From what I've heard, the Speed Queen washers are built from really heavy-duty commercial parts. Supposedly you won't totally void the warranty even if you used them in an actual commercial setting. Now, their cycle options are ~extremely~ basic compared to a Miele or just about any other modern washer but if that isn't a problem then I'd put them towards the top of the list for consideration.

And they're actually made in Wisconson!

Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen (internal view, including FL and dryer)

Not sure where you are getting your information, but we have been using our FL LG washer/dryer for 3 1/2 years without a hiccup. About 6 cycles a week. Very pleased with the performance. I don't know what else I could have asked for, but I certainly would not classify that "unreliable". Be careful of who you get your data from. Many have a chip on their $houlder or have $ome other hidden agenda. Good luck.

You might want to take a look at Asko. I know that CR has rated its reliability as less than perfect in the past (if you believe in CR), and it has it's detractors here as well (along with most other brands). But the warranty is 3 years parts and labor, plus two more years parts only. I believe this is the best in the industry, but you can check. I own 3 Asko machines.

When I got my Miele W4840 a year ago, the deal (in the USA) was that the warranty was extended to five years if the machine was installed by an authorized Miele installer. Installation cost $195 (removal of old washer, which I didn't have, would have cost something like $75 extra; these prices may vary by locality, and I'm in an expensive area). They did a very careful, unrushed installation job.

No matter what you get, consider who will service them. While you want them to be reliable, breakdowns DO happen, yes even in the big name often touted as trouble free brands.

I too caution you on what you "hear" about those brands. For instance Maytag is now made by Whirlpool. Yes Maytag had BIG problems but that era is over.

Also consider who actually MAKES the unit rather than just brand name. For instance, LG makes the GE Harmony, Samsung makes a FL Amana machine, Electrolux/Frigidaire makes machines for GE, Gibson and Kenmore doesn't build a machine themselves. Electrolux machines are relatively new but I've seen mostly positive reviews. I've made my position on Con-sumer's Reports well-known so no need to repeat that. Be careful where you get your info is good advice.

The most important thing is first setting your budget. Then determine your needs and wants. Then see what units meet those criteria. That will give you a starting point to begin research. For instance, if you need a heater that will heat over 200°, your model choices are limited. If you don't need a heater, then you could even consider machines with them, as a bonus. Don't forget size/space issues, if any. Capacity needs?

Often I see people buy way more than they need. And then get in a bind if they feel they have to repair the unit because they have so much money in it they can't buy new. And sometimes rather than spend $500 to repair a unit, it could be better to just buy a new $500 unit. Not always, but sometimes it would make more sense.

I would like to be able to wash king size sheets/duvet covers if needed.

I get everything at cost, so it's hard to say where I would be at MSRP as it all varies. I'd like to spend a max of about $2000 at cost, so that equals $2500-$3000 MSRP for most brands.

My house has a good water heater, but it would probably be good to have a built-in heater as 3 people are showering often.

It's on the basement, so vibration is not an issue. BUT I would like it to be quiet, as it's next door to my home theater system.

I also want it to look nice!

PS: Those prices are for washer AND dryer.

I went to an appliance store today and was very impressed by the look and feel of the Electrolux w/d. Not sure if the more expensive model is worth it. I actually liked the menus on the simpler IQ model.

I'm a designer, and in general I just really liked the design of them. I like the extra large capacity too.

Any thoughts on Electrolux?

Any thoughts on Electrolux?

Plenty of thoughts and videos...

HTH, Alex

Here is a link that might be useful: Electrolux washers

I don't think I'd be happy with the Electrolux washers, because of the short wash cycle times that I saw in the online manuals a few months ago (can't find them now). The "Extended" option on the Miele W4840 does an exceptionally good cleaning job, while the Electrolux's wash cycles are shorter than even the Miele's non-extended wash cycle time (on its general-purpose "Custom" cycle). The Electrolux is targeted at people who want their wash finished quickly.

Maytag Bravos (possibly FL's too) are built with commercial-grade parts. I saw a Bravos (I think it's the new 5 cu ft model) at the Lowe's website which has a 10-year warranty.

First of all, take CU as a starting point, you will get more information from user reviews than a few machines tested in a mocked laboratory.

The Electrolux allows up to 21 Minuets in the main wash cycle which should be sufficient in conjunction with a Pre-wash to get a load of laundry cleaned. Anything more than that is really an over kill. If you using the right amount of detergent and correct cycle, the job in a front loader can be completed in 45 minuets up to 2 hours.

I've used both IQ and Wave Touch and both performed very well. Not one machine will have a major advantage over another unless you are competing with your neighbor trying to out do them in everything including doing the do in the bedroom!

The reason I've brought the Electrolux is because of the largest tub size to wash king sized comforters. Most current washers can handle queens sized comforters, but I needed something larger to stay out of the Laundromat. My old 7.0 dryer can handle that comforter as long as I turned the comforter several time from the inside out to dry completely.

As for reliability it will vary from brand to brand, machine to machine. As we all know, everyone load the machine differently and care will varies from family to family. Go to your local Laundromat and take note how these machines are used. Don't laugh, but it will make you think why some home laundry machine fails and looks like it has 20 years on them when in reality it has only 5 years or less on them.

Lots of good feedback on the Electrolux on AW.org.

I'm leaning towards it, with the alternatives being:

Asko
Miele

If you think that long washes are pointless, then I guess you don't believe in soaking laundry?

So does anyone think that Asko/Miele are really worth the extra price vs. the IQ Touch Electrolux?

Keep in mind I'm just an average user. If things come out clean, and the machine doesn't break and looks nice... I am happy!

Besides the aforementioned cycle times, other Miele W4840 advantages include a selection of evenly spaced wash temperatures (30C, 40C, 50C, 60C, 70C), and use of the heater to guarantee the temperature (pausing the cycle timer if necessary). But only you can decide how much extra, if anything, the Miele is worth to you.

Your last paragraph used to describe me, until I got the Miele, after years using conventional top-loaders. Well, I didn't change all that much, except now I have higher standards for "clean".

According to the Maytag Bravos warranty it's one year on everything and Ten years on drum motor and stainless steel basket. According to the warranty it only covers the motor stator and rotor, and for the basket just the side walls. Also no labor is covered from my understanding.

So my summary of this is one year on everything and ten years on parts that probably won't fail or will require other parts/labor to fix. I would say I find it underwhelming to say the least.

Here is a link that might be useful: Maytag Bravos warranty link

So I got prices on all these different W/D from Direct Buy.

Even at cost the Miele is still rather expensive. I'm looking at about $1000 more for the set than the Electrolux IQ Touch. The Asko's are actually in the middle, and closer to the Electrolux IQ in price.

So, I might eliminate Miele just for the fact that I don't want to spend that much. I was hoping the Direct Buy price would bring it in line, but it's still pricey.

So now it's down to Electrolux and Asko unless I change my mind in the 11th hour and go Miele.

I can tell you that I have had an Asko stackable for almost 12 years. I have never had any problems. My clothes are definately cleaner than with the TL Maytag I had.
I just do not like that it can't handle a queen comforter even though the salesman insisted that it could. Not.