Quality really is still available!
Submitted by Impressed -
8/2/2024
As a former educator of customer service skills in the retail sector for over 45yrs, I rarely take time to write product reviews. I believe product reliability and word of mouth will improve a brand's reputation and bottom line without playing the 5 star child's game invented by our overseas trade partners.
So, it's a BIG DEAL for me to be writing about my surprisingly pleasant experience with my new Speed Queen Washer and Dryer!
I recently repaired a failing Maytag dryer (again), and as soon as it was working the washing machine stopped spinning. After repairs that did not fix the problem, it was determined the transmission failed AGAIN. Even if parts were still available, it wouldn't be cost effective doing this a second time. Well, I can't complain too much for an 18yr old appliance set, but I still expected things to last like my first washer & dryer set that lasted over 25yrs. They don't build'em like they used to – Right?
Wrong! After checking local appliances in a few showrooms and asking questions of sales associates I realized the vast majority of name brand appliances are very inexpensively made these days and have a life expectancy of about 8 years, 10 at most. I opened a lid on a formerly good quality name brand washing machine and it buckled! And checking other parts or fancy knobs and electronic switches I realized I could purchase one of these plastic and foil contraptions full of bells and whistles for a fraction of the real cost of producing a quality product, and then toss it in 5-8 years because repairs become too expensive or obsolete.
Or, I could spend comparatively the same price my parents spent on a new laundry set 50yrs ago (prorating the value of the dollar from then to today). While the price today seemed astronomical compared to these modern plastic and foil appliances, the Speed Queen quality was touchable and visible and it was apparent the appliances were well made. After much research to justify the higher cost, I realized I would be purchasing appliances made with the same standards as those 50yrs ago, but with many modern updates to fit today's lifestyles and efficiency mandates.
Too many electronic panels to break down on other appliances without replacement parts being available was one concern I don't need to worry about on these Speed Queen models. Yes, electronics are involved due to efficiency mandates, but much less of them are needed to meet codes and get the job done effectively. The best part of my new residential model washing machine is that it does NOT have a traditional transmission to break down. It uses a slightly different method to more gently wash modern clothing – a feature I was hoping to find in my new appliance. Surprisingly, after several loads I find this newer wash method actually cleans my clothes BETTER than my 20yr old traditional agitator Maytag. I do a lot of gardening and sometimes get jeans quite dirty but this was not a problem. I have to stop and listen to be sure the washer is working it's so quiet! But the clothes come out cleaner with less detergent use, and with a stronger motor, they are spun dryer than in my old model machine which reduces time drying.
I almost didn't purchase the matching dryer but I decided I wanted to begin fresh with an appliance that had a new warranty and would probably last the rest of my life as dryers are easier and less expensive to repair. Surprisingly it seems a bit more efficient than my older dryer and comes with extra features on the high efficiency model [with a local rebate on its way back to me]. I particularly like the steam press cycle for refreshing shirts. And with the extended tumble my clothes are never wrinkled at the end of the cycle if I forget them for a couple of hours.
Speaking of repairs, I'm also impressed that both laundry appliances came with a 5yr warranty and research revealed the Speed Queen company stands behind their reputation with their warranty service. Did I mention the plastic and foil appliances produced by other major brands don't come close to this extensive warranty? They can't, because foil and plastic does not hold up over time like the heavy duty metals and higher quality parts used to produce Speed Queen models!
Thank you Alliance Laundry/Speed Queen for continuing to produce quality appliances like our grandparents could purchase, but with modern options and efficiency built right in for today's generations.
Remind new buyers that your products cost the same in today's dollars as our grandparents spent on their appliances in their own dollars. We get what we pay for and that's easily apparent in Speed Queen washers and dryers today.
A most highly satisfied customer! (And NO, I wasn't paid, coerced, or cajoled to write this!)
Originally posted on SpeedQueen.com
Yes, I recommend this product
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