Speed Queen TR washers

[whirlpool862]

I’m disappointed in them, never used one but I’ve watched videos and they have ZERO rollover and do not get clothes clean, the tub on those just swoosh around. No action from the agitator at all.

Although I own a VMW, I still get clean clothes. While this Speed Queen TR series, the agitator is literally bolted to the tub. Although it still seems built like a tank but the Speed Queen TR Will not clean your clothes.

If you get a Speed Queen, the classic is a better choice. Just as reliable as the TR and actually gets clothes clean.

I personally will not buy a Speed Queen because they’re too expensive, but they’re extremely durable.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

tc

I'd shoot for the tc series. Thank you very much!

 

[DADoES]

 
Family friends have a TR5.  They like it.  They're somewhat outdoorsy, go fishing often.  A minor problem developed that it tends to randomly beep after a cycle is finished and unloaded until she gives it a whack atop the console.

 

[hvtech42]

Interestingly, the TR outperformed the TC on cleaning performance in Consumer Reports testing (4 stars vs 3 stars). I'd love for someone more familiar with these machines to explain that to me, because, like you, it's not the result I would've expected by watching videos of this machine in operation.

Also counterintuitively, the old TC platform outperformed the new TR platform on water efficiency, so the overall scores balanced out. I haven't worked with the most recent Speed Queens - are they still using that "trick" to beat the energy tests on the TC where they set the default water level unusably low?

 

[panasonicvac]

I like them

I've used one before and surprisingly cleaned really well, still would take a classic model but I was satisfied. I do however agree they're expensive but nothing wrong with buying one on the used market.

 

[combo52]

Speed Queen TR versus TC model top loaders

The TR will definitely be more durable than the TC, the TC is got a shorter cycle so I don’t think there’s much cleaning difference but that said I won’t buy any washer with a porcelain outer tub. There’s too many rust problems with the Speed Queen’s currently.

If you want a really good washer yet the Speed Queen front loader of course, not only does it have a real stainless steel outer tub. All the ballast weight is also cast-iron. There is almost no plastic in the machine ironically, it has a plastic door like all front loaders and that’s about it.

While consumer reports is accurate, I don’t think they’re criteria is always what consumers want. It’s also ridiculous when you look at their test ratings and they have all the LG machines ranked together at the top because their readers have reported less problems in the first six years they only go back six years so it really doesn’t tell you the long-term durability of the machine at all. It just means that it comes out of the box and works for a few years.

It’s ridiculous to think that all LG front loaders clean better than all other machines, they do the same thing with Bosch dishwashers and yet the cleaning is often not as good as KitchenAid and other models when you dig through the details, but it leads you to believe that it’s the best dishwasher Not the case at all. It just has fewer reported problems in the first six years.

John L

 

[hvtech42]

I agree it would be good to get reliability data longer than 5 years, that said I can understand why CR doesn't. If they went back 10, 15, 20 years the machines would be less be representative of the ones being sold today, so not as helpful to consumers. Breakdowns within 5 years may not be a perfect representation of breakdowns within 20 years, but it's a decent proxy IMO.

As for the TR vs. TC wash performance, it must be the increased cycle time on the TR that does it. I remember the first version had shorter cycle times and performed a lot worse. Still, I'm just surprised that agi-tub wash action is effective at all, even with the longer wash time. Past machines that attempted it did not have good results.

 

[william8]

There’s too many rust problems with the Speed Queen’s

"There’s too many rust problems with the Speed Queen’s currently."

Define currently, and what these rust problems are if you could. You (or anyone else) never mentioned them when you recommended the TC5 to me last year.

All the old classic machines had porcelain outer tubs. Usually inner tubs too.

Thanks.

 

[user 12105]

Speed Queen is basically doubling down on those machines. Frigidaire with their integrated wash plate he washer a few years back basically tried to do the same thing but afterwards dropped that machine.

If the TR model is using more water than what was the change to begin with for ? Because it uses less parts ?

With the state that modern washers have come to can't a reliable splutch system be made ?

 

[gelaundry4ever]

tr series

Supposedly, Speed Queen Laundry is coming out with their larger tr series. I don't know if this is true.

 

[user 12105]

Reply # 9

I agree if they are going to continue in the top load space they will have to up the capacity. Though I would say the TR probably handles comforters better because it's not putting a strain on the center Post agitator against a stationary tub. That one horsepower motor should handle those fine in a TR.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

classic

In the interim, what will they do with the Classic models? Will they jettison that as well? I'd like to know.

 

[william8]

I don't believe they are updating the capacity. That was a rumor started on YouTube by the "appliance insider" a couple years ago. Stating they were in the process of building a new plant in Texas. They weren't, and still aren't, building a new plant in Texas.

 

[william8]

Here's the video from 2023, claiming they broke ground in Texas. Nonsense according to SQ.

 

[mark_wpduet]

Does TR get dirty clothes clean?

Not according to a few videos I've watched in the past of PISSED users who were complaining in video rants they made.

They had NO problem with the build quailty. It was the actual washing/rinsing. This was just a video of what sounded like someone who may have been a farmer. He said he called SQ to complain several times and there answer is that this model is meant for casual dirt (like office workers) He said that's LITERALLY what they told him.

My question is this: Did they do any sort of updates to these to make them wash better? From what I remember, thick fabrics or puffy items didn't do well at all.. even not overloaded.

When I see techs on youtube going on and on about SQ... they just simply say SQ...they don't mention anything about different models...so I wonder to myself when I see these if people are going to be ending up buying one of those TR machines having no clue and only thinking "well it's a SQ"

But in the comments sections of people who bought them... they are totally happy with them...so I can only imagine they MUST have changed something in the way they operate.

 

[user 12105]

Reply # 14

The only change I see in the modern TR series is that the short back and forth strokes are for a longer period.

I was telling a friend that I might get one for a modern machine. Already have three classic top loaders, so why not give this a try ?
Had a AWN series bought in 2013 and had it until 2020 when I sold my families home so why not try this new design.

I'll try to find one for relatively cheap used. I'm not dropping over 1.5K on one of these machines new.

 

[combo52]

I wouldn’t buy a washer with a porcelain on steel outer tub

If you’re in it for the long haul, this was one of the major problem areas in the last belt drive whirlpool products and in the later, Maytag dependable care, machines, and the Speed Queen top loaders are no different the tubs are extremely thin and rust very easily around the edges especially at the top, they may be good for 20 even 30 years if you’re lucky and very careful with the machine just like older belt drive whirlpools and dependable care Maytags.

Plastic outer tubs were about the best improvement home washing machines ever saw, other than the extreme expense of stainless steel outer tubs that Speed Queen and some Miele front loader washers used I would go with plastic any day.

When you look at the plastic outer tub and a direct drive washer, they almost never fail and it allows you to rebuild a machine that’s had 20-30 years of hard use without having to worry about finding a replacement outer tub, the inner porcelain wash baskets, another matter, however

John L

 

[DADoES]

 
I'm hazarding a guess regards to super-dirty items in a TR SQ ... consumers are for some reason loath to run a long wash time.  Same for frontloaders, an appreciable number of users run all loads on the lowest soil level or the Quick Wash cycle (which is intended to "refresh" 2 to 3 items that were worn for a few hours to a social gathering or some such, not for changing oil in the truck, weeding the garden, or working cattle, LOL).

 

[gelaundry4ever]

Speed Queen Classic

I guess the farmer should've went with the Speed Queen Classic. This is especially true for filthy clothes. That may explain why it's the only washer that gets anything clean. That's why all modern washers are crappy and stupid at cleaning. Had the filter-flos and direct drives still been in production, we wouldn't have this problem. Now Classic is the only washer that cleans. I did see that review of the farmer complaining.[this post was last edited: 5/14/2025-13:30]

 

[gelaundry4ever]

TR reviews

Now I know why TR washers are only made for office wear. The farmer's clothes were probably cleaner than they went in. Had he bought the classic or a direct drive, he wouldn't complain.

 

[pinkpower4]

Plastic vs metal outer tub and suspension...

I apologize, but I got confused as I read through this discussion.

The washing machines with plastic outer tubs I have seen tend to be the vmw with hung suspension. The washing machines I have seen or heard about with metal outer tubs had a better suspension system.

With that said, I haven't had much issue with the older Maytag mvwp575gw--a vmw with the plastic outer tub. The newer model of this even has the water level control.

If I am washing something odd like a pet bed, I balance it with a towel or something. Other option may be to take those special items to a laundry mat.

Now I am kind of getting meh the Speed Queen TC and especially TR really aren't any better because of rusting tubs now? Yet these are one of the few models I know of today that have a transmission and not a gear case. If so, that's a lot more important to me. If these tubs don't rust out until they are over ten years old anyway, they have probably still exceeded the life I'd get out of a vmw with a plastic tub and gear case.

I remember having to defend that Maytag??? In some areas the Speed Queen just isn't available and/or overpriced even above retail. Then people felt they had no good choices when there was at least this one--the Maytag mvwp575 easily found at big box stores and local appliance shops! BTW, it still works at almost 7 years old with having only replaced the agitator dogs. In my area there is enough of a price difference especially given the Speed Queen dryer's higher price is not justified to still recommend the Maytag set as a good, less expensive alternative. It won't last as long, but I didn't pay as much either. While not great for our landfills, I didn't have any say in these new eco rules or the mindset that profit was in selling more which results in wasting more (cheaper build quality and made not to repair). While these are not true commercial washers, they do seem to be a bit better built for residential use, fill with water, and offer great agitation. The issues I've seen seem to suggest overuse of bleach and overloading--what one might see in a hair salon or dog grooming business. Better yet, I still occasionally see a Whirpool vmm set budget with dual-action agitator. Some say it is the same without the 5 year warranty, but it does seem the Maytag has upgraded some parts.

Since I didn't know Maytag was going to revise their model, I ended up deciding I'd go with a Speed Queen set next time. So when my dryer broke, I bought the DC5 dryer because I wanted a matching set when I replaced the washer. Well now. I still have an unmatched set because that Maytag washer will not die LOL. Trust me. It's seen the typical family use only without misuse--I am careful not to overload and check pockets. Sometimes, I do have the TC5 hooked up and run both when I don't need the space for other things.

 

[DADoES]

 
<blockquote>Now I am kind of getting meh the Speed Queen TC and especially TR really aren't any better because of rusting tubs now? Yet these are one of the few models I know of today that have a transmission and not a gear case.</blockquote> What is the difference you perceive between a transmission and a gear case?

 

[combo52]

Automatic washers with plastic outer tubs

Reply number 20, probably the most produced automatic washer in the history of the world was the whirlpool direct drive washer where every single one of them had a plastic outer tub and a base mounted suspension system. Over 100 million produced.

Probably the second most produced automatic washer in history was the whirlpool belt drive machines for 39 years. They had a suspended suspension system, but metal outer tubs, rust in the outer tubs was one of the major things that brought those machines down like all machines with metal outer tubs, it’s one of the major limiting factors of how long they can ultimately last.

John L

 

[gelaundry4ever]

gearcase and transmission

I think the gearcase is planetary while the transmission has real gears.

 

[appnut]

Excuse me Jerome, but John (Combo52) has repeatedly stated front loaders have far superior cleaning results than top loaders. And I whole heartedly agree. I have had nothing but front loaders since 2006 and I don't want another top loader in my laundry room ever again. It's no secret I hate top loaders. The last one I loved was our 1970 Kenmore 800. And I get far fupeiror cleaning ressults from my LG washer. It's on par with my 2011 Whirlpool Duet. And my water abd sewer bills reflect the savings too.

 

[user 12105]

Reply #24

Bob with all due respect, then how come CU since the 1940s on up until relatively recently scored top loaders as better in cleaning ?

I get how thorough a front loader is, but superior ? I don't think so.

I've owned both and used both and never found the front loader to be superior in stain removal over the Speed Queen AWN432 I had several years back.

Now with the rollback on energy restrictions we should be able to get some decent top loaders but that probably won't happen. What a world that would be if we all had to use one type of machine..yuk. What ever happened to DIVERSITY ?

 

[panasonicvac]

I second with Bob

My house isn't going back to another top loader either. In fact I once lived at a place where I had a Whirlpool Duet and two SQ AWN412SP111TW01 side by side. Every single time switching back and forth, the Whirlpool always did a better job even on stains that's a fact. Still to this day, I've yet to find a better washer than that Duet other than my LG.

 

[user 12105]

Reply # 26

Then don't have one. Let others have what they choose.

 

[user 12105]

Reply #26

Your facts aren't the same as mine. I also had a Whirlpool WFW6620HW and many different top loaders. I didn't see any appreciable difference... And that's a fact.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

front loaders

I like the front loaders with water recirculation. LG comes to mind. I did find that clothes felt cleaner and softer and smelled fresher than even my GE did. I like how the matching LG dryer doesn't scortch clothes. My dad's Kenmore Elite also made by LG also do a great job. The clothes are always saturated in the washer, while the dryer dries them perfectly.
At first, I was suspicious about the lower temperature on the normal cycle, but that has been overcome by higher airflow. I've had front loaders since 2007. My family doesn't want to go back to a top loader. If anything, I'll need to buy more clothes because they have holes or have shrunk due to the top loaders and their matching dryers. Everytime I receive clothes or jeans that say gentle or low tumble, dry, I just stick with normal cycle on everything. Only difference is temp due to color. The normal cycle provides a nice balance in the front loaders.