Top loader with larger capacity than speed queen?

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Does anyone have a large capacity top loader washer they would recommend?

I have heard so many great things about speed queen, but I really would like something larger (to wash larger loads and king sized blankets and comforters). Does anyone have any recommendations?

Is a top loader with an agitator the way to go, even if they are harder on clothes?

We had a HE top loader 12 years ago (no agitator), and were disappointed how the clothes just seemed to slosh back and forth, and they always ended up twisted in a ball after the spin cycle. Are new top loaders (without the traditional agitator) still prone to that? Finding a large capacity HE top loaders Is no problem, but I don't want more headaches.

Thanks

Featured Answer

armjim

9 years ago

Back in 1987 I had my first SFH and my washer was a Kenmore 70 Series. I was able to wash a queen size bedspread by using the reset on the water level control and filling it with enough water to saturate it and the results were satisfactory. I had to be involved-making certain it was well washed and well rinsed, but I only washed the spread occasionally, so it was not a chore. Having had two FLs machines I am tired of the balancing issues and 70 minutes plus to do a big load because it takes it 10 minutes or more to finally spin (on medium). I read some articles recently about how to handle washing a king size comforter when the owner's washer won't accommodate it-and the recommendation was to wash it in the bathtub. I think that may be a good solution for me. I will be happy with the SQ capacity for my normal laundry. One of the reasons I am buying the analog is just for the reason of being able to use reset on the water level control and add as much water as I want for a specific load. I will try to do a big comforter-and if it does not work out I will come up with an alternative. I guess I should feel ashamed for saying I don't wash the comforter very often-but we use it for decor and not as actual bedding.

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Comments (8)

dadoes
9 years ago
Spinning does not twist or tangle clothes. Items are pressed stationary against the drum during spin, they don't move with respect to each other for tangling to be caused. Tangling and twisting occurs during wash or rinse agitation, before spin comes into play.
CLC
Original Author
9 years ago
Agree, the tangling is just what we noticed when the cycle was over and we go to pull the clothes out. I guess the sloshing during the wash cycle is good for sloshing the clothes into knots. ;-)
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CLC
Original Author
9 years ago
@armjim - that is a really good point, and an idea I had not considered. For the amount we actually wash our king comforter, it wouldn't be a big deal for me to hand wash in the tub (probably more efffective, anyway). I'm sure the duvet cover can be washed in the machine. Maybe I need to put the speed queen back in the running. Thank you!
mamapinky0
9 years ago
As often as a comforter needs washed, at least if its only used as a deco or has a duvet cover on it I'd just take it to the laundramat 4 times a year. I wouldn't wash a comforter in the tub it need some aggressive wash action that our hands/arms would fall off lol.

Yes duvet covers fit fine in the Queen even king sized.

A Queen can handle Queen sized comforters as long as they are of summer weight.

I have a 4.5cf FL that although my down filled comforters, queen sized will fit I don't wash them in it (except the twin light weight) because down is very heavy when wet so I decided not to put such stress on my machine.

As long as your comforter isn't against you or your skin or you don't have fur babies sleeping on it I say just take it to the laundramat every few months.
armjim
9 years ago
CLC, I am glad I gave some information to you that may help. Mamapinky, the reason I don't like to use a laundromat is due to back in the 70's my family had a dog that got sick in her blanket-it was a royal mess. Rather than wash it in my parents' Kenmore-I took it to a laundromat to wash and dry it. It dawned on me that if I had done this, Lord knows what else people bring in to wash. I was in Paris last year and we had to use a laundromat, so I never say never.
mamapinky0
9 years ago
I live in a tiny dairy farm community with one laundramat lol...the older couple that own this happily oblige my phobia of community germs lol. They will run a clean cycle with Bleach on the huge fl that I like to wash my down in. Course I have to wait for that cycle to finish. Not saying you could get this same service but it wouldn't hurt to ask, tell them you need your comforter washed but you have severe allergies and are fearful of what could be lurking in the machines.
armjim
9 years ago
Mamapinky I have read your posts forever how long (I am primarily a lurker you know)-I sure could use you. My house is for sale and I have the disadvantage of my basement being unfinished-as an Accountant I learned the value of saving for my retirement while everyone else here put their money into making their homes rival what you see on HGTV. I am getting up every morning and cleaning the bathrooms, the kitchen, etc. Dusting, taking care of our dog, taking my partner to the train and going back to bring home, tidying etc. I don't know how you do that daily as a matter of routine. I really believe in cleanliness making a good impression-plus I just like things clean as I know you do. It tries my soul though.