The Miele I'm familiar with (W4840) does need to be on a sturdy floor. The floors in a 19th century rowhouse might well be sturdy enough, especially since you presumably don't have any long unsupported spans. If it's installed properly as required by all FL's (level, and equal weight on all four legs) on a sturdy floor, I wouldn't expect it to walk. Well, I did see my machine move an inch or two once -- it was loaded with three heavy cotton bathmats, and when it tried to pulse spin after the wash (preparatory to the full spin before first rinse) it was way out of balance and moved a little, but it caught itself. But that's an extreme situation, which would be interesting to try on other FL's too.

Thanks, suburbanmd. I appreciate all the help and clarification I can get! Do you like your Miele? Do you also have the Miele dryer?

I have Miele washer only, still using an old Kenmore dryer. I'm very happy with the washer. Have to add, though, that Bosch washers are supposed to use their internal heater more effectively than most brands (other than Miele), and people do get good results out of them. So another machine might not solve your problem with white washes. Maybe it's a problem with wash temperature selection, detergent and/or bleach usage, or failing to adjust dosage or product selection for water hardness.

OP, I'm in a similar situation. Looking for stacked units for the 2nd floor of a 100 year old home, now a condo unit. I'd also like opinions on the 3.5 Frigidaire Affinity.

We are also in a similar situation, installing a laundry room in a 2nd floor closet in a 100+ year old rowhouse. I will put my reasoning below, maybe it will help you out.

We have it narrowed down to the Samsung 328 series and the Asko 24" 6222 series. From what I know, the Samsung is very good on second floor applications because of the VRT -- it really works according to most gardenwebbers. The Asko is a bit smaller of a machine, but has a robust internal heater that can get the water up to 205F, which is awesome. The Asko also has a nice suspension system that is supposed to be good for second floors.

I'm a little concerned that by the time the Samsung fills with water, the water won't even be hot because the water heater is a good distance away. The Samsung will be a fairly tight fit.

Some people make comments that the ASKO is not reliable, but I haven't seen any direct complaints regarding it, and they, like Miele, advertise that their units are built with a 20 year life expectancy. There just isnt much information available on them. I know they make fantastic dishwashers.

I should be clear -- from posts on Gardenweb it looks like there aren't many complaints about the new line of Asko washing machines, the 6222, 6863, and the 6903.

i have both the miele washer/dryer for the upstairs laundry and the whirlpool duets for the mud room but can't comment on their performance since we're not in our new build yet. i did order these on recommendation by another gardenwebber whose name i can't remember (sorry). i bought a set for the miele washer and another set for the dryer plus a set for the duets (stack). they arrived quickly and from the looks of the video on their website, should do a great job of keeping the machines from dancing all over the room. at least i hope so!

and sorry, i realize i didn't answer your question but thought this was helpful anyway. good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: good vibrations

We had to make a decision over the weekend and purchased Samsung 328 washer and gas dryer at Lowe's. The plumbers will be doing the rough ins tomorrow, but the machines won't be installed for at least a couple of weeks. Cross your fingers.

Thanks to everyone who replied to my post.