Try going to this site and register and ask a question. There are many who know a good bit about washers there.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-INDEX_DISPLAY.cgi?DLX

Thanks mailingsmom! I've posted this question on that site, and hopefully I'll get some more feedback/direction. We need to make a decision soon!

Have you tried reviewed.com for your selected models? Personally I would avoid Whirlpool/Maytag and Samsung. I have an LG, but larger than you are looking for--good machine.

Remember LG makes Kenmore.....out of your choices my vote goes to ..LG. although I don't know much about Maytag, samsung had by far the worst reviews. I have talked to a lot of people that have LG's and love them. Personally if I was buying a FL'er I'd buy Speed Queen. But I'm not sure that would fit your budget. Speed Queen does not have all the bells and whistles for sure but that's not what your looking for anyway, it does have a great reputation for FL washing, and a reputation for longivity. It also has a warrenty no other manufacterer would ever give. Good luck

Thanks for the advice so far--I really appreciate any help I can get in making this decision.

Georgect--I do understand what you are saying about the big box stores--we buy local as much as we can. In this case, however, I'm not willing to pay up to $350 more for the same washer/dryer set. We have been happy wit our local BBS-we have one person we usually work with--and she's very helpful.

Those 4000 series LG,s are good machines. Maytag is just OK, and I'm not a real fan of Samsung washers. I have an LG made Kenmore Elite Mega machine. Really a good washer and dryer set so far. Going on a year.

My mom always said if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. I just parted ways with a Samsung and purchased an amazing FL SQ set. So in regards to Samsung..... [awkward silence]

Thank you all! I've now decided to rule out the Samsung--thanks for the feedback! We are leaning slightly towards the LG"s now.........

Maybe I missed it, but what kind of washer do you currently have?

Also is the washer going in basement; first or second floor?

mamapinky: We have an old Kenmore top load set--and the dryer is dying. It works sometimes, sometimes not. As we are remodeling our laundry area to include new cabinets, countertops, etc., we decided to just go ahead and buy a new set now, so we can fit the new cabinets, counters around the new washer & dryer. The dimensions on new washers and dryers are much different than our old set, and I don't want to have to make cabinet adjustments after the fact! We know it's only a matter of a few months until we'd have to replace them anyway.

Our laundry room is on the first floor, located between the entrance from the garage and our family room. It's the entrance we use most often--so I want it to be pretty. My husband is rolling his eyes at my design ideas. According to him "It's just a laundry room". We have agreed to disagree on this one. (I'm winning!!)

Please take an extra look at the electrolux. It is specifically cited for low vibrations. Is your floor ready for the higher spin speeds of the newer washers? Are you planning to use pedestals? Their use can increase the noise from the spinning washer. Food for thought.

Listen to Poppy..poppys questions will impact greatly what FL'er you should and should not get

I tried a Samsung W & D once a few years ago....I personally would avoid Samsung like the plague!! I had a decent experience with my LG made Kenmore Elite. Good amount of water used, good choice of cycles, but the water hammering/filling was awful and caused a pipe to bust. I know there are now water arresters you can buy at Home Depot, but the machine should not need that, and it's crazy LG/Kenmore do this. I've never tried Whirlpool, two of my very good friends have Whirlpool Duets (one many years old, and one less than a year old) and they BOTH love them!

Electrolux, Miele, SpeedQueen and Asko are IMO, the machines with the most overall highest quality. NO machine is perfect. I've had a bum Electrolux and a bum Miele, but in general, they are awesome!!

LG's habit of filling with short bursts of water is supposed to be incompatible with tankless water heaters. The water doesn't flow long enough to turn on the heater, so you end up with cold water. This is what I've read, anyway.

tvq1: I have been doing my research into washers and dryers to replace my current Asko washer/dryer set, and have come away frustrated. Front-load washers have pump traps that catch objects accidentally left in clothing (like coins) that can work their way between the inner and outer drums. These pump traps are designed to prevent objects and debris from entering the washer's drain pump. In my Asko washer (and FL washers from most other brands) this pump trap is accessible through a small door at the front bottom of the washer. Over the 10.5 years I have owned the Asko I have had to clear this pump trap about once every 4 to 8 months.

I was considering getting either a low- or mid-range Maytag FL set, like the 3100 and 5100. But I found out to my dismay that Maytag FL washers do not have user-accessible pump traps. (Neither do FL washers from Whirlpool, Amana, Electrolux, and Frigidaire.) The pump trap of the Maytag 3100 is only accessible after removal of the top panel and left side panel. requiring the services of a repair technician (unless you are very confident about opening up and servicing a major appliance yourself). Samsung and LG washers, however, do have user-accessible pump traps.

Between Samsung and LG, LG seems to get better comments regarding build quality. But LG also tightly controls distribution of replacement parts, which might lead to delays in getting repairs completed. The 3370 would be in your price range, and the 3570 might be too, if discounted. That said, I have an aunt who has owned a Samsung front load set for a couple of years, and she has been very satisfied with it.

I am seriously considering going to a Speed Queen washer/dryer set with a top-load washer. I have used these washers and dryers in coin-operated facilities and think they do a good job for a traditional washer/dryer set. (I do think that my FL washer/dryer set can get items cleaner.) The Speed Queen washers, however, have the reputation of being both more reliable and easier/cheaper to repair than most FL washers. My Asko washer has needed two fairly-expensive repairs over the 10.5 years I have owned it. FL washers don't seem to have quite the same life expectancy as traditional TL washers did.

I wish you best of luck with making a decision.

I own a 7 year old LG FL and love it! I have had no mold issues but I run a sanitize load quite often, I have no problem washing my king size down comforter in it with only occasional issues getting it to spin out. Down has a tendency to migrate to the corners of the comforter. I just rearrange the load and it usually takes off. Rinses well but Husband has allergies so I always use the extra rinse option.

Asko, I can tell you from a top loader fan, I love my Speed Queen, I have no regrets in buying this. Everyone I've talked to that has one loves it.of course I didn't go from a FL to a TL, that would be an adjustment. ..did you also research SQ front loaders? I hear a lot of good, there's no heater but, it has a great reputation for longivity, great warrenty, and easier repairs if needed. Just a thought.

Also you know many laundramats use the speed queen fl..so you could actually test one out first.

Pink--I had forgotten about your tub. Whatever came of that? Did the guy from the store check it out?

NO..he keeps comming up with another excuse why he can't make it..as soon as I'm able I'm going in with pics. Good thing this tub has a lifetime warranty. Lol

I would email a pic to SQ and let them get the ball rolling.

I would recommend LG front loaders. My current set is almost 2 and a half years old with no issues. My ex ended up with our prior LG set which is now probably around 6 years old and these machines still perform very well. No repairs. I also have two sets of friends with LG front loaders and heard no complaints from them.

The washer I have is WM3070 (I think it is discontinued now). It has a good variety of cycles. The heater performs well in heated cycles. The wool/handwash cycle is very good. I love the magnet on the door that keeps the door a crack open between use. Overall, this washer has handled every kind of wash I threw at it very well. I have the machines installed upstairs and have no problem with vibrations.

THANK YOU ALL so much! I really appreciate your advice and recommendations, and it was a great help in make our decision. We ordered the LG4270 set today. We lucked in to a great sale, which made the set very affordable.

Thanks again!

Congradulations!!

LG makes Kenmore???? What the??? When did that happen???

A few years now. Not sure when they started. Guess they did it cheaper than Wpool.