I would for sure get the F&P agitator model. Don't buy some cheap TL model. You will not be satisfied even for 2 years.

Have you considered picking up a older used TL'er in working condition just to get you by for awhile until your ready for your stacked set?

@mamapinky0 - I have - even considered getting a used F&P, but honestly I don't want to go back to a traditional TL - I don't want those water and energy costs back. I could get clothes, even towels, dry in about 20-30 minutes with my gas dryer and the FL. And I really don't have anyone to help me dispose of the old and install a used.

I was ready to pull the trigger on a F&P, then I read the reviews for them in Australia, and was scared away. A lot of people say the agitator ripped up their clothes. I'm leaning towards a less expensive GE TL now, sucking up the additional dry time, and just washing all my delicates in lingerie bags (so the agitator doesn't tear things up like it does in my Mom's Kenmore). One of my other main considerations is that I consistently forget to start laundry until about 10pm, and my son basically refuses to re-wear jeans, no matter how spotless they are. So, I would like a washer that will do a quick load for me and let me get the clothes in the dryer and get to bed.

Will let you know how it goes.

My friend with the F&P never had anything torn from her agitator plus they spin as fast as a front load machine so to me they are a good deal, plus easy to repair if and when that day comes.

I've had an eco F&P extra large top loader for 10 years. Works great. Never a problem with the agitator on cloths, nor any other issue. Saves on water and energy costs, was much cheaper than a front loader (which are fine also,) has a fast spin cycle that works as an extractor, and fits perfectly in my poorly-designed laundry closet where a front loader would have presented a challenge. I certainly would have no qualms about buying one again.

Great to know - thank you for the input!

Rgreen - that's my issue too - I'm tired of having to bend myself into a pretzel to fill and empty my front loader. The door hits the drain pipe and I have to squeeze between the toilet and the washer to get at stuff. Between that and the mold, as much as I loved the load choices and the water and energy savings of my front loader, I want a break from them. A pedestal adds another $300, and I wouldn't have been able to even use the drawer. GE Right Height is almost $1000, and their front loaders are questionable reliability.

I like that the F&Ps are easy to fix since I usually try to do my own repairs. But I ended up purchasing the GE today, partly because I've had a LOT of big expenses this month and there seems to also now be a leak in my transmission. My propane dryer is a workhorse, so I'm hoping I'm not too affected by the lower rpms. I'll give it a whirl and if I hate it, I'll get the F&P.

Is it a GE HE top loader?

I have had the F&P WashSmart (agitator) for six months now, and am quite happy with it. I have had good experiences with front loaders, too, and liked the ones I have owned in our various moves. But in my condo I needed a top loader. I live in Wisconsin, so Speed Queens are easily accessible to me. When I bought the WashSmart, the new electronic SQs were not available, and I wanted more options. I would probably still have chosen the WashSmart. My dealer carries both.
I am glad for all who are happy with SQ. Not everyone is. I felt my dealer was honest about the pros and cons of each brand. I did not have to do any special cleaning of the F&P tub before use. I like the choice of auto fill or select fill. It is very gentle and quiet. I wash most delicates without using the mesh bags, and I have never had any snags or tears. The agitator is somewhat soft and flexible, so you do have to be a little careful if you are pulling out heavy towels or blankets not to catch one of the fins. My dealer said the most common cause of fin breaking is people yanking out blankets, etc.

I agonized for along time before deciding. I had read the same negative reviews. There is a nice YouTube video of the WashSmart in action. That helped convince me. I made the right choice for me.

As an aside, there was an initial problem with the matching dryer and F&P could not supply a part right away because of the shipping strike on the West Coast. (The parts were on a boat offshore.) So, F&P sent a replacement dryer from another dealer. We found customer support lovely to deal with.

PLus their spin is around 500 rpm's higher than SQ. Not knocking the SQ though, just saying. Get the f/l spin in this top load machine.

@mamapinky0
It's model GTWN5650FWS. Not sure what constitutes HE anymore, but it has an agitator rather than an impeller and, of course, it uses less water, but it should allow me to choose my own water level or let the machine choose. It also has a deep rinse option, though I don't think it is as deep as on the F&P. My mother has a 2-year old machine with an agitator (Kenmore) and it seems to do the job ok. I just can't throw my crepe tops in there like I could with my front loader.

Thank you lady for the info, I wish you the best of luck and have fun.

Crossing my fingers that I like it!