Speed Queen LWS42NW

Speed Queen washer – We bought this washer new less than a week ago. It leaves fabric softener in the bottom of the tub. It won't resolve all of the fabric softener. What's up with it? My wife loves the washer. We have always had a Maytag, for 40 years.

So far, so OK – I've had this machine for almost two years. After a lifetime of using Simpson washers with their diminishing life spans, I decided to give this machine a try, tempted by the fact that my repairer said that he'd had the same washer for almost 20 years and the only repairs he'd had to do was belt replacement - and despite the high price tag. … Read more

Keeping in mind this is a COMMERCIAL machine, this is my review:

The best thing about the Speed Queen is the short cycles, compared to my previous machines. However, I've found that it is suitable for only MINIMALLY soiled laundry. Anything that has a hint of a mark/stain MUST be pre-treated. Also, for extra dirty clothing etc, it is best to stop the machine for a while during the normal cycle for soaking. It would be good if the machine did it automatically (as it does on the gentle cycle), but the normal cycle is simply too short to do a good job. I also find this machine a bit rough.

The gentle cycle is adequate, however, be sure to have a good stock of laundry bags for more delicate items. There are times when laundry on this cycle hasn't spun quite dry enough.

I haven't used the permanent press cycle.

Lint is a bit of a problem, especially on very dirty and darker items - despite thorough dissolving of powder and plenty of water being used. Water comsumption has increased with this machine, but it is slightly larger than my previous ones. There are 9 water levels, which I find good.

You may be tempted to use less detergent than recommended due to it's excellent agitation, but I would advise against it if you want pleasant-smelling laundry.

If I get 20 years out of this machine (with nought to minimal repairs), I will not mind having outlayed more money than I normally would have.

They don't make them like this anymore? – I've had mine (Kleenmaid/ Speed Queen) from new for nearly 20 years now and it's still going strong. Would get another one when this konks out, but the new one has a smaller opening. Might have to wait another 20 years though! Apart from it being a little noisier nowadays, it's still a very reliable machine.  Show details

Wonderful machine for 6 years – I replaced my Omega 8000 washer 6 years ago with the 8 kg Speed Queen Top Load. It is the best washing machine I have had, but I have a problem now with the Regular spin cycle. Can you tell me who to contact for service in Adelaide Metro area? My original Appliance Agent has now retired.  Show reply

Very dissapointed – Our business purchased this machine a bit over 12 months ago from a local retailer in Echuca to enable us to wash larger loads due to the nature of our accommodation business. We wash 3 or 4 loads of up to 10 kg's most days. Our black uniforms come out with streaks of sticky sludge on them. This sludge is on the lighter coloured doonas etc. also… Read more

but is not as noticeable on the lighter coloured fabrics. I contacted the local retailer who checked it out thoroughly. It was still under warranty but they charged for the service call as they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Then it leaked water on the floor once or twice so I rang about that and had it seen to again, (& was charged again) however it hasn't done it again.... until tonight. It's not leaking a lot, just enough to fill the grout lines between the tiles for a meter or so out from the machine, but something is not right. I then contacted Speed Queen and after a few weeks of phone calls trying to sort out the problem from a distance [name removed] drove from Melbourne all the way to Moama.

The service was excellent while we were trying to get to the bottom of the problem. Unfortunately he too couldn't find anything wrong with this machine. It is a washing machine that does everything a washing machine should do. It fills, washes, rinses, empties the water out and spins very well...it just doesn't leave the clothes clean. Both the retailer and [name removed] from Speed Queen suggested putting clothes through the drier to get the sludge off.... tried that and it helped a bit but didn't remove it all together and I would prefer to line dry whenever possible. [name removed] was kind enough to phone after his visit to see if the machine was any better. I haven't heard another word since I told him the same problem persisted. I wouldn't recommend this machine to anyone who is trying to run a business and present themselves each day in clean uniforms. For the $2,000 investment it has only served to make my life a misery!!

Keeps on going, on and on – What a fantastic machine. We have had it for 6 years now and it hasn't missed a beat. Previous washing machines lasted 15 years and 10 years with numerious services in their life. The Speed Queen although an American Product, and I usually buy Australian when I can, has been fantastic. Clean lines for easy cleaning and no fancy dials or… Read more

buttons to get clogged up with dirt. All the settings you would ever need and cleans the clothes well without being too harsh on clothing fabrics. Cleans well, large capacity for blankets etc. Not very noisy. Numerious variable water levels. Hesitated on Price, but don't regret purchase now. Centre fabric softner despencer is hard to clean and can't be removed for cleaning..