Re:They Used To Last 50 Years
by pythonistic on Monday March 20, 2017 @12:34AM
(#13911715)
I bought a Speed Queen front-loader a few months ago. Although I can't say anything about the longevity, I was very impressed with the quality of the machine, going so far as to take pictures of the underside of the drum, drain plug, electronics package, and braces when setting it up. It's heavier -- about 250 pounds -- and quieter than the top-loader I replaced.
I worry a little about the electronic control panel, the same one pictured in the review you linked, but I have hope it'll last more than a decade. The warranty is exemplary, even though I haven't had to use it yet so I can't attest to how well it's fulfilled. And it's made in Wisconsin: it's not just another rebranded Electrolux or Whirlpool.
That is all well and good, but if a review write things like this
For example, the similarly priced Electrolux EFLS617SIW removed 27 percent more stains than this
Speed Queen on its Heavy Duty cycle and 13 percent more stains on its Whites cycle. We got
similar results from Kenmore, LG, Maytag, and Whirlpool front-loaders
Those stains remain in spite of the fact that this Speed Queen uses over 40 gallons of water for
the Whites cycle and over 24 gallons for the Normal Eco. We estimate that this washer will cost
around $85 a year to run. That's average for a top-load machine, but almost triple what a
more-efficient front loader costs. A lot of our readers tell us they don't care about the
environmental impact of their appliances. But, maybe they'll care about the extra $275 on their
water bills over five years of ownership.
I'm skipping it sadly (unless their front loaders are any better.)
Re:They Used To Last 50 Years
by pythonistic on Monday March 20, 2017 @11:57AM
(#13915216)
I don't have numbers in my user or installation manuals, but the previous model year supposedly used 11.7 US gal per load, or under 4 per fill. Living in the desert, I feel good about my choice of washing machine ($22-29 monthly water bill).
Regardless, it's less than the top-load I replaced. Front-load washers are supposed to be more efficient and use less water.
Re:They Used To Last 50 Years
by throwaway049 on Monday March 20, 2017 @01:52AM
(#13912047)
I've seen that brand in laundromats. I had no idea they made domestic machines too.
I bought a top-loading Speedqueen washer and dryer pair. My laundry closet isn't deep or tall enough for front-loading washers or stackable dryers.
They have worked well for over 4 years.
I have never caught on to front-loading washers.
The SpeedQueens are not EnergyStar, and you won't find reviews of them at Consumer Reports, but they are build well.
http://laundry.reviewed.com/content/speed-queen-awne92sp113t...