At a Glance:
Pros and Cons of Top Loading Washers
Speed Queen TC5 vs Speed Queen Front Loader
Although front loaders are very popular, there is still room for top loaders like the Speed Queen TC5. Top loaders are often chosen by people who are unable to bend to use front loading machines. In addition, narrow laundry rooms without space in front of the appliances aren’t suitable for front loading washers.
Experience Speed Queen's Most Popular Model
Shop this popular Speed Queen top load washer today
Discover Speed Queen's TC5 ModelSpeed Queen washers are one of the most popular top loading washer brands. Plaza Appliance Mart offers several Speed Queen washing machines in our catalog, but the most popular top loader is the Speed Queen TC5. Here is what you need to know about this top loading washing machine, what makes it one of our most popular models, and real customer reviews.
A Look at the Speed Queen TC5
Before jumping into why you might choose a top loading washer, here is a quick look at the features of the Speed Queen TC5.
- 3.2 cubit foot capacity, suitable for a load of about 14 pounds or nine full sized bath towels
- Six wash cycles, allowing you to choose the right cycle for the soil level to lessen the impact of an agitator wearing on clothing
- Solid Mount Suspension System for out-of-balance performance and sound reduction
- Deep fill and rinse options for overly soiled clothes
The Speed Queen TC5 uses a traditional agitator but with advanced features that lessen the wear on clothing.
Pros and Cons of Top Loading Washers
Top loading washers have some big advantages, and many households prefer them. Here are the pros and cons of the Speed Queen TC5 and other top loading washers based on reviews and information on top loading washing machines from consumer organization websites.
Pro – Top loading washers are the least expensive washers
Top loading washers are the least expensive models available. Both top loading and front loading washing machines can run upwards of $1500 based on features. But top loading washers tend to start at $250 while front loaders start at $600, give or take. The Speed Queen TC5 is on the higher end, coming at around $1300. However, it packs some big value in efficiency, functionality, and durability.
Con – Top loaders use more water
Top loading washers use about 25-40 percent more water than front loading machines. Speed Queen washers are very economical on both water and energy usage but will still use more water than front loading models. On the other hand, washing heavily soiled clothing uses more water in a front loader but about the same amount of water as a normal load in a top loading washer.
Pro – Top loading washers have faster wash cycles
Top loading washers take about 60-90 minutes to complete a load based on your chosen cycle. Top loading washers only take about 40-60 minutes, depending on settings. As the name of the brand suggests, the Speed Queen TC5 is one of the fastest washers available.
Con – More water used means longer drying times
The energy savings from having fast washing cycles is often negated by longer drying times. Because more water is used and in a different way, clothing pulled from a top loading washer will be much heavier and wetter than clothes pulled from a front loading washing machine.
This means it could take longer to dry clothing. Most brands, including Speed Queen, suggest you vary the content of your loads to keep them from getting too heavy. For example, you shouldn’t do a load of just jeans or bath towels in a top loading washer.
Pro – The agitator wash system on top loading washers is tougher on grime
Agitator systems on washers get a bad rap. While it is true that agitators are harder on your clothes, it is also true that they get your clothes much cleaner than a front loader. For normal daily wear, a front loading machine works fine. But when it comes to hard stains and dirt from hard work, you need that agitator to really churn the clothes and get them clean.
The biggest complaint about agitators is that they cause loads to become unbalanced. However, reviews from the Speed Queen site show that the TC5 doesn’t run into those issues.
“Unsure…at first.”
In 2016 I switched to a machine with no agitator. It was the latest and greatest and the machine had so much room. Unfortunately, it was the worst appliance I ever bought. Nothing but problems. Finally decided to go back to a classic machine. Speed Queen was the only machine I was interested in. Took about a week for me to adjust to having an agitator again and having a machine fill with water and wash in the classic way. My clothes are very clean and washing time is so fast. Makes me wonder what my old machine was doing for an hour. I did run into the issue with bubbles coming out the top of the drain pipe, but I solved that by using some fabric softener and lowering the amount of detergent I use. Other than the initial bubble problem this machine works extremely well and makes my life much easier. No more babysitting my washing machine making sure it stays balanced. It cleans clothes and does it well. In the end that’s all I need and want.
— JlaC
Con – Top loading washers have the same capacity but take smaller loads
The capacity measurements on washing machines can be misleading. The cubic foot measurement of the washer’s capacity is actually the size of the drum itself. With a top loading machine, the agitator takes up quite a bit of that space. That means that a 3.2 cu. ft. front loader holds more than a 3.2 cu. ft. top loader. The Speed Queen TC5 is one of the largest capacity top loading washers.
Why Buy a Speed Queen TC5?
The Speed Queen TC5 is the most popular top loader because it is American-made and built to last. Speed Queen has been a trusted name in laundry appliances for over 100 years. Started in 1908 by brothers envisioning innovation and development of laundry equipment. By 1928, Speed Queen had taken on the brand name and become popular throughout the US.
Laundry by Speed Queen is made in Ripon, Wisconsin, the location of their headquarters and main factory where the company first started. Unlike other washer brands, Speed Queen only manufactures and develops washers, dryers, and more for residential and commercial use.
Speed queen washers come with a 5-year warranty and last up to 25 years. The washers are tested for 10,400 cycles, which is considered to be 25 years of regular household use.
Speed Queen TC5 vs Speed Queen Front Loader
Why choose the TC5 over a front loading washing machine? Laundry by Speed Queen is available in many models, including commercial-style washers. Both machines have the same capacity, but the front loading machine gets 2x the loads because there is no agitator. While the two machines are the same width, they are also stackable to save room.
On the other hand, the Speed Queen TC5 requires much less depth in the laundry area. The front loading machine with door and hoses is 31.38 inches, with another 15.5 inches to fully open the door. The Speed Queen TC5 is best for smaller laundry areas that can accommodate side by side appliances but not a lot of depth, such as a converted closet.
Still not sure the Speed Queen TC5 top loading washer is for you? Come see our experts for advice and assistance in choosing the right appliances for laundry by Speed Queen. We can also help you find a matching Speed Queen dryer to complete the set. If a Speed Queen TC5 isn’t right for you, we will help you find the right washer and dryer for your home.
FAQs
Getting a washer from Speed Queen is a no-brainer for some, but if you have concerns, we’re here to answer all your questions. While you’re waiting to see us, here are the questions we often get about the Speed Queen TC5.
Is the Speed Queen TC5 a smart appliance?
No, but Speed Queen does have smart models in front loading designs. Although the Speed Queen isn’t a smart appliance, it does have an easily accessible and long-lasting electronic control panel that is also easy to keep clean. The appliance alerts you when anything is amiss with your laundry, but not while you’re away from home.
Is it hard to clean a top loading washer?
It might seem like a front loading washer would be easier to keep clean, but the Speed Queen TC5 is actually very easy to clean. First, the Speed Queen washer top loading models don’t collect mold and mildew as front loaders can. In either case, cleaning your Speed Queen washing machine is easy with the right steps. Running your washer on the longest cycle with the most water works well when combined with cycles of bleach and vinegar.
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And, our delivery and installation specialists will assure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
If you were to ask the employees at Plaza Appliance Mart about their roles in the company, they’d say they’re not just employees, they’re family. So as you might imagine. a team of professionals like this who are already so tightly knit and bonded together make for a perfect partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Apart from their community ties, Plaza Appliance is an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ Rating.
Shop Top Load Washers at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop washers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you learn more about the Speed Queen TC5 — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Laundry Guide: Understanding Washing Machine Cycles