Well, ALL FLs have the potential for mildew issues if you don't give them a chance to dry out. Just think about it, the door has to provide an airtight seal. The inside of the washer would be at least room temperature, parts of it would be wet and the humidity will get really high. That's heaven for germs and fungi.

Regarding quality, simple cycles, and quietness, I think both Bosch and Miele would fit your requirements. However, I don't know if either of them would run vibration free in a second story hallway. American homes are just not build like their European counterparts.

What size of washer do you want to buy? I have a Bosch Nexxt washer and I really like it. It would be possible to install a countertop over it, but you'd have to leave several inches of clearance for the control panel and the detergent dispenser flap. That control panel and the dispenser do prevent kids from messing with the washer too much though, so that might be a consideration for you as well. I am sure little kids could easily break a drawer style dispenser.

My main concern would be vibration if I had to install a FL on a second floor. A vibrating washer would be loud, annoying and could possibly cause damage to your house. Also, I don't think a washer that seriously vibrates would last too long. I"d look for a store with a good return policy so you can try out your choice of washer.

Good luck!

I ave the bosch 500 on my second floor in a closet in a bath. Personally, I rarely have vibration... once in a while if the load can't balance, I have to adjust it... maybe 3 times so far in almost 2 years... but otherwise no vibration.. I think this is a very house dependent issue, so I agree with the comment to be sure you can return whatever you buy without a problem... since the controls and detergent dispenser are o the top in front (unless you get the axis) your counter would not be able to cover the entire top. Mildew is an issue in any fl machine... I personally leave the detergent door on the top flipped open when the machine is not in use... this also ventilates the machine like leaving hte door open would...

Take a look at ASKO too. We have the new Miele W4840, and if you search this forum you will read an eyeful of the good and the bad regarding second-floor installations, let alone the fact the washer itself weights 290 pounds, so grunting it up to a second-story requires some extra muscle.

In the little search box on top of the page, type in "Returned Miele Machines"

Your best bet in vibration free machines are Samsung-Sears HE5T and Whirlpool Duet. We have been there.

You don't have to leave the doors wide open and sticking out in the passage way. Just leaving them close to closed, but not latched may be fine. (I once left one of my Askos sealed up with a full load of water in it for more than a year, with no mildew problems. Wouldn't recommend that, but it goes to show you that mildew isn't inevitable if you close your doors.) Mildew problems can be retarded if you do one or more hot loads per week and are careful about which detergent, and at what dose, you use.

I second the suggestion to look at the Asko line. They have had some ups and downs quality-wise since I bought my first one more than a decade and half ago. Mine have worked very well and had hard use and are still going strong. I haven't seen too many complaints about Asko recently so perhaps this one of the good periods in their production. They have a unique suspension system which reportedly does better than others handling second-story situations. I also have Miele machines and they are superb quality and I've had no problems at all with them. But mine are older, 220V, high wattage heater models, with a much different feature set than what is available today.

Personally, I think a good heater is very important to successful front loader use, but YMMV.

Molly

ASKO has a great lineup of washers -- from an XXL 3.8 cuft. model to a 220v 2.25 cuft. model that can go to 205°F and 2,000 rpm spin -- with a lovely digital LCD display. If I were going for an XXL capacity machine, I'd look at the Asko and Miele units. If I was going with a smaller capacity 220v unit, I'd go Asko all the way.

Also, ASKO offers a reversible door on their extra capacity washer for those not use to Euro spec.

I have a Miele 4840 and was in the showroom at Beverly Hills last week and I asked about the mildew. Told the showroom reps that I wiped out the rubber around the door to avoid mildew and they said I did not have to do that at all. Just close the door. I don't need to leave the door open to dry it out. I live in Orange County CA so our humidity here is about 50-60% on average. I had an old Maytag FL which I loved and had the mildew problem on that seal and bleached in monthly. Never had a problem or the smell that some people had. Was lucky I guess and never had a mechanical problem. Would have bought another one but they are now Whirlpool. If you haven't bought your washer yet I would pick one that the controls are set up for what you need and like. I liked the extra 4th rinse of the Maytag that could be selected as part of the wash cycle. Only one selection on the Miele-sensitive- gives you a 3rd rinse automatically. There is a Quick Rinse selection but you have to set it separately so look at that before you choose. And there is no literature that I know of that describes the number of rinses with each selection. You have to ask Miele. I found that the sales people at stores are not that versed in this brand. I have a Miele double oven, warming drawer and hood and love each one. Miele has a new hood that I like better. because of the lighting. The hoods are noisy though. good luck.

Bosch under countertop?? Doesn't it stick out in the middle of your room. We went to look at them today because they are my favourite...husband measured it and it will stick out 4 to 6 inches beyond any other machine. What has anyone done for this predicament. Help.