Do you do all the laundry or does each person do their own? This would be a factor in how large a unit you need. The more you can put in the less loads you will have to do. But the big thing is budget. When you ask about a Miele and then go all the way to a Kenmore you are listing quite a range. As far as the German engineering and the cost to fix take an example of cars. A BMW will cost more for comparable repairs than say a Chevy. Can you afford the difference if you buy a Miele and you do need some kind of unforseen repair? Everyone states the Miele will last longer. But will the difference in price make up for just how many years you get out of a machine? If you finance then you would also need to figure that into your cost. Personally if you want a Miele and can afford it, go for it. Those German engineers do make some awesome stuff. What I would suggest is that you need to go shopping! If you are looking for something that washes woolens ask to be shown those specific washers. After you have got your selection down to a few different models come back and ask opinions. If you are wanting to wash something large, such as a comforter, take it along and stuff it in the machines. Unless someone has, for whatever reason, bought an unusual number of washers they can really only give you an opinion on their machine. Have fun shopping.

I just recently went through the same process, but my budget was bit higher, 2000-3000$ CND. I looked at models with a built-in water heater, which was very important for me. Here are a few observations. Bosch Nexx: over your budget (2300$+tax), very nice feel, many cycles, heats water consistently, quality assembly. Whirlpool Duets HT (my final choice): (1980$+tax), many cycles, built-in water heater but does not heat through all the cycles, quality of the washer assembly very high (dryer has a pretty "cheaper" feel though), washer made in Germany Whirlpool Duets Sport (8500 series): 1800$+tax, less cycles than Duets, built-in water heater, made in Mexico instead of Germany Frigidaire (higher end model): 1700$+tax, construction/quality less than Whirlpool, built-in water heater, a lot of negative comments on the durability of Frigidaire W/D Didn't look at GE, newer on the scene I think, or LG (for those prices I'd get something else). Kenmore is an option, their HE5T is Whirlpool made, available in many colours, it gets down to looks/prices What won me on the Duets HT was: the many positive reviews found everywhere, price was only slightly higher than the others, look (I have them in my hallway), and quality feel. Just look at the door hinge/latch, on the cheaper models and you'll understand. The dryer is another story, we really get ripped off on that "matching" thing, quality is not the same as the washer, door looks the same, but opening/closing feels cheaper. It feels like my 400$ dryer that I got 8 years ago. I haven't used them much yet, but I'm satisfied so far. Overall, I'd say look at what's important for you as per features, check the different floor models for quality, feel, and look (especially your GF, my BF couldn't care less!). And if matching is not important for you (I mean for your GF!), you could save a bit there, although they tend to give bigger rebates when you buy the "pair". Since it will be your first W/D kit, you might not know what you want/need, but choose carefully because a higher end model will last. I just got rid of my mom's gold/yellow washer!

I have a LG set I purchased in 2011. I have become very unhappy with this pair. I have taken all of the advice I have received here regarding my washer, and I do not like the machine at all. If a load of towels or similar type of laundry is not absolutely perfectly distributed, it will not spin. It typically adds 10 minutes or more to a cycle trying to balance the load during a spin. As far as rinsing goes, I have learned I have to frequently use the water plus option or add the extra rinse option to get well rinsed laundry. I do not use too much detergent...I figured out long ago that you must follow the directions carefully when using HE detergents or there will be issues. Like all FL machines, you use fabric softener at your own peril because mold will build up rather quickly in the dispenser area, and this LG is worse than my previous Kenmore was. Consequently I seldom use the Downey I used to love to use and when I do, I use a very small amount mixed with warm water. Luckily I always empty the dispenser at the end of my using the machine for a day so I have yet to develop a smell of mildew. I do regularly use a washer cleaner and always do at least one hot wash with bleach a week. When I first bought the pair I really liked the dryer, but I am finding now that it does not dry as well as it did when it was new. 4 years should not make that much of a difference. Maybe I am being overly judgmental towards the dryer because I dislike the washer so much but I definitely notice degradation in the drying process. If I were to choose a FL washer again, it would not be a LG model. I am intrigued by Speed Queen. I have about a year to go and will see what the market has available at the time. This LG has soured me completely on FL machines unless I find one that seems to offer me what I want a washer to be.

I currently have a set of Duet HT that are stacked and really like them. However based on the performance of my parents new Speed Queen's, when my Duets give up the ghost this is what will be replacing them: http://www.speedqueen.com/products/stacked-washer-dryers.aspx?mn=ATEE9AGP173TW01#build-your-own The things are whisper quiet on the spin cycle and even though I have the duet HT with the high speed spin, my clothes are rarely stuck to the inside of the drum as regularly as with the Speed Queens on high speed. For the stuff that tolerates high spin speed that cuts down on the drying time too.