Which new FL to get???

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The 28 year old Kitchenaid has finally sprung a leak and the spin is getting noisy. Mind you this is a machine that never needed a repair, but we're thinking it's time to retire. So I'll TRY a front loader. Thinking the SQ model AFNE9BSP113TW01 or an LG 5.2. Anybody have any recomendations? Strengths and pitfalls of both models?
My main concern is water usage, would therebe any way to bump the water use on the SQ?
 
The SQ has no heater. Though it offers true hot fills, as the tub and drum are made of rather thick stainless steal temperature drops can occur. Especially if you have a long run to your heater and&#92or a lower temp setting on your water heater, hot *can* still end up cooler than usual.
Its quite prices as well.
But it surely wins in terms of quality.

Service on both seems mixed.

The LG has questionable quality. Some have theirs 8 years before the first issues, some only 8 months. The maximum time you'll get out of these is in the 10-15 years area.
With the 5.2 monsters, balancing will be an issue. LGs always fuzz around with spinning a bit. If you way it against a SQ, I'll rather get hold of the 4.5 version with TurboWash or a Kenmore equivalent. Saves some money and reduces the changes of balancing issues.
However, it offeres you washes beyond hot, superb extraction, a bigger capacity. And even though it won't last the 20+ years expected for a SQ FL, it still is about half as expensive.

I'll go with the LG if you are OK with an upgrade in 8-10 years. If you are not someone who challenges the washer with thoughest soils and only wants to have a washer that'll probably do the job for more than 2 decades, the SQ will be the netter choice.

That is only about washers. Dryers are another topic. Would you buy a matching set or just a washer?
 
I've used both LG and SQ models. The LG was great actually. Never had a problem with it and it cleaned well. the SQ was in an apartment building that I lived in and they seemed to break down often. But I'm sure some of that was due to the fact that it was being used by dozens of people. They did clean well though from what I remember. I was looking at the set when I got my new washer but the $2800 price tag scared me a bit...
 
My new 2015 Speed Queen front load washer model AFNE9BSP113TW01 offers significant improvements over the previous Speed Queen front load model. These upgrades include larger load capacity, more wash cycles, selectable wash times, more rinse cycles, higher spin speed, spin speed selection, dynamic load balancing, pre-wash and soak cycles and five year warranty plus containing the same internals as their commercial offerings.

The load size increased to 3.42 cubic feet which is about 3 bushel baskets of laundry with a load weight rating 22 lbs.

The amount of wash control is an order of magnitude over the previous model. Through the use of selecting various wash cycles, spin speeds and soil levels you can control wash time agitation form 4 minutes to 30 minutes. In addition you can select to add a 7 minute pre-wash cycle or a 30 minute soak cycle or both. Finally you can select to add from one to three additional rinse cycles to the normal two rinse cycles.

Water temperature selection is straight forward with a choice of cold, cool, warm and hot with cold only rinse.

The spin speed has been increased to 1200 RPM or 440Gs and because some clothes are not meant to be spun at that maximum speed, like most permanent press and delicate fabrics, one can select lower spin speeds or no spin. In addition this new model implements dynamic balancing yielding vibration free spin and very quiet operation.

Thus after doing some 20 loads I am glad I got it. Maybe in another 5 years I will have a different opinion but for my first few loads I am pleased with the results.
 
LG hands down.
Huge 5.0 capacity. About thirty pounds dry load. Great cycles,extremely quiet operation, 1,400 RPM final spin, sanitary cycles, ten year motor warranty, and the best reputation via CR for frequency of repair. I like the interior light you can turn on during any part of any cycle and the automatic magnetic door jarrer. It keeps the door ajar with minimal clearance needed. That helps to eliminate the mildew or mold build up. Awesome washer.
It also has the small door you can get to the button catcher from. I clean mine once a month. Neither Speed Queen, Whirlpool,Maytag, nor any Electrolux brands have easy access to the pump like LG. They're the closest to Philco Bendix type washers I've ever used.I like the multi spray recirculation and balancing act they have. Fun to watch and, at first, you'll see how much cleaner and fresh smelling your clean clothes got.
 
Access to the pump in the 2015 Speed Queen is very easy. Remove two easy access front screws and remove the front panel. The pump bottom catcher is right there in all of its glory. Also note clean access to the internals.

mr_b-2015051822042405753_1.jpg
 
Speed Queen Front Load Hands Down

The SQ is much more heavily built, if you are over 40 it will probably be the last washer you will need to buy.

 

It is much better to have the full lower access panel than just the little clean-out door, you can easily see and fix other potential problems with greater access, [ and you can't void the warranty, that's just stupid ]

 

Last evening my last service call was a less than 3 YO LG washer, Broken spider big time, now the whole mess can be crushed and sent back to Korea-China, LOL, you will never see a  broken spider on a SQ.

 

I do wish that SQ did have a heater, but if you want a really hot wash just buy a 120 volt 4 gallon water heater and hook it up with a hose on the cold inlet side. When you want a really hot wash turn on the heater 15 minutes before you start the washer, select cold wash and viola a really hot wash. Jason did this on his SQ FLer and it works great.

 

But the biggest question is when we build a better product in America WHY ? would anyone want to buy a Korean-Chinese washer that will have poor to nonexistent service, and then with every one complaining that jobs are moving overseas.
 
My money would be on the SQ. I personally do not trust these Korean brands like I would more domestic US, German or even British brands (of what we have left). Since reaching about buying a front loader myself, too many people have said that LG and especially Samsung machine are much of a muchness in the sense they are form over function. Chrome buttons and knobs and funny singing says nothing at all about the long term reliability other than they think they can spend the money on other things rather than the mechanics. Weak pumps, seals and bearings seem to be common with Korean machines. Samsung and LG are both made in South Korea, or at least most of their models meaning they probably get certain parts from the same suppliers.

Korean manufacturers haven't yet mastered quality in the way the Japanese have and certainly not by the way experiences manufacturers in the west have.

Putting aside opinion, according the Which? magazine, LG's only score average for wash ability, none of them have ever received a "best buy." They score very average for reliability even with those 5 year warranties, and their customer support isn't very good, but these machines are not priced to justify these things.

Again, go for the Speed Queen.
 
"You'll never see a broken spider on a SQ!"

I pretty surley remember someone that posted about his storry with a problematic SQ a few months back. Just can't find the post right now.
Basicly, after I think it was something like 18 months or so, the heavy used SQ FL had broken bearings and spider. Not sure how it turned out in the end, but if a SQ has a broken spider and bearings, THATS a big time game.

I'm indifferent if a lower access panel is so much better than a small door if the washer never fails anyway ;)
And the ratio cleaning the coin trap to haveing to access motor or shocks should be far beyond 10 to 1 on a washer that is supposed to wash for 40 plus years.

And why should someone buy a FL from Korea&#92China if SQ produces so good products?
1. They both wash at least just as good as the other.
2. One offers more (partially even usefull) features.
3. One offers a heater.
4. One costs half the price (or less).

Not that SQs are bad machines. They are by no way or means at all. They are surely more durable.

But not everyone wants to buy a washer like this. Some might want the features of an LG. Some might even want it to break after several years so they can get something new again. What if someone has to move in the next years and can't take the washer to the new home? Or some just does not want to spend 1500$ or more on a washer alone.

And then some say "If you are 40 this will be your last washer ever probably!" How can you tell? NONE, literally NONE of these SQs have even lived for 20 years. I mean, they are more likely to, but you can't be sure by now. You just can't.

For a LG, I have clear numbers: The likelyness for a LG to break during the first 5 years of use is about 1 in 10. A new spider is about 150$ parts. If you are somewhat handy, you can do it your self as the work is at least as expensive. New rear drum half with bearings 250$ round about. Again, do it your self and you'll be fine.
I mean, seriously, what might be the selling ratio of LG's over SQs? 1 to 100? Or 200? How can service for the most main stream washer not exist? I mean, YOU serviced one YOURSELF, combo.

Again, I gave my clear diferentiated statement before. Both machines offer you different outcomes. They have been displayed by several people.
Personally, I know my self best. I'd like to have a different machine every now and then. So personally would opt for the LG. My grandma would buy the SQ. Both would be satisfied with what they got: A well cleaning machine with its own querks, pros and cons.
You'll get a great machine no matter what you buy.
 
My Duet is made in the US.  That's one of the reasons why I chose it. And it has a heater.  A minimum of 95% of the cycles I run on it, I select cycles that use the heater. 
 
SPEED QUEEN

sorry kids, I wasted 1500 on a LG front loader a few years ago, Korean built garbage!!! Buy AMERICAN buy SPEED QUEEN and if not then WHIRLPOOL/MAYTAG....why would anyone waste their money on Korean built garbage with ZERO factory qualitly control checks?
MIKE

SPEED QUEEN OR WHIRLPOOL, BUT FOR PETE'S SAKE IF YOU LIVE IN AMERICA BUY AMERICAN!!!!
 
Oliver,

If you read Consumer Reports,the LGs are rated the most dependable front loaders and have the lowest frequency of repairs in both washers and dryers. Their front loaders are great and can get clothes clean in record time if need be. Their pricing is good too. Here are three models at Home Depot I personally recommend from most to least price and features. Both are free delivery and removal of old models.

1. Model #WM8000HWA
Sku # 634254
Price $1097
Not $1399.

2. WM4270HWA
1000108830
$827
Not $1099

3.WM3570HWA
1000049559
$743
Not $999
 
The WM8000HWA is their 30"wide 5cu ft capacity model. It holds a ton of dirty clothes and has an interior drum light to enable you to do night loads in the dark and watch it do its thing. Great price and features. You'll never step foot in a laundromat again with the 8000,
 
You'll be looking at the Speed Queen after a few months and wondering "Why did I buy overkill."  The Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire and  LG will deliver what you want without breaking the bank.  I do recommend home depot for your purchase and install.

 

 
 
Thanks!

Hey y'all, I just wanted to give a heart felt thanks to all who took the time to reply to my inquiry. Leaning towards the SQ, but we're still debating this. Again, thanks much for the time and condieration.
 
I am an appliance tech, and can offer you my opinion. I also have a used appliance store, so I can tell you what junk comes through my door.

Speed queens rarely come in unless they are 30+ years old. Even then I still fix them and resell them. Great machines. The speed queen built "Amana" washers come in by the time they are 20 ish years old.

Lg's are great, because they are a good money generator. I like they way they look, and so do my customers. They consistently break at the 7-8 year mark. They are usually Ready for the scrapper by age 10. However said changing the spider gear is a diy job for $150 clearly has never changed one before. I have changed bearings and spiders on many fl's and they are all miserable experiences.

Overall the queens are the better value, as long as you make the commitment to them. They WILL break down, as any machine will, but it will be easily repaired, and back the spiders on the queen is stainless steel and will last the life of the machine.

The lg will tolerate 1 repair before you scrap it.
 
So Mike,

Regarding CR, I don't go only by their records but also from my own. I worked at a Home Depot in Florida. We sold LG and I alone went to all of the KBIS shows seeing them and the mechanics used along with design and ease of operation,capacity features and price. After that,I had my own personal doubts but,after calling a few of my customers and receiving absolutely happy results, I personally bought one to see why they became our very best sellers. After five years of constant use of mine with absolutely no issues,Consumer Reports ratings of their Frequency of repair was the absolute best by a mile. By then, I'd sold hundreds of them and had two complaints. One was from a family who's in laws bought them a pair but didn't know about the button catcher. I had/ service go out on a cutesy call,no charge,and replace the pump. After that,no more issues. The second call was on a full size combination they make. That call was sarcastic and the couple was so glad I told them what to do. They lived in a condo on the eighth floor,had ability to install a full set and bought a Maytag set six years before. The dryer was taking two to three hours because it wad vented up six stories to the roof of the complex.I told them the problem and showed them a machine they never heard of. A ventless, 110 volt,all in one washer dryer combo. They bought it,had it installed and fell in love with it.  We've kept in touch and they bought a SRCOND ONE to go next to the other.  That was back in 

2002. No issues.I still believe most of the problems folks ate having with front loaders is the way they abuse ALL their appliances. From overloading to closing the door on the front loaders causing mold to grow on rubber parts. They use way too much detergent assuming suds get clothes cleaner. The more you see,the cleaner the clothes are getting. We all know that's bullshit 

 

 

If you don't like a,product because we don't make it here,your fooling only yourself. We had our own chances to make great front loaders but decided to build them overseas. The Whirlpools and their subsidiaries. Front loaders were made in Germany ,the Frigidaires in Mexico. The Neptunes were a joke and embarrassment to those of us who sold AND serviced them and the GEs were made in China. The Speed Queens had,issues and, with a smaller capacity (3.1 cu ft.) Their over rating and,over pricing limited their sales. I have yet to see any of the newer models of The Speed Queens but,they'd have to have an interior drum light you can turn on to watch it operate and a heater for sensitization and great clean out of the tubs. From what I have gathered so far,the SQs have neither. In my 8000 set, I can wash my KINGSIZE bedspread,both sheets,the skirt and pillow cases .The only SQ s I know that can handle that kind of load are commercial and pre set. I had three Affinities,all if which are now defunct, two GEs,  BOTH of which are now defunct. Four Asko pairs I sold and serviced and seven of the older Admiral, Magic Chef and Philco compact sets that died horribly. I now have four LGs, a Miele Touchtronic full size front loader and another LG that's top loading(WT1101CW) and is the best washer i've ever had brand new,never used. That I got for FREE from a local used dealer who has contracts with Home Depot and Lowe's to remove broken down or damaged appliances and older units,picked up during delivery. The owner, Charlie Smith, just called me with yet another LG he doesn't want. This one has the square window but isn't an 8000. He said it won't come on and shows DL on the board. That's door lock. It might just need a new door lock assembly. I get them on line for $45. We'll see. Anyway, I sell the LGs for $459. So far, I've sold three and no issues at all. The first one was sold back in 2011. The last one,back in July,2014. Teaching customers how to maintain their appliances is necessary because that way they can't blame you for their own incompetence. Aloha.

 

Chuck 

 

 

 

[this post was last edited: 5/21/2015-03:08]
 
Well, those findings don't ring true here in Europe where LG products are relatively very average in terms of build quality and reliability. Which? magazine is completely unbiased, their findings are based on verified buyers and warranty company claims. I don't know, maybe they have suddenly improved but I doubt it. They are throw away products, not built to last.

If you wanted to look outside of SQ and LG, I would look at Bosch if you want a blend of quality, performance and value.
 
Changing a bearing&#92spider on a FL is indeed a lot of work. But it is a 150$ DIY job. Plenty of tutorials online (some of them are actually helpfull) and even the bigger part suppliers sell rear drum assemblys round about 150-170$, spiders rarley north of 100$.

And yeah, the SQs are coming in at 30 years or more. Now, that means they were made 30 years ago or so. Does that directly mean the new once will last just as long? Not quite.
I know of several brands that were highly raved for decades until they all of the sudden with a new line of models just went a major step down. (What a strange sentence...)
I know of brands that managed just the opposite.
 
Sure, the spiders do cost about 100$ or so. It is not reasonable to expect a general homeowner to change a spider gear, or bearings. I'm sure there are a couple of hardcore (more time than money) diyers that would do it, but most would discard the machine.

Having looked inside a 25 year old queen, and a brand new one, I can tell you that they Are essentially the same. = good quality, and just as inefficient.

Don't take me for a speed queen fanatic like some of these folks on here. I personally don't care for them enough to put them in my laundry room. In fact, my washer is a lg. I may try the speed queen front loads, but I'm still in the fence.

The speed queen is a good quality machine that will need belt service after 5 years, and likely a belt every 5 years after. It will likely need bearings at the 15-20 year mark.

The lg will be long gone by then.
 
But we talk about FLs here. And the SQ FL design has been around since around 2007 I think until they were redesigned recently.

Spider changing is removing pump, motor rotor and stator, remove dampers and springs. Remove counterweigth, as well as pressure and drawer-tub hoses. Lift out tub. Unscrew tubhalfs. Remove front half. Remove basket. Clean it. Unscrew the spider. Screw in the new one. Put it back together.

Should take a somewhat handy person with little equipment a good saturday.
 
I just got a new FL washer a few weeks back. I started out by looking at SQ. I was hot to get one, but I read about a few folks having issues. I thought, Do I want to drop $1800. on a SQ? There warranty is 5 years, and they claim the machine is built to run for 25 trouble free years, so why not have a 20 year warranty?, How about 10 years. If these SQ are all that, why only 5 years? Clearly there's a little dishonesty going on here. I got a dented LG for $525. and a 5 year warranty for $105.

Would I rather have a SQ? Yes! And if SQ had a 15 year warranty, thats what I would have bought.

As it stands now, I've got a 5 year machine for $630. And when the LG fails, I'll use the SQ in the laundry room til my parts arrive for the LG.

The other key factor is I'm a renter, on the third floor. And I did not like the thought of having an $1800. 270 lb machine in a place that was not my own. At $7. a week in coin machines, the LG will pay for it's self in less than three years.

And Fyi, My last machine lasted 12 years. I tore it apart and got the spider out in less than 30 minutes. If Electrolux charged $100. for a spider, I'd be using the machine today. They wanted over $300. and that was too much. While searching for a spider, I kept finding LG/Samsung spiders for under $100. This sort of PO'd me, but got me thinking how easy it is to change a spider, and how nice it was the the Koreans are charging a fair price for spiders. That's what steered me to LG.

Also, I payed $1000. for the electrolux 12 years back. Thats less than $2. a month for that washer. I'm 100% satisfied with the service I got from that machine. Never had any issues(but the spider) in all 12 years. I call that a great machine!
 
I have to say that BennyBoy's in reply #27 took the words right out of my mouth regarding my decision to not buy a Speed Queen FL. I have been using a GE GTWN2800 TL for almost 3 years, and I had been very happy with it. But due to the severe drought here in Calif., and the rebates now being offered I decided to get a FL. The 2 local SQ dealers wanted $1799.00 plus delivery chgs, and tax bringing me up to $2000.00. I just couldn't justify that expenditure. So, this week I bought an LG WM3170CW from Lowes for $801.00 out the door, this included the 3 yr. extended warr. that begins after the 1 yr. LG warr. ends, so I have a 4 yr. warr., free delivery and installation ,tax and the hoses. It was delivered yesterday. I am very pleased with it and I expect that I should get many years of service from it, we are not hard on our appliances. Both the installers and the sales staff at Lowes said that they have the most customer satisfaction with the LG FL's. I did 6 loads yesterday at approx. 13 gals. per load = 78 gals. of water used, vs 35 gals per load X 6 = 198, so I saved 120 gals. It washed our Cal King quilted bedspread better than ever before, 4 King pillows ( 2 per load) the sofa slipcover all beautifully, using the Bulky cycle. Since it spins at med speed, when the cycle was complete I ran a spin only on high to get the large items as dry as possible before putting them in the dryer, and they all dried much quicker than I've been used to.[this post was last edited: 5/22/2015-16:16]
 
Congrats on the new washer Eddie! I still have my Hydrowave covered in my office. LOL. I should sell it, but haven't tried very hard. They truly are great machines. I think you made a good choice though. I just read an article about the drought out there. I've been to CA dozens of times when I lived in AZ and the pictures blew me away.
 

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