I know what you mean. I have a Frigidaire Affinity 6700. It is the most basic of all the Affinity series and although my clothes get thouroughly soaked and clean it has still needed numerous repairs and has a constant mold problem despite all of my efforts. I'm going to replace it too when the service plan wears out and the costs to repair outway replacing it. When I do replace it, I'm planning on checking out a few brands. My eyes are on LG, Samsung, Bosch, and Miele. Now some of the brands may be more expensive, but if the performance is excellent and the longevity of the machine is factored in, it is probably worth the cost. I'll most likely get an LG. They are gradually starting to come down in price as the market demand for FLer's increases and I have seen mostly sterling reviews on them. Also another feature I like is most have a large drum and a drawer down below in front to clean out the drain tray. The drawer for the drain tray alone cuts down service calls in and of itself. The ones I checked out at my local Home Depot were reasonably priced and had many functions. On another note, you could check into some of the TL HE machines. They do not have the same probs with mold and mildew and usually do not have problems with saturating the clothes. My sis-in-law has a Maytag TL HE machine and absolutely loves it. If it helps, you can go to youtube and expotv to get reviews or see how some of the machines work. You would be amazed how many people put videos of their washing machines just washing on youtube. It is pretty good reference material. Once you do decide on a model, do a net search on that model for posted reviews or problems. For instance, if you did a net search on your whirlpool FL, you would fine website after website with people posting problems with them. That's why I didn't get one 2 years ago when I started looking. I steared clear of the Kenmores too for the very same reason. The net is a wonderful tool and helps a lot. HTH.

The Best value front loader, A Independent appliance store and their scratch and dent department. I got a Maytag MAH9700AWW front loader in March for $400 for the washer and $250 for a matching dryer, after rebates from Maytag and the public utility. Sure it was last years model and it was made by Samsung and we got a ground fault interrupter free (because of a recall). I did opt for the 5 year warranty for $350 for both machines. I am cheap and always willing to save some money on a top of the line washer and dryer and paying less then a good quality top loader. I am also on a well and it is great that we got the machine as we have saved a quite a bit of water that never makes it into the septic system.

My new washer--top loader with agitator--twists and tangles clothes like no washer I've ever used. It is a night and day difference from my old agitator washer. This is a 2-stage agitator, while the old one was a one-stage. So agitator/no agitator isn't really the issue. Keep in mind also, that online reviews are self-selecting; people with complaints are far, far more likely to post than people who are contented. The results are skewed thusly.

I just wrote a review of my new LG FL, here it is if it helps at all- Had to replace 12 year old LG FL washer & dryer. I was hesitant to buy the same ones but all the other brands are too deep for my space. The Best Buy sales manager told me they have made big improvements since my old model (WM2077CW) and he was right! These are awesome!!! {WM3700HWA & Dyer DLEX3700W} My clothes are so clean & the machines are super quiet! I thought the WiFi option was completely unnecessary but it’s actually helping me stay on top of things by reminding me to “please unload the laundry”. The steam clean option is wonderful and I’ve cleaned all our towels and sheets (it does take longer so I probably won’t do this every time but hoping it will help with kids allergies) & the brightest white with steam setting got all the mud stains out of daughters white jeans. The speed wash is only 15 minutes and worked well for a small load! The steam option on the dryer worked great to refresh dance costumes without having to wash them, they came out smelling great after just 10 minutes. I asked for advice on how to keep away the mold this time and it was recommended to use powered detergent only and hot/warm water as much as possible. Gain original powder is working well and smells great. Also there is a tub clean cycle which my older one didn’t have, and the door will stay open where you place it (the old one was either wide open or closed which is a NO for a FL). I almost forgot; the display panel is easy for me to read & I don’t agree with the negative reviews on that. Happy washing! I love my new machines!