I forgot to mention, the machines will be going into a basement. I'd read some threads about noise or vibrations so neither of those are huge concerns.

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!

Six years ago I needed a new FL washer (and dryer). I bought a Frigidaire Gallery; the washer was $600 US. I chose it over the competition, which started at $1200 US for the washer. I reasoned that I could buy TWO of these washers for the price of one of the others.

This week my washer died. Bearings are shot. I again researched and have decided to buy another Frigidaire similar to my old one. It's still $600 US for the washer. (The old dryer is still fine.)

I decided against features like internal water heaters or steam functions. In reading glowing reviews of such appliances, it often comes out that the owner has not had a FL washer before. Well...FLs always clean better than TL, in my experience.

If I can get my clothes clean for $100 a year, I'm happy. I've never had the option of Super Hot Water in 42 years of marriage and haven't missed it. It's not worth $1600 to me to try it! Sadly, I don't believe there is anything on the market today that would last as long as my pre-takeover Maytag TL that lasted 25 years.

At this point longer-term reliability is a crap-shoot. Nobody knows, sadly. Best bet against that may be Miele, if you've got the bucks, but even they are new into the north American 110v larger-capacity market and their service network is tiny.

chisue and I disagree about heaters. If you ever want a truly hot wash with any of these low-fill-volume machines, you'll need a heater to get it.

We do agree about FL's. They do better job...period.

FWIW, I've had two trouble-free years with Duet9400. Would buy again if shopping today.

Chisue:

You keep posting this exact argument and frankly you don't know what you are talking about:

"In reading glowing reviews of such appliances, it often comes out that the owner has not had a FL washer before. Well...FLs always clean better than TL, in my experience."

Sounds like you are trying to convince yourself you did well by getting a unit with no water heater, and are happy to wash you clothes in tepid water when you set it to hot. Good for you but your front loader is not cleaning clothes as well as most $300-400 top loaders.