So I finally got my hands on the much-talked-about Speed Queen TR5. After a few weeks of laundry marathons—think my kid’s soccer uniforms, my husband’s greasy workshop rags, and my delicates—I’m here to spill the beans: does it live up to the hype or is it just another shiny gadget?
A First Impression That Sticks
I’ll admit, unboxing this beast felt a bit like opening a gift I secretly feared might be too complicated. But nope—one sturdy dial, a reassuring click, and voilà, we’re in business. No confusing touchscreens or options; it’s a dial-and-go affair. Honestly, I missed the moment halfway through when I panicked, “Wait, where’s the Wi-Fi?” — but then I shrugged, because who really needs an app to start a wash?
Specs—But Make It Friendly
- Capacity: about a full soccer team’s worth of jerseys (3. cu ft stainless steel drum)
- Motor: feels built like a tank (direct-drive, rumor says years of tough love)
- Spin Speed: zips at RPM—no nose-bleeds yet
- Noise Level: whisper quiet at around dBA (or so I measured with my admittedly unscientific “ear test”)
- Warranty: 5-year sealed system, which I half hope to test someday
My Everyday Wash Ritual
I bounce between cycles depending on what’s in the basket. Heavy-duty for paint-stained work shirts ( minutes, about gallons of water—don’t judge), quick wash for when I realize at PM I forgot to do the workout clothes ( minutes, surprisingly effective), and delicate for… well, those silk blouses I treat like royalty.
Lovable Quirks & Minor Headaches
Let me be clear: this thing can out-muscle most washers around. But the lack of flashy bells and whistles means no “pre-soak from your phone” or “order detergent when you’re running low” notifications. Sometimes I catch it humming mid-cycle and feel oddly comforted, like it’s telling me, “I got this.” But at the same time, I miss the novelty of screensaver animations that my old machine had—or was I the only one who loved that?
Money Talk: Is It Worth It?
Price tag: about $1,100. My jaw dropped. But crunching the numbers (and anticipating at least a decade—if not two—of use), it feels less like “ouch” and more like an investment. My yearly water/electric estimate is around $65, and I’ve only called for a service once in three weeks (and that was me forgetting to level it properly, oops).
Pros & Cons—My Two Cents
- Pros: Bulletproof build, dreamy simplicity, surprisingly quiet, energy-efficient (my utility bill didn’t throw me shade this month)
- Cons: No smart features—I guess I’m back in the ’90s? Limited colors (white or more white)
FAQs From My Laundry Room
Q: How long will this thing last?
A: If you treat it right—clean the filter, level it, don’t overload—I’d bet on 20+ years.
Q: Is it really quieter than my goldfish tank?
A: Close enough. At spin, it’s around dBA. Your fish won’t judge.
Q: Can I tweak the spin speed?
A: Yep, the dial’s got you covered. Faster spin for faster drying (or to fling water everywhere if you go overboard).
The Final Spin
All in, the Speed Queen TR isn’t for everyone—if you want apps and gimmicks, look elsewhere. But if you crave no-nonsense reliability, a machine that feels built to outlast you, and maybe even your kids, this is your match. I’m keeping mine—and maybe teaching my teenager the sacred art of loading a top-loader properly. Because in my book, that’s money well spent.
