|
Thread Number: 30749
Washer Recommendation |
[Down to Last] |  |
|
| Post# 464663 , Reply# 2 9/21/2010 at 17:51 (4,959 days old) by supremewhirlpol () | ||
|
"SPEED QUEEN"-> If you have speed queen money, they ain't cheap!! MOL or BOL Whirlpool/Kenmore TL will probably work. Looks like most FL machines are out of the question. khrios, how much money you looking to spend? | ||
| Post# 464677 , Reply# 5 9/21/2010 at 19:18 (4,959 days old) by supremewhirlpol () | ||
|
khrios, In that case, NOTHING is built like it used to be. A SQ TL is still considered a "disposable" machine. If you got 2K to spend, get a used commercial FL. It will last much longer than that SQ TL, and is totally rebuildable. | ||
| Post# 464681 , Reply# 6 9/21/2010 at 19:31 (4,959 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
I want to spend enough to satisfy the requirements above, not a dime more. If there are less expensive options, I would love to hear them. | ||
| Post# 464684 , Reply# 7 9/21/2010 at 19:37 (4,959 days old) by supremewhirlpol () | ||
|
Well...do your research, I'm sure you will find something. Good Luck! | ||
| Post# 464687 , Reply# 8 9/21/2010 at 19:45 (4,959 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
I saw that the Speed Queen makes a FL machine. Do you recommend those as well? Thanks, | ||
| Post# 464690 , Reply# 9 9/21/2010 at 19:47 (4,959 days old) by qsd-dan (West) | ||
 | ||
| Post# 464714 , Reply# 10 9/21/2010 at 20:23 (4,959 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
Well designed is good. I assume it has the same warranty as the TL. Would it be able to handle 13 loads a week, heavy loads, such as bedding, and still clean my clothes? I hope, I hope the answer is yes... | ||
| Post# 464752 , Reply# 11 9/22/2010 at 00:53 (4,958 days old) by DanManTN (Tennessee) | ||
From SpeedQueen.com concerning FL (same commercial unit they install in laundromats, etc.)
"The Energy Star qualified Speed Queen Horizon washers help you conserve water by averaging just 13.9 gallons per cycle. Its green story continues with a super-high 300 G-force final spin, which removes more water from loads to greatly reduce drying time. And at just 44 minutes per cycle, Speed Queen's Horizon washer delivers quality wash results faster than many competing models." FORTY FOUR MINUTES, not hours. Speed Queen brings to you the industry’s best warranty on all of our washers and dryers. 3 years on parts and labor. 5 years on the motor.* 5 years on the cabinet.* 5 years on bearings and seal assembly.* Lifetime on all stainless steel wash baskets and outer tubs.* * Limited. See Speed Queen warranty bond for details. I have the 542 TL, others will have to comment on the load size for the FL. Judging from the ones at the laundromat, I would guess the capacity is similar to a topload washer--meaning that a full size fluffy comforter is probably about as big of a load as you would want to run in it. The topload has water reduced to what you would be similar to a med-high setting on older washers (to meet requirements). You will either have to manually add water (hold down 'reset' on water level switch) to select washes to get to the traditional XL water level, do more loads, or adjust the water level in the control panel - if you are handy in that way. Hope that helps. Dan | ||
Post# 464775 , Reply# 12 9/22/2010 at 07:29 (4,958 days old) by yogitunes  (New Jersey) |
||
An inexpensive option would be Frigidaires Gallery Series, the one with the small round port hole, some may argue, but this version seemed to hold up the best for me, I still have it as a backup, I paid $1000.00 for the set in 1997, now their around $600.00 to $800.00 for both....at this price you could have 2 sets STACKED, and get twice as much done in half the time....before I got several machines hooked up, I was running this set by itself, with 6 kids, from 2 to 4 loads a day!....one of the few machines I have that has never needed a repair, I have the Kenmore version......if you have a Sears Outlet near you check them out...or check the link for OnLine....their starting around $350.00...with original warranty
CLICK HERE TO GO TO yogitunes's LINK | ||
| Post# 464793 , Reply# 13 9/22/2010 at 10:22 (4,958 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
Speed Queen FL | ||
|
Post# 464795 , Reply# 14 9/22/2010 at 10:27 (4,958 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
||
SQ FRONT LOAD WASHER
Is the best choice for HD use. This is exactly the same as thier commercial machines and you should be able to get one for around $1500.00 dollars, they also have the longest warranty in the industry. No SQ laundry products are considered disposable, the quality control on these are better than at any time in history. SQ laundry appliances should have a serviceable life of 20-30 years, a longer life than any home machines in history. Even the porcelain outer tubs of the TL models have a lifetime free replacement warranty against leaks, no other washer manufacturer ever did this on all thier machines not even WP or MT.
| ||
|
Post# 464796 , Reply# 15 9/22/2010 at 10:36 (4,958 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
||
|
SQ WASHERS
I neglected to address your concern about water use, The SQ top load machines are good except they are conventional top loaders and they are not very water efficient. The lack of a dual action agitator really cuts down on the amount of clothes you can put in a load and get good results. But they are a good choice for some.
| ||
| Post# 464812 , Reply# 17 9/22/2010 at 11:42 (4,958 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
I forgot to mention in the post above that the salesman was trying to sell me a Miele.... | ||
| Post# 464814 , Reply# 18 9/22/2010 at 11:47 (4,958 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
Oh, and someone else mentioned the Speed Queen front load has vibration issues. I really wouldn't want the machine dancing all over the laundry room every time I wash sheets, or jeans or other heavy items. Is this a valid concern? | ||
|
Post# 464821 , Reply# 19 9/22/2010 at 12:08 (4,958 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI) |
||
Videos
Here are some videos of a Speed Queen front load washer running. This is the Imperial version, the outer-case is stainless, the internals and cycles are the same though. They belong to our very own mrb627!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO Pulsator's LINK | ||
|
Post# 464905 , Reply# 21 9/22/2010 at 20:46 (4,958 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
||
|
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.
| ||
| Post# 464969 , Reply# 22 9/23/2010 at 06:44 (4,957 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
|
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 ) | ||
| Post# 464974 , Reply# 23 9/23/2010 at 06:49 (4,957 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
|
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 | ||
|
Post# 464978 , Reply# 24 9/23/2010 at 06:55 (4,957 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY) |
||
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 | ||
| Post# 465007 , Reply# 25 9/23/2010 at 08:04 (4,957 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
One more question, would the Speed Queen FL fit king sized bedding and comforters? | ||
| Post# 465014 , Reply# 27 9/23/2010 at 08:12 (4,957 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
Will do Mike... | ||
| Post# 465049 , Reply# 29 9/23/2010 at 11:57 (4,957 days old) by 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. | ||
| Post# 465069 , Reply# 30 9/23/2010 at 14:46 (4,957 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
|
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 | ||
| Post# 465085 , Reply# 32 9/23/2010 at 17:05 (4,957 days old) by khrios () | ||
|
Good to know. Thanks. | ||
| Post# 465087 , Reply# 33 9/23/2010 at 17:14 (4,957 days old) by DanManTN (Tennessee) | ||
|
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. | ||
| Post# 465101 , Reply# 34 9/23/2010 at 17:54 (4,957 days old) by 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. | ||
| Post# 465107 , Reply# 35 9/23/2010 at 18:12 (4,957 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA) | ||
|
Imperial | ||
| Post# 465128 , Reply# 36 9/23/2010 at 21:31 (4,957 days old) by danmantn (Tennessee) | ||
|
| ||
|
Post# 465227 , Reply# 38 9/24/2010 at 09:15 (4,956 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey) |
||
|
| ||
| Post# 465274 , Reply# 39 9/24/2010 at 12:17 (4,956 days old) by DanManTN (Tennessee) | ||
|
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. | ||
| Post# 465302 , Reply# 41 9/24/2010 at 14:36 (4,956 days old) by DanManTN (Tennessee) | ||
|
| ||
| Forum Index: |
| Other Forums: |
|
|
|
|
|
Comes to the Rescue!
