Speed Queen TC5 vs. TR5 Washers: 8 Differences Explained

Are you shopping for a reliable washing machine but can’t decide between the Speed Queen TC5 and TR5?

What are the key differences between these models? Is TC5 worth the higher price?

In this comparison of Speed Queen TC5 and TR5, you’ll learn how they stack up in terms of cleaning technology, cycle options, noise levels, and more.

I also reveal what two sales managers at independent appliance retailers say about both washers.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• Comparison Chart
• What Appliance Experts Say About Speed Queen TC5 and TR5
• Difference 1: Motor and Power
• Difference 2: Classic Clean vs. Perfect Wash
• Difference 3: Cycle Options
• Difference 4: Max Spin Speed
• Difference 5: Quiet Agitation
• Difference 6: Bleach and Fabric Softener Dispensers
• Difference 7: Lid Lock
• Difference 8: Price
• Similarities
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Speed Queen TC5 or TR5 Washer?

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Comparison Chart

Feature	Speed Queen TC5	Speed Queen TR5
Motor Type	Two-Speed	Variable Speed
Motor Power	1/2 HP	1 HP
Wash Technology	Classic Clean	Perfect Wash
Agitator Type	Transmission-driven	Belt-driven
Agitator Action	Pushes clothes down	Rotates 180 degrees in both directions
Gentleness on Clothes	Less gentle	More gentle
Load Size Options	2	3
Soak Cycle	Yes	No
Max Spin Speed	710 RPM	820 RPM
Water Extraction	Less	More
Drying Time	Longer	Shorter
Noise Level (Agitation)	62 dBA (normal conversation)	43 dBA (quiet library)
Bleach Dispenser	Yes	No
Fabric Softener Dispenser	Yes	No
Lid Lock	No	Yes
Ability to Add Items Mid-cycle	Yes	No (must pause cycle)
Deep Fill Option	Yes	No
Bulky/Sheets Cycle	Yes	No
Hand Wash Cycle	No	Yes
Temperature Settings	Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot	Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot
Warranty	5 years	5 years
Tub Material	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Outer Tub Material	Porcelain	Porcelain
Automatic Balancing	Yes	Yes
End-of-Cycle Signal	Yes	Yes
Capacity	3.2 cubic feet	3.2 cubic feet
MSRP (Price)	$1,479	$1,369

What Appliance Experts Say About Speed Queen TC5 and TR5

To get an expert opinion on the differences between Speed Queen’s TR5 and TC5 washers, I spoke with sales managers at two independent appliance retailers that have been selling both models for years.

The sales manager at Manny’s Appliances in Framingham, Massachusetts, explained, “The TC5, also known as the Classic, is the older style machine. It has the same 3.2 cubic foot capacity as the TR5 but comes with a 0.5 HP motor and is transmission-driven. The TR5 is the newer design, featuring a 1 HP motor and a belt-driven system, which makes it a quieter machine. It also rotates 180 degrees in one direction, then the opposite direction, making it gentler on clothes.”

He cautioned, “The TC5 has an agitator that pushes clothes down, and because of that, it’s not as gentle on clothes. I’d be careful washing delicate sweaters and dresses in it. The TR5 is gentler and more powerful.”

When asked about warranties, he mentioned, “Both come with a 5-year warranty. Speed Queen also offers the TR7, which has a digital display board and a 7-year warranty.”

He added, “The Classic Clean (TC5) doesn’t have a lid lock, but the TR5 does. If you buy GE or Maytag and add an extended warranty, it costs about the same as a Speed Queen.”

The sales manager at Hudson Appliance in Hudson, Massachusetts, provided some historical context, saying, “The TC5 is the classic model that was rereleased in 2019. The TR series is newer. When the TR7 came out, there were so many complaints about its washing performance that they rereleased the classic.”

He explained, “The TR5 doesn’t clean as well as the TC5 because of the new cleaning system called Perfect Wash, but it’s gentler on clothes. The Classic uses more water because it has fewer cycles. It’s as simple as they get and is the closest thing to washers made in the 1970s.”

Regarding the TR5’s higher horsepower, he mentioned, “The TR5 has more horsepower, so technically, it can handle a heavier load. However, the tubs are so small that it won’t make much of a difference. You need more horsepower when the tub is totally packed, but neither model can fit enough weight for the horsepower difference to matter.”

These expert opinions provide valuable insights into the key differences between the Speed Queen TC5 and TR5 washers. However, there are additional features and specifications that set these models apart. Let’s review them all.

Difference 1: Motor and Power

The TC5 features a two-speed, 1/2 horsepower (HP) motor, while the TR5 has a more advanced variable speed, 1 HP motor. Although the TR5’s motor is more powerful, it’s not a significant advantage in washing performance due to the limited tub capacity of both models.

As the sales manager at Hudson Appliance pointed out, the TR5’s extra horsepower is beneficial when washing extremely heavy loads. However, since the tubs in these machines are relatively small (3.2 cubic feet), it’s difficult to fit enough laundry to fully utilize the additional power.

Difference 2: Classic Clean vs. Perfect Wash

One of the most significant differences between Speed Queen TC5 and TR5 washers is their cleaning technology.

The TC5 has the Speed Queen Classic Clean system, which uses a large, transmission-driven agitator to provide a powerful wash action. The agitator pulls clothes towards it, effectively getting rid of dirt and grime. While this method is quick and gets the job done, it’s more noisy and less gentle on your clothes.

The TR5 uses the Speed Queen Perfect Wash system with a belt-driven motor and a unique agitator design. Instead of using an independently rotating agitator, Perfect Wash uses the power of water to clean your clothes by quickly changing the water’s direction. This wash action is quieter and gentler on fabrics while still giving you a good clean.

TC5’s Classic Clean focuses on speed and raw cleaning power, making it perfect for heavily soiled items. TR5’s Perfect Wash is more gentle on your clothes, making it a good choice for a wider range of fabrics and for people who want their clothes to last longer.

Difference 3: Cycle Options

Both washers have four temperature settings: Cold, Cool, Warm, and Hot. However, the TR5 provides more flexibility in terms of load size options, allowing you to choose between Small, Large, Auto Fill, and Auto Fill Extra Rinse. TC5 offers Extra Rinse, Extra Rinse Pre Soak, and Heavy Soil options.

Both have Normal Eco, Perm Press, Heavy Duty, and Spin cycle options. However, the TC5 features a Bulky/Sheet cycle, ideal for washing larger items like comforters or sheets. It also includes a Soak cycle, perfect for pre-treating heavily soiled clothes before the main wash.

TR5 doesn’t have Bulky/Sheet or Soak cycles but it has a Hand Wash cycle, which is even gentler than the Delicate cycle. The TC5 does not have a Hand Wash cycle.

Another unique feature of the TC5 is the Deep Fill option, which allows the entire tub to be filled with water. The TR5 does not have this option.

Here’s a comparison table that makes it easy to see the differences in cycle options between the Speed Queen TC5 and TR5 washers:

Feature	Speed Queen TC5	Speed Queen TR5
Temperature Settings	Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot	Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot
Load Size Options	Extra Rinse, Extra Rinse Pre Soak, Heavy Soil	Small, Large, Auto Fill, Auto Fill Extra Rinse
Cycle Options	Normal Eco, Perm Press, Heavy Duty, Bulky/Sheet, Spin, Delicate	Normal Eco, Perm Press, Delicate, Hand Wash, Spin, Heavy Duty
Soak Cycle	Yes	No
Deep Fill Option	Yes	No

Difference 4: Max Spin Speed

The TC5 has a maximum spin speed of 710 RPM (revolutions per minute), while the TR5 has a faster maximum spin speed of 820 RPM.

With a higher spin speed, the TR5 extracts more water from your clothes at the end of the wash cycle, so your dryer doesn’t need to work as hard or as long.

Difference 5: Quiet Agitation

The TR5 features a quiet agitation technology that operates at just 43 decibels (dBA), which is comparable to the gentle ambiance of a quiet library, soft whispers at 3 feet, or even the tranquil sound of light rain.

The TC5 does not include the quiet agitation feature, resulting in a higher noise output during the wash cycle. At around 62 dBA, the TC5’s agitation noise is similar to a normal conversation at 3 feet, the background music in a retail store, or the hum of an electric toothbrush.

Difference 6: Bleach and Fabric Softener Dispensers

The TC5 is equipped with bleach and fabric softener dispensers, which provide a simple and efficient way to add these products to your wash cycle.

The TR5 does not include a dispenser function for bleach or fabric softener. If you want to use these additives with the TR5, you’ll need to add them manually to the wash tub at the appropriate times during the cycle.

Difference 7: Lid Lock

The TC5 does not have a lid lock, so you can open the washer lid at any point during the cycle. This can be particularly useful if you forget to add a garment, need to remove an item, or want to add laundry additives like baking soda or stain removers mid-cycle.

The TR5 has a lid lock feature that prevents the lid from being opened during the wash cycle. To add an item or make any changes, you must pause the cycle using the control panel.

Difference 8: Price

The TC5’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $1,479, while the TR5’s is $1,369. However, prices vary by retailer, and these models often go on sale throughout the year.

Similarities

While the Speed Queen TC5 and TR5 washers have several notable differences, they also share many features.

Stainless Steel Wash Tub and Porcelain Outer Tub: Both the TC5 and TR5 feature a durable stainless steel wash tub that is resistant to rust, chips, and dents. Additionally, both models have a porcelain outer tub that provides excellent insulation and helps maintain the water temperature throughout the wash cycle.

Automatic Balancing: The TC5 and TR5 have an automatic balancing system that detects and adjusts for uneven loads. This feature helps minimize vibration and noise during the spin cycle, ensuring your washer remains stable and operates efficiently.

Agitator: Both washers come with an agitator, which is a central post in the wash tub that rotates and creates a washing action. The agitator helps to move clothes through the water and detergent, effectively cleaning them.

End-of-Cycle Signal: Both washers have an end-of-cycle signal that alerts you when the wash cycle is complete.

3.2 Capacity: Both washers have a 3.2 cubic foot capacity. They also have similar dimensions and shipping weights, making them compatible with most laundry spaces and easy to install.

5-Year Parts and Labor Warranty: Speed Queen offers a comprehensive 5-year parts and labor warranty on both TC5 and TR5 washers.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Speed Queen TC5 or TR5 Washer?

If you’re looking for a more powerful and quieter machine that’s gentle on your clothes, the TR5 is the way to go. Its faster spin speed also helps remove more water from your laundry, reducing drying time and saving you time and energy in the long run.

However, if you prefer the convenience of a soak cycle, deep fill option, and built-in dispensers for bleach and fabric softener, the TC5 might be the better choice. Ultimately, both washers offer excellent durability, reliability, and cleaning performance, so you can’t go wrong with either option.

If you’re still unsure, I highly recommend the TR5 because it’s not as aggressive and less likely to damage your clothes over time. If you often wear dresses, sweaters, silk shirts, and other delicates, the TR5 is the better investment.