I was considering the LG front loader but have read over 20 complaints about MILDEW smell to the clothes.

JA

We've had the Harmony 9360 for a year and a half - very pleased with it, huge capacity, very flexible (small loads wash well, and if you really want a water-hog cycle, use the 'comforter' setting). The water heater lets you do a real 'whites' load (although it does take a while, but I think that's the case with any 120v machine). Some complain about twisted clothes, but I avoid the 'vigorous' cycles, and have no problems with it (I have seen the issue on cycles that use the vigorous wash action, and when in doubt, use the delicates cycle). They've been out for long enough that durability questions would have arisen by now. You can probably get a good deal on them.

Julieda14: Thanks for the input. All the complaints of mold issues in front-loaders concern me, along with the vibration issues.

varenovator: This washer and dryer will be in a laundry closet in the hall next at the living/dining room. Is the washer very noisy? Do you have the matching dryer and how do you like it and how is the noise level? Any experience calling for repairs?

ljh: I'm not varenovator, but I can tell you that my DW and I have had the Harmony W/D set for about two months now, and so far we are very pleased.

The washer is actually surprisingly quiet except for when the drain pump is operating. When the pump is on (drain and spin cycles), I'd say the noise is about average. The dryer is not as quiet as the washer, but it's quieter than the old Whirlpool that it replaced. So far we have not needed any repairs. I have bought copies of the service manuals, so I can run tests and diagnostics myself. Mechanically, the machines are surprisingly simple. Once the warranty is up, then unless it's something really major, I'll probably do any repairs myself.

Thanks to everyone for the responses! One more question about the GE Profile Harmony, how time consuming is it to use the control panel to actually get a wash cycle or drying cycle going? Is it user friendly or too many screens to go through to get the job done? Can you use the washer and the dryer separately without them being connected to each other?

Washer is pretty quiet - it doesn't have the 'jet engine' noise during the spin cycle like some FL do. The control panel is very easy, and you can set up your favorites in the 'My Cycles' button to minimize the button pushing. The dryer is fantastic - it does make some noise, but nothing major. Our laundry room is between our kids' bedrooms, and haven't had a noise complaint from them in 18 months. It is also right above our dining room, and we haven't noticed the noise from below unless we're listening for it (to see if it's still running, or if we need to go up and move stuff to the dryer). Vibration is a non-issue, even on the second floor.
On the connection between the washer and dryer, I could take it or leave it. We have it hooked up, and it is sometimes convenient (washer tells the dryer what settings to use), but if you've left stuff in the dryer too long and want to run a de-wrinkle cycle before moving the already-washed stuff in the washer, the dryer starts talking to the washer before you can get the de-wrinkle cycle started, and you have to wait for the 'conversation' to end before changing it back to 'de-wrinkle'. I've been too lazy to unscrew the connector to fix it, but now that I've ranted, I'll probably unhook it tonight.

varenovator: There's an option in the washer's machine options (from the main help screen) where you can turn the communications off. Just in case it's a lot of trouble to pull away from the wall. Also, I think it may set a fault code if you disconnect the cable without turning the comm off -- I haven't tried that yet. Personally, I like the communications. The washer sends the data to the dryer when you lift the lid on the washer. I've gotten into the habit of looking into the dryer before I open the washer lid, so if there's anything in there, I can run the de-wrinkle first.

ljhpkh: As varenovator points out, you can define your own cycles on the Harmony. But even if you don't, it's pretty simple to set up a cycle. There's four different categories you can choose from -- by fabric, by type of garmet, by color, or special cycles. You choose a category, and then it presents you with a list of choices. Once you've chosen one, you can press an options button on the screen if you want to add things like pre-soak, extra rinse, etc. It only takes a few seconds.