If you've been reading here or elsewhere for any amount of time, I suspect you're well aware of the controversies.

FWIW, five years ago I switched from a lifetime of top-loaders to a Duet 9400. It's been exemplary from day one. It does take longer to do a load, especially if you select a cycle that uses the on-board heater. However, it also holds about twice as much so it evens out....at least for me. Dryers are simpler but you will want one that will hold an entire washer-load and that has automatic sensing.

Suggest being aware of a couple of things.....

1) The dimensions of the new FL's are different from the old TL's. Be certain your new machine will fit where the old one is coming out.

2) Make sure a competent installation is part of the deal. Installers are notorious for botching the job leading to immediate dissatisfaction. Easy to remedy if you know what you're doing but many installers just plop it down and walk away.

3) There is a learning curve. I read the manual and did what it said and have been happy.

4) Be careful about quantities of detergent and other products you use. Use "HE" products, not regular detergent. Many problems reported are directly related to over-dosing. Know your water quality and dose accordingly. For example, for a full load of normal laundry in my 3.8cf Duet, I use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of Tide HE powder with my soft water. Cleans superbly and rinses thoroughly. You'll learn quickly what works for you.

5) Get one with a built-in heater. If you don't you'll never get a "hot" wash no matter what you do. "Hot" without using a cycle that uses the on-board heater on my machine gives me 100-105F in the tub. Your mileage may vary, but get the heater if you EVER envision wanting a truly hot wash cycle.

6) I have never had mold, mildew, or any kind of crud to deal with but many others have reported issues. Can't explain it other than to be suspicious of over-dosing or other issues going on that I don't get to know about. Mine is as clean and shiny inside as it was the day I got it. I do leave the door open a crack when it's not in use. Did that with my TL's, too.

I love it. Best washer I've ever had. I would never go back to a TL. Have little doubt this will soon be followed by divergent opinions.

What's the brand/model of the broken machine? It's amazing how many people toss out a Whirlpool/Kenmore/Roper/KitchenAid toploader that can be easily repaired with a $15 motor coupler (equivalent to a belt).

Hi Asolo, I haven't been reading here. Wasn't aware of this forum until I posted this question on the appliance forum and Antss referred me here.

Thanks so much for taking the time to post all of this info, it's very helpful. About how long does a regular cycle of clothes take in your washer? I do agree if the capacity is higher, it will make up for the increased wash time.

I've noticed front loader instructions on the detergent I buy, it does seem to take a lot less than top loaders.

dadoes, it's a brand called Gibson Extra Large Capacity, I don't see a number and I have no idea where the manual is. But it's very old and not efficient, it uses a ton of water. So we're ready for a new one.

My "regular" loads ("hot" or "warm" -- no heater) take about fifty minutes with an extra rinse. "Sanitary" cycles (157F) can take two hours but I never use them. "Whitest Whites" cycle (127F) takes about 1:05.

Yes, it does take a LOT less detergent in FL's. For example, a full load in my 3.8cf machine only uses about 5 gallons of water. Previous TL's -- and the one still at mom's house -- take about 30-35 gallons. Whole different deal.

Be VERY wary of what it tells you to use on the on the detergent box. They don't know your machine's capacity or your water quality.

Hi Asolo, we are the proud owners of a Duet washer and dryer. :o)
I read up on them after your review and they scored best out of the machines I was researching. Thanks so much for the recommendation. We got a good deal on both, and they will be able to deliver Saturday morning. I am looking forward to cleaner clothes and hub is looking forward to lower water/electric bills.
I'll have to test out the detergent usage, we have really hard water and will likely have to use a bit more than we would with soft water.

Good on ya. If you like it, you owe me. If you don't, I'll change my web-name.

It's a deal! :o)

Congratulations on your purchase! If I could offer a suggestion or two, keep in mind that there's going to be a learning curve with the front load machine. They work differently. The desired end result (clean clothes) is the same but they go about it in different ways.

As said, be careful and measure, repeat *measure* accurately the detergent you use. Watch for too much sudsing. Some is normal, excess can be damaging to the machine.

With a top loader you don't really see what's happening in the washer so it's easy to overdose the clothes and have a buildup of soap in the clothes. People erroneously blame the machine when it's the user that puts in too much. If that's the case, you might have some extra soap to wash out of the clothes, especially towels so it could even be a good idea to run them once without adding detergent to see if you see sudsing.

Lastly, read the manual. Maybe a couple times. Maybe read it once a week. Again, it's a different operation than the top load so you need to understand how it works to get the best performance from it. I don't think it's hard to learn, it's just that some people are reluctant to accept change. You sound like you'll do just fine.

Enjoy your new machine. Feel free to ask questions. I'm sure you'll be very happy with this machine. It has a good reputation.

Hi Cynic, thanks much for the suggestions. Hub has already informed me that I am to read the manual cover to cover. :o) As this machine is so completely different from the old Gibson, I know I have to familiarize myself and learn how to use it effectively.

I know what you mean about soap buildup, used to have that problem especially with comforters and larger items. It seemed like there was always soap left on top and the need for another rinse cycle, even when using less soap than recommended. It will be nice to have a washing machine with more room and no agitator.

Most people of my acquaintance gauge the "right" amount of detergent in their TL's by observing the amount of suds on the surface while in-operation. That sudsing quality of those detergents are intentionally designed into the product for just that reason. Your new FL won't be like that. HE detergents don't suds up like that -- again, by design. What you'll see is maybe a few bubbles in there. If there's more than a few, you've used too much.

Think of it more like your dishwasher. If you use regular dish soap in your dishwasher, you'll have a sudsing disaster. Dishwashing detergents don't produce suds -- by design -- but they still work just fine. If you use too little, your dishes don't get clean. If you use too much, it etches your glassware over time. You have to learn what the right amount is for your load and water quality. Your new FL is sort of like that.

As I recall from my early days, my sources of curiosity and amazement were 1) the huge amount of laundry I could put in it compared with previous TL's 2) The little amount of water it used and the little amount of detergent needed and 3) the amount of noise it didn't make.

Just so you don't get crazy, be aware there still WILL be things that won't fit it there. I've been pleased to see that many comforters and mattress pads and sleeping bags fit loosely, wet down nicely, and wash wonderfully. However, there are some things that because of size, fabric, and/or construction just won't work. Be realistic. You'll still have to send some things out. As long as it can slosh you'll be fine, but don't try to stuff it.

I'll be surprised if I learn later that you're not pleased with the difference.

Our largest comforter is queen-size, so it should fit.

I'll be conservative about load sizes and detergent amounts until I have a good feel for the machine, don't want to cause any problems. Even if it's not perfect, it will be a vast improvement over the old top loader.

They called to say they've had a delivery re-schedule, so they can deliver Friday morning instead of Saturday, wheeeeeeeeee............ :o)

One of the reasons I'm interested in hearing back from you about your switch after some months of your own personal experience is because of a particular suspicion I have about many of the problems being reported. I'm thinking it's mostly user oversight/error/carelessness. That may not be fair, but that's where I'd place my bets today. As I said, I haven't had any trouble with mine in five years and mine's just like everyone elses' so I sort of don't get that.

Unlike many (most?) you've obviously read and asked questions. Obviously conscientious. Obviously interested in obtaining the benefits such machines promise without allowing your own inexperience to mess things up. Obviously willing to bear the "learning curve", so to speak. If a buyer/user like you has issues, I may have to re-think the thing.

I'm betting you'll have as good an experience as I have had. Regardless, I would be interested in learning of your opinions after some time goes by if you would be so kind as to come back and share them.

Asolo, I will definitely come back and post re. the new machine though I really don't foresee any problems. I was mainly concerned about the mildew smell reports, but I've always kept the top loader open when not in use and as that seems to be the "fix" for front loaders, I am sure it won't be an issue. After dealing with my old Gibson for years, I just know the new machine will be a VAST improvement.

Here is a site that might help you - scroll down for the ratings of washers -

http://www.allbrandservicenaperville.com/products-washer.html

I remember when I first got my FL I thought at first that the clothes were just "spinning" back and forth and would not get clean. However upon further inspection you notice as they get wet they slosh and fall. FL's dont just fill with water and start washing (like traditional TL's), they fill gradually.
My FL (LG) will start a normal cycle at 55mins, by 48mins it is completely wet and sloshing pretty good. There have been some times early on where I put TOO much clothes in and even fully wet they werent sloshing, they were just turning with the drum which mean you will not be getting a complete clean load. Be careful not to overload.
I have had my set for 3yrs now, best move I ever made.
I STILL CANNOT GET OVER THE SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER!! (smile) I use maybe a tablespoon and a half of detergent, I switched to powder about a year ago and was using too much and started to notice a slight smell after closing the door even after 3 days of leaving the door open, cut back on my powder amount and within two weeks the smell was gone. Lesson learned.

I have for the most part always used GAIN, even when I had a TL. Because of the high water extraction FL clothes coming out of the washer dont have that highly perfumed smell you may be accustomed to in TL's. They do smell clean and airy though. I noticed even when I used liquid FS (fabric softner) in the wash that the smell is almost non-existent coming out of washer.

Matching dryer is good/OK. HUGE capacity which IMHO can cause some problems...at least for me. I have found that with the larger capacity some clothes tend to get lost in bigger clothes i.e. bath clothes, or hand towels in sheets and dont get dried. Did not have this problem with smaller capacity dryers as I suspect they dont have as much room to tumble. It is a trivial issue for me though and would not trade bigger capacity for smaller. This is the first dryer I've owned that has sensors to detect drying which can be a problem if you use FS sheets. Early on I noticed my clothes were not drying, I called LG thinking there was an issue w/my dryer, they gave me a quick fix if you use FS sheets (below). I use the Bounce stick that adheres to the drum of the dryer and love it, I just have to after 5 or so loads clean the sensors w/alcohol. It takes all of 20 seconds and SHAZAM!!! all is well!!
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!