Washer Recommendation

[48bencix]

I tried to see it

The SQ website directed me to Filco in Folsom. But it's closed so I called the Filco on Fulton Ave. in Sacramento. The salesman said he can get SQ but would recommend Maytag Bravos. I have looked at the Maytags and read all of the reviews. They seem to need to rebalance for a spin which uses more water and time. The tub is suspended with almost no resistance. On the Maytag website are commercial machines with or without the coin box. That might be a good choice. Whirlpool has them too. They are obviously the traditional direct drive machines. Whirlpool probably knows that the newer Bravos type machines would not last in a laundramat situation. So I still have not seen a SQ in person.

I still would like the traditional agitation system and do not mind the fairly small tub that those types of machines have. The Bravos types really wear the fabrics because there is so little water. Oh, yes, I like the SQ because it still spins full of water, for that nostalgic operation sequence that has been around since the solid tub era. Front loaders are always another choice for lower water usage and probably the Whirlpool HT type is still among the best.

http://www.coinop.com/products/products.asp?Model=GCAM2792TQ&type=1

 

[combo52]

SQ FRONT LOAD WASHER

The SQ FL washers are a little more prone to vibration issues as they don't spend 20 minutes trying to decide if its the right time to spin. For this reason I don't recommend them for the upper floors on weak frame houses. On a solid or concrete floor you should have no problems. When SQ went to the current big door models they lengthened the wash time to 24 minutes from 8 in the model that CR tested, I recommend if you are concerned about cleaning really dirty and want a longer wash cycle to get the model with the water heater. The heater will add 10 to 30 minutes to the wash cycle. The worst thing about the SQ TL models is the lack of a neutral drain, because there is no clutch the belt takes all the strain while its trying to pump out the water, as a result you don't get great belt life out of them. MT dependable care machines did a lot better with this slipping belt system because the belt was much longer and the main drive pulley was larger and aluminum not plastic this helped dissipate the heat build up that occurs when the tub is trying to get up to speed. SQ also has an idler pulley which flexes the belt backwards which further stresses the belt.

 

[mrb627]

Speed Queen FL Cleanliness

I have not had any issues with clothes not coming out clean in my SQ FL. In fact, I think it cleans better than the previous LG washer I had. Perhaps because of the true horizontal tub.

I find that the cycles are more flexible than you might think. Want a longer wash time? Stop and restart the machine. Want to soak something? Stop the machine, soak for whatever period you wish, restart the machine on spin only. Add fresh detergent and start the machine in the cycle of your choice.

Rinsing. I also think this machine rinses better than the prebious LG. It starts with a 25 second spin spray before the first rinse. A fine mist is sprayed over the load as it slowly spins in distribution mode. This mist is a SUDS KILLER. Also, the rinses are short. 60 seconds actually. Minimizing tumble time in the rinse prevents suds from building back up. Tumbling clothes in each rinse session for 4 or 5 minutes is a waist of time. They don't call them Speed Queens for nothing...

Malcolm

( of course, you probably can't go wrong with a Miele machine, either )

 

[mrb627]

Idler Pulley

If my memory serves, the idler pulley on the SQ TL machine applies pressure during agitate mode. When the drive reverses for spinning, the belt slips easily on the motor pulley because the idler is on the wrong side to be effective. This is what causes the clutching action of the belt during spin.

Someone had a video demonstrating this, it may have been Dan.

Malcolm

 

[toggleswitch]

For saving water a front-loader is a must. And so is re-setting the machines for additional rinses when there is sensitivity to detergents and chemicals.

In the old days, a Maytag was a week to two weeks pay. If you want a truly durable machine, you may have to spend that much (same proportion to earnings) today.

It is ridiculous to want the same quality that occurred in the past at the prices of today's machines .. prices relative to income (LOW!).

I'd say get a top-loader only if you can reuse rinse water as the next load's wash water, or pump the rinse water onto your lawn via a sprinkler. it is my understanding that such a thing in illegal in most places.

Don't use too much detergent or chemicals and let the wash cylinder air-out, nd RINSE RINSE RINSE and any front-loader will suffice. (NOT 'BE FABULOUS'; I said suffice!). LOL

 

[khrios]

One more question, would the Speed Queen FL fit king sized bedding and comforters?

 

[mtn1584]

YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER BUT................

You can listen to a salesman, or to people on this website who own Speed Queen products and are very happy with them.
#1 Speed Queen top loaders have a 3 year parts and labor warranty, 5 years on the transmission, ten on the motor, and lifetime on the tub.
BRAVOS HAS ONLY A ONE YEAR PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY.
#2 Consumer Reports is NOT the be-all and end-all of opinions and results, ultimately it is people like us who buy these products and use them on a daily basis, not just for several days of testing.
#3 I have owned both a Whirlpool and a SQ top loader. The SQ cleans better, hands down. It is gentler on clothes and with the large stainless steel tub, you can wash very large loads.
(You will have to raise the water level, something very simple, even I was able to do it.)
#4 Malcolm is well versed on the Speed Queen FL machines.
#5 Either way why don't you start a new post.....Speed Queen TL & FL vs. Maytag Bravos and see what results you get.
I wish you well.
Mike

 

[khrios]

Will do Mike...

 

[passatdoc]

In defense of the 3.1 cu ft Frigidaire FL, the controls are manual dials and would not be a challenge for your mother. Virtually all other FLs have electronic control buttons which might be confusing for her. (Having recently taught my octogenarian father how to do laundry, I am thankful he had a Maytag TL with simple dials....). As another reader pointed out, for $2000 you could be TWO pairs and stack them. Two 3.1 machines running at once would surpass any single machine for capacity.

As far as washing a king sized comforter, doubtful in any conventional (center agitator) TL because the space occupied by the agitator. A large (4.4-4.7 cu ft) FL such as Electrolux or LG or the new Frigidaires would do the trick, but I am afraid that even the simplest of electronic controls might frustrate your mother. Why not take her shopping and let her inspect the controls?---that's how many older shoppers buy a tv: they look at the remote control to see if they can handle it.

If you decided to go with two stacked sets, try to find a showroom with a stacked set on display (our Pacific Sales showroom does this) to be sure the dryer height and controls are not too high for your mother. Frigidaire does sell a 3.1 FL washer/dryer attached unit with both washer and dryer control dials mounted below the dryer door; comes in both gas or electric dryer. Though the "list" price for this model is $1200-1300, it's not unusual to see them marked down to $1000
because of newer, "hotter" models on the market. However, if you buy the more usual separate units and stack them, the dryer controls will be on top. I've seen the 3.1 washer on sale for under $500; if your water district or utility company is offering rebates, it's even less (you generally won't get rebates on a TL because they use at least twice as much water).

I have a neighbor down the street who bought the combination Frigidaire unit because she wanted dial controls and would have had trouble reaching controls on the top front face of the dryer. In her case, of course, the downside is that if one component (washer or dryer) cannot be repaired, she has to throw out the whole unit.

Question (forgive me if you addressed this elsewhere): are you planning to keep your existing dryer? In other words, is all this advice about stacked units not applicable to your situation? Given your need to conserve water, you might want to take your mother to look at say Electrolux base models, which are now down to $1000 and 4.7 cu ft (enough to do a comforter) to see if she can handle the controls. A touchpad is out of the question, but maybe she can handle dials and buttons. Some of these washers also have programmable "custom" programs where you could create a one-touch procedure for your mother to use. Bear in mind that since the final spin speed on FLs is faster than on TLs, the clothes come out much dryer and drying times are about halved. In my case, I have a Frig 2140 (basic 3.5 cu ft FL) with a spin speed of only 950 rpm (not that impressive). Perm press clothes dry in about 25 minutes, including cool down, and heavy loads like towels are dry in about 45 minutes. With my former TL, the drying times were twice as long.

http://www.frigidaire.com/products/home-appliances/washer-dryer-combination

 

[khrios]

I have two old Whirpool dryers. Both do an adequate job. I am not replacing them.

I like your advice of taking her shopping. It's a great idea.

I also thought of creating a one button custom program for her to use, if I find a machine with such a feature.

 

[mrb627]

Domestic FL's and Comforters

The SQ FL will handle a king sized bedspread, but for a comforter, I seriously doubt it. Comforters are best left to the professionals or at least the mega front loaders at the laundramat.

As for controls, they don't get much simpler than the SQ FL. Leave it set for the Regular cycle and all you Mother has to do is push the start button.

Malcolm

 

[dustin92]

We have a frigidaire Gallery front loader, It has a single knob to select the cycle and regular push buttons to select water temp, soil level, and options. after you change the options, soil level or temp on a cycle, it saves the settings so you can just hit start and thats it.It cost less than 800 dollars and was worth it. The drum is large enough to wash a queen size comforter. the cycle settings are somewhat limited,(you cant select all of the options or temps on every cycle) it also cleans clothes well and rinses well (if you dont pack it full) and has a third rinse option.

 

[khrios]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[danmantn]

Yep, I take my king size 'fluffy' comforter (as opposed to a bed spread) to the laundromat - it pretty much requires the 50 lb machine at the laundromat to handle it! And besides, that's like 1% of your laundry.

Here's the video link of the SQ TL belt drive that Malcom mentioned. See my other videos for wash cycles, etc.

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[khrios]

I love the video. My 24 yr old son is a newly minted mechanical engineer, loved your videos. He is voting for the Speed Queen.

 

[mrb627]

Imperial

Here is a short video of the Imperial FL in operation.

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[danmantn]

Is one capable of lusting for stainless steel? Lol

Oh, and by the way the SQ FLs are avail in a more traditional rear control format...which would match an existing traditional dryer...thought I would mention.

 

[khrios]

Guys, so I am ready to take my mom to shop for the Speed Queen Front Loader and our local dealers don't have them in stock...What a pain!

I would like to contact the company to see if they can direct me to a dealer that has them.

Do any of you have the company phone number? Thanks, Ann

 

[yogitunes]

Go to their website www.speedqueen.com and locate a dealer near you by zip code...

 

[danmantn]

I don't know that SQ HQ would know private dealer's inventory (since they don't own the dealer). It may be a bit challenging to locate one that has them in stock - most mom 'n pops order as they get the request. For example, the mom 'n pop that I bought my 1st SQ set from (and will the 2nd next month) has the mid-range top loader on display, but no FLs. Go figure.

I would do as Yogi suggested, get the list from the website and call around...could always look at dealer A and buy at dealer B that has the better price. Prices do vary! So check 'em all. California should have a bigger selection of dealers than I did here in TN.