Product review (5 stars): Bomb Proof Washer that Cleans Clothes Well
I like this machine a lot and would not hesitate to buy one again. After almost 20 years of flawless service our Kenmore top loader started to act up and we knew it was time to replace it. We did not like the new generation of high efficiency top loaders so that led us to look at the recent crop of front loaders and there are a shocking amount to choose from. Each brand has a ton of 5 star rating reviewed machines and those reviews that were negative were very few. So we narrowed down our selection to front loaders that did the basics which ruled out steam, and water heating. All I wanted was some basic cleaning cycles for normal, perm press, delicate and heavy duty. Most of my washes are done using cold water and I only use hot water for washing whites so my requirements are simple.

There were not a lot of reviews for the Speed Queen Front Load washing machines, but the internals used in the Speed Queen home washer are also used in their commercial laundry mat washers except that the laundry mat version has a coin collector/credit card reader and a commercial looking outer shell. So this gave me the opportunity to do a few loads with a Speed Queen front load machine before buying. That convinced me to get one and after washing many a load at home I have no regrets.

I am not going to go into the details of what I like about my Speed Queen AFN50F for I suggest that you decide that for yourself by going to the local laundry mat and give one a try. Be aware that you need to look for the particular commercial models that have the same internal design as the home model. These are typically the smallest Speed Queen front load washers in the place. Speed Queen also has some larger more heavy duty all stainless commercial models that are not the same. Bring your worst washing problems and let the Speed Queens have at them. By the end of the first few loads you will know if this machine is for you!

Update: 8/4/2014 - Some usage experience: The published capacity is 2.84 cubic and the laundry capacity in weight of dry clothes is 18 lbs.  This should work out to be two loads of laundry assuming a load of laundry is defined as 9 lbs of dry clothes or one bushel basket in size. The volume of a bushel basket is 1.244 cubic feet. In actual practice, however, I find the capacity to be around 12-13 pounds or 1-1/2 loads or about 1.9 cubic feet of laundry which is equivalent in size to the machine it replaced.

Update: 8/16/2014 - With only two of us we typically do laundry every two weeks. Our laundry is divided into four batches which are sheets and towels, whites, darks and light color clothing. The size of each batch works out to 9 lbs. or one laundry basket, 8 lbs. or one laundry basket, 15-17 lbs. darks and lights respectively filling two plus laundry baskets each. As you can see the lights and darks are the biggest loads. My early estimates on load size in selecting this washer indicated that my largest loads should have fit but with my first uses I was a little hesitant to completely fill the drum causing me to do multiple loads to wash the lights and darks. However having re-read the manual I filled drum completely per the manual's instructions which meant not stuffing or compressing the clothes when filling. This allowed me to fully load all the dark and light clothing into a single load each upping the load size stated in my 8/14/2014 update above, thus increasing my load capacity experience to the full 2.84 cubic feet. Once wet the fully loaded clothes compacted to allow for a good washing action. In addition the washes took just 45 minutes to complete which is much less time than the other front load washers I had considered also meaning that even with the extra loads it potentially takes less time to do laundry than with the other front load brands. This machine delivers the full rated load and makes short work of the wash. I hope these details help all of you in making your next washer selection.

Update: 2/4/15 - It has been five months since I purchased this machine and it is still going strong. No mold or mildew problems, hiccups or complaints. Just load and go! As an FYI, for 2015 Speed Queen has introduced a new design front load washer with larger capacity and more wash cycles and with a 5 year warrantee on the entire machine. So if you are in the market for a new front load Speed Queen I'd suggest the 2015 model.