I don't have recommendations for a specific brand of washer/dryer. However, I'm leaning towards a TL. I was for the FL. NOt because it seems to be more energy efficient, etc, but I just like the look of it better too. However, many friends and family members are regretting their front loaders. I don't have children, but they do. They've said that the TL cleans their clothes better (food stains on kids' shirts, etc.) Also, if you don't transfer your clothes from the washer to the dryer immediately, FL tend to leave an unrefreshing smell after awhile.

How do others feel?

Duet 9400 for two trouble-free years. I'd no sooner buy a new TL than I would take my clothes to the local stream and rub them with rocks. I grew up on conventional TL's like a lot of folks. Still have one at mom's. Use both hers and mine frequently. The Duet is superior in every measure I can think of. And not by a little bit.

We had a combination washer dryer (obviously, a FL) before our son came along. Then we needed more capacity and bought a Maytag pair w/TL washer. Both washed fine. The Maytag set lasted 30 years; don't get excited 'cause they don't make 'em like that anymore! Third set was Whirlpool TL -- not as good. Now I have just replaced a Frigidaire FL that lasted six year with the same thing. I believe a FL washes better than most TL washers, and I'm happy spending $600 per washer if it will clean my clothes for six years.

With a large family, you may require a larger-capacity washer. You might consider one with an internal heater. We are just two people and the 3.5 tub is adequate here.

I've had the GE Harmony set for about 3 years and I just love it. It is a TL w/o the agitator in the middle so it holds tons of stuff (right now I am washing 2 twin sheet sets and 1 queen set and I could probably fit a bit more in). I have 2 dogs and 2 cats, all of whom shed mercilessly, and 4 children so my machine gets a real work out! Personally I prefer the TL to the FL's. I know some people think that the FL cleans better but I think they forget that detergent and wash style have a lot to do with it. Good luck with your search!

I recently bought the Cabrio set,and we love it,with 4.5 cubic ft you can wash at lot at one time,I bought two FL machines and kept bringing back until I ended up with the Cabrio set,this machine is best for me,very quiet,gets cloths very clean,better than the other FLs I had.I got the washplate model wit glass top,basically it a FL design with the bucket upright,thus eliminating vibration issues.I would definately check this machine.I found that the FL machines were not for me,Im just glad I didnt get stuck with one.Let us know what you decide to get,who knew that it would be so hard to find a good washer.Good Luck.

Fisher Paykel EcoSmart washer and SmartLoad dryer.

Stay clear of the Kenmore Elyte Oasis TL washing machine and dryer. Nothing but bad news. My washer twists and knots the clothing so severely that the imbedded wrinkles from the washing do not even come out in the dryer nor do they iron out of the cloths. Many of my towels have been ripped- ? getting caught under the based of the agitatorless centerpiece in the washer? I have also noted alot of my cotten tops are coming out with holes in them, most likely due to the same reason. The F1,etc. lights come on frequently also. When I callled Sears customer repair center, the representative I spoke to who was as rude as can be, accused me of not know how to use the machine, not knowing how to wash clothes,etc. He sarcastically told me that I will be paying the service man charges for teaching me how to use the machine. This we will see about. I know I have a long hard fight ahead of me, but my ultimate goal is to get both pieces of expensive junk out of my house and replaced with different models. My battle has just begun. Don't put yourself in my shoes by purchasing these machines.

sandra1949,

I'm sorry for you negative experience with the Sears customer. Unfortunately, the quality of all budget appliances greatly degraded after manifesting was moved the Chine. You want be surprised reading this:

Jeffrey Fettig, Whirlpool's chairman and chief executive, said"

"We pay $23 an hour in Clyde, Ohio including benefits, versus $3 in Mexico versus $1 in China" .

Questions?

Sorry for typos, should be:

sandra1949,

I'm sorry for you negative experience with the Sears customer support. Unfortunately, the quality of all budget appliances greatly degraded after manufacturing was moved to Chine. You want be surprised reading this:

Jeffrey Fettig, Whirlpool's chairman and chief executive, said"
"We pay $23 an hour in Clyde, Ohio including benefits, versus $3 in Mexico versus $1 in China" .
Questions?

I am happy with my GE Harmony. After using the LG Tromm Steamwasher for a month, I had to return it due to excessive vibrations from the 2nd floor site. Now after using the Harmony for 3 weeks, I can say the Harmony cleans better than the LG Tromm did. There is no vibration that translates onto the floor, my clothes are not excessively tangled, there is enough water to clean the clothes, my clothes smell clean and the machine was $500 less. I can't comment on the dryer as I opted to keep the LG Dryer.

It is disgusting and the stupid american consumer, including me, pays good money for junk while the SEARS fatcats fill their pockets with the big bucks. All we can do as consumers is make the public aware and that is what I intend to do. The Sears repair man told me that the washer/dryer models - Kenmore Elyte Oasis - is a constanct source of repair service calls. He stated that all the issues I am having with the machine are the same he hears at every house call. He also told me that Sears was and is very aware of all the issues but could not understand either why they put them on the market knowing they were nothing more than junk. I am not going to accept his comment that "thats how these models are and Sears will do nothing about it. I am filing a formal complaint with the state consumer protection, having our local tv station investigate and expose them on tv and also writing an editorial in our paper warning the public about these products and Sears poor customer service and lack of standing behind their products.
Sandra

I've had issues also with Sears on their customer service. Will never deal with them again.

I would like to compile a accurate number of people who has also had problems with the Kenmore Elyte Oasis TL washer and maching dryer. Please respond if you did, stating your problems and what SEARS did about it.

Sandra, you're kidding, right? An "accurate" number? All you're going to get from your post is a list of anecdotal evidence of the few people who happen to be members of Gardenweb, have looked at this thread, have had problems with Sears, and bothered to respond to your post. Nothing "accurate" about it, I'm afraid.