Product review (3 stars): Cheap Plastic Side Panels Will Crack
I've owned the AWN542S for under a year, and the plastic panels (on either side of the control panel have already cracked). See exact issue on automaticwasher.org here: [automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?49216_9]
This doesn't seem to have any impact on the machine's ability to function properly...but frustrating nonetheless, as these machines are definitely not cheap, and i would expect better quality to come with the big price tag.

When I contacted Speed Queen about this issue hrough their website, the response was basically as follows:
"Please contact your dealer and have them send out their authorized servicer, or contact one of the authorized servicers from our servicer locator to have the cracked panels replaced."

Other than this issue, the washing machine has worked wonderfully, and I'd like to believe the internal components that actually make the machine work are of better quality and are more reliable than the outer panels.

One other thing to add is that the drain hose on this washer is ridiculously short, which required a trip to home depot to purchase an extension hose in order to get the thing properly hooked up (seems to drain fine).