In my opinion, the Speed Queen front loaders and top loaders are both the best in their respective classes. Personally I would want the front loader. However, it requires changes in your laundry habits. Once you do that you should not have any problems. I'm not sure which FL issues you're referring to, the ones I hear about most often like mold are indicative of someone who doesn't use or care for it correctly. Similarly, when people in the rest of the world, who use front loaders almost exclusively, come to North America and try agitator top loaders, they often run into issues. Why? Because they aren't using the machine correctly. The Speed Queen agitator top loaders are going away in a couple years so now would be the time to buy one if you want. If cycle time is very important to you, or you want to keep doing things as you always have, that would be what I'd pick. They are replacing them with a different impeller based high efficiency model. The problem is water efficiency. In 2015 it just doesn't make as much sense to manufacture a washer that uses more than 3 times the amount of water as most others on the market.

Thanks, both! @wekick, thanks for your suggestion. SQ has been at the top of my list, and I'd been leaning toward wanting a FL so I really appreciate your good experience with the TL's gentleness.

@hvtech42, your comparison to Europeans' laundry habits on this side of the pond gave me good perspective, thanks! Having just started this process I'm already thinking about how I could definitely make the changes needed.

Much appreciated!

I'm looking at front load washer/dryers for our new home. One of the primary reasons we are going with front load is so we can have a countertop/workspace on top of the washer dryer since we area somewhat space constrained.

One of the best reviews I have come across if from thesweethome. They look through consumer resports, customer reviews and then conduct their own testing. They recommended the LG 3500 series washer / dryer for most people. However it does sound like you do more laundry the what I think "most people" do so you may want to compare their recommendations 4.3-4.5 ft3 capacity with what you have today.

Read through the review, lots of good information:

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-washer-and-dryer/

I just bought the Speed Queen FL washer and dryer. I love them! l had a GE FL for 10 years prior, so I am used to FL. The SQ is much faster than my GE, and, while they both have a "time remaining" display, the SQ has been completely accurate and the GE was WAY off. My only concern buying the SQ was that we have a king bed, and I wash comforters, quilts, duvets, down blankets, etc. often. I didn't think they would fit in the SQ. Happily, I was wrong. They fit just fine. (BTW, the dryer is HUGE!) I've had no issues at all. They are manufactured to last for 20 years. They have a 5 year warranty. I'm hoping and expecting them to last the full 20 years. I highly recommend them both.

@Debbi, thank you for your thoughts here and in Laundry! Yes, that was my concern, too - the king bedding, as I like to do the mattress pad, blankets, etc. fairly often. Love hearing that you've had good success with the size. Now I just need to get the second-floor install question answered.

@rsunley, thanks for the link! Going to read now!!

I called SQ and asked a question a couple weeks ago. They were helpful and I had a real person right off. I would call them directly and ask about the second floor question.

@rsunley, thesweethome review was really informative, and if I take their advice, I'm spending way less than I was starting to think I'd be spending. Thanks for the good info source!

@Debbi, I called SQ and got a lot of good information. 1) the second floor install is probably OK, but you never know until you try, and although it doesn't void the warranty, a vibration/noise problem is not warrantied anyway. And, since this wouldn't be a big box 30-day return situation (a la independent dealer policies and restocking fees), it would be a pricey risk I'd be taking. In fact it's a risk the most well known dealer in my area won't take at all, as they said they wouldn't sell me a SQ FL for my second floor laundry room, only the TL. @sandiego steve pointed out they are probably thinking about the 2014s, but in any case, that's what they're saying.

Also, on the phone with the tech I learned that I may have a problem with the way that my hookups are configured. I'm set up for washer on left, dryer on right. The (new) dealer I talked to today said he'd be concerned about the placement of the washer's drain and the length of hose available. He said reaching the dryer vent is no problem, but reaching the washer's drain would be. I need to do some measuring and calling back.

I'm starting to think SQ is not my machine. Talking to a helpful, knowledgable tech in the US made me want it even more, though!

A friend of mine has an LG TL and has been very unhappy because they had to replace the computer board 6 mos ago and now another $575 repair. It is 2.5 yrs old. My son has ha a LG FL (for5 years) and they do not care for it at all. They don't think it cleans very well and he has detergent allergies and even going through multiple cycles can't get it rinsed out. He has SQ TL and rashes are gone.

With regard to the 2nd floor installation. When we bought our first front loader I was concerned about vibration problems I read about. I put a 3X5 piece of 3/4 inch plywood on the corner floor of the washroom. Put a piece of tar paper under it and a piece of Masonite underlayment on top of it. Nailed it down with ring nails and had tile installed everywhere including the plywood. Worked like a charm. If you already have tile you could cement it down and cover with something attractive.

About the LG reviews, I get suspicious when one brand takes every top honor. Looks too much like a plant. Maybe I'm wrong but I would check other authorities. Amazon sells a lot of appliances and I find their user reviews to be helpful in finding problems with a particular model/brand.