@sshrivastava, true, and I have not found any of the specific details. The HVAC they reference on their site is a much better technology that has been stifled by the likes of Carrier and Trane here in the states. The rest of the world has been using it and it works through using AC to start a motor, and then shifting over to DC to run the motor after starting; AC will be used again under heavy loads. Interesting Panasonic does not sell washers and dryers in the states (that I know of). I would like see firsthand how their units are made, plus the features they offer. As I've stated formerly, I'm not brand centric.

The thing I don't understand and nobody seems to be able to explain is how using non-HE will invalidate a warranty. How can they prove you used non-HE? Improper use of non-HE detergent is no different than improper use of HE detergent! So does that mean they'll honor a warranty for abusing HE detergent but not non-HE? I doubt it. I suppose they could send some residue to a lab to try to determine which formula it was to determine if they'll honor a warranty or not, but this too I doubt quite highly. What causes trouble is too much suds and eventually this can damage the unit. If a single overdose will invalidate a warranty, 3/4 or more of all first-time FL users will void a warranty and ruin their machine. I have trouble with this argument. Using a lower sudsing detergent in an HE machine IS important however. But as you can read from many many threads here from very experienced and knowledgeable people, there's lots of low sudsing non-HE detergents out there. After all, special "HE" detergents are relatively new to the market while front load (HE) machines have been around since the 40s at least! This hype over HE detergents gets a little out of line IMO. I will say though, that I'd be particularly careful with Tide formulas since historically, the regular versions can be a bit sudsy. The important thing is to carefully measure the detergent and that is often a problem with people. So many people overdose and don't know it. And with conventional top loaders you seldom know it, then there's thread after thread where people blame the detergent for not rinsing or something when it's clearly pilot error. Front loaders with the glass doors make it easier to see when you overdose. And there's a lot more involved which is why this isn't just a simple question. Your water chemistry, temperatures, machine, fabrics, soiling level, condition and type will make a big difference in the detergent needs and performance and that's why what works well for me, might not work well for you and vice versa. I would suggest getting the HE and even with that be careful on measuring your detergent. People seem to measure powders more carefully than liquids for some reason. Assuming you have a chain store you're buying from they probably can't special order the HE formula for you but there should be other sources to buy it. FWIW, I recently read that Tide's load calculations are based on the "line 2" of the measuring cap. I have a large capacity top loader and I seldom use more than to about line 1 and occasionally even less and I have excellent cleaning results. If the load is extra dirty I go to line 2 and rarely if ever have I used a line 3 dosing in nearly 2 years of using Tide Free/Sensitive Skin formula. Given this, I would think that you'd be using too much going to line 2 in a FL machine. I'm a firm believer that people use way more cleaners of all types than they need to and it's not always without detriment.

here's what is says at vermontcountrystore.com.... Oxydol, Handling Laundry Day Challenges for Over 75 Years Growing up, no laundry day was complete without Oxydol. We've found it in a replica of the original bull's-eye box. It's still the same versatile, all-purpose household soap powder with a fresh scent that not only cleans clothes, but also washes dishes and cleans upholstery, rugs, linoleum, woodwork and painted walls. Oxydol dissolves quickly into bountiful, rich suds. It leaves whites bright and is safe for washable colors and all fine fabrics. 100 oz. box. Features: Great for cleaning clothes, uphostery, rugs, linoleum, woodwork, and painted walls Dissolves quickly Fresh scent Safe for colors and fine fabrics Get those laundry day blues, reds, yellows, and whites as clean as can be with the proven cleaning power of Oxydol. The "bountiful, rich suds " part makes me this this would be a 'no go' for the fl's! But, alas, we all know it wouldn't be the same formula we remember...

Rosa M: My family currently owns a "low-end" Asko washer, which we have had for 11 years. I think it is a very good washer, but my wife hates it. She much prefers the older, simpler top loaders with their noticably-shorter wash times. In the interest of marital harmony we will likely get a traditional top loader when the Asko gives up the ghost. If you have never used one you will find they work a bit differently from old top loaders. One thing you should be mindful of when buying a European front loader is who will service the machine when the time for servicing inevitably comes. I will not consider buying an Asko right now because there is only one company that will service it in my area, compared to three companies that would do so only four years ago. (Asko was recently purchased by Gorenje, a Slovenian appliance manufacturer, and this has messed up the repair-parts distribution system.) Also, in Canada, Miele no longer lists washers and dryers among the products they distribute and support. You might want to contact local appliance-repair companies to see if they are able to service your preferred brand. Good luck.