Laundry is one of those chores that we all deal with and having a dedicated space set up for that task that is efficient and organized is the ideal scenario. Buying washers and dryers ranks up there with buying a car. How do you know you’re getting the best deal and the best products for the money? There are so many options and opinions out there to look at. About 2 years ago, I had the opportunity to shop for a new washer and dryer. I had won a gift card from Lowes so that was where I shopped for my new washer and dryer. I agonized over my decision and making a good one that I would be happy with wasn’t an easy thing to figure out. I asked questions on my Facebook page of my readers and asked them what they had and liked. I got a myriad of answers to that question and everyone has an opinion on what they think is a good washer and dryer set and also a very strong opinion when they didn’t like something. Front loaders didn’t get very good reviews from the people I asked. I had heard that before too and knew that I didn’t want a front loader washer.
(via BHG)
I decided to go with as simple a washer and dryer as I could and I ended up with an old school set that I got from Lowes (a GE set). I’ve been very happy with it so far. I agonized over the choice of an agitator or no agitator (I decided on yes to the agitator), whether or not to get the fancy digital bells and whistles with the risk of those going out at some point. Over the years, I’ve heard more and more that washers and dryers are not built with the same quality as they were years ago. Growing up with all of my early washer and dryers I had, they did last for years and I hardly ever had problems with the standard washers and dryers back then.
With all the fancy bells and whistles that have been introduced in the last 20 years come the problems that go with them. Those plastic parts can break, leaving you without a washer and dryer and a staggering repair bill on top of that. So, today I’m partnering with Speed Queen to share them with you, my readers. When they reached out to me it was easy to say yes. I have always heard great things about Speed Queen and how they are such good quality, long lasting machines and commercially used, but yet they have home appliances that we can use at home. I didn’t get the chance to look at Speed Queen appliances when I was shopping a couple of years ago, but I certainly would given the chance again. When I got the email from Speed Queen, I immediately thought of my friend, Barbara, and how much she loved her set.
When I photographed my friend, Barbara’s beautiful modern farmhouse earlier this year, she mentioned that she had a Speed Queen washer and dryer and how much she loved them. When I got the chance to share this brand with you, I knew that I wanted to interview her about her undying love of her Speed Queens, so welcome Barbara back today. You all loved her house so much and it’s been the most viewed Feature Friday of any house I’ve ever featured so if you missed it, go back and take a peek.
She also has her washer and dryer sitting right out in full sight in her master bathroom, which is unconventional but very practical. I love this about Barbara! She doesn’t care what people think, she does what works for her.
I asked Barbara some questions and she answered with her usual wit and wisdom. For those who don’t know, Barbara and I went to high school together and even though we haven’t been in touch this entire time, she is a dear lady that I’m happy to call friend. She and her hubby built their dream home on acreage in North Atlanta and I photographed it all to share here on the blog. Barbara is a true Speed Queen fan and this is her unbiased opinion.
Here are a few things to note about Speed Queen that you may not know already.
They are built to do 25 years of laundry or 10,400 cycles. That’s a lot of laundry! They have the best warranty in the industry, which covers in-home parts and labor. Since these machines have been tested at the laundromat, you know they are good for home use. Speed Queen washers and dryers are made in Ripon, WI and have over 100 years of commercial quality behind them. So, this means that a Speed Queen will last you 2 to 3 times longer than another competitive brand. That sounds pretty great to me!
When did you purchase your Speed Queen washer and dryer?
Why did you decide on the Speed Queen brand and did you do a lot of research before buying?
I purchased a VERY expensive, fancy front loader washer dryer set in late 2013. They were beautiful, computerized and were supposed to do everything but wash your car (lol)! They even sang to me at the end of the cycles! All was well until 3 years after purchasing (juuuust after the warranty expired) the washer’s computer fried. My repairman told me the cost to repair was $500. But, kindly, he told me ‘off the record’ not to repair it. He said the part would continue to go out approximately every two years. Now, I paid $1700 for this washer. I was not a happy camper. I immediately started researching washers and dryers. Over and over I was led to the Speed Queen brand. The inner workings of their machines are much more substantial than all other brands. Speed Queen supplies most of the public laundromats so you know their washers are tough and will last and last. Their warranty alone is worth the purchase of these machines. I found that I never used all the fancy options on my last washer. I just wanted a washer to do the job of washing my clothes, and last a reasonable time. I got just what I wanted with my Speed Queen washer and dryer.
Why did you decided on the models you bought?
What do you like most about the Speed Queen washer and dryer?
Would you recommend this brand to your friends?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Speed QueenSpeed Queen. The opinions and text are all mine.
My appliance repairman (have used him for 10+years) told me that when I purchase a new washer and dryer to buy Speed Queen. He is NEVER called to work on this brand.
Thanks so much for this post Rhoda. I have one of those pretty but stinky front end loaders.lol I will never ever do that again. I just want the basics and it sounds like Speed Queen might be the brand for me when I can replace this one.
Two years ago this August I needed a new washer and dryer. After purchasing a set from Maytag built by Whirlpool the year before the washing machine stopped working. I went back with Maytag because I had a washer and dryer made by them for over 25 years. I researched online and discovered Speed Queen with great reviews. I purchased a set and as of now have had no issues with the brand. I especially like the fact that I can raise and lower the lid anytime during a cycle without “resetting” which I think had a lot to do with causing the previous machine to stop working.
Speed Queen appliances are made in the USA, and are used in commercial institutions. My next washer and dryer are definitely going to be Speed Queens. Thanks so much for your detailed information.
This is definitely a “file away” post. it is ridiculous the amount of money appliances cost these days and how quickly they break down. Gone are the days of appliances lasting 25 years. My almost new Whirlpool fridge went out this summer, but handy hubs was able to replace the computer himself. I do not like my new Whirlpool toploader without the agitator; clothes come out tangled and knotted. Grrrr!
I agree Roxanne. I don’t like my Whirlpool washer and dryer either. Besides knotted clothes, it is really hard on things. If there is a tiny imperfection in an item you can bet it will come out with a big hole. It also takes a VERY LONG TIME to do a load. I will definitely go back to a good old fashioned top loader with agitator. Thanks to Rhodas post it will be a Speed Queen.
The same thing happened to my Whirlpool upright freezer. Things are not built to last!
I wish I’d known this last year when I had to purchase a new washer for the beach cottage! I’ve been mostly happy with the front load LG washer that I purchased but I would have rather had something rated more reliable. When we emigrated to America in 1957 my Mother bought a Kenmore washer that she used until the mid 80’s when she moved cross country, even then she sold it for $45 bc it was like new after she’d washed at least 4-5 loads per week in it. My first Kenmore lasted about 8 yrs, the second even less time which is why I changed brands. If this LG doesn’t hold up I’ll definitely look into buying a speed Queen. Thanks to you and Barbara for a great review!!
This is so good to know! We are on our second set of front loaders and I will NOT do this again. The problem with smells is just too aggravating.
Love my Speed Queen. Had a fancy front loader an could not get rid of it soon enough! Just got the basics an it does a great job..
At my apartment, I had bought a high efficiency front loader but didn’t have the matching dryer. I wasn’t really happy with that machine because it took an hour and fifteen minutes to wash and I was getting these weird holes in all of my lightweight cotton shirts. I still had my basic old dryer I had bought second hand from an estate sale. I gave it away when we moved and it’s still going strong!
When we moved into our house a few years ago, we bought a Speed Queen washer and dryer set.
Our laundry room is in our downstairs bathroom so we obviously wanted something matching because that’s the bathroom our guests use. We went with a basic top loader with the agitator and a basic dryer. There are no bells or whistles. Just simple, hand cranked controls! I love it. A load takes about 20 minutes to wash, my clothes are all really clean and they dry quickly. We bought it from a local appliance center where we purchase all of our appliances for both our house and rental properties #shoplocal. We had never heard of it but he highly recommended the brand!
I have had mine since Sept 2016 also. My mother had bought a Speed Queen washer a year prior which worked sooo much better. They are so very quiet.
We just purchased a new Speed Queen set this weekend, can’t wait for the delivery! So disappointed in our Whirlpool set, it needs ANOTHER repair and we decided to just get rid of it. Did some research and we were impressed with what we read. So glad to see this post and further enhance our thoughts on making a good purchase! Hoping this will be the last set we have to buy!
I chose a front load Kenmore washer and dryer about 12 years ago, primarily coz my husband has back problems. Taking clothes out of a front loader is easier for him than a top loader. Both machines are on risers. Also, the laundry room is upstairs and in case of a disaster the front loaders use less water. So far so good. No repairs yet. I may be on borrowed time, lol. My brother is still using my mom’s Maytag from the 1970’s and the dryer is even older than that. I guess she got her money’s worth.
I’ve recently read that Speed Queen was the way to go with a new washer. But I’ve also heard to go old school. Get the one with the dials instead of the touch pad. I did get a basic washer and dryer when I purchased my current machine and I am hoping it lasts a long time.
I’m actually in the market for a new washer. This helps tremendously! I will be shopping for Speed Queen. I want appliances with good warranties and that will last for years. Thanks Rhoda!
My best friend has a Speed Queen set. She loves them. Said she will never use another brand again.
I love my front loader set that I bought 6 yrs ago (knock on wood) I never see this brand anywhere. I will definitely be looking that direction when I need a new one.
I read somewhere that Speed Queen does not sell their products in the big box stores, try an independent store in your area. We have a locally owned appliance store in our area that carries them.
Several years ago, when my old, old Maytag died, I did days of research on the internet. My husband sold white goods for 17 years for a local utility company and he has been to many factories for all major appliances. With his knowledge and experience we decided that middle of the line appliances are the best buy. Front loaders got terrible reviews, so I decided those were not an option. I settled on a mid-model Whirlpool. However, after your post, I’m going to give Speed Queen a serious look next time.
Rhoda,
Thanks for the valuable information! We were blessed with Kenmore w/d that lasted 20+ years as well as our Magnavox tv 25+ years that still worked but could not replace remote!!! Remember???
Barb, your wit shines through in your interview with Rhoda! I’m serious when I say you should blog! Not as a professional necessarily, but as an enriching hobby that will encourage and bring laughter to your readers. Imagine how much you have to offer young mothers, grandmothers! And the story of your life from your first “home” after you and hubs married to your current country farmhouse is definitely blog worthy!!!
Bless you both!
Love you,
Vicki
My new speed queen washer and dryer are being delivered this week!! After having GE for years, 2.5 years ago, when GE was less than a year old, the sensor quit working and caused the washer to flood and $15,000 damage to our home. The dryer had pieces falling off inside within 2 weeks of purchasing it. I wished then I’d listened to the salesman and bough the Speed Queen. I finally saved up and bought the pair….I’m so excited and was thrilled to see you featuring them>
Ugh, Ann that is terrible about all the damage to your house from the washer flooding. Horror story for sure!
Thanks Rhoda and Barbara for the info on Speed Queen!!
I love Barbara’s idea of having her washer/dryer “out in the open” in the master bath. Funny, my hubs wouldn’t even notice they were there, let alone if they matched.