Speed Queen is America's Miele but like you said capacity is lower then most of the newer machines.

You couldn't give me ANY type of top loader with impeller type wash system...have you seen them on Youtube...nothing moves. How is a huge comforter going to get washed?

If I had to buy a machine today it would still be an Electrolux front loader.
Why...because reversible doors on BOTH washer and dryer.
Huge capacity 5.1 cu. ft. washers and 8.0 cu. ft. dryers.
From the Energy Star web site, Electrolux isn't extremely skimpy with water. Some washers use even less water. To me a front loader is already energy efficient, some manufactures are going over board touting they use even less resources
Wash times are more reasonable. All front loaders do take longer to do a wash though, except laundromat washers...they are done in 30 minutes (because they use more water, dirt is lifted out faster).

That's my two cents.

Keep us informed on what you get.

Of the Electrolux models, do you have a preference? I was leaning towards the IQ steam.

The IQ vs. the WaveTouch, not much of a difference.

Max Spin Speed IQ 1200 RPM, WaveTouch 1400 RPM.

Max Capacity IQ 4.7 cu.ft, WaveTouch 5.1 cu.ft.

# Wash Cycles IQ 11, WaveTouch 65 (don't let that number fool you, the WaveTouch just offers more options per cycle boosting cycle count).

Individual Custom Options IQ = 1 & Favorties = 1
Individual Custom Options WaveTouch = 3 & Favorites = 3

Spin Speed Selections IQ 5, WaveTouch 6.
Soil Level Selections IQ 5, WaveTouch 6.

Delay Start Hours IQ 14, WaveTouch 22

Personally I like the WaveTouch better only because I like the display with all the options built into it. Where the IQ has all the buttons laid out in front of the machine.

But basically they are the same machine with slight differences so which ever you like/want will be fine.

How much life should I expect out of an Electrolux washing machine?

Oooooh. That's a tough call, depending on many variables.

Life expectancy for front loaders is around 11 years with "normal" use. Give or take with your individual use and care.

Okay...I'm done. I chose the Electrolux IQ Steam over the Speed Queen FL. The reason was the size, plain and simple.

The Speed Queen seemed very well built and a solid, no frills machine.

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

I will post a review once I have had it for a few months.

Best of luck...and look forward to the review.

Check out this site:

http://www.allbrandservicenaperville.com/products-washer.html

I did a lot of research on Speed Queen before I bought Maytag Bravos, including reading reviews SQ owners had posted at various websites. Lsck of capacity was not the only reason I felt SQ would not meet my needs. Lack of spin speed was another, and at least one reviewer complained about plastic parts. IMO, SQ is also over-priced.

A previous poster is very mistaken in his/her comment about HE toploaders, particularly concerning Maytag Bravos. Laundry DOES move while it washes, and our comforters (including a king-size comforter) come out very clean and fresh after being washed. If one hasn't actually owned and used an HE toploader, s/he can't give an experienced review.

Also -- all HE toploaders are not equal, another thing non-owners may not realize. Friends and relatives who have Oasis, Cabrio, and GE's HE toploader have reported problems I have not had with my Bravos washer.

HTH

But in fairness Mara, others with Bravos *have* reported problems while others with Cabrio/Oasis/Harmony/F&P have *not*. One person can't crown or condemn an entire line. Be fair. And we can all go to websites that glorify one and throw spears at another brand. There's a lot of variables and biases involved quite often. It's not quite as open and shut as you often make it appear. I think that with your research and "some guy telling you something" that you're convinced that the Bravos is made by Keebler Elves while Oasis/Cabrio are made by Shreck & Donkey, which doesn't match the email I received from Whirlpool regarding the differences between the machines.

One think of which I'm sure, shopping for laundry units these days should start with picking up a supply of aspirin, ibuprofen or the like! :)

LOL, cynic! Believe it or not, I know Bravos washers are not made by Keebler Elves. ;)

This is what I said:

All HE toploaders are not equal, another thing non-owners may not realize. Friends and relatives who have Oasis, Cabrio, and GE's HE toploader have reported problems I have not had with my Bravos washer.

It is also true that some (very few, in my experience) people have reported problems with Bravos washers that I have not experienced.

My intention was not to "crown or condemn" any line of washers (though I have read a number of posts here which condemn HE TL's en masse), but to point out the fact that not all HE toploaders are equal -- just as all FL's are not equal.

I have been having problems with whirlpool washers and dryers, purchased from Howards Appliances and also at Sears. I have had to replace them so many times, that I wish I had saved up for the SpeedQueen or Electrolux brand. I never knew that Electrolux made anything other than vacuum cleaners, and I understand they were one of the best brands. The plastic vacuumes of today are pure junk. Evil disposable world.

I wonder if Electrolux ever made a top loader? Also, which brand is better, SpeedQueen or Electrolux? I cannot afford to replace things, especially expensive things.

Go over to automaticwasher.org

Ask them this question also...after you get your responses here of course. Theres a lot of people over there with both machines. Speed Queen is supposed to be TOL as far as US brands..and is reported to have a much longer life span. I read reviews saying Elux uses less water than other brands and is all plastic..but I don't know if that's true. I don't have a FL but only US brand I'd buy if I did SQ.

@blueseagreentree777...

I don't think Electrolux offers a top loader but Frigidaire (made by Electrolux) does have three top loaders.

Two are High Efficiency and one regular (with the poll agitator).

The HE prices are $899 and $799 and the regular one is $649

I'd recommend the Speed Queen for a top loader.

I have a Speed Queen Commercial Front Load washer at home and believe me the capacity is not a problem. It takes everything I throw at it. Please have a look at how the machines are constructed, most front loaders hang from springs whereas Speed Queen sits on four heavy duty shocks like a car. This helps with balancing issues. Oh and I love the 30 minute wash. I wouldnt change my washer! SPEED QUEEN THE BEST YOU CAN GET BY FAR