Thread Number: 56369
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Post# 786876   10/2/2014 at 15:20 (3,464 days old) by laundryboy (Orlando Florida & Moravia NY. )        

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Hi Everyone,
I have to buy a new washer and dryer for my house in NY, I am debating between the new LG front load steam washer and dryer in Graphite gray, or a Speed queen top loader and dryer.. Any advice would be great
Chris





Post# 786878 , Reply# 1   10/2/2014 at 15:26 (3,464 days old) by pierreandreply4 (St-Bruno de montarville (province of quebec) canada)        

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i would go with the speed queen top load washer awn542 with matching dryer

Post# 786881 , Reply# 2   10/2/2014 at 15:46 (3,464 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

SQ is of course the winner of reliability ratings.
LG on the other hand wins in terms of efficency and features.
I don't know the water rates of NY, but I guess they won't be low after all.
So if you think the more as twice as big water usage of the SQ would be problem in terms of cost, the LG might be your better choice, though only haveing an estimated lifespan of 5-8 years.


Post# 786886 , Reply# 3   10/2/2014 at 16:08 (3,464 days old) by washman (o)        

Second what pierreandreply4 said.

Post# 786892 , Reply# 4   10/2/2014 at 16:33 (3,464 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
Speed Queen and only Speed Queen

no way would I buy Korean made LG!
What part of New York? Yhere are alot of independent dealers that sell Speed Queen washers and dryers.
Mike


Post# 786923 , Reply# 5   10/2/2014 at 20:19 (3,464 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

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Hate to burst your bubble,Mike but,most appliance parts are made oversseas. Not in the US. So quality,convenience,reliability,performance,and features weigh more then where the product is "assembled".
I have three LG front loading Tromms. Two have steam another is the 5.2 washer and matching dryer. The only repairs were a new door lock assembly on one and the other had to be overhauled from somebody washing lava rocks in it. Seriously!! "Magic Mushrooms" were rampid n the area this washer was abused.Anyway, LG paid for all my parts on it . All I had to pay was labor. If the life expectancy is so low,how the hell has their rating in both washers and dryers been the best overall and had the fewest repairs of ANY other brand??? Top loaders are water and power hogs. They tear clothes from the agitator blades and cause lint from fraying the fabric. They can't easily wash tents,shoes,backpacks,sleeping bags,area rugs,queen or king size down comforters,pillows or stuffed toys like my LGs do easily and with awesome results.
The washers are direct drive. No pullies,no gears,no belts. Extremely user friendly,extremely quiet,warm rinse option,steam,sanitize and rinse only cycles along.with quick wash 22 minute cycle with a wash washand two deep rinses. The tilted drum and balance control make it purr when it spins up to 1300 rpms. Because of no sharp Edges,theirs little ware ant tare on clothes. That's why the dryer has less lint build up. The anual energy cost to operate averages $9 to $11!!!

The dryers get clothes so dry so fast! Our water AND power bills went down considerably. I got the big ones last Summer for just under $2100. They're 29" wide and stacked. Interior lights to turn on and watch ad the drums are stainless steel. Quiet too . Almost silent.


Post# 786965 , Reply# 6   10/3/2014 at 00:34 (3,464 days old) by MattL (Flushing, MI)        

I can't conceive of ever buying a top load machine again - to me it makes no sense.  Much less water and detergent are used in FL units and I feel they are kinder to the clothing.  Plus I like the steam and heat options that cannot be matched in a TL machine.


Post# 786979 , Reply# 7   10/3/2014 at 01:51 (3,464 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

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I agree with you,Matt. More versatility,safer on the environment,better , more thorough but gentle fabric care,easier to watch without opening a door,quieter and easy maintenance. The high speed spins are another feature I personally have always prefered. My old Askos spoiled me with their wopping 1800 rpm spins.

Post# 787108 , Reply# 8   10/3/2014 at 18:27 (3,463 days old) by hvtech42 (New England)        

I agree that the LG's are good washers overall. I have one now that had some issues at the beginning, but most of the other brands have similar complaints, andI know there are many people who have had no issues with theirs. Consumer Reports surveys showed a 6% repair rate, which beats out all the other front load brands and I believe is equivalent to their findings for SQ top loaders. I have heard technicians praise how easy the LGs are to get service manuals and other tech info for, and how they are relatively easy to work on. I agree with laundromat's point, it seems like people often like to bash products just because they are made in other countries. The US assembled stuff is filled with imported parts anyway.

IMO The only laundry manufacturer that really is setting themselves apart these days in terms of quality is Speed Queen. I'm not trying to say LG's front loader is anywhere near as well made as theirs. But, is LG really worse than Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, etc?


Post# 787275 , Reply# 9   10/4/2014 at 20:19 (3,462 days old) by washman (o)        
But the question is

1. How expensive will it be to fix? Things break.
2. How easy to fix?

I have had doubts for a long time now about the proliferation of all these cycles that, oddly enough, didn't exist years ago and our garments are made from more or less the same stuff (cotton, rayon, polyester, and the like). Now if we had some new age fabric that COULD be washed with a couple of pints of water, sure I'd be all for it. Always looking to reduce expenses where practical.

Steam? Sanitize? Really? What study has proved that we need those?

The SQ is a good, basic old school TL machine. It uses water, too much according to some, but the end results are clean laundry. It lacks any sort of whiz bang do-dads that go beep in the night, flash obnoxious lights, codes and the like. You don't have to "sanitize" it because it can be set for a tap hot wash. You can use powder, liquids, and gasp, PODS if you like. And you can have your laundry washed, dried and still be home in time for corn flakes. No need to take half a vacation day or set aside an entire weekend day to do laundry.

OTOH, if the application of gee whiz technology floats your boat, then by all means go for the LG, Samsung or whatever machine makes your day. Invest in a surge protector because these machines with their made in China circuit boards don't tolerate power surges very well. I'd make a printout of the PDF "quick start" guide so you can become familiar with the error codes that will inevitably come up.
Plan on wasting, yes wasting, water to run the "clean" cycle: read the manual, you cannot put your clothes in when you run the clean cycle. Plan on additional expense of purchasing a "cleaner" like Affresh or something to "clean" the machine that should be "cleaning" your laundry. And finally there are the "soft" benefits. If you have bought the eco-nonsense about climate change, water disappearing, and mother earth getting warmer AND you feel good about all this and want to do your part, then by all means go for a "modern" machine. You'll probably get a better deal up front as the BIG BOX has a finance plan especially suited to your financial needs. You know the drill, 12 months, no interest, cash back et cetera.


Post# 787323 , Reply# 10   10/4/2014 at 23:25 (3,462 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture

Chris:

1) I do not care if you believe in global warming or in conserving water and electricity. Belief in any of that proves spinelessness and lack of patriotism.


2) The LG front-loader and Speed Queen top-loader rate the same for reliability by Consumer Reports, both being best in their categories with only about 6% of machines needing a repair in the past 4 years. Shame on you for considering either washer, as it means you won't have to replace it as often. This reflects badly on Wall Street. Why do you hate corporations and thus America? It has been proven that corporations are people, you know.

 

3) Washing a 12-lb. load in the Speed Queen will use approximately 38 gallons of water.  Washing the same load in the LG will use around 15 gallons.  Each machine will produce a thoroughly cleaned load.  By the time the LG prompts you to use the "Clean Washer" cycle (about once every 50 loads), you will have saved around 1,150 gallons of water.  The 8 gallons the washer will consume during the Clean Washer cycle doesn't even come close to the 1,150 gallons you saved.  Frankly, I solve the problem by opening all the taps in my house for a couple of hours just to show that damn front-loader who is boss.  Consuming anything less than the absolute maximum amount of water and electricity possible is for the weak and intellectually feeble.

4)  Clothes washed in the LG will emerge drier than those washed in the Speed Queen.  A load of dress shirts will spend about 8 minutes less in the dryer.  A load of bath towels will spend around 35-40 fewer minutes in the dryer.  Again, this reduced energy usage is unconscionable and can be rectified by running the dryer empty for a couple of hours each wash day.

 

5)  I have steered several friends toward purchasing LG laundry equipment, none of whom have reported seeing an error code.  I have had two washers with electronic controls and am embarrassed to report the same thing.  None of our washers are connected to a surge protector because that is for pussies...but still no flashing error codes.  We have been cheated!

 

6)  I have a Speed Queen AWN542 and a 2010 Frigidaire front-loader.  It is with grievous shame I report that the Frigidaire reduces my sewer, water, natural gas, and electric bills.  Again, this is un-American.  Use as much water, gas, oil, and electricity as possible. Not doing so means you're being cheated out of what is rightfully yours.  But rest easy: it is a proven fact that no front-loader lasts longer than 3 years, so you'll consume more metal and plastic by choosing the LG.  Winning!

 

 




This post was last edited 10/05/2014 at 00:22
Post# 787347 , Reply# 11   10/5/2014 at 03:42 (3,462 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Limited Warranty

I heard people (they know who I mean) claim that any manufacturer has only a "limited" warranty and SQ is soooo much better.
First: Do these people even know what "limited" in this context means?
Second:


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Post# 787356 , Reply# 12   10/5/2014 at 06:08 (3,462 days old) by washman (o)        

Well if it makes any difference, I switched my windows 7 PC to the power saver mode and bought some candles and a Dietz lantern so I don't have to switch on any lights at night. :) Who says I don't try to reduce energy usage?

Post# 787358 , Reply# 13   10/5/2014 at 07:06 (3,462 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

So you are saveing on the smallest, most inefficent parts?
You PC saves maybe 10W per hour this way.
On light issues: You maybe have 5 light bulbs running for 5 hours a day you substituted by candels. Each has maybe 60W. So we got 5*5*60W. If my head works right, that's 1.5 kWh you save per day.
That equals about 5400kJ. To heat one liter of water by 1°C (or 1.8°F) you need 4.2kJ. One gallon equals about 3.8 liters. So about 16kJ to heat 1 gallon of water by 1.8°F. For a warm wash in your TL you need about 16 gallons of warm water. You'd probably have to heat it from 50°F to 100°F.
To heat ALL the water you need for a warm wash by 1.8°F you'd need 16*16kJ=256kJ. If I divide 5400kJ by 256kJ, I get about 20. So this could heat the water by 20*1,8°F=36°F.
To put this into context: With your energy saveing cautions you told us here, you save about half the energy needed for a warm wash in your SQ per day. And still, not even considering the higher drying costs, the higher water usage and and smaller capacity, you are still less efficent than a LG FL.


Post# 787359 , Reply# 14   10/5/2014 at 07:11 (3,462 days old) by washman (o)        

I know henene4. But I'm working on it. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was Syracuse.

Post# 787361 , Reply# 15   10/5/2014 at 07:22 (3,462 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

But a FL is...

Post# 787378 , Reply# 16   10/5/2014 at 08:54 (3,462 days old) by washman (o)        

Can't go FL. I have too much invested in the SQ TL. That being said, I am going to reduce bathing, coffee consumption, and figure out a way to capture grey water from downspouts. Also plans are in action to stop flushing toilets; the smell I will just have to live with.
If I can manage those plus other eco-sanctioned initiatives, I know I can reduce water consumption. When all is said and done, I might not smell so good but I will certainly feel good.


Post# 787434 , Reply# 17   10/5/2014 at 13:09 (3,462 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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P-s-s-s-s-s-t! Hey Ben! This is where you remind everyone you drive a very fuel-efficient, super-reliable Corolla, saving thousands of gallons of gasoline over its lifetime. The Mighty Geo (my rebadged Corolla) gets around 40 mpg on the highway, and the odometer turned over 262,000 miles on the way home from Mankato a few minutes ago.

You know I have no qualms with Speed Queen's top-loader. There's a shiny new AWN542 in my laundry room! However, I do get frustrated with the misguided attitude that every other washer on the market is garbage by comparison. I love owning a classic, old-school top-loader with a fun-to-watch spin-drain...but the list of reasons I prefer a modern front-loader---reasons which extend far beyond water/energy use---keeps the SQ from ever being my daily driver.

So, Chris, if you decide to purchase a top-loader, there's no question it should be a Speed Queen. If you decide to go with a front-loader, LG makes great, reliable washers...with some very useful bells and whistles.




This post was last edited 10/05/2014 at 13:42
Post# 787442 , Reply# 18   10/5/2014 at 13:43 (3,462 days old) by washman (o)        

Of course Frig, I forgot that. Only I don't quite manage 40 MPG on it. In fact, the mileage has dropped off a bit. Not sure why. Only 79K on the clock too.

I turned the thermostat down to 68 this AM. I keep moving around to keep the internal temp up but the gloves are coming out of the closet next!


Post# 787472 , Reply# 19   10/5/2014 at 16:24 (3,461 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
I'll never get you...

I really can't get you.
First, I don't know why you have to set your thermostat DOWN to 20°C. Our house has constantly nice 22°C through out the year. We got 260 heater square meters and only use 3500 liters of oil each years for 7 peoples hot water and heating. That's not much for a house and heating system 27 years old.
We are 7 of us, we cook, bake, cool, shower just as we want. Still, we stay beneath 4900 kWh each year.
We really don't save much, but there are just tiny things that save energy.
For example: lighting. We switch to LED step by step now since 2 years and we see slow but steady gain the one and other hWh. And I don't know your electricity rates, but once you pass the 25 cents per kWh (we are getting to 30 next year) and 5€ per cubic meter water (Not sure, but I think we always went around the 700m³ in the maximum), even this saves money AND is efficent.
We have a dryer and use it frequently. So, after our standard condensor dryer failed, we invested in a heat pump dryer. At 200 cycles a year and 50% electricity saveings, we get the additional 200€ back in less than 2 years. And waiting 10 minutes longer for a load of towels won't kill you.
What I'm trying to say that you should simply stop makeing fun of somebody who just thinks logical. And efficent. And not the "I know it that way. Why accept change?" way.
A SQ cleans laundry well. It rinses it well. It lasts long.
But a LG cleans at least as well. And rinses as well. It might only last ½ the time, yet, it saveings are huge. It has these features you would use from time to time. And it would have the ability to WASH a pillow, not only to soak it. And it could disinfect laundry if necessary. And it could heat the water. And and and...
So see the world as it is: Changeing, advancing and developing. Even SQ goes this way. So why not you?
(As I don't want to get a LG heat pump dryer rivival, I won't further reply on this thread.)


Post# 787479 , Reply# 20   10/5/2014 at 16:58 (3,461 days old) by washman (o)        

Well some clarification for you Henene4:
1. I RENT not OWN a townhouse/condo. Thus I am at the mercy of the HVAC equipment that was installed when this was built in the late 80's.
2. I have NO say so at all regarding the HVAC performance. In other words, if it works, have a nice day. What I did do several years ago was replace the round Honeywell t-stat with a LUX programmable.
3. Similarly, I cannot change the insulation, windows or the upper and lower sliding doors which leak like a sieve.
4. My HVAC system is old school natural gas with a 220v central air unit. They are full on or full off. Neither is a Hi-eff unit.
5. Most homes in the US are forced air. As you know hot air rises. Well if I keep the tstat at 70 sure the downstairs is warm but the upstairs where I sleep is hot.
6. Believe it or not, it does take several days, sometimes weeks for me to become acclimated to cooler temps. This cold shot came rather quickly. Just last week I ran the A/C for 2 nights!

You would have been wise to ask what, if any, measures I have taken to reduce energy costs. But you didn't so I will attempt to illuminate your knowledge a bit.
1. See #2 above
2. Used felt weatherstripping all around the patio doors and the front doors to seal off air leaks.
3. Did the same thing to my door leading to my garage.
4. Wrapped my water heater with an insulating blanket.
5. Turned water heater from 145 down to 130. I tolerate less hot showers and less of a "hot" wash in the SQ
6. Switched all interior lights to CFL. It is true, they do last MUCH longer than traditional Edison style bulbs. And when they are warmed up, put out the same soft yellowish light.
7. Invested in a mattress warmer so I can have the furnace down to 65 at night and not awake with stiff muscles.
8. In the summer I go around in shorts and sometimes no shirt. That means I can use a 65w Hi velocity fan rather than the A/C to say cool.
9. Have taken to manually cleaning my Caloric oven with soap and water rather than run the 3 hour clean cycle which gobbles up electricity (although it does clean well)
10. Wear long sleeve sweatshirt and sweatpants in the winter with socks.
11. Run the SQ only when I have a completely full load. Believe it or not, especially in the winter, I dry about half my articles in the free air, not the dryer.
12. Ran pipe insulation as far as I can on the exposed hot water pipes in the basement to their termination points.
13. On sunny winter days, which are rare around here, I open all the blinds to take advantage of the suns rays.

Over and above that, I also combine auto trips. I HAVE to drive 5 days a week to work but on day 6, I can work at home. Obviously this saves fuel.
I also run my tyres at higher pressure than Toyota recommends. While it makes for a slightly harsher ride (not that a Corolla rides like a Lexus anyway), it cuts down rolling resistance and as a result, I get better MPG.
I also change the air filter 2x a year. Yes, air filters can trap dirt that you cannot see with the naked eye, reducing airflow into your engine. This results in a more consistent performance and better MPG.

As I stated many times, I don't care one whit IF an appliance maker comes up with a better idea AND the marketplace (consumer) endorses it. That is called competition and when it is allowed to work in a free market economy, it can do wonders for product improvements.

What I do have a problem with is government arbitrarily dictating these so called energy standards without ANY input whatsoever and doing it all under the guise of a major worldwide climate crisis, which in reality does not exist.

I've read far too many complaints on more message boards, forums than you can imagine. I personally looked at these machines when I knew I had to replace the GE. Yes, believe it or not I did do some research. What I found out was CR loves them because they happen to fit CR's agenda. I also found out they do not clean well, require additional cleanings and simply don't last as long as older machines. That is my biggest gripe; these things cost more money but fail to deliver longevity or performance. And I ask myself, why? Oh yes, I forgot, the all knowing government regulations kicked in and they had no choice. Well you'll never see my jump on that bandwagon. Never.

In other words, these DOE regulations are in response to a problem that was blown way out of proportion and talked up by the gutless media as the next "crisis" that simply must be dealt with no matter what.

I suppose it all comes down to one's perception of what government can and should do. Some of us here stateside, myself included, bristle at more control, more regulation, more intrusion in our private lives. Others accept these things and just go along. As you have probably figured out, I don't. Whether you agree or not, that is your choice my friend.

But I hope I have dispelled myths and/or stereotyping that I burn, churn, and use any and all resources to my hearts content, costs be dammned.


Post# 787513 , Reply# 21   10/5/2014 at 19:39 (3,461 days old) by appnut (TX)        
Bob made a Tide commercial???

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4 weeks ago I was changing the sheets on my bed to some light blue ones.  I didn't realize it at the time, but right before I started making up the bed, I'd cut my finger and I didn't realize it until after I had started putting the sheets on the bed that my finger was bleeding and I had gotten blood on my top sheet where my finger had streaked across it with blood.  I wsent ahead and used those sheets for the week and actually forgot about the blood stain.  Throw it in my Duet on Allergan with Tide HE with Bleach.  To my shock, I'd forgotten about the stain and didn't set the control properly to deal with such a stain.  It went through the washer and dryer.  As I was folding the sheet, I noticed the blood stain still there, much to my disgust, they are some of my favorite sheets.  So Wednesday evening this week, I put the "clean" sheet back in the machine with a scoop of Tide HE as well as Biz.  I set the machine on Sanitary with deep clean stain treat with steam and erally didn't expect much.  But I was gonna give it all I got.  When I pulled the sheet out of the washer, I didn't think I saw the stain, but I didn't want to take chances, so I line dried the sheet and folded it up after it dried.  I just put the sheet on the bed and there was absolutely no trace of the stain.  I have never had such results with any top loader in my 50 years of doing laundry.  I've always felt the European way of dealing with the myriad of stains is gradual heat from cool to extremely hot and oxygen bleach was far superior to the chemical laden approach  of American laundry with short agitation and probably just as long a soak as it takes to heat the wash water in a European fashion.  Eugene (Frigilux), your experiments have been reinforced with your outstanding laundry results in your Frigidaire with gradually heated hot water.  I never got this type of results with my Frigidaire frond loader WITHOUT a heater.  I'm not sure one could get this type of results with 40 gallons of cool water and heating it up to 160 degrees gradually with 5 doses of most American detergents and a top loader that would be equipped with a heater to heat those 40 gallons of water.  I still feel front loades are far superior than top loaders for extremely tough stains and doing laundry such that I don't have to think about it, it does it for me.  For average soil I use cycles which are 1 hour or less.  But 2 to 4 times a month I have loads which need this type of treatment and I never have to check for stains, I just throw laundry in the machine.  Unlike with my Lady Shredmore, I was inspecting every garment as it went into the machine and having to treat for stains.  It took a whole cycle time length or more to inspect the next load.  Laundry isn't nearly as tiring now.    I just load, press buttons for proper sequences of heating, temperature,  as well as tumble and spin speeds, and off I go to take care of other things. 


Post# 787713 , Reply# 22   10/6/2014 at 19:11 (3,460 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
Speed Queen or bust

Let me clarify my earlier remarks, I would not support a Korean company like LG that does not have any quality control measures nor employs Americans such as myself.
Speed Queen is far superior in all ways and if this link doesn't make you want to buy a set NOW, instead of buying a pretty Korean made, plastic, over priced low warranty product, then I don't know what else will convince you.
Mike


CLICK HERE TO GO TO mtn1584's LINK


Post# 787719 , Reply# 23   10/6/2014 at 19:52 (3,460 days old) by washman (o)        
Might be close to getting another SQ

sold mtn1584.

A coworker and a good friend has his fiance/girlfriend in Youngstown and her 7 year old LG FL is acting up again. From what he told me it is vibrating and making a pretty loud rumbling sound. 3x a repair man has been out to fix and whatever he does seems to work ok for a while then starts making noise again. I was not able to get the specifics, she's a VA nurse and very mechanically challenged.

Let the record henceforth show that before he told me she had it fixed 3x, I gently suggested try having the LG worked on and repaired before tossing it. Trying to be environmentally conscious here :)

I forgot the name of the appliance dealer in y-town but she was quoted $785 for the AWN 542. Free delivery and removal of the LG.

She's a fashionista and her LG set matches, purple I think? So I reminded my coworker that you get SQ in white, period.

Also in the interest of being sensitive to, ahem....global needs, I also suggested they look at the SQ FL machine. At any rate, I told them they would be making a good choice to get SQ, TL or FL.


Post# 787730 , Reply# 24   10/6/2014 at 21:11 (3,460 days old) by washer111 ()        
Hmmm

Personally, I am not a fan of the "Bells, Whistles and Singing" approach that the Koreans seem to think is necessary with their products.

I also believe these "Sanitise," "Steam" and "Allergen" cycles are really just misnomers for some variation to a Cottons cycle.

The other day, I washed, waxed and polished one of the cars. It created a lot of dirty microfibre cloths.
Granted, they were pre-rinsed (lest I get the Miele full of polishing compounds), but were treated with a completely stock "Cottons 60º" on the Miele (Set to "European" function).
Cycle was supposed to be almost 3hrs, but was cut back 45mins at the start after load sensing.
I used about 2.5 scoops of "Omo" HE detergent; knowing the greasy polishing compound is pretty heavy stuff, and needs a good HOT wash and plenty of soap to get it out.

After the time had elapsed, perfectly clean cloths came out. Yes, the FL smelt a touch like polish, but I doubt even an SQ washer wouldn't after a load like that - full of water or not (Since you cannot really clean the outer tub).
The results of this load were quite spectacular; I wish I had taken photos of the results. Yes, about 4x longer than an SQ, but results were accomplished without much water or electricity.

Getting back to where I was; I feel that American FL's need to head towards a European stance in regards to cycles, where there is a simple selection to cater for everyday cloths, and slightly more speciality items (which have differing tumble patterns and water levels and spinning patterns).
I feel "Sanitise," "Steam" and "Allergen" can be replaced with a single "Cottons" cycle, with temperatures up to boiling, from tempered cold, and a selection for more water/extra rinse. Problem solved.

Anyone complaining about their heating and cooling costs might care to consider that Australians have to put up with weather hotter than most other countries in the West; with Summer temperatures reaching almost 50ºC (122ºF) on occasion.
Our house, with low ceilings, is fitted with a prehistoric A/C unit. We cannot keep the house cooler than 27ºC (80ºF) in the Summer, since the cost simply becomes too great - thankfully, our electricity is about 3 c/kWh cheaper now that our silly "Carbon Pricing" scheme; which does squat for the climate (Since business just pass on the costs, which therefore increases the costs of Australian goods, meaning even more jobs go offshore). was scrapped. Still, our summer powerbill is almost $1000, and the ones before and after still get to about $500-$600.*

*Before ANYONE suggests replacing the dinosaur ducted A/C unit, we've considered this. We dislike the idea of mini-splits, as they don't have the option of a cycling fan, reducing humidity control. They are also introduce a very perceptible draft that makes the room uncomfortable, unlike the central air, which is "draftless" cooling.
Even with the savings of a mini-split, (inverter) or new ducted unit, we're still looking at about 15-20 years to pay back the huge investment for either style of unit - Which is cost-prohibitive, especially when you consider we could move within the next 5 years! (Perhaps we should just suck it up, and stay more comfortable?)

But I digress:
My recommendation would be an SQ if you are time-strapped, and really want no-nonsense washing.
HOWEVER, as Bob highlighted, (and others), an FL can save large amounts of money and deliver acceptable or better results, provided people UNDERSTAND their machines have cycles that are tailored to meet "Government Mandates," and will those cycles are therefore effectively useless for everyday usage.
And I've said it before, and I'll say it again: There is ZERO need to run "Clean Washer" cycles, with special 'Cleaning products,' if people USED THEIR MACHINES CORRECTLY. This means:
~ Adequate detergent dosage to meet the soil level of the objects being washed
~ Adequate water temperature (This means using cycles that actually engage the heater; U.S. machines get this from "Sanitise," "Steam" and "Allergen" cycles/options)
~ Leaving the door ajar after use.
If people bothered to take care of their machines, and stopped believing that "Hot" = HOT on today's machines (Or stopped believing the Cold Water Washing hype), there wouldn't be a need for this. If you live in an area with hard water, using Vinegar as a fabric softener or citric acid in loads of "Shop Rags" should help alleviate the problem.


Post# 787776 , Reply# 25   10/7/2014 at 07:34 (3,460 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
And The Answer Is, A Speed Queen Front Load Washer

combo52's profile picture
As a self respecting human being I try hard to not buy Non-Union built items, especially when they come from countries that do not give a damn about diversity, human rights etc.

If you do not want to buy a SQ FL washer there are many good Union built washers coming out of Ohio from Whirlpool that will easily work as well as a LG.


Post# 787939 , Reply# 26   10/8/2014 at 06:02 (3,459 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture

That's a very good point, John, and one that I don't always think about, but should.

I believe these washers are made in the USA (though I don't know which plants are unionized): GE front-loaders; Maytag Maxima line of front-loaders; Whirlpool Cabrio and front-loaders; Speed Queen, of course.  

A number of Frigidaire appliances are made here, as well: All their freezers are made in St. Cloud, MN. Gas and induction cooktops are made somewhere in the South, but I don't know that their ranges are made here. 

It's a labyrinth: Various appliances within a brand can be made in three or four different places around the world.  Even if they're assembled here, many of the parts come from other areas of the globe---but that's a given, these days. 

If there's time this weekend, I should do some Googling to find out what's made where. It would be useful to post a list somewhere at AW for people to reference when purchasing new kitchen or laundry appliances.

A new Lennox furnace is being installed at my house today. Wonder where it was made?


Post# 787968 , Reply# 27   10/8/2014 at 10:14 (3,459 days old) by glenfieldmathk1 (Glenfield-Leicester-UK)        
Quote: "Hate to burst your bubble", Laundromat

Quote: "They can't easily wash tents,shoes,backpacks,sleeping bags,area rugs,queen or king size down comforters,pillows or stuffed toys like my LGs do easily and with awesome results." People don't wash these things normally. They are washed like once a year, to choose a machine based on these items being washed, is silly. This is what manufacturers do to make you fall into their traps of buying their products, by claiming, oh it can wash sports shoes or there's a dedicated sleeping bag wash etc. Nonsense. Ok some speciality cycles, like a Whitest whites, or a Dark colours, or a sports, duvet etc can come in handy, but generally they only modify the cycle slightly, a bit like customisable options.
Quote: "If the life expectancy is so low,how the hell has their rating in both washers and dryers been the best overall and had the fewest repairs of ANY other brand???" I guess the Exploding Lg's isn't included in this?

I found your response rather rude if I'm honest. You may well own 3, but doesn't mean they're top class.

Not being Harsh to LG btw, they can be OK. Not one i'd choose personally though.

(Sorry usually avoid replying to posts from outside the Uk, I just read, but I had to step in at that reply).
Generally I hear the SQ Quality is the best, we had one in our Villa in Florida that we visited last year, and it worked very well (much better than our previous visits Whirlpool in 2009 [Before the days of water saving]).
Wish you all the best :)
Mat.


Post# 787971 , Reply# 28   10/8/2014 at 10:38 (3,459 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Bob--- I've been using a "profile wash" for heavily-stained whites for 4+ years with excellent results. Never a stain remaining---and you've seen how brutal my stained loads are. Far worse than the test load Consumer Reports uses. The cycle begins with water at about 100 degrees and heats to 150. Each type of stain is washed in the temp considered ideal for complete removal. Glad to hear you found similar results!

As I've mentioned, I like to launder bed linens and bath towels using the Steam option, which on the Frigidaire means there's a 20-minute first rinse in heated/hot water and a second rinse in warm. Everything emerges steamy-warm at the end of the cycle without using extra water and only a little more electricity.




This post was last edited 10/08/2014 at 12:21
Post# 787977 , Reply# 29   10/8/2014 at 11:10 (3,459 days old) by glenfieldmathk1 (Glenfield-Leicester-UK)        

Friglux I agree.
My Hotpoint washer's Whites cycle, heats in stages, from cold to 60C/140F, each heating stage wioth a different agitation/action. Its then followed by a 1hr Hold at 60c/140F with rather intensive rhythm to remove the stains that are left, and get whites their whitest.
This stage /stepped heating seems to keep the detergent active too. I've found a immediate heated start would sometimes destroy the detergent early in the cycle?


Post# 787987 , Reply# 30   10/8/2014 at 11:50 (3,459 days old) by washman (o)        

"If you do not want to buy a SQ FL washer there are many good Union built washers coming out of Ohio from Whirlpool that will easily work as well as a LG."

Not to mention supporting American jobs. Something ALL of use can try a bit harder to do, whether it be a TL or FL machine.


Post# 787997 , Reply# 31   10/8/2014 at 12:43 (3,459 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Not to pull the thread completely off-topic, but since we're on the subject of assembled-in-America/American jobs, I'm happy to report my new Lennox furnace is made in Marshalltown, Iowa, at a 996,000 square foot factory employing 1200 people.

It's being installed by two men I know personally, and it was purchased at a local business whose owner I know personally. Doesn't get much more local than that! It wasn't the lowest bid, by far, but I also know that if the furnace fails in the dead of winter, I'll have a serviceman at my house very quickly. That alone buys a lot of peace of mind. Local businesses in very small towns tend to work hard to keep their customer base happy. They know it takes only a few unhappy customers complaining about bad service in the coffee shop to decimate their business.

Come to think of it...my last two appliance purchases were also made here: GE dishwasher and the Speed Queen washer.


Post# 787998 , Reply# 32   10/8/2014 at 12:52 (3,459 days old) by washman (o)        

Way to go Frig!

Now what about the PODS? :)


Post# 788051 , Reply# 33   10/8/2014 at 18:48 (3,458 days old) by appnut (TX)        
Not to mention supporting American jobs.

appnut's profile picture

that influenced my Duet WFW97 choice when I bought it November 2013. 


Post# 788059 , Reply# 34   10/8/2014 at 19:31 (3,458 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Ben, I'm very happy to report my beloved Tide pods are made in the good ol' USA!



Post# 788063 , Reply# 35   10/8/2014 at 20:07 (3,458 days old) by washman (o)        

Whenever I see a detergent pod, I always think of Frig first, second, and last.

Post# 788382 , Reply# 36   10/10/2014 at 21:00 (3,456 days old) by mielewasherman ()        

I have a question! are the Speed Queen front loaders any good?
Ive never liked LG , or Samsung washers.



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