I'm not really sure if any machine made today will last as long as the old ones did, but I am hopeful. I purchased my Bosch Nexxt series FL washer and dryer over 6 years ago, and have been very happy with them. FL's are very different, require much less soap, and a bit of care. My machine does smell a bit musty if I close it and don't do a load for a week. Otherwise, I just leave it open to air out overnight and it does fine. I've also discovered the type of detergent I use (often too much) makes it smell even more. These machines use much less water, therefore if you use too much soap, it doesn't get rinsed out, possibly causing some of the smell. I never notice a smell when I use Persil soap, or when I use just a tablespoon of liquid soap. My soap does seem to last forever! As for dryers, mine has never had a problem with drying things completely. There is a sensor behind the lint collector that senses when things are dry. If you use dryer sheets, the product in the sheet clogs the lint screens squares, blocking the sensor and the dryer can stop working well. I was told by my appliance guy to never use dryer sheets in these newer type of machines for that reason. I have only used liquid softener in my washer and I never worry about static, and my dryer has never not worked exceptionally well, even with larger loads. One thing though, the Bosch dryers get super hot, so I changed my flexible duct for a solid one, mainly to decrease the risk of fire with it being so hot. I also clean out beneath my dryer's lint collector with a long skinny brush to remove any lint that may not come out with the screen, and also vacuum that area once a year. I think it's a small amount of maintenance that has kept my machines doing well. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to ask the Bosch technician a ton of questions when the washer's seal came off my machine 2 weeks after I got it. I learned some valuable information and have had no problems with my machines since following his advice. I'm very happy with my set, and I do hope they last another 10 years or more.

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.

You want Whirlpool or Maytag (same machine with some slight differences). Uses the same reliable direct drive system they have used for decades. The only other options in that price range are Frigidaire and GE, which just don't measure up quality wise. This post was edited by hvtech42 on Fri, Jan 16, 15 at 1:13

We got the whirlpool stackable set. We are happy with them.