<p>for another $50 they have their high efficiency slightly larger model. Rated very good by consumer reports. $450… 800 rpm spin speed</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.sears.com/kenmore-3.8-cu-ft-top-load-high-efficiency/p-02625102000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3”>http://www.sears.com/kenmore-3.8-cu-ft-top-load-high-efficiency/p-02625102000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3</a></p>
<p>For the most part I stopped spending huge money on appliances. </p>
<p>Im sure not spending thousands of dollars for something that I am not convinced will last 20 or even 10 years. Thats crazy. No indication front loaders last longer, than top loaders 1/4 of the price.
<a href=“Lawsuit Over Front-Load Washers May Drive Consumers Back to Energy-Wasting Models”>http://www.treehugger.com/corporate-responsibility/lawsuit-mold-problem-front-load-washing-machine.html</a></p>
<p>Whirlpool duet. Spin cycle 1200 rpm. </p>
<p>The machine saves time & money. Less time waiting for clothes in the dryer. Less money spent on operating costs & abused clothes. </p>
<p>I haven’t had problems with clothes wearing out too early, it makes a difference to not overload the machine I think.
Never had to pay for a repairman, but this machine has only lasted 10 years, whereas our previous machine was used by my inlaws for ten & then by us for another ten years.</p>
<p>I guess my point was at 700 rpm my clothes are not holding a great deal of water…noticeably less than my old machine.</p>
<p>I don’t know really how much the new ones save. It all depends on how you use them etc.i have a gas dryer which helps too.</p>
<p>Anyway, have fun picking a new one out!</p>
<p>while saving water is a valid concern, especially with the drought, my concern is moldy smelling clothes because I don’t always get to the washing machine. Its all I can do to remember to vacuum behind the refrigerator!</p>
<p>I’ve switched to Samsung appliances from GE. </p>
<p>All, thank you for this great buying guide…better than Consumer Reports! </p>
<p>In fairness to top-loaders v. front loaders and front loaders saving drying time… front-load wash cycles are typically longer than top-loaders, so you will offset some but not all of the total time to wash and dry a load of clothes.</p>
<p>I have a 7 year old Kenmore Elite front loader. It has never broken. The only complaint I have is true of all front loaders: because of the low water use, it’s hard to get technical fabrics clean. I now soak all of our stinky running clothes in a bucket with borax before washing. It’s not perfect, but it’s the only thing that has worked so far. </p>
<p>No matter what you buy, it will not last as long as its ancestors did. Virtually all new washers (and other major appliances) have computer controls, which do tend to break more than the older, “brainless” machines. Because of this, the 7 year rule is really true for newer appliances: if it breaks and it’s 7 or more years old, it is cheaper to replace it than to repair it.</p>
<p>I’ve got a super large biggest “normal” top loading washing machine I could find. Love it and it’s going on ten years strong as ever - Kenmore. Has at least 6 settings for load size so I can do a very small load. Love the soak cycle it has also…I soak and rinse then wash. I can also agitate gently or with full force. It will take a king size comforter without straining or 8 pairs of jeans and a couple towels…whatever i can fill it with…it cleans. </p>
<p>Here is a useful comparison of the washers and dryers <a href=“http://www.reviews-washer-dryer.com/gas-dryer-reviews.html”>http://www.reviews-washer-dryer.com/gas-dryer-reviews.html</a> We did exhaustive research before buying the Sears (which is made by LG) HE toploader. No agitator. Holds a ton! Been great! The dryer has a little squeak in the top part that holds the settings when you first start it, but a gentle push silences the squeak. HEres what we got and it tells the LG equivalent <a href=“Are LG WT5101 and Kenmore 29272 the same washers?”>Are LG WT5101 and Kenmore 29272 the same washers?; Bought it a few yrs ago</p>
<p>The washer gets a ton of water out but the stuff gets wrinkled. I shake things out when transferring to the dryer to get the wrinkles out.</p>
<p>I like my LE, in particularly, since I live in a house of jocks, the “sanitary” (extra hot) temp setting. In combination with a little color-safe bleach it really destinkifies those nasty sports socks.</p>
<p>I’d like to say that the worst odors are from my highly competitive soccer-playing hubby’s uniforms, but alas, I think my teen daughter has him beat.</p>
<p>We have the Kenmore front load He2 (I think) and I love, love, love my machine. I wish I had two! We’ve had it for 10 years now and we’ve had zero problems. Before we bought we researched through Consumer Reports and it was a constant favorite. Mine doesn’t have any odor but we leave the door open, more out of laziness than forethought. :)</p>
<p>Anyone have a washer that they love? - Yes, indeed! We LOVE our simple1990 Maytag topload washer and dryer. </p>
<p>Over the years we have repaired each a few times,but repair costs have been low. Repair investment has paid off, and less junk to the landfill. I dread the day when we need to shop for newer, less robust models.</p>
<p>Love our Speed Queen. We got the middle model. Top load; no electronics; all metal I think. It is made like a tank. It is sold by independent appliance stores. Read the reviews. I think I saw reviews on THS Gardenweb and another one.</p>