I won't go into the silver debate. I will say that I have no need for it. On the service, have you checked to see what your service options are? How many people close to you will be able to service them? I think that is a legitimate concern. And I'd think it's an important one if and when you need service. Now if the other machine has features that you want and need maybe that should be given a priority if you're not very concerned about service. Although I think any machine should be reliable for a nice long time, the reality is you can get a lemon, or a defective one and then service and support and important considerations. Also, are the pedestals important to you? If so it could factor into your decision.

UPDATE Ack - well, I'm still scared about the LG - but let me tell you where things stand. Thank you all for your advice - I was reading everything before I went out yesterday afternoon. Checked out the Whirlpool Duet, Sports, Bosch and LG yesterday. Thought I was decided on the Duet from a local appliance place until I checked out the LG at Best Buy. In part b/c the LG is about 2" less deep than the Duet (and therefore a better fit for our space - the Duet would just fit - if it fits at all) - we decided to go with the LG. Decided to bite the bullet and go with the 2487 - for $300, let's get STEAM! Well, we need a machine right away and the 2487 was on backorder and couldn't be delivered till March 18 - unacceptable! So - long story short(er) Best Buy brought the price of the 2688 washer and dryer down to the price of the 2487 (plus $40)! How could we pass that up? Plus 2 years 0% interest and $250 off to match a sale at Home Depot! The price of the 2688 came out to $1149 which I think (correct me if I'm wrong) is a great price for the 2688. Pedestals were $179.99 each! (we decided not to stack) and I need to see if I can find them for less anywhere. Of course, now I am still freaking out over the amount of $$ this will be and wondering if I should (a) - just go back to a much less expensive - but good top loader or (b) look for a less expensive frontloader (maybe the LG 1812 or WM 0462 recommended by consumer reports) - I never imagined I would even contemplate spending so much on a washer/dryer. I figure I have until tomorrow to cancel the order (washer being delivered Wednesday) and I am still SO CONFUSED! Any additional advice welcome - I really don't *need* all these bells and whistles - going to think long and hard today about whether there is a less $$ FL out there that would still suit our purposes. (as cool as steam is - we just don't *need* it). Thanks for all of the advice so far and I'd appreciate any other thoughts and comments! oh yeah - dross - I agree with you that I'm not counting on 15-20 years which is why I am so freaked out by this purchase. For this price - this thing should be folding my clothing and putting it away for me! Thanks all!

Amana is also a slightly smaller capacity, 3.5 cf vs 3.8 for the Whirlpool. To me, that's insignificant. My concern would be which design the Amana is. If it's an old Maytag design, I'd be concerned. If it's the Whirlpool design I would be comfortable. Every time I look at those Whirlpools, the door shape and thick border, to me it looks like a toilet seat! Not that it makes a difference since I don't buy appliances based on looks but I'm not sure I'd want a toilet visible in a kitchen or something! LOL Is there a particular reason you won't consider others? For instance, the Epics seem to be getting rave reviews and could be a good option to consider.

1) Check your venting from the dryer. Little doubt it's obstructed. Inspect and probably clean out your vent-path and I'll bet everything will be fine. 2) Yes, it does tumble a bit after the final spin. The idea is to loosen the clothes from their plastered-up position against the drum-wall after the spin. You can truncate it by pushing a button. Let me guess....you're new to this?