Which new FL to get???

[bud]

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?

 

[henene4]

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?

 

[joeypete]

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...

 

[mr_b]

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.

 

[imperial70]

GE has some great front loading machines.  I also had good luck with Frigidaire. 

 

[laundromat]

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.

 

[mr_b]

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.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I can't understand why in the HELL

SQ FL washers don't have a heater??? That's the ONLY thing that keeps me from wanting one.

 

[golittlesport]

LG

 

[henene4]

@mr_b

The LG is way easier on that. They have a small door just on the right bottom front. You open it, and there is the coin trap and even a drain hose to reduce the water that will spill out. No screws, no potential voiding of the warranty.

 

[combo52]

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.

 

[mayken4now]

Oh Goodness

John, you say it so well with respect to the jobs moving overseas!

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

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.

 

[henene4]

"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.

 

[appnut]

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. 

 

[mtn1584]

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!!!!

 

[laundromat]

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

 

[laundromat]

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,

 

[mtn1584]

LG =

Like garbage, Lotsa garbage, Loaded (with) garbage, etc....and Consumers Reports isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
Mike