Product review (5 stars): Old school washing is cool
When my GE profile gave up the ghost after 14 years, I had to search for a replacement washer.  As others have noted, the so-called new HE top loaders and the front loaders are, quite simply, five star pieces of junk.  Imagine replacing a control panel after 2 years, dealing with mold along with numerous "fault codes!".

Thankfully, Speed Queen still produces a machine that does precisely what it should do...clean the darn clothes.

That being said, what you will find here is a sturdy, well made machine that isn't a whole lot different from SQ models of prior years. No bells, whistles, or convoluted contrivances designed to make one crazy, just simple straightforward controls.

This machine is a 2 speed unit, has multiple fill levels (more on that later), a stainless tub, bleach dispenser, fab softener dispenser, and extra rinse switch.

The tub measures 3.3 cu ft in terms of capacity.  It comes with a 1/2 hp motor and a still uses an old fashioned belt to drive the transmission. I won't go into the details on how to use this machine; if you can run grandma's, then you can run this one without having to consult the manual.

How does it wash? Very well indeed! The agitator runs at a 210 degree cycle, longer strokes vs short and harsh strokes on other machines.  The only drawbacks are 1. The "warm" is barely warm (thanks gov't) and 2. the fill on the max load is still a bit shy of full capacity. I understand this is fixable but I have yet to mess with the water level adjustment.

Overall, the machine is very quiet indeed. If you are familiar with an old school top loader, this machine won't throw any surprises at you.  It has a pause/agitate on delicate/handwash cycle and will spray for about 45 seconds on the rinse cycle.  Spin speed on normal is 710 RPM and the clothes do come out less damp than they did with my GE Profile top loader.  The lid does not lock like the anal retentive HE top loaders so if you happen to forget to add something, you can simply raise the lid (wash action stops) add the item, close the lid and go about your business.  In addition, the cycle times are in line with a normal top loader, no 2 hour affair just to wash a simple load of clothes.

Naturally, old school quality has a price and this machine is not cheap. Those who insist on the cheapest of the cheap at your local BIG BOX store should probably look elsewhere. I paid $829.00 plus tax from a local appliance store in my area.  I am satisfied with my purchase. SQ alone actually has a warranty longer than a measly 12 months!  Don't take my word for it, check out Whirlpool, Amana, GE, Frigidare, and Maytag.  Yup, a 12 month warranty, that's all.  But many will insist cheaper is better. Good luck to you on that one.

SQ on the other hand obviously has confidence in their machine as noted by the warranty terms below:
Topload Washer Models
* Three (3) years parts and labor limited warranty on the complete washer.
* Five (5) year limited warranty on cabinet assembly against rust from the inside out. Year 4 through 5 parts only limited warranty.
* Five (5) year limited warranty on the motor. Year 4 through 5 parts only limited warranty.
* Ten (10) year limited warranty on the transmission assembly. Year 4 through 10 parts only limited warranty.
* Lifetime limited warranty on the stainless steel tub and outer tub against rust or corrosion.

I highly recommend this machine for those who are put off by intrusive government regulations that have resulted in masses of cheaply made machines that cause more grief than should be.  On the other hand, for the skinflints out there, keep on keeping on heading to your local BIG BOX and grabbing the cheapest pile of junk you can.