robertnp,

Both good choices and FLW vs TLW is personal decision based on variables such as location, economics, household size, etc. I've had both through the years, and I have a large family. FYI - never had pedestal on FLW/dryer and always use 3 rinses on FLW (don't live in a water starved area).

Advantages FLW:

less water and sewer cost; big deal in water deprived/drought areas

less utility cost for heating the water; smaller CO2 footprint

less drying cost due to higher spin speed; smaller CO2 footprint

larger capacity; washes anything in the house (even fluffiest Queen comforters)

can toss stuff on top panel and not get in the way during loading; I fold on top of both washer/dryer as well

seem to have substantial programmability, but honestly normal cycle hot wash with 3 rinses = 95% of my loads (took Dadoes advice that low water use FLW with long water runs to machine don't get very warm when set on warm).

FLW acquisition cost payback quicker with more persons in household

Advantages TLW:

lower acquisition cost

shallower depth (no door on front)

narrower width (about 1-3/8 less than FLW)

can toss in clothes anytime; nor door lock

long soaks possible, although I can't recall ever doing one

very fast washer cycle times

relatively lighter weight (both are tanks!) if you have a tough install location

lid easy to leave open for avoid potential mold issues

Liked both, but honestly, once you get used to FLW, hard to imagine going back to TLW again. Maybe next set, if the current pair ever died (will likely outlive me). If just 1 or 2 persons in household, payback on extra investment would be pretty long if total life operating cost is a key consideration.

Robert, I'd go over to automaticwasher.org and ask these same questions. Seems to be several folk there that have used Speed Queen TL & FL..

My advice, research until your confident your making the right choice for you and your needs.

I bought a Speed Queen TL this past summer, I did consider a FL, but always using a standard top loader I wasn't confident enough that I would be happy with a HE machine, and you need to be 100% confident of your choice. Do I regret my choice...no...but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to be able to use a FL'er for about a week, just to test the waters, LOL. I actually might do that this comming summer. I have a cousin that manages a Rent-a-Center and has offered to let me try a FL washer for a week, no sales involved...I might do it. Good Luck Robert

There may be a Laundromat in your area that has installed the latest Speed Queen top and front load washers. These use the same internals as the washers they offer for home use. Then go do some laundry there and that should take some of the guesswork out of your decision.

Mama - there's a Miele Novotronic set on Craigslist here in the Chicagoland area for $150, just needs a new power module. When do you want it delivered? :p

Alex..lol...but speaking of Miele...my dishwasher is old, now I like old in dishwashers but this one is developing problems, I could recondition it but I have to think of my daughter and not just my love of vintage appliances. ..I might and I say might replace it this summer with a Miele...what I've been told is even BOL Miele's are probably better than most US D/W'ers. Of course I will research first...I've also heard good about Bosch. (Sparky my mom will really be rolling over lol)

I'm not looking yet, its not the right time. I have a new Speed Queen set that is free financing for 12 months. You can bet it will be paid off before than. Thats when I'll start looking.

MamaP....I truly believe even a "BOL" Miele dishwasher is better than most other washers. There was a time, not too long ago, that Bosch was about as good as Miele. Most reviews of current machines, have a lot of complaints though!

We've had 4 Miele dishwashers in almost 20 years....NO problems. In fact, my Mom still has the one we bought in 1998, and she is still using it daily, and it has NEVER needed one repair, part or adjustment (and my Mom is not hard on things, but she does not over pamper anything either!!).

Cannot recommend Miele enough!!!

Laundryvet

All modern FL's that I'm aware of have a pause button that allows you to open the door whenever you want except when you're using the Sani cycle and the temperature is too high.

Tideman,

That would be true for solenoid operated door locks, but for wax or thermally driven door locks, it's not instantaneous. I think SQ is a wax motor of some sort.

Mamap needs to wait for a Miele floor model at a BOL or better price! That takes patience and time but it definitely is doable.

I recently bought a TL Speed Queen and like it. I had considered going with a FL stacker. After discussing differently models with the owner of the appliance store, who is also a friend, I choose the SQ.

Thank you all for your insight and feedback. It helped me validate my initial thoughts for the TL AWNE82 and just got back from buying that along with the matching ADEE8 dryer (delivery next week). My cat will have to adjust to not having a glass lid washer as she always came in to "help" me on laundry day by jumping up on the counter and walking across the washer and dryer and staring into the washer while it did its thing. I look forward to an easier laundry day.. Thanks again.

Congrats Robert ...a few things about delivery. Make sure you have a bucket of water ready..do not allow them to turn the washer on without first dumping a bucket of water in it. Also have some rags and a degreaser to clean the washers tub, it will most likely be covered in a polishing compound. This is all a Speed Queen thing...your gonna love your machines for many years.

MamaP I bought a whirlpool "special buy" DW at HD and so far it works great. Don't feel locked onto Miele and don't buy one if there is no service in your area.

Thank you Practigal, right now I'm not buying at all...a BOL Miele is on my list to research, a lot of factors have to be concidered and service plays a huge roll. And I wonder if a BOL Miele would be any better than a TOL machine that would still probably be less expensive. But right now I'm not even researching. I need to get my Queens and my frig paid off first. I hear a lot of good about Miele but I hear bad also same goes with all brands, as long as my machine continues working I won't be buying until summer...that's when I will start extensive research lol..Thank you much

Thank you MamaP - I will be sure to do that.