Our Duet Sport set (8400W & 8300D) are on pedestals in a 2nd floor laundry room. The washer does visibly shake a little during the high-speed spin, but it doesn't walk around on the floor and I cannot feel the vibration even when standing next to the washer. We got a great deal on the Duet Sports; otherwise I was leaning toward the Frigidaire Affinity 7000 series, due to the same depth issue that you're dealing with. BTW, the only difference I could find between the Frig Affin 7000 and 8000 series was the finish on the doors. So far we're very pleased with the Duet Sports, and their larger capacities (vis Frig) are also good to have.

Hi:

I have a Frigidaire 2140, which I think is similar to the 2940 save for a few cycle differences and the 2940Âs having auto temperature control, a slightly faster spin speed, and a more flexible delay setting, so most of these comments should apply to the 2940. I went with the 2140 and its matching dryer because they seemed to have the best combination of features and price for my needs. I am pleased with the machines and think they are good values.

The washer cleans very wellÂsome items that I thought had been getting clean in previous top loaders come out better than ever. The controls are simple, and the machine is easy to use. The normal cycle takes about 50 minutes if the extra rinse and heavy soil options are not selected, so it's not all that time consuming. I find the capacity more than adequate, although I donÂt have particularly large loads and usually do 2 loads per week. This machine doesn't have a heater, nor to my knowledge does the 2940, but because IÂve never had a machine with one, I donÂt know whether that is a deficiency. Some find the capacity of the matching dryer inadequate, but I have no problem with it.

The one thing I do find frustrating is the washerÂs tendency to keep redistributing a load when setting up a spin, even when it looks fine the first time. Sometimes, but not often, it will skip a spin between rinses, but that doesnÂt seem to affect the machineÂs washing and rinsing ability. I wouldnÂt call the washer quiet, especially during drain and spin, but the noise level is not objectionable to me. Mine has no vibration problems and is very stable when spinning; however, it is on a concrete floor in the basement, so I couldnÂt say how it would react in your setup.

I have had these machines for only 5 months, so I canÂt comment on long-term reliability. So far, so good. There have been reports of washer bearing failures after several years, which have been attributed to various factors, including a design flaw, repeated oversudsing, and the use of liquid chlorine bleach. Others have reported no problems after years of use. I donÂt use bleach and am careful not to oversuds, so we shall see.

I also looked at the Affinities, but I didnÂt like the way the doors sagged on their hinges when open. I think that might have been corrected? I donÂt have any experience with the Duet Sports but have seen many positive comments about them.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you get.

Thanks, both reviews very helpful! Looks like we are going to focus on the Frigidaire Affinity 7000/8000 and the Whirlpool 8500. Reasons for eliminating the 2940 are (possibly) moderately more noise, no water heater, newer model and generally a notch lower reviews on epinions. Interestingly, although the 7000 has a lower Consumer Report Review than the Whirlpool Duets and 2940, the epinion consumer ratings seem higher for the 7000. I wonder why the Consumer Report rating for the 7000 is relatively low?

Update on our long search -- we finally decided to order the Duet Sport 8500 w/d today -- ~$1,250 after rebates/delivery and before sales tax. Main reasons for selecting the Whirlpool are brand loyalty (our current 21 year old Whirlpools are still running), slightly larger capacity (family of 4), and appearance. Little doubt that the Frigidaire 7000 w/d at $925 after rebates are a better value, but my wife prefers the Whirlpool -- enough said. A little concerned that customer ratings on the Frigidaire are higher. But we felt comfortable rewarding Whirlpool with our repeat business given experiences with our many Whirlpool/KitchenAid appliances.

Thanks to everyone for your help on this thread (and a previous thread)!

davepw: you'd said, "Little doubt that the Frigidaire 7000 w/d at $925 after rebates are a better value......"

Where'd you find the Frigidaire 7000 w/d combo for $925? We looking at the washer only at Lowes for around $750.

Would you mind sharing where you found the duet for $1250?