Software
Houzz Logo Print
yeldogt

Stacked Speed Queen W/D question.

9 years ago

I need a stacked W/D for my new build -- best spot for the W/D is tight. On the Speed Queen stacked unit if the washer door is open at 90 degrees can one access the whole drum? It looks like the door/glass extends into the drum when closed -- trying to understand how far you have to open the door for this to be out of the way. The space for the W/D is up against a wall on the right -- the doors are hinged on the right and are not reversible. I have only a few inches to play with -- so I make be able to get slightly more then 90 .. but not much. The Electrolux is my second choice (reversible doors) -- but I like the SQ's controls in the middle .. and believe its a better unit.

Comments (7)

  • 9 years ago

    I can't answer your question. However, I have some thoughts I would like to share that you can certainly ignore. First, if this is a new build I would seriously consider looking to enlarge the space available for the machines slightly. There are very few small machines like the Speed Queen and each new generation of washer/dryers seem to be growing larger. You will eventually have to replace the machines and the newer version may not fit.

    Second, both Speed Queen and Electrolux have positive and negative issues. The one thing the Electrolux has that would be important to me is a heater. I recently replaced my old compact washer with a less old, used compact that has a heater. The difference in my laundry is amazing. I now have true hot water and even my old rags a cleaner.

    Good luck in whatever you choose and enjoy your new home.

  • 9 years ago

    Stacked machines are the worst for service access. Strongly advise not to do that being that this is a new build and should be reworkable accordingly.

  • 9 years ago

    As dadoes states, " Stacked machines are the worst for service access." I have stacked machines in a very tight closet. And I have to ask a helpful family member who is willing to remove the dryer and be here when the service person comes or I must pay a hefty service charge ($200) just to look at the machine. I plan on rebuilding my laundry closet in the near future to allow for more room.

  • 9 years ago

    The Speed Queen setup is a full (regular 27") size pair ....Electrolux as well. The Speed Queen is nice as they reworked the cases to put a set of common controls in the middle. It's the non reversible door I'm worried about. I'm not looking at the smaller 24" compact size products available (Bosch and Miele). We don't need the huge Samsung/ LG sized units -- or have space. The Electrolux pair are just the regular set stacked vs placing side by side -- this places the controls for the dryer way at the top. I could go with any 27" set -- Electrolux gets decent reviews and the door is reversible. This is a weekend place for us in the country -- two people ... few loads a week. I want a gas (propane) dryer as the house will have an emergency generator. They are going in a finished dressing room. My original plan was to hide a smaller (24") Miele set side by side under a counter. Unfortunately, the smaller sets no longer come with a traditional vent to the outside -- everything is now condensing or heat pump dryers in that size ..... 24" gas dryers are no longer made. Placing a standard 27" set side/by/side requires a deep/ high cabinet -- the counter above becomes wasted space. There is no basement or utility area in this house. We lived with a Frigidare 24" front load set placed under a counter for a few years in another place with no issues --- plenty of capacity for us. I really like the Speed Queen at around $2700 -- the top Electrolux set is a bit less $2100 .. all cheaper vs the Miele (4k). In a perfect world -- the house would have space for a dedicated mudroom/ dog wash area .. and stuff would never need fixing. I believe the SQ stacked is the same door as the stand alone -- the SQ web site is very bad with few pictures.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have the SQ unitized stack snugly framed into my laundry room. They are up against a wall on the right. The doors swing fully open despite the wall. Very accessible. I have been pleased despite one or two issues, but I wish I’d invested Miele. I was just too cheap at the time, but I should have done it, as I miss having (1) the onboard heater which gives a very good hot wash, (2) and the reverse tumble dryer — which I did not even know was a thing until Larsi and enduring ruined me. Sheets and duvets really tangle in the SQ, far more, for some reason, then they did in my old Kenmore, despite the SQ’s drum being only a little smaller.

    All that said, however, I would never install this large unit in a snug space, so I went to great pains to have my laundry compartment open up on the backside so that most of the machine can be serviced without removal, and so that the plumbing shut offs are easily and quickly accessible. In that space we also installed a secondary lint filter that I can access from the back to keep everything thoroughly cleaned out without pulling the unit. If you can’t do this in your new build, I strongly encourage you to consider how difficult it will be if you have to pull that stack out in an emergency. At the very least, you must have your shut offs accessible to the side, I should think. It is extremely heavy, in part, I guess, because it is built to commercial standards. It weighed far more than the combined weight of the Kenmore pair it replaced.

    Further, there are restrictions on the placement of this machine, although they may have changed since the new unit came out. I literally got one of the first digital-control machines off the assembly line, though I had been scheduled to receive the old machine. Long story. In any case, at the time mine was installed, the installation directions stated that placing the unitized machines on the second floor would void the warranty. A lot of dealers, including my own, were unaware of this change. If you search the archives, you will find a couple of posts and discussion threads on the subject. So if you go with the SQ, be sure you clarify that point if your laundry is on the second floor.

    Again, if I had it to do over again I would invest in Miele. But at the time, I was put off not just by the price, but by the condenser dryer, not realizing that the line could be plumbed into my existing drain. Unless your Electrolux unit has an onboard heater, I agree that the SQ is the better option, especially if your water heater is near the laundry, which mine is not. But Miele would be the absolute best option, in my opinion. And an access at the back would be ideal.

    Let me know if I can share any other information about the SQ. Good luck.

  • 9 years ago

    Mine will be on concrete -- lower floor is polished concrete. Very close to the WH ... never had a Washer with a heater .. new to me. I'm doing a Miele refrigerator and dishwasher. Was all set for the Miele W/D set until I found out about the dryer -- may have done vented electric over gas if available .. but I'm reluctant to play with the condensing dryer .. or the new heat pump that is evidently coming out. I'm not seeing great reviews of the current crop of ventless units.

    We had a great old Maytag set w/ top load washer -- almost no settings. They washed and dried. Now the washer/dryer has become major event in the alliance world ......another problem -- something to worry about. I have never turned off the water to any washer I have ever owned -- except when in comes in or goes out. We also send out most of our stuff -- sheets included

    MizLizzie: So, if I understand correctly you can only open the washer to 90 degrees until the door hits the right wall ------- and it's fine to get to the drum?

  • 9 years ago

    Absolutely fine.