Unplugging is not a reliable solution for a long list of reasons. First, a most unreliable solution means human intervention. Second, even early 20th Century ham radio operators disconnected their antennas, put the lead inside a mason jar, and still suffered damage. Damage stopped only when the antenna lead was earthed. That is the only reliable solution used everywhere that damage cannot happen. Your telco's computer is connected to overhead wires all over town. They disconnect - stop all phone service - everytime a thunderstorm approaches? Of course not. With about 100 surges during each storm, well, how often is your entire town without phone service for four days? Never? Because every telco everywhere in the world uses a solution that is reliable. Only effective protector is located where wires enter the building - the 'whole house' protector. AND earthing must be upgraded to both meet and exceed post 1990 code. No protector - not even the 'whole house' protector - provides protection. Protection is always the earth ground. Earthing both meets and exceeds code so that nobody knows any surge existed. A properly earthed 'whole house' protector earths even direct lightning strikes - and remains functional. The reason for earthing and a 'whole house' protector is ... well your telco never disconnects during thunderstorms - and must never suffer damage. Same reason why informed homeowners upgrade earthing for that one protector - and use computers routinely during every thunderstorm. Again, why is the 'whole house' protector so highly recommended and effective? No protector provides protection. Protection is always about where energy dissipates. A protector is only as effective as its earth ground.

I often get a chuckle out of this question since so often people just blurt out GET THE BINFORD 6100... I LOVE MINE!! and give no consideration to whether the inquirer's budget, needs and wants are the same as theirs. There's no way to give an intelligent suggestion without some basic information up front. First question I always ask is what's your budget? I'm amazed that few if any ever give that a consideration until they say "that's too much". Why even mention a $4k-$5k set if their budget is a small fraction of that. We've become so used to buying whatever is put in front of us instead of getting what we need. Will the set be somewhere on display so for appearances purposes you want them to try to match? Especially on higher end machines you'll pay a lot more for the semi-match. Dryers are pretty basic machines and there's little difference between a $200 dryer and a $2000 dryer all things considered. Personally I seldom see machines that I truly can say match well. And I'm not into appearances - I believe form follows function so for me I want the performance and value to come before aesthetics. But again, it's important to know wants too. Whirlpool bought out Maytag and has salvaged the name making it again respectable. I wouldn't worry about that but then again name can be misleading since you don't always know who makes what. Many people believe Kenmore makes appliances, which they don't. Maytag, Estate, Roper, Inglis, Amana, JennAir and others are all made by Whirlpool. Samsung makes a front loader for Amana. LG makes the GE Harmony. Frigidaire makes a front loader for Gibson and GE. And on and on. You also need to consider your needs and wants. What cycles and capacity would be important to you? AFAIK, Speed Queen still would qualify as an "old fashioned" top loader. It's still a solid unit. As for adding clothes to a front loader and even some top loaders that have locks, it usually can be done except if the front loader is in a sanitary cycle. I won't agree that most front loaders have heaters. Some do. And they vary as to when the heater works so it's often very misleading. Though it may have a "heater" sometimes it only works on one or two cycles. Also, while some heaters will go over 200°, many now only heat to about 150° if that's a consideration of yours. Obviously with your space considerations you need to check dimensions carefully. Don't forget to factor in space needs for outlets, water supply and venting and have you considered supply storage? There's also the option of a laundry center or stacked units if they would meet your needs. Finding washers and dryers these days can be intimidating. But do some homework and look around. I'm sure you'll find something to meet your needs well.

OK. My washer is coming tomorrow. No bells and whistles--just a standard ole Top Loader. SPEED QUEEN #AWS44NW--3.3 cu.ft. stainless steel tub--8 cycles--3 water temp. ect. washerman8--I wanted the model you have but it took too long for them to get it. If I need a 2nd rinse I'll just wash with no soap. Here is info on this model. Maybe by the time this machine dies the FLers will be more worry free. Appearance Color: White Rear Controls Flexvane Agitator Galvanized Metal Washer Cabinet 3.3 cu.ft. Stainless Steel Washtub Triple Coat Commercial-Grade Cabinet Finish Performance/Features 210° Agitation Stroke 3 Water Temperature Selections 8 Cycle Selections 2 Speed Automatic Balancing System Rear Self-Leveling Legs Porcelain Coated, Steel Outer Draintub Tuff Guard Protected Top Bleach Dispenser Fabric Softener Dispenser Commercial Strength Suspension Sys Hush Pak Appearance 3 Water Temperature Selections 8 Cycle Selections 2 Speed Automatic Balancing System Rear Self-Leveling Legs Porcelain Coated, Steel Outer Draintub Tuff Guard Protected Top Bleach Dispenser Fabric Softener Dispenser Commercial Strength Suspension System Hush Pak Cycles Regular: Heavy Normal Light Permanent Press: Normal Light HandWash/Delicate: Normal Light Soak/Prewash Technical Information Tub Volume: 3.3 cu. ft. Average Water Consumption 39.1 Overall Dimensions: 43"H x 25 5/8"W x 28"D Cabinet Height: 36" Motor Horsepower: 1/2 Spin Speeds (RPM): 474 710 Warranty Speed Queen brings to you the industry's best warranty on all of our washers and dryers. 3-year warranty on parts and labor 5 year limited warranty on the motor 5 year limited warranty on the cabinet 10 year limited warranty on transmission Lifetime warranty on all stainless steel washtubs and outer draintubs

SS is a basically superior material for this purpose. On the other hand, I've had quite a few dryers over the last several decades -- including the current one at mom's which is 15 years old -- all with enamel tubs. All worked perfectly and did not chip or wear. I regard the debate as non-issue. Certainly not a decision-maker. FWIW, I've had Duet pair for 2 1/2 years. Excellent performance and no trouble. Would buy again if shopping today.