Product review (5 stars): Great Washer!
I just got rid of the worst washing machine that I have ever had.....Whirlpool duet steam 4.5 cubic feet side load machine. Initially, it seemed like the perfect washer, but it was TERRIBLE! Clothes were stinky and would not get clean (no water), the cycle times were ridiculously long and the machine broke several times and it cost over $300 each visit.  None of the features worked.  So, I wanted to get a non-HE machine that had no electrical components or error codes that would not break down.  I wanted a machine that actually had an agitator in the middle, used regular laundry detergent, would fill with water and didn't need to be cleaned with afresh every 3 weeks.  I also wanted a washer that had a hand wash and delicate cycle.  So after doing a lot of research, I found the perfect machine.  All of the stinky clothes that were never washed properly are now clean and smell great.  Out of all the other speed queen models, the AWN 542 is the only machine that has a fabric selector that has a regular, perm press, knits, delicate options and a cycle selector which has (regular [with pre-wash option], perm press, delicate, hand wash and soak). The tub is stainless steel and large enough for my needs at 3.5 cubic feet. This model also comes with an extra spin switch that you can turn on or off.  Other reviewers are correct in that the washer does not fill all the way to the top (it fills to just over 3/4 of the way full), this is a restriction created by the government to conserve water.  You can fill the tub to the top by using the refill option, but you must twist and hold it until it fills all the way to the top.  Make sure to note that there is no sensor that will tell you when it is full (and the water will not automatically stop) or more importantly when it is too full, so be careful. During the spin cycle you must do the same thing if you have a large load in there (hold the refill button to fill to top).  There is a way to over-ride this annoying feature - you can search on youtube - I haven't done it yet, but plan to.  The wash times are very short and the machine is very powerful. I am so used to my old piece of junk whirlpool that took 1 hr 30 minutes for a normal cycle, that sometimes I wish there was a longer cycle option available (there is pre wash), but I am sure that is just my own paranoia.  For heavy soiled clothes/loads, after the water fills and I added the detergent, I pull the lid open (this will pause the washer) to allow the load to soak before I start the cycle. Everything is manual on this machine - but very well made and commercial grade which is exactly what I wanted.  There are no buttons and gadgets - it's a pretty simple machine that is not fancy to look at.  If you like a lot of gadgets and buttons, this will likely not be the machine for you.  I love how well it cleans my clothes, the short cycle times and being able to control the amount of water that i want in each load (and the option to add more water if I need it).  It is true that the rinse cycle is always cold - there is no way to change this which is the only downfall of this machine and all speed queen machines from what I understand.  I do notice that if I wash any of perm press items (gym clothes, blouses) with anything cotton it attracts lint very easily and sticks to the fabric.  Aside from that, I absolutely love this machine and think you will too.  I also bought the speed queen dryer ADG4BR (gas) it's 7 cubic feet and is amazing!