Speed Queen 3.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer - AWN542
Code : B004ZO42G0
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Speed Queen 3.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer - AWN542

Speed Queen 3.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer - AWN542

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2418 in Major Appliances
• Color: other
• Brand: Speed Queen
• Model: AWN542

Features

• Automatic Balancing System
• Bleach Dispenser
• Fabric Softener Dispenser
• Fill Hoses Included
• Porcelain Steel Outer Draintub

• Automatic Balancing System
• Bleach Dispenser
• Fabric Softener Dispenser
• Fill Hoses Included
• Porcelain Steel Outer Draintub

Product Description

Speed Queen top load washers bring commercial quality into your home. Commercial quality components, such as a stainless steel tub, commercial grade cabinet and a heavy-duty motor, are standard features in Speed Queen top load washers. You'll receive a long-lasting washer that also delivers superior cleaning results.

Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

95 of 96 people found the following review helpful.
Just what I was looking for!
By T. Day
NOTE: It's my understanding that the AWN542 and AWN542S are the same machine (they only changed the model number).UPDATE: As of March, 2013, I've had my AWN542 for about 15 months. I do about 3 or 4 loads a week. It's still working perfectly, and I have no regrets about buying this machine.After sixteen years of use, and without a single service call, my top-load Maytag washer finally bit the dust. I could have had it repaired. But an estimated 3,000 wash loads had worn away the porcelain finish in the tub leaving it as rough as sandpaper. As a result, my clothes were coming out worn looking after only a few washings. It was a great machine that served me well, but the time had come to say goodbye.Because of the worn tub I'd already been looking at new washers off and on for over a year. They've certainly changed a lot in the last sixteen years. For one thing, front-loaders were mostly unavailable when I bought my Maytag. Plastic has replaced many of the parts that used to be made out of metal. And basic analog controls have been replaced with electronic touch-panel circuits and LCD screens. What was once a relatively simple appliance has "evolved" into a complex, computer-controlled, electronic device with the ability to display multiple error codes. Error codes? My old Maytag couldn't display error codes. It just worked.From what I've seen and heard from others, washer reliability and longevity has gone downhill over the years. Why? I believe part of the problem is the complexity of the newer machines (lots of electronics). But more than any other reason, I think the market is driven by consumers who want something new and cheap to buy every few years. As a result, newer machines aren't really built to last. When I bought my old washer I expected it to last fifteen years or more with little or no trouble. I wonder how many new washers on the market today will last sixteen years and wash 3,000 loads of clothes without needing a single service call? Not many, I'll bet.I've looked at a lot of plastic-clad washers that seem destined for the scrap heap in five years. The manufacturer could build them to last a long time if they wanted to. But in doing so they'd probably have to double the price. In order to keep the price low, longevity and reliability are no longer at the top of the list. Just like computers and cell phones, most washing machines made today have become throw away devices. And yet, who can blame the consumer for throwing away their washer when the repair bill is almost as much as buying a new machine?As I continued to do my research for a new washer I had to decide whether to purchase a top-loader or a front-loader. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. I know several people who have front-load washers. They've told me that their machine uses very little water and detergent. That's good. They've also said that it spins so fast that the clothes don't need as much time in the dryer. That's good too. On the other hand, they've told me that the door must be left open between uses to avoid mold or funky smells. In addition, the machine needs to be periodically "refreshed" with special cleaners, bleach, or programmed cleaning cycles to keep odors under control. I can honestly say that in all the years I've used top load washers, I've never once had to leave the lid open or periodically "refresh" the machine to avoid mold or nasty smells.Having determined that I'd much prefer a top-loader, the question then became, "Which one do I buy?" Many of the top loaders on the market appear to be simple, basic machines. Further investigation reveals that a lot of them contain sophisticated circuitry and are essentially controlled by a computer. It's not that I have anything against computers. I use them all day in the office where I work. And I used one to write this review. But do I really want my washing machine to be controlled by a computer?Before purchasing my Speed Queen I considered several other washers, including a GE Hydrowave washer (model GTWN4000MWS). Although this machine doesn't have a transmission and is supposed to be very quiet, the direct-drive motor is controlled by circuitry that can display ten (10) different error codes by way of a flashing green LED located on top of the motor. One salesperson that I talked to about this washer suggested it would be a good idea to plug it into a surge protector to protect the electronics in the event of a power surge.GE's own website describes how the consumer can "reset" the Hydrowave washer if it quits working because of a power spike or some other problem: Unplug it for one full minute, plug it back in, then lift and close the lid six (6) times within a twelve second period. Are they serious? Thanks, but I really don't want a washer that may periodically need to be "rebooted".After much research and consideration, I decided that what I wanted was a simple and rugged washing machine that would last me many years without any trouble (like my Maytag). I wanted a machine that didn't contain any sophisticated circuitry or computers that might get fried by a voltage surge. I also wanted a washer that allows me to manually set the water level in the tub, rather than an electronic sensor in the machine making the decision for me. Lastly, I wanted a stainless steel tub that won't wear out like the porcelain tub did in my old Maytag.I looked at the new Maytag top-loaders. The models I saw that have stainless tubs also have electronic touch panels instead of analog switches. I did find a model with analog controls that allows me to manually set the water level, but it didn't have a stainless tub. I also looked at some other brands but couldn't find what I was looking for. I began to wonder, "Doesn't anyone make what I really want?" Luckily, there is.Alliance Laundry Systems (the maker of Speed Queen) makes a lot of laundry equipment for use in commercial applications. They have a well-known reputation for making rugged, reliable machines. The AWN542 is a no-nonsense washer made very much like the way washers were made twenty or more years ago. It's not the least expensive top loader you can buy. But then again, you won't need to spend a dime on an extended warranty because it comes with a factory three (3) year warranty. The tub is stainless steel so it will never wear out. And although it doesn't have the biggest tub at 3.3 cubic feet, my old Maytag was only 2.9 cubic feet in size. I've washed a queen size comforter in the Speed Queen and it worked just fine.Unlike some machines that won't allow you to manually set the water level, the Speed Queen still has an adjustable switch that lets you decide this for yourself. However, I don't like the fact that even on the "Extra Large" water setting this machine doesn't fill up the tub as high as it did in the older models. This is due to newer government efficiency standards that reduced the water level in top-load washers. If you need more water in the tub you can hold down the reset switch until the machine fills up to the desired level. For a more permanent solution, you might look around on the Internet and see if anyone discusses how to adjust the water level in this machine.The maximum spin speed is 710 RPM, which is higher than my old Maytag. I find the noise level to be about the same or a bit less than my old machine. Although it's not what I'd really call quiet, it's certainly not loud or annoying. Doing a long soak in this machine is simple...just raise the lid. When you close the lid, it picks up where it left off. By the way, that's another nice thing about a top-loader. You can easily add a missed piece of laundry to the machine during the wash cycle.Speed Queen uses a balancing system in this washer that really works. I've washed both small and large loads, and it has never walked across the floor or even moved a fraction of an inch in the spin cycle. This model also has an extra rinse switch. Another nice feature on this machine is the Fabric Selector Switch. This feature gives you the ability to independently control the agitation and spin speed in most cycles. For example: In the Regular cycle, you can select a fast or a slow agitation speed. You can also select a fast or a slow spin speed. My only complaint about this feature is that the selectable speeds are only referenced by fabric type. For example: One of the selections is marked "Knits". You'll need to refer to the owner's manual to discover that this setting will provide you with a slow agitation speed and a fast spin speed.Will this machine be reliable? Will it last sixteen years like my old Maytag? Only time will tell. However, I can tell you that it appears to be well built. It may not be flashy to look at, but it doesn't contain electronic touch-pad controls, a computer, or an LCD display to go bad just outside of the warranty period. In the event that something does go wrong, I don't think it's going to cost a fortune to have it fixed.You won't find Speed Queen for sale at Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears, etc. They're sold mostly at independent appliance dealers who actually know something about the products they sell. And one last thing. A lot of the other machines that I looked at were made in Mexico or Korea. I like the fact that Speed Queen is made in the USA.

77 of 78 people found the following review helpful.
Just what I was looking for!
By T. Day
After sixteen years of use, and without a single service call, my top-load Maytag washer finally bit the dust. I could have had it repaired. But an estimated 3,000 wash loads had worn away the porcelain finish in the tub leaving it as rough as sandpaper. As a result, my clothes were coming out worn looking after only a few washings. It was a great machine that served me well. But the time had come to say goodbye.Because of the worn tub I'd already been looking at new washers off and on for over a year. They've certainly changed a lot in the last sixteen years. For one thing, front-loaders were mostly unavailable when I bought my Maytag. Plastic has replaced many of the parts that used to be made out of metal. And basic analog controls have been replaced with electronic touch-panel circuits and LCD screens. What was once a relatively simple appliance has "evolved" into a complex, computer-controlled, electronic device with the ability to display multiple error codes. Error codes? My old Maytag couldn't display error codes. It just worked.Why has washer reliability gone downhill over the years? I believe a reliance on electronics is partly to blame. But more than any other reason, I think the market is driven by consumers who want something new and cheap to buy every few years. When I bought my old washer I expected it to last a long time with little or no trouble. I wonder how many new washers on the market today will last sixteen years and wash 3,000 loads of clothes without needing a single service call? Not many, I'll bet.I've looked at a lot of plastic-clad washers that seem destined for the scrap heap in five years. The manufacturer could build them to last a long time if they wanted to. But in doing so they'd probably have to double the price. In order to keep the price low, longevity and reliability are no longer at the top of the list. Just like computers and cell phones, most washing machines made today have become throw away devices. And yet, who can blame the consumer for throwing away their washer when the repair bill is almost as much as buying a new machine?As I continued to do my research for a new washer I had to decide whether to purchase a top-loader or a front-loader. They each have their advantages and disadvantages. I know several people who have front-load washers. They've told me that their machine uses very little water and detergent. That's good. They've also said that it spins so fast that the clothes don't need as much time in the dryer. That's good too. On the other hand, they've told me that the door must be left open between uses to avoid mold or funky smells. In addition, the machine needs to be periodically "refreshed" with special cleaners, bleach, or programmed cleaning cycles to keep odors under control. I can honestly say that in all the years I've used top load washers, I've never once had to leave the lid open or periodically "refresh" the machine to avoid mold or nasty smells.Having determined that I'd much prefer a top-loader, the question then became, "Which one do I buy?" Many of the top loaders on the market appear to be simple, basic machines. Further investigation reveals that a lot of them contain sophisticated circuitry and are essentially controlled by a computer. It's not that I have anything against computers. I use them all day in the office where I work. And I used one to write this review. But do I really want my washing machine to be controlled by a computer?Before purchasing my Speed Queen I considered several other washers, including a GE Hydrowave washer (model GTWN4000MWS). Although this machine doesn't have a transmission and is supposed to be very quiet, the direct-drive motor is controlled by circuitry that can display ten (10) different error codes by way of a flashing green LED located on top of the motor. One salesperson that I talked to about this washer suggested it would be a good idea to plug it into a surge protector to protect the electronics in the event of a power surge.GE's own website describes how the consumer can "reset" this machine if it quits working. All you have to do is unplug it for one full minute, plug it back in, then lift and close the lid six (6) times within a twelve second period. No thanks. I really don't want a washer that may periodically need to be "rebooted".After much research and consideration, I decided that what I wanted was a simple and rugged washing machine that would last me many years without any trouble (like my Maytag). I wanted a machine that didn't contain any sophisticated circuitry or computers that might get fried by a voltage surge. I also wanted a washer that allows me to manually set the water level in the tub, rather than an electronic sensor in the machine making the decision for me. Lastly, I wanted a stainless steel tub that won't wear out like the porcelain tub did in my old Maytag.I looked at the new Maytag top-loaders. The models I saw that have stainless tubs also have electronic touch panels instead of analog switches. I did find a model with analog controls that allows you to manually set the water level, but it didn't have a stainless tub. I also looked at some other brands but couldn't find what I was looking for. I began to wonder, "Doesn't anyone make what I really want?" Luckily, there is.Alliance Laundry Systems (the maker of Speed Queen) makes a lot of laundry equipment for use in commercial applications. They have a well-known reputation for making rugged, reliable machines. The AWN542 is a no-nonsense washer made very much like the way washers were made twenty or more years ago. It's not the least expensive top loader you can buy. But then again, you won't need to spend a dime on an extended warranty because a factory three (3) year warranty comes standard.The tub is stainless steel so it will never wear out. And although it doesn't have the biggest tub at 3.3 cubic feet, my old Maytag was only 2.9 cubic feet in size. I've washed a queen size comforter in the Speed Queen and it worked just fine. And unlike some machines that won't allow you to set the water level, the Speed Queen still has a switch that lets you decide this for yourself. Note: New efficiency standards have resulted in reduced water levels in top-load washers. If you need more water in the tub, you can hold down the reset switch until the machine fills up to the desired level. For a more permanent solution, do some research on the internet and you might find a suggestion on how to permanently increase the water level.The maximum spin speed is 710 RPM, which is higher than my old Maytag. I find the noise level to be about the same or a bit less than my old machine. Although it's not what I'd really call quiet, it's certainly not loud or annoying. I wish it had a soak cycle that went directly into the wash cycle without draining away the wash water first. But doing a soak in this machine is as easy as raising the lid. By the way, that's another nice thing about a top-loader. You can easily add a missed piece of laundry to the machine while it's washing.Speed Queen uses a balancing system in this washer that really works. I've washed both small and large loads, and it has never walked across the floor or even moved a fraction of an inch in the spin cycle. This model also has an extra rinse switch. Another nice feature on this machine is the Fabric Selector Switch. This feature gives you the ability to independently control the agitation and spin speed in most cycles. For example: In the Regular cycle, you can select a fast or a slow agitation speed. You can also select a fast or a slow spin speed. My only complaint about this feature is that the selectable speeds are only referenced by fabric type. For example: One of the selections is marked "Knits". You'll need to refer to the owner's manual to discover that this setting will provide you with a slow agitation speed and a fast spin speed.Will this machine be reliable? Will it last sixteen years like my old Maytag? Only time will tell. However, I can tell you that it appears to be well built. It may not be flashy to look at, but it doesn't contain electronic touch-pad controls, a computer, or an LCD display to go bad just outside of the warranty period. In the event that something does go wrong, I don't think it's going to cost a fortune to have it fixed.You won't find Speed Queen for sale at Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears, etc. They're sold mostly at independent appliance dealers who actually know something about the products they sell. And one last thing. A lot of the other machines that I looked at were made in Mexico or Korea. I like the fact that my Speed Queen was made in the USA.

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful.
Best Machine-Water Level Fixable
By proton32060
1 Year updateWe have now used both the Washer and Dryer heavily over the past year. All my opinions and observations below have not changed. They have worked flawlessly since the day we bought them and they still look brand new.________________________________________________________________________________________Years ago you bought a washer and dryer and they would last at least 20 years. They were built tough and made to last. There was no HE which uses less water but in the process shreds clothes and no plastic parts or electronic controls that failed a few years after you bought them. Speed Queen is the last washer and dryer made to the old standards. They are identical to the commercial machines made for Laundromats but instead of a Coin box they have a control panel.If you like fancy electronic controls, machines made of more plastic than steel, and don't mind being on a first name basis with your appliance repairman the Speed Queen is not for you.But if you want a tough no-nonsense washer and dryer that cleans well and is similar to the workhorses sold in the 70's and 80's you are in the right place.The Appliance Repairmen I talked to tell me these machines will easily last a family 25 years and probably longer. In fact, one told me he has never removed a Speed Queen Washer or Dryer regardless of age that wasn't still working.As far as the Water Level problem- the posters are correct, it is too low. This can not be blamed on Speed Queen but is a result of the government meddling in the appliance business.The good news is it can be fixed in less than 5 minutes. It can be adjusted where it will fill once again to that of the older machines without it being necessary to hold the reset switch.I am not going to say how- just search the internet and you will find the answer.For the sake of a balanced review it should be noted the Speed Queen lacks features common to many other modern washers. The cycle options are limited and it does not have the choice of a warm rinse. It also has a smaller capacity than many newer machines. My wife doubts it will wash her Queen Bedspread but her old King Size Kenmore could not wash it either. That is one item that will still be taken to the Laundromat every few months.Unfortunately, if you are in the market for a Washer and Dryer it seems you can no longer "Have Your Cake and Eat it Too". While other washers have larger capacities they are plagued with so many other problems as to make them more trouble than they are worth.Our friends who own newer machines all complain of problems in one form or another. The only common denominator is they are all related to something electronic. Speed Queens have no electronics so they tend to be reliable but they are not particularly fancy either.It seems there are now only two choices. An unreliable full featured machine that looks like something out of Star Trek or a rugged well built one that looks like the washer your Grandmother had. While the Speed Queens do lack "pizzazz" it should be noted they clean better than HE machines and do not tear up what they wash.I would recommend one other thing.Find a dealer and go look at the machines in person. That is what we did and it only took a few minutes to realize we had found what we were looking for.Also, these may be something best bought locally. The prices for the AWN542 Washer and the ADE4BR Dryer were lower at our neighborhood appliance store than the prices online even with local sales tax added in.Oh by the way- one other reason to buy Speed Queens. The machines and all their components are MADE IN AMERICA.Product Update:We have now had the AWN542 Washer and the ADE4BR Dryer for a little over two weeks. In that time my wife has washed everything from her normal weekly wash to every blanket, sheet, and throw rug in the house.Since the initial review was written from my point of view I decided to include my wife's since she is the one who actually uses them. She has now seen them operate in every conceivable circumstance so I felt her opinion would be more helpful than my impression when they were first delivered.For the record the Speed Queens replaced a Kenmore Catalyst Elite Washer and Dryer.1) My opinion the cycle options are limited is not shared by my wife. She feels the washer can handle anything she would conceivably want to put in it.2) The Speed Queen can handle bigger loads than her old King Size washer. As others have mentioned, the agitator is smaller which may be the reason it holds more.3) She loves that nothing throws the washer "out of round". She has not had one situation where it "clunked" or the load had to be redistributed. This even included washing throw rugs.4) She initially missed the dispensers the Kenmore had and the Speed Queen lacks. Her Kenmore had separate Bleach, Fabric Softener, and Detergent dispensers. The Speed Queen lacks a detergent dispenser.5) She wanted a warm rinse option.I fixed the problem by getting two Y-hose couplers and feeding a small amount of hot water into the washer's cold water inlet. This made the warm wash a little warmer while giving her a warm rinse at the same time.Years ago all washers including Speed Queens had the option of a Hot, Warm, or Cold rinse. Unfortunately, Energy Standards forced manufacturers to eliminate those functions or make them useless.Today Electronic Washers have sensors which allow a Hot Wash to be only 100 degrees and Warm Rinse not to exceed 70 degrees.Since Speed Queens are mechanical the customer can "override" what the government says we are allowed to have.6) In her opinion the Speed Queen cleans better and has not damaged anything put in it. It may clean better simply because she has hotter water during the "Warm Wash" on this machine than she had with the "Hot Wash" on the previous one.7) The thing she likes most about both the washer and dryer is they are very rugged in their construction. She doesn't think anything can damage them which is not how she felt about her old Kenmore's. These are her words," I think if I wanted I could wash and dry a load of rocks and it wouldn't faze them".I hope this is helpful to other potential buyers.____________________________________________________________________________________6 month update:I decided to do an update 6 months out for one reason.Most reviews are written a few days after the purchase. But the real question is not how the product performs the first week but how is it doing months or even years later.To me that would be more helpful since all new appliances work initially- the problem is many start falling apart a few months after you buy them. Many of our friends with newer machines have had that problem.For the sake of time I am covering both the washer and dryer in one update. My initial reviews on both the AWN542 washer and the ADE4BRG dryer are posted on Amazon.So how is the Speed Queen washer and dryer doing after 6 months?They have been used heavily and we have not had a hint of a problem.In addition, Speed Queen makes a big deal out of the fact their coatings and finishes ( think paint) are made to Laundromat standards and are far superior to other laundry appliances.That claim appears accurate.Both the washer and dryer look exactly as they did when they were first delivered in spite of their heavy use. They still look brand new without a trace of wear or corrosion in spite of the fact we live on the ocean.You could put them back on the showroom floor and sell them as new and no one could tell.I also downloaded the Speed Queen Service Manuals in order to be familiar with their construction in case I ever had to do a repair.I discovered they were built even better than I thought.Electronics are the primary cause of new appliance failure today. The second is Drive-Train issues.Speed Queen has no electronic components so they are reliable in that area. All their controls and switches are commercial grade so I doubt they would ever break in a residential environment.Second, the Drive Train has no plastic components at all. The washer transmission has only eight gears made of steel so it is unlikely it would ever break. The motor is commercial grade as well. The inner tub on the washer is Stainless Steel and the outer tub is Porcelain coated steel as opposed to plastic used in all other washers. I never could determine the type of bearings they use but from what I have seen I would guess they are over rated as well.The washer is belt driven instead of direct drive so the belt is the mostly likely part to fail. But I have seen the belt and it looks like an alternator belt used in cars in the 70's. It is so oversized it would probably take decades to wear out.The water pump is direct drive off the motor and made of plastic. It appears to be of much higher quality than what was in our old Kenmore so it unlikely this would be a source of failure any time soon.Dryers are far simpler than washers so there isn't as much to tell.The motor is also commercial grade and the drum belt it uses is oversized as well. The weak link in the dryer would be the heating element since they do burn out. The element doesn't appear to be any different than what I have seen in other dryers so it will probably need to be replaced every fifteen years or so.The bottom line is Speed Queens are not a gift from Heaven, they are simply built the way all washers and dryers were 30-40 years ago.In fact, if you look at Service manuals from any major brand from the 60's they all looked and were built the same way the Speed Queens are today.They don't do any more or less than any top end washer and dryer you could have bought in 1970. But like the old machines they clean well and last almost forever.So to repeat myself- if you want fancy paint jobs and a lot of computer functions that fail after a few years look elsewhere. But if you want clean clothes and reliability buy the Speed Queens.

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