I think it was last year that you mentioned Speed Queen changing from their old, reliable, mechanical units to non-mechanical (electronic? digital? other?) controls. Are mechanical controls (my preference out of ignorance, probably) still available? Would they be the way to go, if available? I want simplicity and ultimate reliability, not gobs of features I won't use.

Is Speed Queen still top choice if you want the best, most reliable, longest-lasting washers and dryers?

With regards to front-load vs. top-load, I have liked my Kenmore front-loader; the first and only front-loader I ever owned. It solved the problem of unbalanced loads that caused many trips to the basement to re-distribute wash-in-process. But I think you have said they are more trouble prone. Am I remembering that right? Would you lean towards top-loading machines?

My current dryer is electric, but I have gas available in the same area. Serious preference one over the other?

Finally, model numbers of recommendations?

TIA. And Happy New Year.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: amals,

Not Appliance Brad but we just got our Speed Queen washer dryer set.
We went with the manual controls models.
The washer is a top load, model #: AWN432SP113TW04.
The dryer is electric, model #: ADE3SRGS173TW01

Neither of these are listed on the Speed Queen site any more, but our local dealer did have them in stock.

These were replacements for a 10 year old Bosch front loader.

A couple of comments.
My wife loves doing laundry so these get run at least once a day.
The wash cycle is much faster than the Bosch unit was.
The machines seem to be solidly built.
The nearby mom and pop appliance store we used were great to deal with.
We chose to get these because the old washer was starting to have a problem and parts were getting hard to find.
We also hated the front loader. Over time it developed a musty odor and keeping the door seal clean was tedious.

Hope this helps.

Never had a problem with odor from front loader if door left open; I know others have complained about it.

Thanks for the info.

We just bought a Speed Queen set with electronic controls. Warranty on these is five years, versus the three years with the mechanical controls. I purchased with my AMEX so the factory warranty is doubled. Ten years of warranty for my new set.

I really want a speedqueen analog set as well. I HATE HATE HATE front loaders.
I just wish they had a bigger capacity so I can wash bedding. Any comparable units to speedqueen with a bigger load?

I replaced my Maytag set with Speed Queen about a year ago. They have the electronic controls. I couldn't be happier with the SQ set. that Maytag HE washer was crap. I felt like my dirty clothes never got clean. Came out with detergent residue on them and the same dirt I put them in with. But the SQ agitator will beat the mud out of them. Get the SQ. You won't regret it!

we have had a speed queen washer w mechanical controls for about 3 yrs. Great machine. At the time, the mechanical control model had a 3 yr warranty, the electronic control one had 5 yr warranty. We would have gone with electronic due to the warranty but dealer would have had to order one and we couldn't wait.

Bump.

Last bump.

We've had a SQ analog set for about a year and love it.

Parents have the Speed Queen washer with analog controls. It’s a quality piece.

Final update: Bought Speed Queen analog set. For those on the fence, I was told by two salesmen at two different stores that the coming 2018 washers will be electronic behind the analog-looking dials. So it seems now is the time to buy if you want mechanical controls. Thanks for the replies.