Thread Number: 57740
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Speed Queen AWN432 or AWN542 |
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Post# 801719 , Reply# 1   12/31/2014 at 13:50 (3,375 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 801724 , Reply# 2   12/31/2014 at 14:31 (3,375 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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Post# 801730 , Reply# 3   12/31/2014 at 14:55 (3,375 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Having had a nine year experience with a Raytheon Amana, which at the time of its manufacture was a Speed Queen clone, I respectfully beg to differ.
My Amana emptied into a laundry sink and it was obvious that it was lousy at rinsing. Today's Speed Queens from Alliance aren't any different. The "Extra Rinse" switch on my Amana was always set to the "on" position.
After replacing the Amana with a Whirlpool Duet front loader, items that had been previously washed in the Amana created loads of suds in the Duet due to the residual detergent that hadn't been rinsed out by the Amana.
Based on my experience, I wouldn't even consider the 412, and I'd suggest prudent use of detergent with a 432 or 542.
Simple arithmetic would suggest an additional rinse with agitation for only a couple of minutes followed by a brief spin amounts to far less than half of a standard cycle. To me, that doesn't add up to 50% more use.
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Post# 801761 , Reply# 4   12/31/2014 at 20:05 (3,375 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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I have an AWN542 and strongly suggest you purchase that model. The 'Fabric Selector' is simply the control that allows the user to choose the agitation and spin speeds.
Regular: Fast agitation; fast spin Perm Press: Fast agitation; slow spin Knits: Slow agitation; fast spin Delicate: Slow agitation; slow spin The only way to get slow agitation on the other two models (412 and 432) is to use the Delicate cycle. That cycle alternates a few minutes of soaking with a few minutes of slow agitation. There are many times when I want slow agitation with a longer wash time, as when washing a full load of dress shirts, for instance. I use the Regular cycle on the timer/control dial, but choose Delicate on the fabric selector. This gives a nice, gentle but thorough wash time (anywhere from 8-15 minutes, depending on whether you choose Heavy, Normal or Light soil) and a slow spin to prevent wrinkles. I also use the Knits speed selection for things like blankets, which require slow agitation, but fast spin to get as much water out of them as possible before putting them in the dryer. You're probably choosing a Speed Queen for its longevity and high quality---not a machine you'll use for a couple of years and then get rid of. I suggest you spend the extra dollars on the AWN542 for its flexibility in cycles and speed selections. You won't regret it. This post was last edited 12/31/2014 at 21:08 |
Post# 801775 , Reply# 5   12/31/2014 at 21:39 (3,375 days old) by Chetlaham (United States)   |   | |
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If simplicity is your choice go with a 412, if looking for speed control, 2nd rinse and a prewash go for the 542. My understanding is that the timer issue was resolved for the 542?
Either way you will fall in love with doing laundry. Alliance also has integrity and treat there customers with respect. A win win for all. |
Post# 801789 , Reply# 6   12/31/2014 at 23:17 (3,375 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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It's worth it to buy your Speed Queen from a retailer who also services them. Prices on SQs don't vary much so cost would be about the same.
There seem to be gaps in the process when/if warranty work is required and the retailer who sold the machine doesn't service them, which leaves you to deal with Alliance's low-tech customer service department on your own. |
Post# 801809 , Reply# 7   1/1/2015 at 06:41 (3,375 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
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Post# 801862 , Reply# 9   1/1/2015 at 14:02 (3,374 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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If you've been using your Amana for 15 years (sounds like the same vintage I had -- and congratulations on only needing the belt replaced once in all that time), it would be a cinch to transition to a SQ with mechanical controls, and it sounds like electronic controls don't matter to you.
If you time your purchase so the dealers are looking to clear out the discontinued models, you might be able to swing a deal. BUT -- Even at the price you were quoted for a 542, if it lasts 15 years, which it should, your cost is about $1 a week. I say don't delay and go get the 542 you want before they're gone. |
Post# 802303 , Reply# 11   1/4/2015 at 20:58 (3,371 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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I'm only aware of the grease issue. My step-daughter bought a new SQ within the last year and I didn't notice a bad seam or scratches.
She used a rag dampened with some type of organic cleaner she likes and wiped out the tub before starting the machine. It removed some greasy residue that appeared as charcoal colored smears on the rag.
Be very thorough about wiping out the tub, then run an empty load on full fill and longest wash period, with hottest water from your pipes and plenty of detergent. After that, you should be good to go.
Congratulations on your new machine! It's going to be a smooth transition from the Amana, and you have all the options you'll ever need. Enjoy! |
Post# 802308 , Reply# 13   1/4/2015 at 21:19 (3,371 days old) by washman (o)   |   | |
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Make certain your installers bring with them a friggin LEVEL and level the machine front to back, side to side. Mine was just put in and hooked up and I had to level it myself. Just sayin. |
Post# 802562 , Reply# 15   1/6/2015 at 06:48 (3,370 days old) by DreamKeeper ()   |   | |
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Thanks for all the info guys... I can't wait to get the new machine! |
Post# 802955 , Reply# 16   1/8/2015 at 13:10 (3,367 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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I do not generally recommend raising the water level,of over 400 washers we have sold we have only raised the WL on about 5. When you raise the level the agitator is not really big enough to really turn over the size load that can be packed in this machine. It is too bad they have not started using a two piece agitator in their washers between this fault and the silly dirt retaining spin drain and the too small and too few amount of holes in the bottom of the wash basket you will never see one of these washers in my personal laundry room.
That said we sell a lot of these washers and they are good machines for folks that want a reliable no-nonsense washer, but if you go back just ten years there were much better TL washers available. |
Post# 802960 , Reply# 17   1/8/2015 at 13:30 (3,367 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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That giant sucking sound you're hearing is wind being extracted from sails.
We're all entitled to express our opinion, but a courteous dissenter would stop short of making someone feel foolish about a purchase that most here would agree was a wise one.
Sean, you liked your Amana and it served you well for over 15 years. The fact that you were able to replace it with a brand new machine that's nearly identical and better built is something worth celebrating. |
Post# 803042 , Reply# 19   1/9/2015 at 01:48 (3,367 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
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The most successful TL washer manufacturer ever ALWAYS used ND except for one brief failed experiment in cost cutting. Every TL washer in the world for the last 15plus years has used ND including SQ in other markets where they cannot get away with spin drain washers.
It should be obvious to any washer expert why ND is superior way to build a TL washer, as it is to all washer manufactures. John L. |