I'd get the Maytag fixed and it will probably still last longer than a Bosch or Duet.

They are short-lived and expensive to repair. After reading these posts I can't believe people still want to throw their money away on them.

I made a $1500 mistake on a front loader and got rid of it after a year. Had I seen these postings about all the problems I never would have bought it.

If you have to get a new machine, get a top loading Speed Queen. They are still made like the old reliable machines. Otherwise if you insist on buying a front loader, be sure you budget some vacation time in for the repair man.

curiousshopper,
just because you had a bad experience with ONE specific FL doesn't mean that they are all short-lived or will need expensive repairs. I understand your frustration and decision to stay away from them. It doesn't mean that you should keep badmouthing FLs and their owners though. I have used TLs for a total of approximately 4 years and I HATE them. It was not just one model that I have used. Ours was a Hotpoint, but we have been to the laundromat quite a bit (Speed Queen washers and others) and have used some TLs in apartment complexes. I am so glad that we are able to afford a FL now. Even if there weren't any energy or water savings, I like their gentleness and performance much better. Use whatever you are happy with and let other people do the same!

Cyberinferno,
I don't have the 800, I decided to go with the 500plus. The 800 has a little more flexibility regarding cycle settings, but IMO it makes it harder to use. The 500plus has all the main features I use, the soak, the "kids cycle" (150 degrees), controlled temperatures for the cotton cycles and the "heavy duty" option. You just need to turn the dial and turn it on. The extra options just take a push of a button. If I had the options I'd probably modify the cycles a little bit every now and then, but I definitely don't miss anything. I would be willing and able to control the 800, but I know my DH would probably refuse to do laundry with it. So far he hasn't used my new washer either, but that's because I have too much fun using it...;-)

I think both the Duet and the Bosch Nexxt are very good choices. I think you'd like either one.

If you really want the Miele setup, you should purchase them. My wife and I just did contrary to all the Miele posts here that are negative. If read what they negative posts regard you find that they center on issues that are not about cleaning, but rather manual specifications. Specifications are typically stated with the caveat that the manufacturer has the right to change said specifications.

You don't mention why you are getting rid of your washer and dryer you currently have.

The reasons I am getting rid of them are that I had the heating element in the dryer replaced 3 years ago, but the really good repairman "jury-rigged" one; obviously Maytag does not make the parts anymore.It's starting to shrink EVERYTHING.
The washer is tearing holes in our clothes. I DID have the problem of holes because of the counter height in my kitchen, but that doesn't excuse the holes in the back of my husband's brand new "tidy whities". The lint coming off our clothes is such that I wonder how the fabrics are holding together.
I eventually ordered the Duet Series with the steam cleaning and they arrive on Tu. or Wed. But I sure was surprised by the measurements of all of these large capacity appliances. I have a large laundry room, and they will still stick out 3 inches past the counter. I'm totally spoiled by the room's size, but I'm amazed that so many people have space for these monsters!

Fahrenheit 451,
After I actually "kicked the tires" on all these machines, I was surprised (as was the anxious salesman)to find that the door on the floor model washer did, indeed, sag. $4300 is too much IMO for a machine that's not perfection! Added to that was the surprise that the set did not come in stainless steel, only white. To add to all this, the same appliance repair guy I've used for years recommended Whirlpool, as did the store where I eventually purchased them. If they DO have a problem, parts are much easier to get, according to the 2 of them.

Cyberinferno, a friend of mine runs a very high-end appliance store and has been in the business since college (well over thirty years of real-world experience in the appliance industry). Naturally, we purchase all my appliances through him. Since these new Miele large capacity front loaders hit the market my wife and I routinely stopped by to see him and compare notes. He purchased the Whirlpool Duet because of the additional deal he gets on them, and he loves them. The Miele offers no dealÃnot even to him, and we saved nothing on our purchase of the Miele's. Customers always love the Miele's, but change their mind on the price; he (there about two-dozen other employees) sells about one set of the Miele a week on average. The customers that do buy them, love them, and typically they are have or are purchasing other Miele, ASKO, or Gaggenau appliances.

The W4840 washer on the showroom floor has the sagging door you mention, and my theory is that through shipping such long distances, the door has positioned itself lower on its hinge. The door itself is amazing as it commercial grade, and I do wish that Miele have used a longer side-hinge, but I will use some low resistance thread lock and realign the door if mine sags upon delivery (I suspect that it will). Albeit our kitchen appliances are all stainless steel we prefer white laundry appliances so a stainless steel option, for us, was of no interest. The build quality of the Miele's is top-shelf. I compared all the washers and dryers available, and a big hint regarding quality is if you look at the back of the unitsÃwhich I did, in great detail. Miele has a keen understanding of construction means and methods, with incredible details on the back of their machines as well as the front. This speaks volumes about Miele. In the automotive industry third-party consultants are clandestinely retained to purchase the competition's vehicles so said vehicles can be completely dismantled to learn about their design and construction. I read a report on a Lexus that was dismantled, and it stated that the parts of the vehicle that were unseen by the human were just as well thought out and executed as all that could be seen by the human eye! Miele is the same caliber, and that is what we wanted.

P.S. My neighbor just completed a kitchen/laundry remodel and used all Miele appliances except the Miele refrigerator that is not sold in the States, but stopped short of purchasing the Miele washer and dryer. Why? Cost! Go figure, but he bought a Bosch Nexxt setup that they love, other than the mildew buildup in the door. However, when I told him that we were getting the Miele they want to come over and see how matters work out as they wanted Miele in the first place.

Dear Fahrenheit 451,
I really appreciate your input. Should I have ANY problems with the Whirlpool Duet Steam, I'll call the appliance store and have them pick them up. Then I will get the Mieles. I bought the Duets from the store that put all our appliances in when we built our house, and thus have a personal relationship with them. As is your case, it is a smaller, non-chain store and they are easy to do business with.
As to the sagging door, most people on THIS site say it happens over time, and I'll be interested to learn of YOUR experience with it. I do not mind the cost of the Miele (after 23 years I've saved a lot of money!) but I would have been much happier if a 220 volt machine were available that holds 4.0 volume. I've got a 220 volt plug, so it would not have been a problem.
Please stay in touch; I'll share my story if you'll share yours!lol

Cyberinferno, I would enjoy sharing notes. I too prefer 220v, but my wife does not like the smaller washing and drying units. The Nexxt 800 series is impressive.

"tidy whities" is "tightie whities" :)

Thank you jerrod6! lol