Washing machines may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of brands with passionate fans, but Speed Queen is changing that perception. Based in Wisconsin and proudly manufacturing all their washers in the U.S., this century-old brand might fly under the radar, lacking the flashy advertisements typical of larger competitors. However, those who have discovered Speed Queen rave about the remarkable durability and efficiency of their appliances. Justin Blount, president and COO, notes that sales of home washers are climbing, driven by consumer frustration with other brands that often succumb to mold or deterioration within a few years. Many homeowners are willing to invest more for what they consider superior quality, and they appreciate the simplicity of Speed Queen’s design, which minimizes complex components.
Blount highlights the Speed Queen® TC5 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer with manual controls as the brand’s best-selling model. Unlike most major appliances, Speed Queen’s products are sold through independent dealers and online at retailers like Premier Appliance, priced at just over $1,300. “Our integrated manual control is a huge selling point,” Blount shares. “Customers tend to gravitate towards Speed Queen after experiencing the shortcomings of other brands.”
Customer testimonials echo this sentiment. One reviewer declared, “It’s the only way to go,” praising the Speed Queen home manual-dial washer for its longevity compared to “fancy computerized imports.” Consumer Reports confirms Speed Queen’s reputation, labeling their top-load washers as some of the most reliable on the market based on a review of over 115,000 subscribers.
In a recent test of both top-load and front-load models, Consumer Reports found the washing time to be 35 and 55 minutes, respectively, with users giving near-perfect ratings. The Speed Queen® TC5 model boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars based on more than 150 reviews, with many proclaiming it the best washer they’ve purchased in decades. However, it’s important to note that these machines come with a higher price tag — typically around $1,200 to $1,300 — though owners assert that the investment is justified by the quality materials and engineering that go into each unit.
As Blount emphasizes, “You’re paying for metal rather than plastic. We could lower our costs by cutting corners, but our machines have metal tubs, drive trains, and extensive engineering.” This investment also yields benefits in terms of efficiency, as Speed Queen washers feature faster cycles, reducing drying time and overall energy consumption, ultimately lowering utility bills. With units tested to handle the equivalent of 10,400 loads over 25 years, there are countless anecdotes of machines still in use decades later. As Blount humorously puts it, “It sounds cliché, but the equipment in my home dates back to the mid- to late 1980s.”
. Through Premier Appliances in San Diego, the brand offers a range of reliable services such as financing, sales and service of Speed Queen laundry equipment for the laundry and dry cleaning industry and for home use. For more information, visit https://www.premierappliancestores.com/
