Thread Number: 56624
Speed Queen TL: 542 vs 432? |
[Down to Last] |
|
Post# 789460 , Reply# 2   10/17/2014 at 10:40 (3,449 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 789509 , Reply# 3   10/17/2014 at 20:07 (3,449 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Get the 542. I use the slow agitation/fast spin combination quite often, especially with small to medium-sized loads. You can, for instance, set the regular cycle to Heavy Soil and the fabric selector to Knits (slow/fast) with no worry about the agitation being too agressive. Reference point: The SQ's slow agitation on small/medium loads provides the same washing action as a vintage Maytag on its fast agitation speed.
There isn't much difference between the Delicate and Handwash cycles. It comes down to this: You're obviously planning to keep this washer for many years. I'd much rather have the increased flexibility of the 542 than to spend years thinking "Damn it, why didn't I pony up the extra $$ for the 542? It sure would have been nice to have that slow/fast speed combination." This post was last edited 10/17/2014 at 22:58 |
Post# 789512 , Reply# 4   10/17/2014 at 20:25 (3,449 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 789668 , Reply# 7   10/19/2014 at 13:44 (3,447 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Use fast agitation for loads that are two-thirds to maximum capacity (unless they're delicates---sweaters, lingerie, etc. of course). Your Speed Queen has powerful agitation, so you may want to opt for slow agitation for, say, a load of only 6 or 7 dress shirts. You'll decrease the water level for a smaller load, so the clothes really get whipped around. Using slow agitation ensures the items in a smallish load won't get rough treatment, especially if you want to use a longer wash time (Heavy soil, which is around 12-15 minutes) to give the detergent more time to do its job.
On the other hand, if you're washing a smaller load of grimy white socks and towels, go ahead and select fast agitation. Use a slow spin speed for loads of dress shirts/slacks (to help prevent wrinkling) or delicates. Choose a fast spin for everything else. You won't need the extra rinse unless you have a family member who is very detergent-sensitive or if you use an extra large dose of detergent for a really tough load. I used the feature once or twice when I was a little heavy-handed with the Tide. Regular Cycle: This is the one you'll use most often. In fact, I rarely use the Perm Press, Delicate, or Hand Wash cycles. Both the Delicate and Hand Wash cycles alternate brief periods of agitation with soak time. Most of the time, I'd rather just set the Regular cycle to 'Light Soil' and get 6 full minutes of slow agitation. And with the 542, you can do that! Perm Press Cycle: Is nearly identical to Regular, but with slightly shorter wash periods. If you choose fast agitation/fast spin on the fabric selector, the first spin will be slow, but the final spin (after the rinse) will be fast. Delicate/Hand Wash: As mentioned above, these cycles alternate periods of of agitation and soaking. The spins will always be slow, even if you set the fabric selector for a fast spin. Be sure to use enough water to keep the load "rolling over" at a moderate pace. It is better to err on the side of using a bit too much water rather than not enough. You shouldn't experience many out-of-balance loads. Don't wash a single heavy item alone. Add a few other items to balance the load. Enjoy your new Speed Queen! While I've been a front-load devotee since the mid-1980s (my "daily driver" is currently a 2010 Frigidaire) I also enjoy using (and get great results from) my AWN542. It's the last of the old-school top-loaders and should prove to be very reliable. This post was last edited 10/19/2014 at 16:14 |
Post# 790024 , Reply# 9   10/22/2014 at 07:04 (3,445 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Tell your installer/dealer you called Speed Queen's customer service and spoke to a man named Chuck, who told you the installer was authorized to raise the water level to the top row of holes in the tub. That way there's no trouble with the warranty being voided.
Worked for me. And there really is a man named Chuck who works for SQ customer service. |
Post# 790313 , Reply# 10   10/23/2014 at 20:26 (3,443 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
My local rag that gets mailed to every mailbox had a full page color ad on the back today for a Speed Queen washer and dryer, with the 2 smaller knobs on the left, obviously towards bottom of the line and no model number, for $1500 for the pair and they would throw in the full 5 year warranty on the dryer.
|