The Truth About Washers: SPEED QUEEN vs. Whirlpool / GE / Samsung / LG

When you are shopping for a new washer there is only one brand that you need to consider.. Speed Queen Washers and Dryers.
Discover the hidden secrets of Speed Queen washers! Join us as we explore the unique suspension system that sets Speed Queen apart from other appliances. With their rock-solid craftsmanship and innovative technology, Speed Queen washers are built to handle even the most unbalanced loads. Say goodbye to wobbly, noisy washers and hello to the peace of mind that comes with a Speed Queen. Subscribe to our channel for more insider tips and tricks!

[jjbanks]

Every washer will fail. The suspension in the Speed Queen (SQ) is certainly overbuilt for a residential model, and it should be for a true commercial style machine at its price point. One concern with the TC5 model, as with many other SQ models, is the absorbent cost and tedious method to replace the tub bearing/seal when it inevitably fails. We had a GE Profile top load washer purchased new in 2005 with the same "suspension rod philosophy." After 15 years of weekly use the transmission failed, we replaced it with a new LG top load machine. The LG has been trouble free.

The GE never had a service call, in fact if I knew then what I know now about washers I would have replaced the transmission in the GE myself and kept the GE another 15 years. Anyone with an older style non-High Efficiency Washer (Maytag Dependable Care, Kenmore/Whirlpool Direct Drive, SQ) would be wise to repair that machine and keep it instead of settling for a modern machine.

[ureasmith]

Love my speed queen. Bought it about 14 years ago and our family have used it a lot. Averaging at least 12 loads a week. My wife winced at paying 750 bucks for it but I told her lets go for quality this time. The old one I could carry out by myself, this one I had my 2 boys help me get it in the pantry with some effort. Thing's a tank. My wife been happy since, it never bounces around like our former ones no matter how much we loaded it. This one has no computers, I'll happily fix anything on it that breaks in the future. It's earned it's keep.

[MrScottie]

I bought a TC5 about 4 years ago and could not be happier. Unlike it is stated in this video, I don’t find the agitator aggressive at all and clothes come out sparkling clean. Also, several years back when I was looking to purchase, the Speed Queen dealer told me that Speed Queen had dropped the traditional transmission machine from their lineup in favor of the new TR line but received thousands of consumer complaints and sales dipped dramatically so low and behold the TC was reborn and brought back to the market. So what does that tell you?

[JeffRyman]

My wife and I bought our first house in 1981. It came with an avacado green Kenmore washer and dryer, probably built by Whirlpool under contract in the late 1960s or early 1970s. It had the three rod suspension system but much stronger than is currently offered. Each rod was the diameter of my pinky finger and was mounted on each end in a "rubber ball" with a round metal circle about 1 1/2 inches in diameter that was welded onto the end of the suspension rod. Sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s the weld broke on one of the suspension rods. The local Sears warehouse in Knoxville TN was able to get the replacement rod in about a week and I replaced it myself. The washer and dryer were still working well when we sold the house in 1999. The Kenmore washers and dryers now are not that well made. I do like the suspension better on the Speed Queen. The next time I need a washer and dryer I will get the TR7 or its equivalent when that happens. At my age that will be the last washer and dryer I need.

[jonrobertson]

I could have got Whirlpool or Maytag at 40% off retail. After researching modern washing machines (post 2008) I found that most of them don't last more than 5 years. I bought new Speed Queen washer and dryer TR7 and DR7. Very happy I did

[teekay_]

The best part about Speed Queen is that you don't have to worry about what you're putting into it. You throw your clothes in, press the button and 34 minutes later, they're clean. No out of balance, no redistributing towels or sheets because of the loud banging. It just works.

[oneeyedjack]

We've had our Speed Queen TR5 for 3 months now. It does one sometimes two loads a day, everyday. It has been a great machine. Solid as a rock. No shake, no bumping, just runs with surprisingly low noise. Much quieter than the GE Profile that it replaced. They cost a little more than the average brand names but I am very impressed with the quality. No more of the Big Box store thin tin can type of washers for us.

[oldmercedesdiesel]

Great review and comparison between brands. I agree with the TR7 being the best. When I first purchased my TR7 I was disappointed in its ability to clean really dirty clothes compared to the classic. But I finally started using the P4 "super soiled" special cycle for most washes, and now see clean clothes, and about half of the lint in the dryer screen as the classic would give me. My clothes will definitely hold up longer.

[flirtwd]

I live in an apt complex and we have a speed queen commercial washer out back. How awesome is it? My windows were leaking when it rained so I used at least 5 large beach towels one rainy night to soak up all the water. I placed them all in a trash bag and they weighed a good 40 pounds. I tossed them mf in the speed queen and prayed for a miracle. What happened? Speed got busy! OMG! I was left speechless. Heavy ass hell yet the washer did a 100 out of 10. Amazing.

[judithm.]

I had it with computerized washers. I bought a speed queen with mechanical dials 8 yers ago and it’s listed more than any other washer I have ever had. No repairs, no problems. This is the 8th washer that I have had in 48 years. Well worth the expense as I had to special order.

[ctfinneman]

This guy could sell anything, very skilled

[bannol]

The traditional agitation with transmission is not at all that aggressive and in comparison to front loaders, which are somewhat gentler on clothes, the difference is negligible. I know they want to sell more of the TR7, but I have a 17 year old speed Queen, which has the same flexi vane agitator as the TC5 and agitates the same. There is absolutely no problem with the agitation, but it does a better and faster job of cleaning than the TR7. I live in Australia and they don’t sell the TR7 here, because the agi-tub design of the TR7 is less effective than the traditional transmission driven agitation and that is what consumers want.

[jasonb]

I just spent the big money. I know how to repair my stuff. I hate all washers now. They do not I went to a full commercial washer Speed Queen. The laundromat guy was explaining why they are the best. I got to see the engineering of them. I was I just got the TR5 I think... best investment ever made. Rock sold system. Water filled to top. I buying 1 extra washer just incase government gets involved and changing rules again. Drying not worried. Wash my clothes, yes yes. Never ever going back. I will win this war about water. I live in Michigan. My water table is so high, if you dig down 1 foot you hit fresh water. My well is 60 feet down. If you open the cover of well, there is water at top. I think making rules the same, for all is wrong. Some states have lots of water. Some have no water left. Adapt a GPS to washer. If you live in Michigan no problem. If you live in California you have water saver system on. The system adapts. Stop the kindergarten penalizing all equally. Adapt to your environment, and where you live. And go buy a Speed Queen as fast as you can. Before the government banned those too.😊

[willythehero]

Much appreciate the inside scoop with visual tours of the inner assemblies across some of the manufacturers. I grew up in a family always having to go to laundry mats during the 70s and 80s. And those businesses operated with Speed Queen appliances. So, I became a big SQ fan and this is my top brand for whenever I need to replace my Frigidaire washer-dryer combo.

[michaelremillard]

I really really wish people would stop knocking down the Tc5 for aggressive agitation. The Bulky cycle has much less aggressive agitation, it's not properly labeled as such on the control panel, which makes it confusing for people who are trying to make the right decision.

[kuhataparunks]

I enjoy your passion for speed Queen. I’ve been through many and will only touch a speed Queen now

[jimbarron]

My 35 year old Heavy Duty Kenmore is built like a tank. The rods that support the drum are huge not like the pencil rod ones you show. The outer drum is metal too so its a solidly built machine. Id like to see a SQ outperform it over 35+ years.

[robertwarren]

Chose the TR5 over the TR7 early in 2023. Was aware that the TR5 incorporated an electronic board, but still preferred the facing knobs for cycle control compared to the touch pad of the TR7. We have fairly simple, straightforward washing needs, so many of the TR7 options are superfluous. The five vs. seven year warranty was balanced by the up-front cost difference. Similar considerations for the matching driers. We've been pleased with the performance of the "Perfect Wash" action in the TR. Bottom line between the TR5 and TR7 to my mind is aesthetics and lifestyle/wash load needs.

[FletcherRSmith]

I’ve had my new ELux 7537 for about 2 years now and it’s been amazing at cleaning. However, I would totally choose the TR-7 if I had not the option of my ELux today. This was very helpful. Thank You!

[donaldperrotta]

Just the overall look of the SQ tells the story … excellent build quality .