SQ FL or TL

[combo52]

FL vs TL Washer

I to would get the SQ FL machine, in the long run it will not only last longer but will be easier to repair if you want to really see if it will last 25,000 loads as SQs engineers say it can [ that works out 48 years at 10 loads per week ].

 

 I have said many times that I would never buy a service contract and any appliance and even if they were FREE all they really guarantee you is crappy inferior service. About the only good thing about a SC is after they waste enough of your time and energy trying to actually get something fixed under contract, they will [ sometimes replace the appliance ] usually after a lot of fighting. A decent servicer would have just fixed the problem properly on the first call and you could have saved making several appointments and the cost of taking the time from work or other things would have rather been doing.

 

My brother Jeff and I got our SQ FL washers about eight years ago and love them, recently two other brothers got SQ FL washers, so 4 out of five of us now have SQ FL washers, I guess I will have to work on my older brother, LOL.

 

[pierreandreply4]

me if i have a choice i would be better off buying a top load washer because in my own personel opinion i fine that washing clothes in more water gets clothes much cleaner

 

[kenmoreguy89]

Speed Queen Top loader for too many reasons.....
Including the most important one that IMO Top loader agitator washers wash better than front loaders...

 

[frocco]

I thought it was the reverse, that FL washed better?
I have made up my mind on the SQ, just trying to decide on the TL or FL model.
TL would be the 542.

 

[kenmoreguy89]

It depends from person to person...you may find lots of people that switch as soon as they can from a front loader because they says it does not wash as good as a toploader., the same way you may find people that are satisfied with them.
"I thought they washed better"..... I don't know who told you this..but often this thought  is because of a tricky suggestion given by the tricky name (High efficiency) and advertisements for such machines:
You must keep in mind that despite the High efficiency name (in the USA) was given also because of this...to "trick" and make people think at something better performing along with baloney told in advertisements, this does not mean it necessarily must be   and so is in the reality though,  efficiency  want only means efficiency in consumption, that  very often equals in poor wash since there is a race to use less water possible, thus not getting good results because of this also...
Front loaders and top loaders...well  it changes also from model to model, for example I could say that maybe a front loader may wash better than a newer GE top loader, but it will not  wash better compared to a Speed Queen or older Ge filter-flo or Whirlpool belt drive..for example..
It also much changes from models and brands of the same kind...you can only go with a general speech...
On the Speed Queen facebook page they also recently brought up a kind of "survey" asking if people had front loader or top loaders, speaking in results the  most people commented that they won't own a front loader as they won't wash as good as top loaders, and so do many other people elsewhere...
The same way you can also find people that are happy with front loaders in other surveys , as you could find many in this community also...
For us, as washer appasionate the TL vs FL matter has always brought heated discussion on here  from people of the two school of thoughts... so is never nice to discuss...
You must take my suggestion as a singular one as you have to do with each one of the others you'll receive...
As I was saying you may recive very different suggestion from different people...
Then it will be anyway up to you...

I say, and again, this want to be shared now as a  my opinion,  generally,  and  that's because of their  tumbling washing  action,  I don't think that front loader washing will ever be as good as a wash of a top loader agitator, and that's what I could personally  find out and experience...then as I was saying it depend from type to type....
So I suggest you to seek for someone that already owns one and if possible look at the washing ability if it satisfy your canons in person...
This will better than any opinion and suggestion by a stranger...including me of course...unfortunately when it comes in such an argument like front loader vs Top loader you'll always find many conflicting opinions, experiences and thoughts...

[this post was last edited: 9/24/2013-14:41]

 

[frocco]

My niece has an LG FL and hates it, says cloths do not come out clean.
My other niece has a Maytag HE TL and loves it.

I started looking at the Maytag 7000 series and can get Washer/Dryer pair for around
2100.00 US dollars + 200.00 US dollars for extended warranty.

I was looking at these because of the steam and fresh hold feature.
But a SQ TL & dryer would be around 1500.00.

The SQ FL & dryer would be around 2200.00 also.

So it would cost me around 700.00 to go FL over TL

Your right, I can google opinions on TL and FL and get good/bad reviews on both.

 

[henene4]

Well, again, you have to adapt to your FL if you get one. Like, throwing in clothes wont work. You will have to unfold them, and place them seperatly in the drum. And you will probably need a extra rinse.
BUT math it up again: Your front load will use roud about 18 gallons with a extra rinse. Your TL uses 32 gallons of water without a extra rinse. These 14 gsllons are enough to wash a smaller load with the FL again. So your water coasts will be, lets say, 1 and 3 quarts more on the TL. So even if you have to re wash 1 of 3 loads again, you would just pay the same on water. And as you see water bills have built the fastest elevator them selves, the FL will just be more safe in the future.
And FL are only as bad as the users are, the same on TL. But then againt, TL use more, way more water.

 

[kenmoreguy89]

A curiosity....who fold  dirty laundry prior the washing??? LOL
You maybe meant put them loose and do not pack them?
That's for every machine, one of the first rules for good results...

 

[norgeway]

When it gets

To the point that I can not keep a Whirlpool/Kenmore belt drive, I would get the SQ, but im not concerned about water usage etc, im concerned about clean clothes!

 

[kb0nes]

First off I'd suggest you move along past the top loading HE machines, I think they are likely a poor choice especially if you are washing a full load.

Secondly remember you don't need to have a matched pair, unless its something that you (or your wife/significant other) desires. There are many new or vintage dryers out there that cost a lot less then the matching unit and are every bit as good or better.

As you found the SQ top load pair is the least expensive at the initial purchase. If you factor in the cost of water and energy coupled with the added mechanical complexity leading to higher repair costs, you may find that in 10 years the TL will cost well more then the FL.

There have been many religious-like arguments of the FL vs TL over the years. Both have proponents and opponents. I am likely to agree that a conventional TL machine may provide more vigorous washing action then a FL machine. But a downside of that action is that they do tend to be harder on clothing, that could change cost calculations too. Personally I think many (not all) of the the people that say they hate front loaders just never really learned how to use them correctly.

You did state that you are concerned with water usage, and I personally applaud you for that. I try to make my decisions based on whatever allows me to use the least resources I can whenever possible. I don't want inadequate cleaning or rinsing anymore then anyone else does, but I do want to do the best I can with the least waste. In the current laundry world the front loaders are unmatched in that regard.

 

[frocco]

Just got back from the dealer. The SQ FL & Dryer would cost about the same as a Maytag 7000 series with pedestals and extended warranty.

The dealer would cover parts & labor for an additional 4 years on the Maytag.

Do you still feel the SQLFL would be a better choice?

Regards,

Frank

 

[frigilux]

If I were you, I'd opt for the Maytag, with its larger capacity, cycle flexibility, and internal water heater. Others will say go for the Speed Queen because of the heavy-duty build quality.

Will you install the machine on a concrete basement floor or on a wooden floor? The Maytag gets better scores for freedom from vibration on wooden floors than the Speed Queen (according to Consumer Reports).

Unfortunately, we can't make up your mind for you. You have to do what's best for your particular situation. Let us know which one choose!

 

[pierreandreply4]

the choice of a washer dryer is up to you and depends on how many loads you have per day

 

[washman]

Here's my vid

of my AWN 542 doing a full load of towels
Click link below.

You can see first hand how the wash cycle works. Bear in mind Iused far too much detergent, that is not a fault of the wash action but rather me.

 

[washman]

Edit

the agitation is normal cycle.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I understand your reluctance it's a major purchase, and you don't want to chose wrong.
Ultimately the best choice is what you will be happy with. As has been pointed out each has pros and cons.

Buck up and make a decision, there is no wrong answer if you are pleased with the choice.

 

[henene4]

To the point with matching pairs: I totally agree. Like I would never buy a dryer with a rear to rear air stream. In my opinion, that is ineffective. Next, reversing drum motion is a good point either and at leats I would go with the Washer-volume*2 rule to get wrinkle free clothing. Things a dryer should have IMHO...

 

[frocco]

henene4,

Are you saying the SQ TL & Dryer?

 

[henene4]

At all dryers... How can you think about a washer??? I wrote the word dryer up there...

 

[frocco]

Sorry missed that, I am thinking about the pair that I need to purchase.