Speed Queen wringer machine

[lordkenmore]

I may have a chance to "adopt" a Speed Queen wringer machine. I haven't seen it yet, but I have seen photos, and it appears to be in good condition.

I'm wondering what the opinion of Speed Queen wringer machines are. It seems like I mostly hear about Maytag...never Speed Queen.

I need something that can work--at least for the moment--as a daily driver, until I get issues with the Kenmore fixed. Plus, I've always wanted a wringer machine. But if washing is poor, or the machines aren't reliable, or parts next to impossible to find, or whatever...well, I'd probably be better off waiting for something else.

 

[laundramatt]

I have never heard of any wringer washing machines that didn't wash well.

 

[wetguymd]

They are the best.... I am a huge fan of wringers. I have had many different makes over the years including Speed Queen. The only thing I didn't like about it was the wringer was very sensitive to release. Could have just been my machine but if you put anything with any thickness thru it it would pop open. My favorite is the Kenmore Vista with the big open wringer. Maytag is another good one and very common. They not only wash alot of clothes quickly but are very cheap to use.

 

[abcomatic]

HI - Speed Queen Wringer

Hi Lord, I have 2 Speed Queen wringer machines and are wonderful washers. I did 5 loads in mine today without any problems. What I like about these machines is that they stand up higher than some and is easier to wring clothes from.
If you have a chance to get one, go and do it; you won't be dissapointed. ABC o matic

 

[bradross]

Go for it!

I'd say go for it! I had the chance to buy a Speed Queen off Craigslist before I found my Maytag wringer washer, but didn't. If I ever get more room, a Speed Queen wringer is definitely on my wish list.

Most wringer washers do an EXCELLENT job of washing, some even superior IMHO to that of an automatic. Especially if you get a vintage Speed Queen or Maytag, with the agitation arc up to 210 degrees.

 

[whirlcool]

While wringing out the clothes, don't wringer washers have a tendancy to break buttons? And with the washing and rinsing aren't they a LOT more labor intensive than automatics?

 

[alr2903]

Whirlcool, i think wringer skills come with use, both grandmothers used them in the years before rural water lines, allowed them to have automatics. Sometimes they do break buttons, id probably break alot of them. People that are use to them know how to kind of layer or fold items as they feed them in. IIRC, the maytag has a dark roll on top and lighter roll on the bottom. the top roller was a little more flexible and you put buttons up. The Sq had identical upper/lower rollers, but again using a wringer is a skill. They are more work than an automatic, but less than a washboard, remember not too many generations ago. Ladies pumped water heated it on the stove and added it to the washer, so with plumbing and a floor drain or a machine with a pump, it was less work than long ago. By the late 1950's even hardworking country ladies, used the coin op in the freezing winter. But by this time of year the clothesline was in business for another season. alr2903