Speed Queen FL's-- opinions?

14 years ago

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone can please tell me about their impression of Speed Queen's front loading machines. In particular, I'm considering buying one of their stacked washer/dryer units. The model number is ATE50F (electric dryer). I would think their FL models from the past aren't that different from the current model. (Their rather basic but sturdy mechanics appeal to me.)

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Comments (3)

cryptandrus
14 years ago
I've only ever Speed Queen FL machines at our local laundromat, and it has only been a few times when our home machines were out of commission for whatever reason.

I do remember that the cycle times seemed surprisingly *short*, especially for a FL.

I do also remember that the Speed Queen FL machines got surprisingly low marks for cleaning, the last time they were reviewed by Consumer Reports.

I do think they seem to be well-made. I want to like Speed Queen, but I do wonder how well they actually clean.
royaluser
14 years ago
I purchased a Speed Queen front loading washer and matching dryer about 9 months ago. Once the washer was properly balanced, the pair have operated flawlessly.

The washing cycles are shorter than those used by others manufacturers. I have not understood the need to have long washing cycles. The Speed Queen washer does a fine job in cleaning our clothes. The Speed Queen washer cleans our clothes better than our previous Kitchenaid top loading washer. Granted, my family of four does not stain or dirty their clothes heavily. I prefer the shorter washing cycles because I can do more loads in a given period of time. The Speed Queen drying time is much shorter compared to the Kitchenaid pair.

I placed my bet on Speed Queen to be a reliable and long-lasting product. Have you heard of Speed Queen washers with mold/mildew problems even though they are heavily abused in laundromats? Who does not want a washer and dryer that are built to higher standards using commercial parts? Do you want your washer to have a stainless steel outer and inner tubs? Not many manufacturers do that becuase it increases the manufacturing costs.

For more discussion and information on Speed Queen products on this website, you can use the search function.

I would think that you would be happy a Speed Queen purchase. If you plan for the long term, the higher initial cost of the Speed Queen pair will be spread over a greater number of years because the products are more reliable and longer lasting.
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My FL that I ditched was a Duet made for Sears. The manuals were Duet. Mine did have a 2 hour sanitizing setting that I did use routinely. 2 hours to wash kitchen towels with not enough water - hot or not, never got them stain free and did not get the washer clean. And if you left the load in the washer with the door closed for anytime at all -- stinky!! And a rewash. My manual said to check under the rubber ring if you washed small items. I hated that washer!!! I think I hate it more now that it is gone! :) I'm sure there are great FL's made. I have a Miele vacuum I love, but it was very expensive. I never looked at the Miele washers. I admit, when I finally decided to get rid of the FL, I did not shop for anything other than the Speed Queen thanks to the information shared on this forum over the years. I was delighted to find a local dealer who also does their own service. I have followed pinky's "adventures", and still bought a Speed Queen. I am hoping for a positive outcome for you. I am watching out for any signs of a problem-so far none. I did buy the AWNE92 - electronic controls - the longer warranty sold me, as I intended to get the manual controls. It does have hot wash, but my hot water out of the bathroom faucet measures 130. I'm going to measure the hot wash next time. I did measure the 'cool' wash - it was 62 and it felt warmish to me, so that is the cycle I am going to try for our clothes. I think washing and rinsing in cold water causes wrinkles.....but that could have just been the FL. I am re learning how to do laundry. At least it is fast and I can open the lid and watch! My FL had a dark smoked lid and I could not see anything inside even shining a flashlight thru it. Jayme - still no regrets ditching the FL! In fact I feel stupid putting up with it for so long.
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mysteryclock
14 years ago
From what I understand, the commercial labeled versions the Speed Queen FLs and the original home models (from a few years ago, not the current ones) have a shorter wash time than the present home models do -- something like 9 minutes for the wash-tumble cycle. The new ones have a longer wash cycle and still manage to get the whole load done in 45 minutes, I believe.

For comparison, my Bosch could probably get a "Normal" wash done in less than an hour if it didn't spend several minutes EVERY TIME deciding if it could spin after the wash and the final two rinses, even when the load is perfectly balanced. That's just "overhead" time IMO.

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Speed Queen FL's-- opinions?

Comments (3)

cryptandrus

royaluser

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mysteryclock

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