SQ FL or TL

[frocco]

Hello,

I am looking at the Maytag 7000 series, but am having second thoughts and am looking at Speed Queen Front Loader or Top Loader.

I cannot find any info on how the SQ FL cleans vs SQ TL.

I like the bells and whistles of the Maytag, but am afraid of their quality.

 

[whirlcool]

There are some people here who own SQ top loaders and others who own SQ front loaders. They should comment pretty soon.

 

[frigilux]

Here's why I think the Maytag is a good choice:  It has an internal water heater so you can have truly hot water when you want it (via Allergen, Sanitize, and Steam cycles).  It is currently the top-rated machine in Consumer Reports' tests.  Reliability has been good.  You'll have far more cycle flexibility with the Maytag. It also has a much larger drum, so you'll be able to wash large comforters, etc.  

 

Is the Maytag built like a Speed Queen?  No. But there are many factors to consider besides a machine being built like a tank. Both brands are built in the USA.

 

 

 

[washman]

Do a youtube search for SQ

you'll find many vids of these fine machines in operation

 

[combo52]

SQ FLer or SQ TLer or a MT-WP FL Washer?

As Eugene suggests the MT-WP might be a great choice, it depends on many different factors, how much you use the machine, how long do you want it to last, whether you would like more bells and whistles or just a rugged work horse.

 

The SQ FL washer is diffidently the most durable choice if you want this to be the last washer you buy for 30+ years. The SQ TL will probably last 15-30 but will be unrepairable when something happens to the transmission or main bearings and cost you another $1,500+ in utility costs or more over the next 15 years, so the SQ TLer will be the most expensive washer to buy over a reasonable life span. And the WP-MT FL washer could last anywhere from 10-20+ years unless something happens to the electronics or the main bearings in which case you buy another washer.

 

[mtn1584]

BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT.....................

SPEED QUEEN WASHERS WHETHER T/L OR F/L ARE GONING TO LAST A LONG TIME!
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS STARTING TO CATCH ON ABOUT THE QUALITY OF SPEED QUEEN WASHERS!!
DON'T BE FOOLED BY PRETTY BELLS AND WHISTLES!!
MIKE
Sorry about caps, my keyboard is messed up!

 

[countryguy]

I wonder why Speed Queen is not authorized to sell in Canada? When I used the dealer locator it told me to check out http://home.huebsch.com/

The machines look to be identical - just with the different brand name.

Gary

 

[henene4]

I only can sugest to get a FL. I once washed with a TL, made by SQ, a commercial one, and they washed/rinsed horrible. Against any FL of course.
Whether the SQ or Maytag, you have to decide. On the SQ you can adjust the waterlevel, on a Maytag I don't know. Maytag gives you more options, SQ is just set'n'go. On the Maytag you probably will have dumped down temperatures, more then on the SQ. The Maytag has a heater, the SQ not.
But any way, a FL usese way less water by giving you good results compared to TL. And if you always select the extra rinse/ fabric softener option, may using perm press when ever possible, not overfilling the tub, it will work good.

 

[iheartmaytag]

When I bought my Maytag 5000 Series four years ago, I too considered SQ. I was attracted to the pretty lights on the Maytag.

My informed decision was that Maytag/Whirlpool has a heater (Steam). It was slightly larger, and was about 1/2 the price.

The SQ I was originally informed (incorrectly) that it did not adjust water levels to loads.

I would say chose the one you are most comfortable with. I would go FL myself, but again that would be your preference. SQ used to have, as was noted, a very poor rating for water extraction, sand disposal, and even washing performance. This was many years ago, and now Speed Queen's longevity has placed them at the top of the list for top loaders.

 

[frocco]

Thanks everyone, I am leaning towards the Maytag 7000 series. My niece has an LG FL and she hates it, says the cloths never come out clean and she has to wash it twice.

If I get the Maytag, I can get an extended warranty for an additional 4 years for around 200.00

 

[eddy1210]

Speed Queen Canada

The story I heard was that after the demise of the solid tub Queens, Whirlpool Canada bought the Speed Queen name here. I remember seeing a few DD Whirlpool washers with the Speed Queen name on them (much to my horror). Whirlpool won't allow the name to be used thus SQ needed to market their machines under a different name in Canada.
If anyone can add more information or correct this, please do.

 

[frocco]

I still am going back and forth over the maytag 7000 and SQ TL or FL.

Anymore advise on choosing the SQ?

Thanks

 

[washman]

yes warranty

If warranty reflects confidence in a product, then the big makers must not have much.

 

[frocco]

Anyone have a SQ FL that can comment on it vs the fancy electronics of Maytag and others?

 

[kb0nes]

This is all opinion but that is what you are seeking right?

I'd rather have a mechanically solid basic machine compared to a machine that is less robust with lots of gimmick features you won't use. In the end the cost will likely be the same, perhaps more for the Maytag if you buy the extended warranty.

As for the FL vs the TL, I'd only consider the frontloader. Its a mechanically simpler machine that has a higher capacity then the TL machine. You will need to learn how to use a FL machine as they are different but you will get great results if you are willing to adapt. You will save water and energy and create less wear and tear on your clothing to boot.

 

[frocco]

Thanks for your reply.
So SQ is better even through it does not have any of the newer features of Maytag like sanitize, Fresh Hold for 12 hours, steam, water heat?

I am looking at about a $200.00 US increase for extended warranty.

 

[kb0nes]

With the exception of the boost heater I'd call all the Maytag "features" you listed gimmicks. I do wish the SQ had a heater, but I think the majority of people will get by without a heater just fine.

As for the extended warranty I'd NEVER buy one on anything I ever buy. If the item was so unreliable that I "need" the added warranty I won't buy the product period! If you were likely to get your money's worth out of the warranty, then the company selling it couldn't stay in business, its either a good deal for you or them, not both. Aside from peace-of-mind extended warranties are like the lottery, an added tax for people who are bad at math.

 

[frocco]

That makes sense.

My emotions are playing tricks on me, but I think your right about the features that probably will never get used. I do like the 3 year warranty on the SQ and this is going to be the deciding issue.

On the SQ TL, I was worrying about using 30+ gallons of water, so I may do the FL.

 

[mrb627]

Speed Queen FL

I have the Speed Queen FL and initially I was concerned about the lack of a heater. But honestly, I don't find the lack of a heater to impact the final results at all. I will say that the Speed Queen FL is built to handle abuse and it does that exceptionally well.

Malcolm