After much research last January, we ended up with a Speed Queen washer and dryer, but we got a frontload washer. Our previous frontload washer and dryer were 10-year-old Maytag Neptunes. I see that you want the top loader but consumer input on Speed Queen products is next to nil on the web, so I thought I might at least answers some of your questions. On the SQ front load washer, the washing times are shorter than most which is a big plus. I cannot speak re: the top loader. There is no buzzer when the wash cycle is completed and there is no delay start option. Dryer takes normal time and does have a buzzer. There is no moisture sensor, so I stay close by so clothes don't get "baked." Unfortunately, I've noticed more lint with this dryer and our bath towels are now "puckered" at the ends even though I use the delicate cycle. Another frustrating thing I've never encountered is that the silkscreening on some of DH's t-shirts is "cracking." I always wash these inside out, but I don't know if this is from the washer or dryer. When we purchased the SQ set from a local dealer, we thought we had made a wise purchase due to the 3-year warranty, machines were US-made and because they were one of 2 manufacturers that had a washer that hinged on the right side to fit in our space. Unfortunately, just after the front loader was used, it malfunctioned. Large replacement part was shipped in a single-wall cardboard box and damaged. There is no toll-free number for Speed Queen customer service and no one stepped up to follow through. After thirty days without a washer, we wrote a letter to the CEO. A new washer arrived within a week. In summary, we are not happy with these machines. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I would keep researching. We subscribe to Consumer Reports online. They have a current review of washers. They review the front loader but not top loader. Good luck!

Does anybody know hell well these machines hold up against rusting? My machines are in a basement and I notice that the area around the bleach dispenser looks like it is yellowing. I really don't use the dispenser much; but if this is an early sign;this is not good. I thought these machines had a special 3 coat protection ? Nothing beats a true porcelain coated top, providing it is applied correctly. If they wanted to.make these machines like the laundromat machines, it would be nice to have porcelain enamel tops.

I checked on Speedqueen.com for the height dimensions & they don't have it with the lid up. I also called them & the tech didn't know & would have to measure one. He wasn't near one. I'll find out Monday from the appliance store. My problem is that if it's too high I'll just have to change my cabinets. I've been meaning to do that anyway. Then I would repair the Maytag until I do the cabinets. I have a repairman scheduled for Monday afternoon to fix the Maytag. I do have a contract on all my appliances, but thought it was time to get a new machine. The Maytag is 17 years old. I'm supposed to get a new transmission. It kept agitating while draining, but never went into a spin. Can't wait to get it fixed or get a new one. I am very careful putting in my sheets on each side of the machine. It's always with the king size. I think the rollover action is very strong. I've had it checked & they say it's washing as it should. I gave up. Sometimes I can get them to stay under water & just wash & rinse. If I have to untwist them to rinse, they are full of soap. I keep doing that until the water is clear. So much work. When people unravel clothes & put them in the dryer, they may be full of soap. I've also washed just one king size sheet to stop the twisting, but then that one turns into a rope. Sometimes I feel like I'm washing my sheets by hand. Very rarely do I have a problem in the dryer. I do know of a couple of people with some twisting in their tl Whirlpools. I don't want to buy another problem if I can help it.

Thank you, practigal! They're probably out of my budget anyway. The only thing I don't like about the front loader is bending over and having to practically put my head inside to check for socks/small items after each load when I am tall. Yet, I think I am willing to do that because I am tired of my twenty-seven year old Whirlpool top loader's agitator. It is so strong, that it has even made holes in my mesh wash bags! I think the front loader will be more gentle on my clothes.