The TC 5 is one I have questions about. It sounds like to be the cleaning level for which they're famous, you can't use some of the cycles? I'm a little concerned that might get confusing for them, but maybe not. Also, is the TC 5 a shorter warranty because it's knob, not digital controls? (I actually prefer knobs, but did note that seemed to be the dividing line, warranty-wise).

New TC5-

Don't worry about the warranty.

Kristin S, all current SQ washers, TR and TC models, have electronic controls. The rotary knobs are programmers for the control board. The 7-yr warranty on the TR7 model with a touchpanel is an upsell thing.

Ah, that makes sense.

Okay, looking more closely at the TC5, it looks like it does not have an end of cycle signal. This is a deal breaker for my mom.

How does the TR5 or TR3 perform? What about the Maytag Commercial-grade Residential model with agitator? From what I can tell, it's a lot like the Speed Queen.

An appliance dealer in Austin TX (maybe others elsewhere) has full-cycle test videos of SQ models (and many other brands/models, although some are old trade-ins). The TR series is up to the 3rd revision, the TC may be on 2nd revision. He has the TR7 three months ago. Keep scrolling down his long list of vids for more. He has several of the TC5 when it was introduced a year ago. It has a single beep at end of the cycle, can't say if that has been changed.
Kirk Rivas - Appliance Associates - Austin TX

This explains the TR models and how they had to add length to the heavy duty max cycle to get good cleaning. This makes the cycle 20 min longer. I have an older SQ, really we also own 10 of them we use commercially. I like the 35 min cycle. I do wish it had a buzzer at the end but you can always use a timer. The cleaning and short cycle length are more important to me. None of them have ever required a repair and some are 15 years old.

https://www.consumerreports.org/top-load-agitator-washers/speed-queen-tr7-washer-review/

DW loves the Whirlpool Cabrio that I came home with. Simple controls, low water usage, no problems and has an end-of-cycle signal.

Ive heard negative things about the LG top loaders. Personally, I'd avoid any without an agitator. Samsung has had issues about their toploaders flying apart during spin cycles.

Consumer Reports has ratings and reliability preductions for all types of washing machines: http://www.consumerreports.org/join - $10/month digital

We hunted extensively and ended up replacing our 30 year old washer with a 20 year old made in USA washer that our great used appliance guy refurbished. In the interim we acquired a very expensive new one that we very happily abandoned to the new owners after a few months when we moved. The new old machine cycles quickly, has readily repairable mechanical controls that probably won't break anyway, and does a great job washing clothes-- and it will do an extra rinse and buzz at the end of the cycle.. It was about $400 with all the wear parts replaced and retouched to cosmetic perfection.

I have had a LG washer and dryer for a few years and a LG dishwasher and love them both so much that I just purchased a LG 4K television that I also love. I also purchased an LG air conditioner that is super too. LG gets very high ratings too. Best of luck in your purchase ❣️LG rocks.

I have a Whirlpool WTW7500GW and really like it. No agitator though. It does have an end of cycle signal, extra rinse, deep water, soak, etc. I also really love that it has a built in faucet because I don’t have a sink in my laundry room. I’m pretty picky about laundry but I’ve been happy with this one.

We have a Whirlpool top-loader, and it does have an agitator and an extra rinse cycle. No end-of-cycle sound that I've noticed, but it does have lights to indicate which part of the cycle it is on, including a red one that indicates that the cycle is finished. We're happy with it.

Thanks, all. I think they've decided to go with the Speed Queen TC5, even if it means giving up the end of cycle signal. Her appliance repairman who was checking out the old machine recommended SQ, as well. I really appreciate the help sorting through this!

Be aware also that the TC5 doesn't have a water level control as such. All the cycles have one default fill level which is 1/2-ish full (varies a bit per the cycle). The Deep Fill option adds 3 to 4.5 gals more depending on the cycle.

We needed an inexpensive pair for a rental we are in as we design and build our retirement home and bought the least expensive set we could find (Amana) at the orange big box store. After years of owning expensive washers and dryers with complicated electronic controls, numerous repair visits, and more features than I needed, these are a pleasure to use. They have super-simple, large dials with only the basic cycles. The dark letters on the dials contrast with the white machines so are easy to read. Select your setting and push to start. Clothes come out clean and dry. They just work.

Dadoes, do you think the new SQ can have the default from the factory water level adjusted? I don't think the OP would probably attempt it, but I was just wondering. The factory settings are so much lower than the level the machine can fill to, to attain the govt. requirements.

@ArmJim, all current SQ toploaders have electronic controls. I don't know for sure but expect that the pressure sensor is electronic, integrated into the control board and non-adjustable.