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Friday, June 20th
In 1908, Joe Barlow and John Seelig, hardware store owners in Ripon, WI, bought hand-powered washing machines from a Kansas City company. After tinkering with them, they made the machines more efficient with high-speed gearing. Acquiring manufacturing rights, they established Barlow & Seelig Manufacturing. Initially, they produced a few washers called the "White Cloud” until 1928 when it rebranded as Speed Queen. Since then, the company has been working to innovate washers for customers around the world.
Appliance Overview:
Basic model: TR3003WN
This model is the most basic option made by Speed Queen, but you'd never know it based on the price. This washer costs a whopping $1,259. Here's what you get for your money: a washer with a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, featuring 4 preset cycles and 3 temperature selections. It comes with a 3-year warranty covering parts and labor and includes an automatic balancing system. Despite claims of being ultra-quiet, reviews suggest otherwise. There are no exciting AI features or technology bonuses compared to other washers in this price range.
Top-tier model: FF7010BN
If you thought the base model at Speed Queen was expensive, wait until you see the top model. This washer costs $2,559 for just the washer. Usually at this price point, you're looking at sets of washers and dryers together. Here's what you can expect for that price: A Flea Removal Cycle, exclusive to Speed Queen, which has been specifically developed and tested to combat flea infestations. This washer also comes with Dynamic Balancing, 11 preset cycles, and 4 temperature selections, though it has a just barely larger capacity of 3.5 cu. ft. compared to the basic model. You also get an upgraded warranty with a 5-year warranty covering both parts and labor.
Shipping isn't included
Speed Queen doesn't actually sell its own washers, so to find shipping costs, you'll have to locate a dealer or retailer that does sell the machines. Surprisingly all of the retailers that were suggested to us were smaller companies rather than name-brand appliance stores like Best Buy or Lowes. Most of the stores did not include shipping in the cost of the washer, which was surprising given how expensive Speed Queen units are.
Returns depend on your retailer
We ran into a similar problem with the return policy. Since you can't buy Speed Queen washers directly from its website, the return policy isn't helpful. You'll have to rely on return policies from the retailer you choose. For example, one Speed Queen retailer only offered a 1-day return policy. If you wait more than a day there will be restocking fees. Ouch!
Concerning reviews for something so pricey
Speed Queen currently holds a "B+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, which is a bit lower than most of the companies in our review that hold an "A” or higher. As for reviews on the washers themselves, it's hard to find any that aren't on the Speed Queen website, which raises some questions about how unfiltered those 4.9-star ratings might be. However, on third-party sites like Consumer Affairs, Speed Queen only has a 1.1-star average out of 5. Customers say that they bought the very expensive washers and immediately had issues with the computer parts of the dryer. Many customers complain that they can't get a response from Speed Queen to resolve issues with maintenance or broken parts. Finally, customers regularly complain that the washers are too loud with frequent banging noises during different parts of the cycle.
Isn't worth the cost
Despite a few things like a solid warranty offer, Speed Queen falls behind the pack. The washers are extremely expensive with no real reason as to why. The washers are often smaller than those by competitors and have fewer features. With tons of complaints and a lower-than-average BBB score, Speed Queen comes in with a low rating in our review. If you're looking for the best deal for cost vs. value, this brand won't be the one for you.
There are tons of benefits to a modern washer. The best one? You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your laundry needs are taken care of with just the push of a button. Whether you're washing a single load of delicates or tackling a mountain of towels and bedding, a reliable washer can streamline your household chores and free up more time for the things you love.
With features like multiple wash cycles, adjustable water temperatures, and customizable settings, today's washers are designed to handle a wide range of fabrics and soil levels with ease. Some of the newest styles even use AI technology to sense what's in the washer and figure out the best cycle without you ever lifting a finger. Whether you're dealing with stubborn stains, delicate fabrics, or bulky items like comforters and curtains, a high-quality washer can deliver superior cleaning performance while preserving the integrity of your clothes.
Washers, or washing machines, are a staple appliance in any household, providing a convenient and efficient way to keep clothes clean and fresh. There are lots of reasons to pick up a new washer. Maybe you've made the jump from renting to owning, and you want brand-new appliances to make your new house a home.
Perhaps you've been slugging along with a 10-year-old washer that finally gave up the ghost. Or maybe you've been lugging heavy laundry baskets to the laundromat or spending hours hunched over a washboard in the backyard, and you've decided it's time for an upgrade. No matter your reason for snagging a new washer, it's an exciting prospect: dreamy clean laundry with zero effort right there at home.
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However, with so many different brands out there, it can be hard to know where to start. When shopping for a new washer, there are several factors you might want to consider to help you find the perfect brand, model, or style for your needs:
To help you find the perfect washer for your home and lifestyle, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best washer brands and models on the market. We hope our comprehensive research will guide you to the ideal washer to upgrade your laundry experience. Hopefully, this takes the stress out of laundry shopping and gives you more time to enjoy life, knowing your clothes, sheets, and towels are well cared for!
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