I wanted to wait a week or so before posting this, just to see if maybe I was missing something, but now I'm sure this SQ AWS76 washer is the best major appliance I've bought in the last 10+ years -- and the first in several years from a U.S. company where the designers didn't have their heads squarely in a dark place.
IMO the only two things keeping it from perfection are a half cubic foot or so of capacity, and an enameled steel tub instead of stainless. But compared to the WP Cabrio 6200 I returned for the SQ the difference is like night and day. At this point I feel sorry for anyone (else) who paid $600+ for a washer with only a 1-year warranty, or who's walking around in stained underwear because they're trying to conform to energy efficiency laws.
Great job, SQ!
Post# 276395 , Reply# 1   4/22/2008 at 23:23 (5,846 days old) by djmjlcst(Bloomington, Illinois)  
I agree with you! I have the same model and the matching dryer too. I believe these new top loader SQ's are the new standard - quality construction, reliability, best warranty in the industry, and super quiet! These machines will last for decades and still made in the USA!
Take Care,
Mike
Post# 276405 , Reply# 2   4/23/2008 at 00:03 (5,846 days old) by jeffg ()  
Mike, we'd love to have the matching dryer. Long story shorter, to do that we'd have to eat a 15% restock fee + return shipping charges for Sears to accept a return on the Cabrio dryer. Their presales department had given us incorrect info about the Cabrio washer, which is why they agreed to take it back without any charge.
So we're stuck with a mismatched pair. Small price to pay in our opinion to have clean clothes though. And actually the Cabrio dryer does have a few nice things the SQ doesn't, like a digital readout for exact time remaining, and an option for longer cycle times compared to the SQ (for sheets, mattress pads and other bulky items that take forever to dry). We just hope it outlives its pathetic 1-year warranty by 10 or 15 years.. :)
You have and awesome washer there JeffG, i currently own a SQ set in my home, and i am very pleased with it, you get the classic slow long stroke, which is much better than the shredmores of today, the wasing action is that of the golden pre DD crap of washers, which in my opinion are not washers, but clothes shredders. Enjoy you new well built and durable Speed Queen.