Commercial WashersFront Load
Speed Queen STGN***11A Commercial Washer Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 3.4 cu. ft. front-load commercial washer, with verified specifications.
- Capacity3.4 cu. ft.
- MEF2.2
- Water per cycle13.6 gal
- Energy use44 kWh/yr
About the Speed Queen STGN***11A
Speed Queen model STGN***11A is a 3.4 cu. ft. front-load commercial washer that meets ENERGY STAR energy and water requirements for commercial laundry. Commercial washers like this are built for laundromats, multifamily laundry rooms and other shared facilities, where they typically run many more cycles per day than a home machine.
It is rated at a modified energy factor (MEF) of 2.2 against a federal minimum of 2.0 and an integrated water factor (IWF) of 4.0 gallons per cycle per cubic foot against a federal maximum of 4.1. Higher MEF means less energy for washing, water heating and drying; lower IWF means less water.
With a 3.4 cu. ft. drum, the IWF works out to about 13.6 gallons of water per cycle. The certification lists annual energy use of 44 kWh. The model also offers a gentle cycle for delicate items.
Specifications
| Brand | Speed Queen |
|---|---|
| Model number | STGN***11A*** |
| Loading configuration | Front Load |
| Drum capacity | 3.4 cu. ft. |
| Modified energy factor (MEF) | 2.2 |
| U.S. federal minimum MEF | 2.0 |
| MEF better than federal minimum | 10.0% |
| Integrated water factor (IWF) | 4.0 gal/cycle/cu. ft. |
| U.S. federal maximum IWF | 4.1 gal/cycle/cu. ft. |
| IWF better than federal maximum | 2.4% |
| Rated water use per cycle (IWF × capacity) | 13.6 gal |
| Annual energy use | 44 kWh/yr |
| Gentle cycle | Yes |
| Intended market | Commercial |
Safety information
- Connect the washer only to a properly grounded electrical supply that matches the voltage, phase and current on the nameplate, with the overcurrent protection the installation manual specifies. Do not use extension cords or adapters.
- Do not wash items that have been cleaned in, soaked in or spotted with gasoline, solvents, cooking oil or other flammable substances; vapors and residues can ignite. Post this warning where customers can see it.
- Never reach into the drum while it is moving, and never attempt to defeat the door lock. Wait for the door to unlock at the end of the cycle.
- Do not allow children to play on or in the washer. Before discarding a machine, remove the door.
- Disconnect power and close the water supply valves before servicing. Internal electrical and drive components should be serviced only by qualified technicians.
- Hot water supplied to the washer can scald. Keep the water heater at the temperature the washer manufacturer recommends.
Installation and first-time setup
Commercial front-load washers spin at high speed during extraction, so a solid, level floor and correct anchoring are essential. A 3.4 cu. ft. machine loaded with wet laundry is heavy and generates substantial forces during spin. Follow the manufacturer's installation manual for clearances, anchoring and utility connections; many operators use the dealer's installer.
- Prepare the location
Choose a structurally sound, level concrete or reinforced floor. Leave the rear and side clearances listed in the manual for hoses, drain and service access.
- Anchor or level the machine
If the installation instructions call for bolting the washer to the floor or to a base, do so with the specified hardware. Otherwise, adjust the leveling feet so the machine is level front to back and side to side, and lock the feet with their jam nuts.
- Connect hot and cold water
Use new fill hoses with the supplied washers and connect them to hot and cold supply valves that are easy to reach. Check that supply pressure is within the range in the manual and flush the lines before connecting to keep debris out of the inlet screens.
- Connect the drain
Route the drain hose to a standpipe or floor drain trough of the size and height the manual specifies, leaving an air gap so wastewater cannot siphon back into the machine.
- Connect power
Plug into, or have an electrician hardwire to, a circuit that matches the nameplate rating. A dedicated circuit is recommended for each machine.
- Set up the payment system and programming
Install and configure the coin, card or app payment device according to its own instructions, then program vend prices and cycle options in the washer's operator menu.
- Run a test cycle
Run an empty cycle and check every hose connection for leaks, verify that the drain keeps up during pump-out and confirm the machine does not walk or vibrate excessively during the final spin.
Using your commercial washer
Loading the washer
- Fill the 3.4 cu. ft. drum loosely, to no more than about three-quarters full. Clothes need room to tumble through the water; packing the drum reduces cleaning and can cause out-of-balance spins.
- Mix large and small items so the load balances during extraction. A single heavy item, such as a rug or a waterproof mattress pad, can stop the washer from reaching full spin speed.
- Empty pockets and close zippers and hooks to protect the door glass and gasket.
Detergent
Use only high-efficiency (HE) low-sudsing detergent, in the amount recommended on the package for the load size. Regular detergent produces too much foam in a low-water front-loader, which can lengthen cycles, leave residue and trigger out-of-balance or oversuds conditions. Post a clear "HE detergent only" notice for self-service customers.
Choosing a cycle
Cycle names and options depend on how the operator programs the machine. In general, use a normal or heavy cycle for towels, work clothes and bedding, a permanent-press cycle for synthetics, and the gentle cycle for delicates, knits and items labeled hand-wash or delicate. Hot water is the most energy-intensive part of most cycles, so choose warm or cold water when the soil level allows.
Operator settings
Operators can usually adjust vend prices, cycle times and optional extra rinses or extended washes from the service menu or payment system. Programming steps vary by model; refer to the programming manual for your exact model number before changing settings.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Daily | Wipe the door glass and the door gasket, removing lint, hair and any objects caught in the folds. Check for leaks around the machine. |
| Weekly | Clean the detergent and softener dispensers to remove buildup. Leave doors ajar when the laundry is closed so the drum can dry. |
| Monthly | Run the manufacturer's cleaning cycle or a hot cycle with a washer cleaner to control odor and residue. Inspect the door gasket for tears. |
| Every 3 months | Check that the machine is still level and firmly anchored, inspect fill hoses for bulges or cracks, and clean the water inlet screens if fill times have increased. |
| Every year | Have a qualified technician inspect the door lock, drive system, drain pump and electrical connections, and replace fill hoses every few years or at the first sign of wear. |
Keep a simple service log for each machine. In a busy laundromat, consistent cleaning and early hose and gasket replacement prevent most leaks and customer complaints.
Troubleshooting
Most service calls on commercial washers come down to payment, water supply, drainage or balance. Check the items below before calling a technician.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Washer will not start | Payment not registered; door not fully closed; power off at the breaker. | Check the payment device and coin path; close the door firmly until it latches; check the circuit breaker. |
| Slow fill or no water | Supply valves closed; clogged inlet screens; low water pressure. | Open both valves fully; turn off water and clean the inlet screens; confirm supply pressure is within the manual's range. |
| Water remains in the drum | Clogged drain pump filter or drain hose; kinked hose; blocked standpipe. | Clear the drain pump filter if your model has an accessible one; straighten the hose; check the standpipe or trough for blockage. |
| Excessive vibration or walking | Machine not level or anchors loose; unbalanced load; shipping bolts left in place. | Re-level and tighten anchors; redistribute the load; confirm transit bolts were removed. |
| Too many suds | Non-HE detergent or too much detergent. | Run a rinse cycle with no detergent; post HE-only signage and dosage guidance. |
| Musty odor | Residue and moisture in the gasket and drum. | Run a cleaning cycle, clean the gasket folds and leave doors open between uses. |
| Leak at the door | Lint or debris on the gasket; torn gasket. | Clean the gasket and glass; replace a damaged gasket. |
| Clothes still very wet after the cycle | Out-of-balance condition prevented full-speed spin; overloaded drum. | Redistribute the load and run a spin cycle; load the drum less tightly. |
| Error code displayed | Brand-specific diagnostic code. | Error codes are not standardized; consult the code table in your manufacturer's service or programming manual. |
Energy use and running costs
The certification lists annual energy use of 44 kWh for the Speed Queen STGN***11A, calculated with the standardized DOE test method and usage assumptions. At $0.17 per kWh that is about $7.48 per year. Actual consumption depends on how many cycles the machine runs, the water temperatures selected and how the hot water is heated.
MEF (modified energy factor) measures drum capacity per kWh of total energy per cycle, including machine energy, water-heating energy and the dryer energy needed to remove the remaining moisture. This model's MEF of 2.2 is 10% better than the federal minimum of 2.0; high-speed extraction that leaves less water in the clothes also shortens drying time.
Water is often the bigger operating cost. At about 13.6 gallons per cycle and an assumed combined water and sewer price of $0.015 per gallon, each cycle costs roughly $0.20 in water.
| Cycles per day | Water per year | Water and sewer cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14,892 gal | $223 |
| 6 | 29,784 gal | $447 |
| 10 | 49,640 gal | $745 |
Compared with a washer of the same size at the federal maximum IWF of 4.1, this model saves about 745 gallons a year at 6 cycles a day — roughly $11.17.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of the Speed Queen STGN***11A?
The Speed Queen STGN***11A has a drum capacity of 3.4 cubic feet. For best results, fill it loosely to about three-quarters full.
How much water does the Speed Queen STGN***11A use per cycle?
Based on its integrated water factor of 4.0 and 3.4 cu. ft. capacity, it uses about 13.6 gallons per cycle under the DOE test procedure — roughly $0.20 per cycle at $0.015/gallon.
What is the MEF of the Speed Queen STGN***11A?
Its modified energy factor is 2.2, compared with a federal minimum of 2.0 for commercial clothes washers. A higher MEF means less total energy per cubic foot of laundry.
How much electricity does the Speed Queen STGN***11A use?
The certification lists 44 kWh per year, about $7.48 at $0.17/kWh. Real use depends on cycle count and water temperatures.
Does the Speed Queen STGN***11A have a gentle cycle?
Yes. The certification lists a gentle cycle among its features.
What detergent should I use in the Speed Queen commercial washer?
Use high-efficiency (HE) low-sudsing detergent only. Regular detergent creates excess foam in a low-water front-loader.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified commercial washers dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified August 30, 2026), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with Speed Queen. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact Speed Queen or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
Report a problem with this guide
Spotted a wrong value, a broken link or something unclear? Tell us and we will review it.