Overview

	If you don't need all the bells and whistles the Speed Queen AWS17NW is a good performer. Although not as energy or water efficient as front-loading machines and equipped with just a single spin speed, nevertheless the Speed Queen AWS17NW is ruggedly built and will give you years of reliable service.

 Quick Specs

 Full Review

The Speed Queen AWS17NW is a top load washing machine with a 3.3 cu/ ft capacity. It's got all the standard presets - 3 regular cycle, 2 permanent press cycles, and 2 delicate cycles for a total of 7.

The Speed Queen AWS17NW has just one spin speed - 710 rpm. This is adequate for most uses, but we would like to see a range of spin speeds for different types of fabrics. Water level can be set to any level depending on the size of the load, and the water temperature can be set to one of three levels.

This washing machine uses a uniquely designed long-stroke agitation system which operates at 68 cycles per minute. This design is intended to be gentle on a wide variety of fabrics. It is equipped with a stainless steel washing drum which is more durable than the porcelain coated drums found on cheaper machines.

A very nice feature of the AWS17NW is the automatic balancing system which self adjusts during the spin cycle. This avoids the noise and vibration of unbalanced loads.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Speed Queen AWS17NW is rated at a fairly high 515 kWHrs for annual energy consumption. Combine with close to 40 gallons of water per wash, this machine is not for the energy conservation crowd. However, for dependability, it is one of the better machines on the market and has a generous three year Parts and Labor warranty as well as extended warranties on the motor and transmission.

In Use

If you are looking for a dependable washing machine, the Speed Queen AWS17NW delivers. Given the years of experience Speed Queen has with commercial machines, it is easy to see that their technical know-how has filtered down to their residential washing machines. The Speed Queen AWS17NW uses slightly more electricity than other machines, but it does a great job washing clothes. It is a fairly standard washing machine, but the long throw agitator is a welcome innovation which provides a gentle washing action.

Washing Machines Review rating: 4.1