whirlpool for 30 years, but the Cabrio turned out to be a deal breaker lasting only until the warranty was up (the lid started rusting, but was "patched up" by the 2nd repair man - the first never showed up). We checked out the newer machines and hate the "sensor" technology, etc. I'm perfectly capable of determining water levels and wash types myself, thank you.
My local dealer was great. Her knowledge of SQ was a little lacking as she's not been a dealer but for 1.5 years, but they made up for that in service. Although they are 40 miles away, I performed the entire transaction over the phone. The dryer is going to be customized for a left vent option (never even knew such a thing was possible! Thanks SQ!), they are going to reverse the door and install it--all at the whopping charge of $35. Wow. I don't even have to pay for it until it arrives at the house. Amazing. Take that Home Depot/Lowe's! The dealer and the service I received from SQ made the decision easy...and I feel great in supporting a local dealer and supporting a legendary American company (insert flag waving here). lol
Something I found interesting. According to the manual, you must fill the tub with at least 1 quart of water. I'm guessing this primes the pump. Never heard of that--but will be sure to do it before the first use. Another great SQ benefit--very detailed and useful owner's manuals.
Anyway, just wanted to throw out an initial post as I just registered for the site--along with a "thank you" for all the great info!
Dan....can you give us the customer service number and their email address?
djmjlcst
Well-known member
Congrats on the decision to purchase the SQ's!
Hey Dan,
You made a wise choice! You're going to have years of trouble free service from an excellent company that truly backs their products with the best warranty in the business! I've been thinking about purchasing my 3rd SQ washer when the laundry room gets a newer remodel. We certainly have the plumbing already run for it. All we need to do is get another outlet on a different circuit and we're in business. Please let us all know when they arrive and what your impressions of them when you see and hear them operate. They are quiet and never get out of balance when they spin. If my Dad's Maytag Atlantis washer & dryer ever goes bad, I'll replace them with a set of SQ's - he'll love the simplicity of the operation. Gotta love Dad though, he doesn't read the manual to operate the washer so I had to write the instructions down on a set of index cards! He's now 88 years old. - Enjoy your purchase! - Mike L.
Hey Dan,
You made a wise choice! You're going to have years of trouble free service from an excellent company that truly backs their products with the best warranty in the business! I've been thinking about purchasing my 3rd SQ washer when the laundry room gets a newer remodel. We certainly have the plumbing already run for it. All we need to do is get another outlet on a different circuit and we're in business. Please let us all know when they arrive and what your impressions of them when you see and hear them operate. They are quiet and never get out of balance when they spin. If my Dad's Maytag Atlantis washer & dryer ever goes bad, I'll replace them with a set of SQ's - he'll love the simplicity of the operation. Gotta love Dad though, he doesn't read the manual to operate the washer so I had to write the instructions down on a set of index cards! He's now 88 years old. - Enjoy your purchase! - Mike L.
Speed Queen customer service number is (920) 748-3121. Also to anyone ordering a new SQ, be sure to save the shipping material for the TL (brace and plug)...you need it when you move to help prevent damage to the washer--another great point from the manual. (when you can't get a new toy for a few days, it's always fun to read the manuals as a way of passing time).
My research even went as far as searching the area for a Speed Queen laundromat. I finally found one (most are Maytags around here for some reason with FLs). The one I found still had TLs and I was lucky to go when there wasn't anyone else there. I was able to gauge the sounds/performance of the machine there...pretty much everything everyone said and matched the sounds I had heard on the videos (just quieter). The stainless steel tubs are mesmerizing. The laundromat tubs looked much smaller to me, and I was concerned about that--but I believe the laundromat versions are something like 2.8 cu ft, and also they don't have the fabric softener dispenser "crown" on top, so it could make it seem smaller than it is. I'm thinking the capacity should be fine.
It was also interesting that Speed Queens are deeper/narrower than Whirlpools. This was going to be a problem with the dryer until I discovered the mult-venting options. Our dryer vent in on the left wall in a laundry closet. Even with a right angle duct adapter it was not going to fit. Again, the owner's manual showed a solution with multi-vent options. I bought the kit and the dealer is going to install that as well. I'm keeping the knock-outs as I may need them if it's ever moved. I bought 90º gooseneck hoses for the washer to add some more space. The "ledge" at the back of the washer is interesting as well.
Now, I wish someone would post or message a "how to" on the switch bypass and water level adjustments. I want to do these updates, but really don't want to mess anything up, as one would imagine. Everyone has said they are simple to do, but you know how it is.
A note on indexing (which I think is a cool feature). From Speed Queen: "...According to our manufacturing specs...the washtub can rotate up to 5 revolutions per minute with a 14lb load and maximum water fill. With a smaller load there is less indexing, no load I would expect almost no indexing." Case solved on indexing...depends on the weight.
I'm also looking forward to the "wrinkle out" option on the dryer. I do a similar process on timed drying to fluff up those clothes I don't want to iron. Nice to have a cycle just for that now.
I'll post pics of the panels with color inserts when I get everything in and set up.
My research even went as far as searching the area for a Speed Queen laundromat. I finally found one (most are Maytags around here for some reason with FLs). The one I found still had TLs and I was lucky to go when there wasn't anyone else there. I was able to gauge the sounds/performance of the machine there...pretty much everything everyone said and matched the sounds I had heard on the videos (just quieter). The stainless steel tubs are mesmerizing. The laundromat tubs looked much smaller to me, and I was concerned about that--but I believe the laundromat versions are something like 2.8 cu ft, and also they don't have the fabric softener dispenser "crown" on top, so it could make it seem smaller than it is. I'm thinking the capacity should be fine.
It was also interesting that Speed Queens are deeper/narrower than Whirlpools. This was going to be a problem with the dryer until I discovered the mult-venting options. Our dryer vent in on the left wall in a laundry closet. Even with a right angle duct adapter it was not going to fit. Again, the owner's manual showed a solution with multi-vent options. I bought the kit and the dealer is going to install that as well. I'm keeping the knock-outs as I may need them if it's ever moved. I bought 90º gooseneck hoses for the washer to add some more space. The "ledge" at the back of the washer is interesting as well.
Now, I wish someone would post or message a "how to" on the switch bypass and water level adjustments. I want to do these updates, but really don't want to mess anything up, as one would imagine. Everyone has said they are simple to do, but you know how it is.
A note on indexing (which I think is a cool feature). From Speed Queen: "...According to our manufacturing specs...the washtub can rotate up to 5 revolutions per minute with a 14lb load and maximum water fill. With a smaller load there is less indexing, no load I would expect almost no indexing." Case solved on indexing...depends on the weight.
I'm also looking forward to the "wrinkle out" option on the dryer. I do a similar process on timed drying to fluff up those clothes I don't want to iron. Nice to have a cycle just for that now.
I'll post pics of the panels with color inserts when I get everything in and set up.
Adjusting the water level
Dan,
On the back panel of the washer there are three screws. One on the right, the left, and the middle. Unscrew these, you may need to use a tiny wrench to do so. Once unscrewed tilt the control panel foward and look for the water level switch.
There is a screw on this switch. Turn it clockise 1/4 to raise the water level. Check the water level. If it is not to your liking drain the machine, and turn the screw another 1/4 turn until the height is to your preference. Unplug the machine while doing this adjustment. If I can do this, and I am semi-mechanically inclined, anyone can do it. I think it was Jeff G who orginally posted the manual. Good luck.
Dan,
On the back panel of the washer there are three screws. One on the right, the left, and the middle. Unscrew these, you may need to use a tiny wrench to do so. Once unscrewed tilt the control panel foward and look for the water level switch.
There is a screw on this switch. Turn it clockise 1/4 to raise the water level. Check the water level. If it is not to your liking drain the machine, and turn the screw another 1/4 turn until the height is to your preference. Unplug the machine while doing this adjustment. If I can do this, and I am semi-mechanically inclined, anyone can do it. I think it was Jeff G who orginally posted the manual. Good luck.
CR's top-rating of the Raytheon-made Amana TL washer back in 1997 was the biggest bum steer I ever got, and I let my subscription lapse as a result. That Amana ate belts on a regular basis and did a lousy job of rinsing. Yet, when discussing that machine with another AW member recently we both agreed that behind the front panel, the guts looked so promisingly Maytag-esque. If only they had been. Just changing the belt was a major undertaking.
From what I've read here, it seems SQ is the way to go for a new TL machine. May you enjoy many satisfying years of performance from yours.
From what I've read here, it seems SQ is the way to go for a new TL machine. May you enjoy many satisfying years of performance from yours.
> Dan,
On the back panel of the washer there are three screws. One on the right, the left, and the middle. Unscrew these, you may need to use a tiny wrench to do so. Once unscrewed tilt the control panel foward and look for the water level switch.
There is a screw on this switch. Turn it clockise 1/4 to raise the water level. Check the water level. If it is not to your liking drain the machine, and turn the screw another 1/4 turn until the height is to your preference. Unplug the machine while doing this adjustment. If I can do this, and I am semi-mechanically inclined, anyone can do it. I think it was Jeff G who orginally posted the manual. Good luck. <
A 1/4 clockwise turn equals an increase of one full inch of water height, so adjust carefully.
There's a few ways to bypass the lid switch. You can either remove the top of the washer and it'll be obvious where the switch is and how to bypass it, or, if you don't want to take the top off, just hook one end of a long (30-32") bungee cord on the steel lever that leads to the switch (it's under the top edge, in back), and hook the other end to the bottom of the washer. There should be gentle downward pressure on the lever, enough to trip the switch but not enough to bend or damage the lever.
The service manual (or probably older versions of it, but the basic washer design hasn't changed since) can be found here:
or here:
On the back panel of the washer there are three screws. One on the right, the left, and the middle. Unscrew these, you may need to use a tiny wrench to do so. Once unscrewed tilt the control panel foward and look for the water level switch.
There is a screw on this switch. Turn it clockise 1/4 to raise the water level. Check the water level. If it is not to your liking drain the machine, and turn the screw another 1/4 turn until the height is to your preference. Unplug the machine while doing this adjustment. If I can do this, and I am semi-mechanically inclined, anyone can do it. I think it was Jeff G who orginally posted the manual. Good luck. <
A 1/4 clockwise turn equals an increase of one full inch of water height, so adjust carefully.
There's a few ways to bypass the lid switch. You can either remove the top of the washer and it'll be obvious where the switch is and how to bypass it, or, if you don't want to take the top off, just hook one end of a long (30-32") bungee cord on the steel lever that leads to the switch (it's under the top edge, in back), and hook the other end to the bottom of the washer. There should be gentle downward pressure on the lever, enough to trip the switch but not enough to bend or damage the lever.
The service manual (or probably older versions of it, but the basic washer design hasn't changed since) can be found here:
or here:
One other note: when tilting the control panel forward, the ends of another three screws will be exposed, and these ends can easily scratch the front of the control panel (you'll see what I'm talking about when you tilt the panel). Be careful.
Dryer - Left Vent Option
Well, I thought the venting to the left side of the dryer was a simple thing. Turns out SQ recommends that the "bulk head" aka drum is removed in order to ease installation, and that special precaution be observed when reinstalling the bulk head and alignment to the silicon pads or else I will see a noisy drum in the months to come. Great...not something that I can do myself as I originally thought. The part was delayed and will not be here until Thursday. Concerned that the "installer" guys would screw it up, the dealer is going to outsource that to the repair shop--hope they do it right. Wish me luck, feels weird to know that the dryer will have been disassembled and put back together before I even get them. :- I'll keep ya posted--wish me luck!
Well, I thought the venting to the left side of the dryer was a simple thing. Turns out SQ recommends that the "bulk head" aka drum is removed in order to ease installation, and that special precaution be observed when reinstalling the bulk head and alignment to the silicon pads or else I will see a noisy drum in the months to come. Great...not something that I can do myself as I originally thought. The part was delayed and will not be here until Thursday. Concerned that the "installer" guys would screw it up, the dealer is going to outsource that to the repair shop--hope they do it right. Wish me luck, feels weird to know that the dryer will have been disassembled and put back together before I even get them. :- I'll keep ya posted--wish me luck!
rayjay
Well-known member
Spped Queen Customer Service
I am looking at the front loader by Speed Queen. I have found that their customer service department is excellent. I alwyas get a prompt email back from them. They answered all my questions. The front loaders use 4.63 gallons per fill. Now I do not know if this is good or bad. A total of 14 or more gallons with one wash and two rinses, and extra rinse adds another 4.63 gallons. Now this 4.63 is just average. What I am asking........Is this a little more water per fill than other front loaders?
Thanks.
I am looking at the front loader by Speed Queen. I have found that their customer service department is excellent. I alwyas get a prompt email back from them. They answered all my questions. The front loaders use 4.63 gallons per fill. Now I do not know if this is good or bad. A total of 14 or more gallons with one wash and two rinses, and extra rinse adds another 4.63 gallons. Now this 4.63 is just average. What I am asking........Is this a little more water per fill than other front loaders?
Thanks.
My question would be....Can you open it up and adjust the water level via the pressure switch or is it permanent set like in the frigidaires?
strongenough78
Well-known member
A couple questions about Speed Queen.....do they have the longer, slower agitation stroke, how fast are the spin speeds, (normal, gentle) and are they sold in stores? I don't think I've ever seen them, and until I joined this site, I thought they were only made for laundromats lol.
