Come on, I didn't say use any particular minimum, I said use the minimum needed, and no more. The minimum amount required varies according to load size, product, water chem. and temp, and soil load. No matter how much you use, if you get in the habit of over-dosing for your situation, you'll get into difficulties. I happen to use a very small dose of regular (non-HE) Cheer powder in my 5kg Euro FLs: just about 1 1/2 tablespoons (slightly less than one of those green Charlie's scoops - I like the scoops better than the product, but that's another story). I use somewhat more when my stuff is particularly grungy (animal, garden or woodlot dirt). My water is naturally quite soft (spring water). My cleaning is excellent, otherwise I would use whatever additional level of product needed to achieve the results I require. I am certainly not prescribing this level of product for anyone else. All I am trying to do is point out that for some people radical reductions in the "normal" dosage may be perfectly acceptable. Cleaning results always depend on the interaction among soil load, product selection and quantity, time, temperature of wash water and vigor of agitation. I do tend to use hotter water than many people do, partly because I can, but mostly because most of my fabrics can withstand hotter temps. My older Miele and Asko are default long-cycle machines, so my time is longer than many people would have and my water is particularly fine. Perhaps those are the major keys to my success. YMMV, but I've had my FLs for going on two decades with this regimen. I would have noticed, by now, if it was creating problems. The detergent questions often comes up with new FL users who are having trouble adjusting from their old habits. Top loaders are much more forgiving of too much product, in my experience. (The reason for that is that TLs use so much more water, any excess is diluted out of harmfulness.) Many people are pretty casual about dumping stuff in and figure if a little is good, then more is better. You'll get in big trouble with most FLs if you continue on that path, no matter which product you choose. Apparently I am getting near-perfect suspension of the dirt in the wash liquor since I always get soft, clean clothes and have no build-up in my washers. I think everybody should start with set dosing (package suggested dosing is a fine place to start) and evaluate in situ. If you get good results, then see what somewhat less will do. If results degrade, increase back up. If it's still fine, then try another drop. You have to measure consistently for this plan to work. The less detergent we use, the better for the Earth. And you may find you can save some bucks, as well. L

I'm glad I found this thread! I have wanted a Duet washer and dryer for three years now. We'll be buying a house / condo after the beginning of the year and was basing my desire for the Duet on my father-in-law's set that I've used. Sounds like the Duets were "de-contended" over the years to reduce their "cost" to produce. What a shame. I certainly have noticed FL washers becoming more popular over the last two years or so. After seeing people mention Bosch in this thread, I've decided to jump ship before I even board it. I've been looking through the Bosch and Lowe's web sites, although there are a number of Bosch dealers here in Anchorage. My two requirements in an appliance are A) Energy Rating and B) Noise. Our Kenmore (really Whirlpool) fridge was actually below the U.S. Energy Guide rating a few years ago. It was almost to the bottom of the energy usage on the Canadian guide, even. I don't mind mixing brands. Just as with employers, there's NO reward in brand loyalty. They can change design or build quality practically overnight to satisfy the holly stockholders. Now to go try to dig up some 'dirt' on the Bosch white goods. We use a Bosch dishwasher at work (residential level machine) and it's shockingly quiet. The prices are in line with Duet-class Whirlpool goods and the energy use seems quite low (not to mention attractive styling).

If your current washer has been repaired and is working, why replace it now? You've already invested in the repair, I'd suggest continuing to use the machine until it develops another problem. Payback on energy/water savings depends on individual usage characteristics and local utility costs. Payback time at average of four loads per week likely will be longer than you expect, unless your utility costs are very high. Keep in mind that just because a frontloader (or any washer for that matter) has an exceptionally large capacity doesn't mean all your laundry should be bundled together so as to always run the largest load possible. Sorting according to color, soil level, fabric type, and special care items is still important, and even moreso with the newer HE-type low-water and high-spin-speed machines that are less forgiving at mismatching the cycle selection and load type. The wrinkle-prevent (or wrinkle guard, finish guard, wrinkle free, etc.) feature on dryers sometimes lead to misunderstanding of what exactly it does. It's intended for situations in which no one is present to immediately unload the dryer when a cycle ends. What it does is instead of the machine shutting off and sitting there with the clothes crumpled in the drum, it runs an unheated tumble for an additional period of time (either intermittently or continuously) to keep the items moving and fluffed-up. If you normally unload immediately when the cycle ends, the wrinkle-prevent function won't really do much for you.

Update: the Home Depot delivery guys said it was an "extremely dangerous" delivery to take it up to our third floor (note I already have full size GE stackable up there. They said it was probably brought up via magic-really!). They made a big stink and said they may drop it and put a big hole in my wall and they went on and on about possible injury to themselves. However, they put it on us to decide whether we wanted it delivered and said we would have to waive any damage. I sent it back. (More drama with other washer they were delivering to the basement I will spare you.). Home Depot was great but I had to call them and have them call delivery company to get workers to leave other washer. It was very complicated and stressful. Two hours of back and forth about it! So I'm back to square one with the third floor washer. I'm thinking I will shop at local appliance store so they can advise on the delivery and won't subcontract. (They are the ones who suggested Electrolux for third floor but I went with Home Depot because of better price). What are your thoughts on a "compact" washer/dryer. Bosh has 24in. Electrolux has one too. It will be easier to get it up the stairs but I know nothing about "condensing" dryers. Note we have new large capacity washer in the basement so I don't need to do super large loads upstairs. Thoughts? Thanks!