Speed Queen Washers (current models)

[mysteryclock]

Consumer Reports

< Rant >

The first thing I don't understand is how an organization that bills itself as being thorough and rigorous could get simple facts like length of warranty and availability of a bleach dispenser wrong, and let that get all the way into the print issue! Doesn't anybody proofread this stuff before it hits the presses?

Second, I can't fathom how an unchanged product can vary so much year-over-year in the rankings. For instance, IIRC one year SA8 detergent got something like a 99 (or ninety-something) % rating -- fabulous by any standard. Next year the same unchanged formula got like a 60%. You would think if their testing methodology was that scientific and repeatable you wouldn't see such big variances in ratings with the same product.

< /Rant >

 

[danmantn]

/begin rant

Yep, I love my Oreck, my Speed Queen, and I've been buying SA8 products from the nice lady down the street since 1991. I guess I'm not the CR type--form my own opinions from my own research and experiences. What a concept!

/end rant

 

[danmantn]

Malcom, when you snap the pedestal pics, can you take a pic of the inside of your dryer? I've never seen the stainless version. Also, how's the 'secured' lint filter doing for you. I keep seeing lint under the filter. Perhaps it's not setting properly.

 

[mtn1584]

I like it Dan,
MIKE

 

[rayjay]

SA8 Detergent

Mysterclock..... I sell Amway products. I called them when I saw CR ratings. The company did tell me that they changed the product. Well, I told them they had a Number 1 rating and now it changed. That was 2 years ago. It still is a pretty good product

However, The laundry detergent by the Shaklee company called "Fresh" is really great too, and a nice subtle clean fresh scent.

If anyone is interested in it, please email me privately.

Ray

 

[mrb627]

Filter

Dan,

I haven't had any issues with the lint filter in the dryer. Seems easy enough to clean. I will look closer to see if there is lint underneath it. I don't think it has ever been completely full after dryer a load.

I expect the pedestal delivery to be delayed due to the weather moving in tonight. If they cancel, I will have to postpone installation until after the 20th.

Malcolm

 

[danmantn]

I had mine fill up on some throw rugs, but that was the exception. The design of the lint filter is great as you visually see it when the door is open as a reminder. I bought a 1" paint brush and it sweeps clean easily.

 

[mrb627]

Pedestals Delayed

I postponed the installation of the pedestals to next Wednesday. The weather was an issue yesterday plus I got called into work.

Stay tuned.

Malcolm

 

[norfolksouthern]

Got a question:

If you are running a load in the Imperial, and you forget a kitchen towel, are you able to unlock it to add the extra item? Can this be done without having to reset the machine completely?

NorfolkSouthern

 

[mrb627]

Sure.

As long as you are still in the wash portion. Otherwise, you must start over.

Malcolm

 

[mysteryclock]

That's handy you can add an item. I guess the tub is deep enough that the water won't come pouring out if you open the door.

 

[mrb627]

Yeah

There is about a 1/2 inch clearance between the waterline and the bottom edge of the door.

Malcolm

 

[norfolksouthern]

How about capacity?

Thanks for clearing that up, Malcolm. I've been looking at a Speed Queen at a local appliance dealer. I notice that the drums have a 3.3 cubic foot capacity, while the cheap Whirlpools (I'm not necessarily knocking them, after all, I have a BOL Duet) have at least 4, with the newest having 4.4 feet of capacity. Can you still fit a large comforter in your Imperial?

NorfolkSouthern

 

[mrb627]

No Comforters

Comforters are best handled by the commercial machines at the laundromat. I had an LG set before and even though the comforter would fit, the LG just couldn't handle it. I think the UBER front loaders have a big tub, but they can't handle washing a huge load like a comforter.

Malcolm

 

[mysteryclock]

Bulky items...

Malcom is right -- if the item doesn't fit easily in the FL then don't force it. I'm ~still~ in the doghouse for washing our Pottery Barn comforter in our Bosch Nexxt washer... which ended up abrading away a (small) hole in it when it went into a spin and a bit rubbed against the plastic thingy that sticks down from the front-top of the tub. I'd washed our king-sized quilt in there without any problems but the comforter just didn't compact down as much, obviously.

From now on, it is duvet-covers for me!

Now if I can get over the "ick factor" of laundromat machines....I think when I eventually have to take it there I'll probably run a hot/bleach empty load first just to clean out the gunk first!

(And you would know that by the time of the incident above PB had discontinued that pattern and it was out of stock... dang.)

 

[mrb627]

Pedestals

The pedestals were delivered and installed today. Unfortunately, I had to get to work so I didn't have time to run them. In fact, the shipping supports are still in the washer. I'll need to get them out and make sure the machine is balanced. They really lift the machines up quite a bit. And they are BOLTED to the machines from inside the machine cabinet. Not sitting on top and held with double sided tape like the LG's.

Pics will be coming by the weekend.

Malcolm

 

[danmantn]

Shipping supports still in the washer??? Uhm, is that good?

 

[askomiele]

Didn't you mean...

they reinstalledt he shipping support to be able to lift the machines in order to place them on top op the pedestals?

 

[mrb627]

Reinstalled

I re-installed the shipping bracket prior to them showing up at the door. I wasn't sure they would be willing to do it.

Malcolm

 

[jetcone]

My FL will probably be in at the

end of the month. I ordered through ALCO Appliance and they take there time.
I was going for the all stainless cabinet model but they don't offer the heat boost in that machine, very odd since it is their top top line model!

I used Jeff L's machine this summer with the heat boost and that is what sold me! When I arrived in 92 degree DC heat July 2nd, the dark chocolate bar that was getting me down 95 melted all over my white truck towel!
What better way to test heat boost. When the SQ was done there was ABSOLUTELY no trace of chocolate or any darkness on the bone white cotton!

Can't wait, will post a video when I get my camera too!

OH I have had the FL Horizon in my Apt for 10 years now and it is still a great performer!