If you don’t mind the no-frills design, a Speed Queen washer and dryer will provide you best in class performance and longevity.
Most people have been wondering whether there are any US-based companies left that manufacture top-quality washing machines. If you visit a big box store it seems like every major brand name comes out of Europe or Asia. But there is one manufacturer still pumping out dependable, high-end American ingenuity. Meet the Speed Queen washer and dryer from Wisconsin. This company exemplifies dedication to their craft and enjoys a loyal following of devout fans. As a result, people have been swearing by the reliable design of the Speed Queen washer since 1908.
Speed Queen switched to a more efficient water use design in 2017. However, very much like the Coke’s experiement with the new formula back in the 80s there was a customer backlash. As of 2019 Speed Queen re-released the TC5 model with a traditional agitator and wash action.
Overview of Speed Queen Washers
Models
Main Features
TC5
This is the only washer with the traditional agitator and wash action in the lineup, $1,029
TR3
26" width, 3.2 cu. ft., 3 year warranty, 4 Wash Cycles, Heavy Duty Suspension, Stainless Steel Tub, Auto-fill Option, $899
TR5
all of TR3’s features plus 5 year warranty, 6 Cycles, $999
TR7
all of TR3’s features plus 7 year warranty, 8 Cycles, Electronic Touch Controls, $1,099
PRO TIP – Make sure to contact our staff at (888) 714-4938 to inquire about unpublished savings on Speed Queen Washer and Dryers.
Top 3 Reasons to Invest in a Speed Queen Washer and Dryer
Speed Queen garners an incredibly positive response among our customers. Based on our customer reviews and information gathered by speaking to representatives of Speed Queen, we examined the reasons behind their cult following. Here are the three primary factors why a Speed Queen washer is worth the investment.
1) Durability – Built to last 25 years
Speed Queen washers are hardy, there’s just no getting around it. The company’s official estimate stands at 10,400 wash cycles before the average machine will give out. How many years does that equate to? Roughly 25. We’re talking two and a half decades of dependable, consistent use. It’s extremely common to find customers who flock to Speed Queen after finding that their modern, flashy machine petered out after a disappointingly short lifespan. Not so with Speed Queen. For over a century, they have made it their duty to create long-lasting machines.
2) Ability to Handle Heavy Loads
Another mythic element of the Speed Queen reputation is their ability to handle full, heavy loads. This is the washer that you can fill nearly to the top to soak towels and dense blankets without worrying about overflow. Most standard residential washing machines struggle when it comes to heavy loads that create an unbalanced mass, either performing a poor wash or refusing to complete the cycle altogether. Speed Queen’s ultra-sturdy steel structure and wash tub (also known as the drum) are designed to handle absolutely anything you throw at them. Don’t believe it? We often ship Speed Queen washers and dryers to horse stables for cleaning huge horse blankets, or to commercial operations for uniforms and large sets of dirty loads. And yes, it can easily manage your king size bedding.
3) Best in Class Warranty
Speed Queen is so confident in the effectiveness and durability of their machines that they offer the most robust and far-reaching warranty in the industry. A three year warranty on TR3 washers, a five year warranty on TR5 washers and an amazing 7 year warranty on the TR7 model. The warranty covers all parts and in-home labor, and every single product comes with a standard 15-year warranty on the transmission system plus a lifetime warranty for the outer tub and stainless steel wash tub. Beyond that unique and unparalleled warranty, Speed Queens have a reputation amongst local repair shops and contractors for being supremely easy and straightforward to repair.
Speed Queen washers got a major upgrade just recently which improved their reliability without sacrificing the cleaning quality. In addition, Speed Queen added autofill option to its washers to comply with Department of Energy guidelines. However, you can be rest assured that you can still use your Speed Queen the traditional way and fill up the tub if you desire to do so. Check out our latest post to get the full details on Speed Queen washer updates.
PRO TIP – Make sure to contact our staff at (888) 714-4938 to inquire about unpublished savings on Speed Queen Washer and Dryers.
Where Can I Buy Speed Queen?
All this talk of Speed Queen’s superior quality and dependability raises the question—why aren’t their machines found in every big box store in the country? For the answer, consider this quote from the company’s official corporate statement:
“Our dealers are American-owned, independent, local companies, just like we are. If you value a truly customized, personal shopping experience, supporting your local economy and first class customer service, visit your locally-owned appliance dealer. We promise it will bring you back to the days where quality was uncompromised and your opinions were not only valued, they ignited change.”
This is why American-owned, independent stores and websites, such as our own store, Designer Appliances, are often the place to find Speed Queen appliances. It speaks to their dedication to supporting homegrown and independently owned businesses beyond just serving their bottom line.
Speed Queen vs. the Competition
In addition to the three reasons we gave for investing in Speed Queen appliances, they also boast a laundry list (excuse the pun) of quality features. Here are just a few.
Mechanical Controls
Most Speed Queen users love the departure from fancy electronic controls, which they view as potential liabilities that offer more opportunities for electrical shorts and other issues.
Variable Water Levels
Speed Queen washers adjust water levels based on the load size, allowing for customizable energy saving and wash effectiveness.
Eco Cycle
The Eco Cycle function uses less water than other cycles, designed to save energy and the environment in equal measure.
Additional Custom Cycles
All of the cycle types you could ever want come standard on Speed Queens—Handwash/Delicate, Soak & PreWash, Extra Rinse, and more.
Drawbacks of Speed Queen
While Speed Queens are durable, dependable and heavy-duty machines, they do come with their potential drawbacks. These include their rather old-fashioned looks—while many manufacturers have moved into the age of stainless steel and ultra-modern designs, Speed Queen is certainly not going to win any beauty contests.
Another potential negative is that water usage tends to run high with Speed Queens as opposed to other high-end machines. That being said, they still operate well within compliance of Department of Energy guidelines.
Drum cubic volume also tends to be slightly smaller in Speed Queens than in those of flashier products, though large volume drums built into flimsy machines don’t add much by way of load capacity. What good is a large drum if it can’t be filled to capacity? That’s why Speed Queen devices are built to handle up to 20% more load than machines with larger drums.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a reliable, consistent ability to clean large washer loads without fuss or frills, then the Speed Queen washer is right for you. They may not be swoon-worthy visually, and they don’t boast the 100s of program cycles (which many contest are mostly the same anyway) which are available on other machines. But your Speed Queen will become a durable, unstoppable and long-lasting member of your appliance family that’s guaranteed to never let you down.
FAQs
Are there replacements for the retired Speed Queen washers?
Yes. the old models tranformed into the newer product line.
- AWN432SP also known as AWN432SP113TW04 replaced by the TR3 or most recently by TC5.
- AWNE82SP also known as AWNE82SP113TW01 replaced by the TR5.
- AFN50RSP also known as AFN50RSP113TW01 replaced by the TR7.