If you’re looking for a reliable top load washer and dryer, look no further than Speed Queen.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between their two wash systems and give you the top 4 reasons why the Speed Queen brand is worth your investment.
We guarantee by the end of this article you’ll be able to pick the perfect Speed Queen washer and dryer for your home.
Speed Queen enjoys an almost cult-like following from their customer’s, and for good reason.
Table of Contents
Wash Systems
First let’s talk about the two different Speed Queen wash systems, Classic Clean and Perfect Wash.
When Speed Queen redesigned their washers in 2018 by introducing their Perfect Wash technology, they stirred up quite a bit of controversy with their devoted fans.
While it was still built like a tank, the 2018 model completely changed how clothes were washed. Luckily in 2019 Speed Queen reintroduced their older technology as Classic Clean.
So what’s the difference between Classic Clean and Perfect Wash?
Classic Clean washers are the old school machines Speed Queen fans know and love. It’s transmission driven wash action make it the no-frills muscle car of washing machines.
Clothes are pulled towards an independently rotating agitator to release dirt and grime. These machines can be a little noisy and aren’t as gentle on your clothes, but they have quick wash cycles and do a great job cleaning.
Also, there’s no lid lock, so you can easily add items mid-cycle since the washer features a tub break helping it safely come to a complete stop within 2 seconds.
Perfect Clean on the other hand does not have an independently rotating agitator, and instead relies on the force of water quickly changing directions through your clothes to release dirt and grime. This wash action is quieter and gentler but takes a little bit longer and some independent tests have shown the Classic Clean to wash better.
Perfect clean does have a lid lock, but it only engages during the spin cycle and why would you add clothes then anyways?
Perfect Wash machines have a faster final spin speed so your clothes won’t be as wet when you pull them out resulting in faster drying times in the dryer.
Since releasing Perfect Clean, Speed Queen’s made some programming tweaks to the wash cycles, which has resulted in improved performance over the initial batch of machines.
Also some customers had complained about how annoying it was to bypass the eco-friendly settings, which Speed Queen addressed by adding a new Auto-Fill with Extra Rinse load size selection which tends to be the most popular operating mode.
Since these tweaks were implemented we’ve heard nothing but positive things from our customers who bought them.
Our advice: Go with the Classic Clean if you’re a die-hard Speed Queen fan or want a fast agitator washer that will be tough dirt.
If you want something a little more refined that can gently care for your clothes, keeping them looking and feeling like new, then Perfect Wash should be a top consideration.
Reasons to Choose Speed Queen
Now that you understand the difference between wash actions, here’s our top 4 reasons why you should consider a Speed Queen, and these apply to both Classic Clean and Perfect Wash.
Longevity
They’re built to last and easy to repair. Remember the days when appliances lasted for decades at a time with minimal service calls?
Speed Queen is one of the few brands that still live up to that expectation.
First off, all of their units go through a 5-stage product development process that includes testing their units for 10,400 cycles. That’s an average of 8 loads per week and equivalent of 25 years of performance in the average home, which is two to three times longer than other brands.
Second, Speed Queen focuses on what’s important, not the unnecessary or flashy tech features that ultimately result in service calls.
Their machines use minimal electronics and have commercial-quality metal components making for commercial-grade performance that lasts.
You know those washers and dryers you’ve used in commercial establishments like laundromats, hotels or universities? Chances are they were Speed Queen and chances are they’re still working to this day.
These residential machines are tested to withstand years of the most demanding commercial applications, even when it comes to extreme climate environments, power surges, and continuous vibration.
Full Tub Fill
They’re capable of using a full tub of water.
Newer hi-efficiency washers use a very small amount of water to clean your clothes. While this is fine for some loads and great for the environment, it just doesn’t cut it with heavily soiled clothes.
Speed Queen is one of the few washer brands that lets you control the fill of the washer and uses a full tub rinse on all except their Eco friendly cycles.
Even though it’s capacity of 3.2 cu. ft. is smaller compared to other competing models, others don’t fill the entire tub, which means you can actually wash more in the Speed Queen.
True Temps
True hot and cold water, direct from your water supply.
With most washers you never quite know what you’ll get when you select a water temperature and many limit the water heat to under 100 degrees by mixing hot and cold water.
For deeply soiled clothes, especially those with oil and grease, or if you suffer from allergies, that just doesn’t cut it.
Luckily with Speed Queen this isn’t the case. The cold setting will only use water from your home’s cold water supply. The hot setting will only use water from your home’s water heater. And warm will be a mixture of both. It’s simple to understand and takes the guesswork out of caring for your clothes.
The exception to this is Speed Queen’s Eco settings which limits water heat to save on energy usage, but that can be easily bypassed.
Best Warranty
They have the best warranties & are proudly made in the USA.
Since Speed Queen builds its products to last, they are able to offer an industry-best 3 year warranty on their entry level models all the way up to 7 years on their high end pair.
That’s up to 7 times longer than the industry average and includes all parts and in-home labor.
Being able to have that peace of mind on a big investment is reassuring.
And if you love supporting USA based businesses, this is a bonus with Speed Queen. They’ve been crafting their product in Ripon, Wisconsin for over 100 years.
Downsides
Are there any downsides to Speed Queen?
A downside to Speed Queen is that they look old-fashioned and might not fit into the age of stainless steel and ultra-modern designs.
Another potential negative is that water usage tends to run high with Speed Queens as opposed to hi-efficiency 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 but a large drum wouldn’t be filled to capacity anyway.
What Are Your Options?
When it comes to selecting the right model for you home, these are your options.
The Classic clean wash system is only available in one model, the TC5 and matching dryer DC5.
The these units feature a 3 year parts and labor warranty and give you 6 wash cycles, and 4 temperature settings.
Perfect wash is available with 3 different models, TR3, TR5 and TR7 and their matching dryers.
TR3 washers have a 3 year warranty, TR5 has a 5 year warranty and TR7 has a 7 year warranty, and as you go up in series you also gain extra temperature and cycle settings.
Also, on the TR7 you’ll gain an electronic control panel that gives you access to custom washer programs for different types of laundry.
The TR7 is also the only Speed Queen washer to feature a prewash setting.
Also of the perfect was units have the same internal components so no matter which you choose you’ll still get the same reliable performance.
All in all, Speed Queen will become a durable, unstoppable and long-lasting member of your appliance family that promises to never let you down.
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