which new fl?

[rahimlee54]

I have read alot on here and various sites around the net. I am planning to buy my first FL washing machine. I am considering a SQ Fl but I can't seem to find any information pertaining to the cleaning it gives clothing vs a more consumer oriented unit. 1 hr wash vs 40 minutes and so forth. I plan to run to a local laundry and try one out if I can find it.

I currently have a TL whirlpool that is around 8 years old, however, we are moving to a new house and leaving those behind. The new house has 3 stories and the laundry room is on the main (2nd) level. That room is tile I'd also like some info on the unit walking. If anyone has experience with their unit on any other floor besides the bottom and tile.

Thanks
Jared

 

[mr_b]

Most front load washing machines seem to do a great job. Speed Queen Front Load washers seem to last longer and give a 5 year warranty, where all others such as LG, Samsung, GE, Electrolux, Maytag, and Sears, etc. only give 1 year warranties. I also think Miele gives a 5 year warranty and there may be more.

You can buy a great LG front load washer for under $800. A Speed Queen will cost you $1700 to $1800 discounted and can only be purchased from a Speed Queen appliance dealer.

I own a 2015 Speed Queen front loader, it does a great job and I am very happy with it. I have only had it for few months so I can't vouch for its longevity but the internals of this machine are the same that Speed Queen puts in their front load washers they sell to Laundromats.

 

[rahimlee54]

Price is only a small consideration as my wife is considering more of the $1200 plus washers the set is running around 3k. I just want to make the best decision I can, like everyone else. I like the reliability aspect of speed queen I just dont want to be lacking in the cleaning department. I think it will do better than my aging entry level top loader. I will be calling a SQ dealer today, he has a FL at his showroom.

 

[Practigal]

Several brands ptch that certain of their washers are good on a second story. I would stick to those models. I would add a drain under the washer if possible. I would add a leak alarm under the washer.

 

[rahimlee54]

The laundry room picture, the units will go in the foreground, bottom front in the open space you can see about half of.

 

[mr_b]

With a Laundry Room As Nice As Yours...

With a laundry room as nice as yours you should get the Speed Queen. The new Speed Queen FL offers enough significant improvements over the previous Speed Queen FL that it is totally different machine. 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.

The load size increased to 3.42 cubic feet which is about 3 bushel baskets of laundry. The amount of wash control is an order of magnitude over the previous model. Through the use of selecting various wash cycles and soil levels you can increase wash agitation time to meet your needs. In addition you can select to add an optional 7 minute pre-wash cycle or a 30 minute soak cycle or both. Finally you can select to add up to three additional 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 but selecting the perm press cycle will use a lower speed. In addition you can manually select lower spin speeds or wash with no spin. This new model also has dynamic balancing giving a vibration free spin and very quiet operation.

 

[washerdude]

Be Careful...

Even though certain front loaders say they can be placed on the second floor, I dont think it's guaranteed. On our WFW72HEDW, Whirlpool themselves say it is sutible for second story applications. Thats really not the case with mine. Since we bought it, it has had an issue with vibration. You can feel the floor vibrating at it's full 1200rpm even if the load looks balanced in the washer. Our laundry room sits above 2 sliding doors to a closet and they shake violently in some instances. I'm strongly consdering an LG when this unit goes.

Just recently I've been able to reduce the vibration to an acceptable limit. I read the manual this time and got all 3 sides level like it stated. There we go, almost a still washer spinning at 1200rpm. My tips are that make sure you listen to what the manual has to say about leveling and make sure ALL SIDES that the manual tells you to do are 100% LEVEL. Even if its off a little it will result in pure hell. I hope you find the washer you like! Good luck!

 

[henene4]

While the SQ are generally pretty sturdy units, vibration reduction never been one of their best things.

If you are concerned about vibration, you might consider a TL. By nature, they are less likely to translate vibrations into flooring.

 

[twintubdexter]

As far as that  laundry room goes...I could move in.

 

[mark_wpduet]

OMG

what a nice laundry room! It's HUGE! At least you'll never have to worry about cleaning a dryer vent run - it goes directly from the wall to the outside! I would give anything for that...

I've read about these anti-vibration pads they sell, and I've heard they work really well. Perhaps you could look into them? I'm not sure as I don't have second floor laundry.

 

[mr_b]

Second Floor?

If your laundry room is on the second floor and you intend on getting a Speed Queen FL, I suggest you contact Speed Queen technical support directly and get their advice on doing so. This may be true for most front load washers as well.

 

[rahimlee54]

It is technically the first floor over a finished basement, but contacting them is a good suggestion I will take.

The front loaders are a requirement from my lovely wife . I would really like to get them for her if at all possible.

Thanks

 

[georgect]

Know what would look good in that laundry room...

Electrolux WaveTouch.

 

[henene4]

True

They might not last 20 years, but they get pretty good reviews, technology wise they aree pretty advanced, offer a lot of cycles and they even have a 2nd floor waranty, if I remember correctly.

 

[qualin]

Man, a set of Speed Queen Imperials would look amazing in that room.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/usappliance_2270_509836843

 

[frigilux]

Maytag's top-of-the-line 8100 pair are very near the top of the ratings at Consumer Reports. It's the set I'd choose were I replacing my Frigidaires. 4.5 cu. ft. capacity. Excellent rating for cleaning. They are very steady on standard floors.

I've steered a few friends toward LG and all are very happy with them. Two of the sets are installed on standard (not cement) floors with no vibration issues. If you go for one of the very large models near the top-of-the-line, be sure to check doorway measurements. The behemoth models won't pass through the doorway of my laundry room. Many well-featured standard-size models are available.

Speed Queen gets a huge boost from the members of this website due to its construction and longer warranty. They've had significant vibration issues in the past, although the new, redesigned washer may be better. The tub size is smaller than most new machines-- I believe around 3.3 cu. ft. It also has no internal water heater (as does the Maytag and several LGs), something I think is crucial in a front-loader. It gives the option for truly hot water by using steam, allergy, or sanitize cycles.

Your laundry area is beautiful! Be sure to check back and let us know which pair you decide upon. We love followup.

http://www.maytag.com/laundry-1/laundry-appliances-2/washers-3/-[MHW8100DC]-1112471/MHW8100DC/

 

[rahimlee54]

Finally gave speed queen a call today. The rep that called me back said he tried to get one to walk or vibrate with half a load in it. He also said vibration pads could mess the balance up more than help, so I may give them a try. No decisions yet, as I am trying to locate a more local dealer with one on display. There is one around 60 miles away so if I cant find one shortly I'll just drive out Friday. I also plan on going to the big box this weekend and checking out other models in person as well.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Now to determine which detergent and how much.

 

[rahimlee54]

Do the Sq units see any discount? They were inflated then marked down to msrp where I went.