Speed Queen Updated its TR7 Washing Machine. Is It Any Better at Cleaning?
The original model tanked in CR's cleaning tests. Here’s how the new version performed.
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When Consumer Reports tested the Speed Queen TR7 agitator top-loader in 2018, it performed so poorly at cleaning that our test engineers called the company to determine if the machine we had purchased was defective. It was not. Speed Queen has since made a firmware change to the model that it says improves cleaning. So we bought another TR7 and put the updated machine to the test.
The full name of this model remains the same: TR7000WN. This washer also looks the same as the original, has an identical small capacity (3.2 cubic feet), and sells for around $1,100, about the same as the original.
If you own the TR7 and aren’t sure which version it is, check the serial number. The first four digits denote the year, then month it rolled off the line, and anything made as of October 2018 (a serial number starting with “1810”) is updated, according to the company.
So what’s changed?
“The major difference is in the normal eco cycle and heavy-duty cycle,” says Jay McDonald, vice president of Speed Queen’s North American home laundry sales. “We tweaked agitation to deliver improved washability.” The big difference is that the new version has a longer wash time: 60 minutes vs. 40 minutes for the original version.
TR7 Take Two: Test Results
Our lab tests show that the updated Speed Queen TR7 does clean better than its predecessor, stepping up from a Poor rating to a Fair rating for washing performance. So what does Fair cleaning look like?
And though the TR7 doesn’t rate well for washing performance, Speed Queen agitator top-loaders an earn Excellent rating in predicted reliability—making it the most reliable brand of agitator washers in our survey—as well as for owner satisfaction, according to our survey. These two ratings help boost the Speed Queen TR7’s Overall Score.
Two other Speed Queen models—a top-load agitator and a front-loader—do well in our cleaning tests. CR members with digital access can read on for more details on these models. We also include information on two other agitator washers—from Maytag and GE—that make our recommended list.
For more on washers, see our washing machine buying guide. And to see how well all the washers we test perform, see our washing machine ratings.
Speed Queen Washers
And if you're simply looking for a top agitator washer from any brand, here are two models—from Maytag and GE—that make our recommended list.
Top Agitator Washers
For more on washers, see our washing machine buying guide. And to see how well all the washers we've tested perform, see our washing machine ratings.
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