The problem here for you is that washers without agitators aren't designed to work properly when the tub is filled up with water. This is because the clothes float away from the impeller at the bottom of the wash tub, and consequently don't get any scrubbing action. Also, when the clothes float around like this they bunch up a lot more and create larger unbalances.

One option for you to consider is the non-HE version of the Whirlpool Cabrio. This washer is the same washer as the Cabrio HE, except that it has an agitator instead of an impeller, and it's designed to work properly when the tub is filled with water. One of the nice things about this washer is that it still has the automatic water level sensing that the Cabrio HE washer has, so it will still be quite frugal with water when you wash small wash loads. It's also cheaper too.

washer man, thanks for the response. Great info.

As irresponsible as this may sound in a forum post, when it comes to washing my clothes, I don't care about saving energy, water, or money. I am also not concerned about the upfront cost of the machine. I simply want something that meets my needs and is a quality, well built product. And I don't mind paying for it.

I really liked the big, open tub in the Harmony washer. I enjoy stuffing blankets, comforters, dog beds, etc. in there and not having to worry about the agitator.

If money is no object, why not get a Miele?

Does anyone here have a Wascomat commercial washer (non-coin op) in their home?

Megamorph, I'm sorry to hear about the trouble with your Harmony. I've had mine for about 4 years now without any problems (knock on wood!). Just for the record you can fill the Harmony. If you select one of the presets, such as "coats" it will fill up.I have no complaints about how clean the clothes get using the regular cycles so I don't fill the tub but it is an option.

I have the Cabrio w/ agitator. I first purchased the HE model (no agitator) and did NOT like the small amt of water for washing and rinsing. It just doesn't work. I would have liked to save on energy and water but not at the expense of clean laundry. The Cabrio (6200 model) has the auto water feature AND 4 other water levels from small to super. One feature it has that the HE top loading model did not is a delay start. LOVE that! When DH came home from work tonight, I was able to get his work clothes (hot water wash) in the washer (and forget about it) and delay the start by an hour while he took a hot bath.
Monica

Monica, your post (and others, too) make me think the Cabrio and Bravos washers must not be as identical as others have intimated they are. My Bravos HE toploading washer DOES have a delay start - and, yes, it's great! I rarely use it, but when I need it, it's great to have. :-)

Another difference is that my Bravos washer and my dil's Oasis washer (also made by Whirlpool) clean very well without a lot of water. I don't know why there's such a difference between our washers' cleaning ability and the Cabrio you had, unless your Cabrio was a lemon?

Just wanted to point out that there ARE differences in the Cabrio/Oasis/Bravos washers.

mara, I could have had a lemon OR it could be a water quality issue (combined with the scant amt of water used for cleaning and rinsing). I live in the country on a community well system. I can honestly say the quality of our water has never been very good and in fact, it's been downright horrible! I've called the state 3 times to complain about it and they've investigated and made some changes. It's better now than it's ever been but it's still not as good as it should be. I'm not smart enough to comment on whether or not the three models are or aren't the same (g) Like you, I don't use the delay feature often (would probably use it more if I thought about it) but when the need is there, it's a great feature to have :)
Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas Mara!