I just got the Cabrio without the agitator a week ago. I really like it, it does a great job cleaning, does not cause vibrations, and is easy to load and unload. I had a front loader for a week and it caused a lot of vibration problems. I also find it easier to use the Cabrio than the front loader. It does not seem to be as picky about the amount of detergent (I have never used more than 1 1/2 Tbsp) and holds a lot more cloths than the front loader did. It still uses less water than a traditional toploader, but it was much easier to learn how to use. It is actually very similar to my old Kenmore. The controls light up a bright green color and are easy to see. The numbers for the timer are about 2/3" and very distict. I can read the number from my kitchen without my glasses, about ten feet from the washer. This could be helpful once you are used to the machine and now where the cycles are on the dail. Hope this helps you, good luck.

If the washer is model 4044 it's a good machine. Basically an LG on the inside. We've had ours since April and it gets the clothes clean and is quiet. We also got the matching gas dryer (without steam) and had them delivered for $1800 so I'd say that is a good deal. I think the washer was just under $900 and the drier was a hair over $900. We needed them ASAP so we paid. But I think they are good machines.

I just purchased the LG 4.0 model that home depot has on sale. It has very good reviews & just an FYI that that sale is ending tomorrow on the LGs. LG actually put on a special so most of the stores has that washer for $899 but it is listed on the LG site as also ending tomorrow. The smaller one also ends tomorrow. Good luck.

Speed Queen top loader. It is built old school but the ones with electronic control do an eco wash if you want it. It has a regular agitator not a wash plate. We use them in our business and the water temp on the is whatever is coming in the hot water hose, which is 165F there. Mine at home us about 135-140F. I am very happy with way it cleans, at work and at home. I wash everything from vintage laces and linens to wool and cashmere on delicate or handwash. Using appropriate chemicals is important too. I like that it has a deep fill for rinsing as we have allergies. You can get the same rinsing with less water on each rinse but it takes more rinses. Some people think the basket is too small but it will wash a queen comforter and King bedding. I don't think you can make a blanket statement about all FLs or all TLs. There are good and bad for both. Agree with rococogurl, if you get a FL, you need a heater because by using less water, what heat there is is lost to the bulk of the machine. Look at how long the cycles take and read what others have written on this forum.