Is it just me or is the Speed Queen hype totally overrated?

The TR7 is probably the most misunderstood machine in the current Speed Queen lineup. It uses a wash system where the agitator is fixed to the tub, so it’s more of a gentle sloshing motion than the aggressive scrubbing people expect from an old-school top loader. If you have makeup stains or heavy soil, that specific model is just not going to cut it. That's exactly why your LG feels like a massive upgrade in terms of actual performance. LG has really dialed in their front loaders over the last decade. Because a front loader lifts the clothes and drops them into the water, you're getting mechanical agitation that a top loader simply cannot match without tearing up the fabric. Plus, the high-speed spin on those LG units pulls out way more water, wich cuts down your dryer time significantly. It’s a completley different level of efficiency. Putting a Speed Queen on a second floor is usually a recipe for structural vibration. They are heavy, high-torque machines originally designed for basements or garage slabs. Modern front loaders use sophisticated **internal balancing systems** and dampening that make them much more suitable for living areas. You aren't crazy; the 'buy it for life' crowd often ignores that life involves actually wanting clean towels without your house shaking every time the spin cycle kicks in.

Speed Queen still has its place for high-turnover laundry rooms or commercial settings where people treat machines like garbage, but for a modern home, the tech in a high-end LG is objectively better at the actual task of cleaning. alot of these legacy brands coast on a reputation they earned thirty years ago while modern competitors have moved the goalposts on what a washer should actually do. If your clothes are coming out dingy, it doesn't matter if the machine lasts for half a century.

I've been looking at these two brands for my new place and this is making me rethink everything. I was leaning toward a Speed Queen just so I wouldn't have to replace it in five years, but my laundry is also on the second floor. Does the LG relly stay that quiet even when it's spinning fast?

Also, as someone new to front loaders, is the mold thing actualy a problem? I keep hearing you have to wipe them down every time, which sounds like a pain. If it cleans better though, maybe it's worth it.

The mold thing is way overblown if you just use common sense. Most newer LGs have a magnetic latch that keeps the door propped open an inch so it can air out without the door swinging wide. Just wipe the rubber gasket every now and then and run a TubClean cycle with some bleach or a Glisten tab once a month.

As for the vibration, LG’s TrueBalance system is legit. It uses sensors to adjust the load in real-time. My WM4000 is on the main floor right next to my home office and I barely notice when it hits 1300 RPM. Speed Queens are great for durability, but they’re basicly 1980s tech in a fancy box.

I switched to an LG WM4000 earlier this year and the TurboWash feature is the real MVP. It sprays water directly onto the clothes while spinning, so a full load takes like 30 minutes. My old top loader took over an hour and the clothes still felt gross. Also, the capacity is massive compared to any Speed Queen. I can actualy fit my king-sized duvet in there without the machine screaming at me. Just make sure you don't use too much detergent—those HE machines only need like a tablespoon or two, otherwise you'll eventually deal with suds errors.