Thread Number: 74263
/ Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Looking for help deciding what type of washer to buy.... |
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Post# 980493 , Reply# 2   1/29/2018 at 19:33 (2,249 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Exterior looks mint ... but no pic of the interiors, and the mechanicals can't be ascertained without examination. The serial numbers will confirm the age. Get the seller to send a pic of the washer's lint filter, or ask how often it's cleaned (many people either aren't aware there's a pull-out filter in the agitator or just never clean it). The condition of the filter may be a clue to how well-cared are the machines. |
Post# 980494 , Reply# 3   1/29/2018 at 19:37 (2,249 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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Post# 980564 , Reply# 5   1/30/2018 at 08:22 (2,249 days old) by vacbear58 (Sutton In Ashfield, East Midlands, UK)   |   | |
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Honey
For you its a complete no-brainer - if you like a traditional style washer get a 2017 model Speed Queen while you can, you won't have the time to be messing around with an almost 20 year old washer if it breaks down. If its a little too pricy there are several good front loader options out there at different price points, if you feel like making the change make sure to get one with an internal heater. Good luck in your seach Al |
Post# 980580 , Reply# 6   1/30/2018 at 11:01 (2,249 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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I'd recommend the 2017 Speed Queen top-loader, as well. Have had one since the end of July and it does a great job. I have the top-of-the-line 9 Series with the electronic controls. Bought one for my sister and she likes it, too. |
Post# 980582 , Reply# 7   1/30/2018 at 11:38 (2,249 days old) by twintubdexter (Palm Springs)   |   | |
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So many Speed Queen videos. So much advice on don't buy this one get this one. I do understand the apparently very different product the 2018 top load washer is from previous top-load Speed Queens.. Is this model, AWNE92SP a 2017 model? If so perhaps I should snag one before they're all gone.
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Post# 980587 , Reply# 8   1/30/2018 at 12:08 (2,249 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Yes. That's the Speed Queen washer I have. No complaints, considering it's basically a washer that could have been beamed in from 1955.
Minor quibbles--
1) Agitator-mounted softener dispenser means softener is added to first rinse if extra rinse options are selected.
2) No detergent dispenser means you have to come back to the washer to add detergent when it advances from soak or prewash to main wash. (Never use those options; I soak for 45-60 minutes by powering the machine down.)
3) Can't select warm or cool water for soak/prewash followed by a hot wash. Whatever temp you select is used for soak/prewash and main wash.
Note: The capability to do any of the above is generally derided by SQ fans as a silly bell/whistle/frill. This post was last edited 01/30/2018 at 13:57 |
Post# 980592 , Reply# 9   1/30/2018 at 13:19 (2,249 days old) by wft2800 (Leatherhead, Surrey)   |   | |
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If you want the best-cleaning machine around by far (as well as likely the most durable), buy Miele. No contest. |
Post# 980595 , Reply# 11   1/30/2018 at 13:42 (2,249 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
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for the Pre-wash/Soak going into the main wash without a dispenser....
the actual idea is to double the detergent at the start, the heavy concentration at the start will work out tough stains, and there will be enough left over for the rest of the cycle to work with.... without the double dose, you sort of defeat the soaking option..... and of course the extra rinse will take care of all the suds.... YMMV |
Post# 980599 , Reply# 12   1/30/2018 at 14:06 (2,249 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Shannon-- You can also do any of the things you mentioned in the post above with the 9 Series electronic controlled model.
For instance, to save soft water (Culligan exchanges a tank for me each week) I often fill the machine with hot water, press the power button to shut it off, then switch to the Normal Eco cycle, which does a water-saving spray rinse. To get a hot or warm rinse, power down the machine, select a cycle and let it fill with warm water. Press the power button, then select Rinse/Spin. Some people are more comfortable with knobs/dials. I tend to prefer electronic controls. Personally, I think a Speed Queen would be a good fit for your heavy usage situation. They are generally quite dependable. More importantly, they are repairable when the inevitable happens. At any rate, good luck with your purchase decisions, and please do let us know what you wind up getting. We love follow-up! |
Post# 980600 , Reply# 13   1/30/2018 at 14:17 (2,248 days old) by Stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)   |   | |
This post has been removed by the member who posted it. This post was last edited 01/30/2018 at 14:44 |
Post# 980607 , Reply# 14   1/30/2018 at 15:03 (2,248 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 980608 , Reply# 15   1/30/2018 at 15:10 (2,248 days old) by Stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)   |   | |
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Post# 980612 , Reply# 16   1/30/2018 at 15:40 (2,248 days old) by shneire (MN)   |   | |
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Never heard of Miele?? Something I need to check into? |
Post# 980613 , Reply# 17   1/30/2018 at 16:02 (2,248 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Post# 980616 , Reply# 18   1/30/2018 at 16:10 (2,248 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
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As Dadoes mentioned above, Miele is a German brand that makes good quality front load machines that will last a long time. The problem is they are quite expensive to buy new, replacement parts are expensive too and they're about 1/2 the capacity of the "American size" machines. The other issue is (at least these older models) they require 220V power, yes even the washer. A regular cycle on these machines is 1h 40m start to finish. The up side is they have built in heaters and many, like the machines pictured below, can do up to a 190 degree wash! I bought these at a yard sale last April and they're 19-20 years old. After replacing the tub shocks on the washer, they have been working great since! Kevin
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Post# 980620 , Reply# 20   1/30/2018 at 17:21 (2,248 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)   |   | |
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Shannon, just an FYI... while the machine you bought has knobs, it's still electronic control. Meaning when you select a cycle with the "timer knob", you can only start it at the beginning of the cycle. Meaning, you are not able to re-start it in the middle of a cycle, or repeat a specific portion of the cycle. Unlike the Maytag washer you posted the photo above. |
Post# 980622 , Reply# 21   1/30/2018 at 17:42 (2,248 days old) by Stricklybojack (South Hams Devon UK)   |   | |
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I think you made a great choice. I just bought one myself I plan to set up in the garage someday, or use to replace my nearly out-of-warranty Speed Queen front load machine if it conks out beyond rea$onable repair again.
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Post# 980624 , Reply# 22   1/30/2018 at 18:11 (2,248 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Shannon-- Take heed of what Kevin posted above. It's possible the 2017 with the cycle dial isn't a true "set it anywhere I want to in the cycle" type of cycle control. I know this is true of the 2018 model with knobs. Can someone with a 2017 knobs/dial model confirm this before Shannon receives a washer she might not want? Please also confirm that the 2017 with knobs has a continuously variable water level control.
If your 2017 has both a regular 'set it anywhere within the cycle' control and a continuously variable water level control, you should be set! You might want to contact whomever you purchased from and ask those two questions to be sure. Water Level on the electronic control model: It's easier just to select one of the four choices on the 9 Series machine. I've had to go up to the next higher level a few times, but the four choices are generally enough. Here's the hack I sometimes use: Let's say it looks like the load should have a 'Medium' water level setting. When agitation begins, I might want a couple more gallons of water added. I hit the power button twice to power it down, hit it again to power it up, then increase the water level to 'Large' and let it fill to the desired level between medium and high. Hit the power button twice to power it down, then once to power it up, then choose either 'Medium' and the cycle will continue, but only fill to 'Medium' for the rinse. I usually opt for the lower setting for the rinse, since it only agitates for a couple of minutes. Again, it's probably easier just to opt for the next higher water level from the start and walk away. But the hack is there if you want to use it. |
Post# 980657 , Reply# 24   1/30/2018 at 22:25 (2,248 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Shannon-- If your console and its controls look like the one in Photo #1 below, you will have a continuously variable water level selector and the ability to set/reset the dial anywhere within the cycle. You can see that each cycle has clearly marked areas for Heavy/Normal/Light soil level as well as 'Rinse' and 'Spin' and 'Extra Rinse.'
If, however the cycle dial looks more like the one in Photo #2, you will not be able to change to different portions of a cycle. It simply has the cycle name printed on the dial. You set the dial on the cycle you want and start the machine. The cycle then runs from start to finish, but you can't "move around" within the cycle---for instance, you can't set the dial back to the start of the wash to fill it with warm water for the rinse, then advance it forward to the 'Rinse' part of the cycle. |
Post# 980735 , Reply# 26   1/31/2018 at 12:34 (2,248 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
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Great to hear that, Shannon. I'm a front-loader devotee, but have to admit that I've grown to really like the SQ top-loader. Just a heads up, the dryer will tend to run pretty hot and continue running long after the load is dry. Also, if there isn't a removable plastic guard over the lint filter, order one from Amazon. It will stop items from picking up lint when you open the door.
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