SQ or Miele

[mrb627]

Currently, I have two laundry sets in my possession.  A Speed Queen Imperial FL Set which are currently in the garage and a Miele Touchtronic set which are connected and in use.  At some point, one of them has to go.  They both have their advantages and disadvantages which makes the decision that much harder to make.

 

So, if anyone has an interest in either one of these sets, let me know...

 

Malcolm

 

[mrb627]

SQ

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[mrb627]

Miele

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[tomturbomatic]

If you removed the shelving above the machines, would you be able to stack the SQs and have the Miele washer beside them? It looks like you have the width in the space for a 27" machine and a 24" machine. You would probably have to have another 220 volt electrical line run unless you want to be plugging in and unplugging the dryer and the Miele, but you can put Ys on the hot and cold faucets and both drain hoses would have to be fitted into the drain pipe. The SQ dryer is probably the better pick for speed and size. Does the Miele dryer vent or is it a condenser?

Are your pedestals the newer ones with drawers? They look nice. Mine are just pedestals, no storage.

I would do whatever was needed to keep as many laundry appliances as possible. My Mieles are the only washers I have ever owned that I feel I can start and walk away from and be assured of perfect results without having to fiddle with anything. They give much more thorough rinsing than the SQ without having to do any resetting. On the other hand, the SQ can be set for a rinse and spin or just a spin while the Miele cannot AFAIK. The SQ is nice for larger throw rugs and other large items that would otherwise have to be taken to the launderette. I find the two washers to complement each other and would try to keep both and the SQs are stackable.

 

[mrb627]

Stackable

Unfortunately, the SQ's are not stackable.  

 

Malcolm

 

[tomturbomatic]

But they have the controls on the front. I thought those models were stackable. Sorry.

 

[toploader55]

Hi Malcolm.

I'll combine my 4842 with your Mieles and do a package deal. Hang on to the SQ. At least they rinse and have a warm rinse option.

I've tried the Water Plus in the Miele computer and it still does not rinse well at all.

I can take a load out of the Miele (And NO, I'm not using too much detergent)rinse them in the 806 Maytag and the amount of soil and the color of the water is gross.

I'm back to TopLoaders. Done with FLs.

Funny thing too... My Laundry Room has had bad Feng Shui and Wicked Bad Karma since that Miele arrived. But the 806 is sooo forgiving.

Even the Unimatic stopped pulsating.

 

[combo52]

SQ SS Pair

WE have a commercial { The Jefferson Hotel, next to the White-house ] customer that has this pair and they needed another washer and dryer and only had space for two side by side, so they had a sturdy shelf built and we installed a SQ FL stack also, it has worked out great, I totally agree with Tom more washers and dryers are ALWAYS better.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Edie, your large capacity Miele is nothing like the original 5 & 6kg machines, but I'm glad to see that you recognize the importance of adequate rinsing.

 

[washer111]

Rinsing:

We've found no trouble with rinsing in our Miele - we generally use the "Water Plus" option on the Cotton's cycle with a 1/2 dosage of detergent, since frothing is an issue in some instances, even with He detergents. The longer cycle, plus the intermediate temperatures ensure good rinsing. High interim spins also assist. We don't over load the machine either, generally 1/2 - 3/4 full on any given cycle (Each cycle has different amount of clothing it can take). 

 

Personally, I use the Minimum Iron, Delicates and Dark Garments/Denim program, and find (even on Delicates with no interim spin) the final water being pumped out for the spin is clear. There is generally no odour from the clothes, unless a strong detergent or Softener is used. 

 

These experiences may or may not be typical with our Miele W5741, although I suppose usage habits (Loading, Detergent choices, Temperature selection, Spin-speeds) all factor in. You may prefer really loading up, in which case, you may have issues. I suppose your detergent may have something to do with, as some rinse better than others, even though "soap is just soap" (I know I'll be hammered for that). But its interesting to note your experiences and contrast them to others.

 

By the way, our model has the separate options for "Rinse/Spin" and "Spin only." One can even use the Water Plus setting (When set properly) to give two rinses in place of one, which is useful sometimes. 

 

Personally, I'd recommend keeping both if possible in any way. Each set has its plusses and minuses. The Miele is built for 10K cycles and has far more options to assist you customising your laundry. You may be able to boil wash with them, add extra options etc. The Speed-Queen is designed to get the job done quickly with no fuss. Some "creature comforts" from the Miele would have to be manually performed, but build quality is shown with a lifespan of 2.5x more cycles than the Miele can do. So really, its a toss between no fuss, "just do it" attitude, or some extra choice with some more "BS'ing" in-between. The choice, is yours.

 

[toploader55]

Your Large Capacity Miele...

Yeah, I know it's nothing like the machines everyone raves about.

Water Plus, Schmoter Plus, I just don't like the machine. It takes WAY too long to go a program just like the New Dishwashers.

Last night I started my KDR-67 the same time my LL started her Miele. Mine was done before hers even was 1/2 way through the Main Wash. Just plain stupid.

I can do 3 loads in the 806 Tag, and the Miele is still finishing the first. It just doesn't make sense to me. (Yeah, Yeah, energy,water, I don't care about that.)

 

[mrb627]

Unfortunately...

Modern ENZYME detergents take a little more time to get the job done.  A lot of the cycle/program time is spent with the multiple rinse baths as opposed to a single deep rinse in a top loader.  Speed Queen FL seems to be the exception with their rinsing profile.  Rapid dilution and extraction sequences certainly get the job done.  Never quite understood why some machines tumbled 5 to 6 minutes per rinse.

 

Malcolm

 

[washer111]

Rinsing Times:

No you are right about rinsing times, though I think it has to do with the tumbling action working the detergent out of the clothes. 

 

I think some of the issue with FL machines (especially in the US) that take forever and a day to complete relates to water heating on 110v, detergent action and a different style of wash that is gentler for most clothes.

That said though, our Miele often shaves a good 20-30 minutes of the expected running time after decides that there isn't a full load in there (Cottons is 2:10 at 40º a tad longer colder and shorter (1:45) at 60º, but increases again from there). The cycles I use get the job done in about an hour in most instances, and deliver great results. The extra water level used in these cycles, and my extra temperature addition really gives everything a great wash. Again though, programmes that I use are only designated for 3 - 3.5kg capacity, which explains that...

 

[mtn1584]

Which set do you like better?

Tough choice, the Miele set is very sleek looking, while the SQ set is more industrial looking, why not keep them both and alternate?
Mike

 

[mrb627]

Alternating...

That is a good idea. I could use the SQ set in the summer months when tap water is generally warmer and switch to the Miele when cooler temps roll around.

Malcolm

 

[launderess]

SQ vs Miele

Tough call!

Am in a similar boat as looking about for another front loader to take the work off Big Bertha, my Miele 1070.

Have seen many 1900, 1200 and 1100 series washing machines on offer locally, but cannot swing the 120v/220v wiring atm. Have also seen 3000 and 4000 series washers on offer but am sitting on the fence about those. Reviews seem to be all over the place, some love their units others curse the day they ever set eyes upon them.

SQ washers are pretty straight forward "commercial" machines with American style front loader cycles. This means short by most European washer standards, but should get the job done, especially if a pre-wash is run and or careful attention is paid to chemicals.

Miele's 3000 series seems to be a good machine though they have faults some coming from older Miele units do not like. For instance despite what Miele claims in media or print the units do not hold all cycles for set temperature. Nor does it seem the heater is engaged for certain cycles (delicates or wool). My older Miele will allow me to "boil" wash using delicate cycle, the 3033 will not even heat.

 

[mrb627]

Seriously!

It is a tough call.  There are several things I like about both sets and I feel that I would ultimately miss the set that I gave away.  I sure wish I had a second dedicated hookup in the garage or master bath.

 

Malcolm

 

[mtn1584]

Malcolm, my friend..............

I remember when you bought the Speed Queen set, I got my washer and dryer about the same time, four years ago!! For the money you spent on both sets, keep them and install plumbing in the garage, or the bathroom to accomodate the machines, I am telling you DON'T get rid of either set!!!! Once they are gone, they're gone! Make some plumbing arrangements!
Mike

 

[tomturbomatic]

I think he's in the appliance closet and does not want to start having to explain why one person has two sets of laundry appliances. I crossed that bridge in 1982. One of the silliest questions I was asked was if I did not have huge water bills with all of my washers and dishwashers--this from someone who collects colonial antiques and had just spent an untold amount of money on an Argand lamp, a lamp so dangerous that it gained a reputation for burning down houses because it stored the oil above the flame, so yes, it was like lighting a Molitov cocktail and keeping it in your house. At least I can use most of my appliances. He can never use the Argand lamp unless it is in the middle of a paved playground.