LG or Electrolux and not necessarily in that order. Depends on service in your area.

I'm just outside of Austin, TX. Hopefully service won't be a problem for either of those, but I'll check. Thanks!

See how AJ likes the LG she just bought. It's being delivered today. That looked like a good candidate if it has all the cycles you want.

The Electrolux also has great features. Both have onboard heaters but, again, check and recheck carefully and see how models vary and what's up with service. I always like to know whether it's manufacturer service or just affiliated and who they are and what they normall work on.

There's a lot to verify and it's very tedious. But the 12 steps on the front loader article will provide a framework.

I have been very happy with my LG. It gets plenty hot in both the Sanitary and Allergiene cycles. Flawless performance so far with no issues at all (over 3 years). I can highly recommend it.

I have also been looking recently and have narrowed it down to LG (essentially the 3370 units that AJ just purchased) and Electrolux (the new 617 units). After multiple phone calls yesterday and a lot of time verifying and researching, I discovered these things specific to the models mentioned above:

~the 3370 is actually a Tier II machine according to the new CEE chart that was just released this month; I have no idea why it went from Tier I (in March 2016) to II (in April 2016), but that's what the chart says on the CEE website. Interesting info, though, given recent discussions regarding the "moving target" of NSF certification in other threads. Regardless, it's safe to assume that the LG will give you more water if that's important to you.

~the Electrolux is NSF certified; the LG is not

~according to an engineer at Electrolux, the 617 reaches high temps of 155 (manual states 152); the LG reaches high temps of 146 (not listed in manual)

~they both have a "fresh tumble" feature, which I wanted

~they both allow the door to be cracked open to breathe, although the LG has a magnetic closure to assist with that function. The Electrolux just allows it to be cracked open without swinging all the way like many doors, make sense?

~the LG has a Water Factor (WF) of 4.5 and the Electrolux has a WF of 4.0. This WF is based on the number of gallons of water/cubic foot of laundry in each cycle and is the basis of the CEE Tier standards. So, the difference between Tier II and Tier III is .5 gallons of water/cu.ft. of laundry. In comparison, my current FL SQ is a Tier I machine, which has a WF of 6.

~Totally unscientific side note, over the past couple of days I called both Electrolux and LG three times to seek information specific to the wash temps and various other questions. I called one and then hung up and the called the next. In all three instances, customer service at Electrolux was much more responsive & knowledgable in the machine options/features.

Not sure any of this info will be helpful to you, but thought I'd share since we're on the same hunt....

LG WM3370 is NSF P172 certified for the Sanitary cycle. It has no NSF cert for Allergiene. I don't believe that LG has pursued a NSF certification for Allergiene for any of these machines.

My 3 years old LG (WM3070) has an Allergiene cycle that says Certified, Asthma and Allergy Friendly, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. According to AAFA website that certification ensures temps of 131F or greater. So it's seems equivalent to the NSF P351 certification. My LG heats up to high 150sF on both Sanitary and Allergiene

Certified for sanitary is meaningless. Repeat meaningless. The only cert that is significant is Allergen. If there is no Allergen cycle or cert, check and recheck on the temp.

They are not equivalent.

Thanks everyone!

Costco has the LG 3370 bundled with matching electric dryer & the pedestals, with delivery & installation for $1600. This is about $200 less than I'm seeing elsewhere. Right now it's a front runner, but DH is concerned about LG having a poor service reputation. Anyone have good or bad experience with warranty repairs?

Thanks again

rococogurl, if the machine is an older model, the NSF P172 is actually meaningful. Remember that it used to specify temperatures in the 150+F range. It's only been changed recently.

Does anyone know exactly when NSF P172 got watered down?

Now DH likes the LG WM8000HWA which is over $1000 more than the other set. Other than the larger capacity is it any better than the 3370? Anything to support my argument for the 3370? I'd rather save the money, but he thinks more money must be more better. For some reason he doesn't think 4.3 cubic feet is big enough. Current washer is 4.1 and is plenty big enough IMO. It's just the 2 of us. I don't know what his deal is, I'm the one who does the laundry. Ugh, help?

I also want to point out that LGs have temperature selections of Cold, Warm, Hot and Extra Hot. Extra Hot is the default for their Sanitary cycle. MamaP's Whirlpool only has Cold, Warm and Hot, with Hot being the default for the Sanitary cycle.

I think the LG WM8000 is overkill in terms of size for 2 people. The only reason I would consider it is the fact that is has true Wool/Handwash cycle. Is that important to you?

Wool, not at all. I've used the hand wash cycle on my current machine only a few times in 8 years. Overkill is my husband's middle name. Sigh.

gin_gin, be sure you check the size of your space for the 8000. I looked at that model also, but it was an inch too tall with the pedestals and I'm in brand new construction. It wouldn't have been even close to fitting in my old laundry room bc it's taller and two inches wider.

In that case I do not see any reason whatsoever to spend $1000 more. Tell him he can use the money for something he really wants :-)

The NSF listings are updated daily it seems. If it's not on the list the day you buy it isn't certified. If older models are certified and still on the market they should be on the list.

gin-gin- Tell your husband you will have spin problems with small loads in a huge machine. We are two and have a compact Miele. Occasionally my loads aren't even large enough to spin in that.

LGWM8000 is 29 in wide and requires some space behind the machine. gin-gin do you wash king sized quilts regularly, large dog beds or have a special hobby that requires extra large loads? WM8000 is a fabulous machine, but there are down sides. Small loads have to be watched to prevent unbalance especially if you use pedestals. It's not insurmountable. We're a small household with me the fabric junkie. I like the extra large drum and performance. BUT, it's not for everybody especially for $1K more. If you do most of the laundry, you probably know more about the regular loads than your spouse. Be sure you have service in your local area. I'm sure you're already aware of the potential water hammer issue some users have. Water arrestors seem to solve the problem for most. I've never had that problem.

Gin gin, is your husband an engineer, perhaps? Mine is and I for the same thing, a compact machine is too small, lol. Until he measured our current machine and found that the ultra large capacity could only hold 3 cubic feet. How big is your current machine?

No worry. There are plenty of machines, the WM8000 and several models beneath it that are capable and will reach 72C. Machines were never certified for both protocols. If the machine was certified with (P172) it had already met the P(352)Allergen standard. I wouldn't so much focus on meaningless protocols that were changed to support a marketing agenda. If you want HOT, (143F) with Allergen on the LG, or HOTTER (159F) on the LG Sanitize. There are also a few intermediate temperatures associated with various cycles. The 3000 and 4000 series work identical. The question of WaterPlus which is a cycle modifier that works once per cycle. A gallon or so of additional water is used.

I'm a family of 5 with a 4.5cu ft Whirlpool...its plenty big enough, I couldn't imagine being able to use a larger one. I've learned spin will present problems in less than full loads. But if you have king sized items to wash frequently that may be a different story.

I agree, the 5.2 machine is mammoth, and of course it is substantially more expensive. However, the identical machine 41072 with the Kenmore Elite label is on sale for 999.00. That's a bargain!

From the NSF website for Protocol 172 for Whirlpool:Whirlpool Corporation 2000 North M-63Benton Harbor, MI 49022 United States 888-539-2372 269-923-5000Visit this company's website

Facility : Clyde, OH

Maytag Bravos[1] MVWB950Y*
[1] * denotes color.
Whirlpool Front Load WFW94HEA WFW88HEAMaytag Front Load MHW7000A MHW6000AWhirlpool Cabrio[1] WTW8800Y*
[1] * denotes color.
Maytag Maxima with Steam[1] MHW7000A* MHW6000A*
[1] * denotes color.
Maytag Maxima[1] MHW9000X* MHW6000X*
[1] * denotes color.
Whirlpool Duet[1] WFW94HEX*
[1] * denotes color.
Whirlpool Duet Models with Steam[1] WFL98HEB* WFW88HEA* WFW94HEA* WFW95HEX*
[1] * denotes color.
Maytag Bravos[1] MVWB980B*
[1] * denotes color.
Whirlpool Cabrio[1] WTW8900B*
[1] * denotes color.
Maytag Maxima with Steam[1] MHW7000X*
[1] * denotes color.
Whirlpool Duet Models with Steam[1] WFW96HEA* WFW97HEX*
[1] * denotes color.
Maytag Maxima with Steam[1] MHW8000A*
[1] * denotes color.

From NSF Website for P172 for Electrolux:Electrolux Home Products, Inc. 10200 David Taylor DriveCharlotte, NC 28262 United States 706-651-1751Visit this company's website

Facility : Porcia, Italy

Kenmore Front Load Washer 417.4191*51*[2]
[2] * is used to denote color and graphics
Electrolux Front Load Washer EIFLS20QS*[1]
[1] * - Color code

Facility : Chihuahua, Mexico

Electrolux Washer EFLS517**** EFLS617**** EIFLS55**** EIFLS60**** EIFLW50**** EWFLS70****
**** Model graphics and color.
Frigidaire Washer FFFS5115P

From NSF website for P172 for LG and Kenmore (same plants)LG Electronics, Inc. 1000 Sylvan Avenue Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 United States 82 55 269 3245 Visit this company's website

Facility : Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China

LG Top Load Washer[1] WT5680H*A WT7600H*A
[1] * - color

Facility : Gyeongnam, Korea, Republic of

Kenmore Elite Top Loader Washer[1] 3141(1)##(5) 3146(1)41(6) 3162(1)##(5)
[1] (1) indicates color.
(2) blank or M depending on the communication function.
(3) denotes A-Z to identify additional function.
(4) operation washing cycle or function.
(5) service part version.
(6) serial number.
LG Top Loader Washer WT 5101H(1)[1] WT1701C(1)[1] WT1801H*A[2] WT5680HV(1)A[1] WT5680HW(1)A[1] WT7700H*A[1] WT7710H*A WT7710H*A WT9000H*A[1]
[1] (1) indicates color.
(2) blank or M depending on the communication function.
(3) denotes A-Z to identify additional function.
(4) operation washing cycle or function.
(5) service part version.
(6) serial number.
[2] * denotes A-Z according to the appearance color.

Front Loader Washer with Heater and Sanitary Cycle[1]Kenmore Elite Front Loader Washer 4128(1)##(5) 4137(1)21(2) 4147(1)21(2) F14E7CDYP*[2]
[2] * denotes A-Z according to the appearance color.
Kenmore Front Loader Washer 4107(1)21(5) 4157(1)21(5)LG Front Loader Washer WM2650H(1)(2) WM3070H(1)(2)(3) WM3250H(1)(2)(3) WM3470H(1)(2)(3) WM3570(1)(2)(3) WM3650H(1)(2)(3) WM3997H*A[2] WM4070H(1)(2)(3) WM4070H*A[2] WM4270H(1)(2)(3) WM5000H(1)(2)(3) WM8000H(1)(2)(3) WM8100H*A[2] WM8500H(1)(2)(3) WM9000H(1)(2)(3)
[2] * denotes A-Z according to the appearance color.

[1] (1) indicates color.
(2) blank or M depending on the communication function.
(3) denotes A-Z to identify additional function.
(4) operation washing cycle or function.
(5) service part version.
(6) serial number.

Front Loader Washer and Dryer Combination with Water Heater and Sanitary Cycle[1] [3]Front Load Washer/Dryer Combination WM3987H(1)
[1] (1) indicates color.
(2) blank or M depending on the communication function.
(3) denotes A-Z to identify additional function.
(4) operation washing cycle or function.
(5) service part version.
(6) serial number.
[3] Certification for wash cycle only.

NSF website for for P172 for Samsung:Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. System Appliances Div. Washing Machine416 Maetan-3dong, Yeongtong-gu Suwon City, Kyeongki-do 443-742 Republic of Korea 82 31 200 6772

Facility : Jiangsu Province, China

Top Load Washer WA50F9A8D**[1]
[1] First and second * indicates color.
[2] * indicates body color.
Front Load Washer WF42H51**A*[3]
[3] ** indicates grade, * indicates color.
[4] First * indicates feature.
Top Load Washer WA50F9A8DSW
[1] First and second * indicates color.
[2] * indicates body color.
Front Load Washer WF42H52**A*[3]
[3] ** indicates grade, * indicates color.
[4] First * indicates feature.
Top Load Washer WA56H9000A*[2]
[1] First and second * indicates color.
[2] * indicates body color.
Front Load Washer WF42H54**A*[3] WF42H55**A*[3] WF42H56**A*[3] WF42H57**A*[3] WF45H6100A*[4] WF45H6300A*[4] WF45H6500A*[4] WF56H9100A*[4] WF56H9110C*[4]
[3] ** indicates grade, * indicates color.
[4] First * indicates feature.

Front Load Washer with Heater, Hot Water Sanitary Cycle Selected, and SilverCare Option Deselected WF361B*BE**[4] [5] WF363B*BE**[4] [5] WF364B*BG**[4] [5] WF365B*BG**[4] [5] WF393B*PA**[4] [5] WF395B*PA**[4] [5] WF397U*PA**[4] [5] WF398A*PA**[4] [5] WF405A*PA**[4] [5] WF433B*GJ**[4] [5] WF435A*GJ**[4] [5]
[4] First * indicates feature.
[5] Second and third * indicates color.

Facility : Jiangsu, China

Top Load Washer WA50F9A8D**[1] WA50F9A8DSW
[1] First and second * indicates color

Facility : Queretaro, Mexico

Washer[1] WF220AN WF221AN WF231AN WF241AN WF331AN WF340AN WF350AN WF501AN
[1] Suffix indicates color designation.

Front Load Washer with Heater, Hot Water Sanitary Cycle Selected, and SilverCare Option Deselected WF361B*BE**[2] [3] WF363B*BE**[2] [3] WF365B*BG**[2] [3] WF393B*PA**[2] [3] WF395B*PA**[2] [3] WF398A*PA**[2] [3] WF405A*PA**[2] [3] WF433B*GJ**[2] [3] WF435A*GJ**[2] [3]
[2] First * indicates feature.
[3] Second and third * indicates color.

I've been a longtime Whirlpool user and wouldn't switch to another brand based on anything I've read on this forum in over 10 years. What few problems I've noted on Whirlpool washers had to do with early versions of the Tier 1 machines and primarily user errors. Every once in awhile someone may get a Tier II or Tier III with service issues but the overwhelming number of reviews is quite favorable. The learning curve for the early versions has been overcome and manufacturers seem to have listened, adjusted and improved later versions. In looking at various statistics in trying to help others on this forum, it seems that 90% of washers look and act the same. The National Sanitary Foundation does seem to update their website daily. That's a good thing. Obviously, statistics for most washers and dryers for Sanitize protocol 172 is easily available, as is the Allergen protocol 351.

@rococogurl, how do you do bedding in your compact Miele? Are you able to do king sized linens? TIA!

@twobelles - Miele "compact" (aka "normal" everywhere else) machines can easily wash a full king sheet set, or a single king blanket/coverlet.

I personally have nothing to compare my Duet to except......WHITER whites.

OK we just got back from looking at washers at a few stores. I will try to answer most of your questions

Current machine is a Whirlpool Duet, model listed in OP. 4.1 CF. It is certainly big enough for everything I normally wash. DH kept saying in the store we need the big one to wash king size bedding. I asked him how does he think I've been washing it all these years? He has some weird perception that the sheets are crammed in there, which they certainly are not. Again, he doesn't wash them, so I don't know where he's getting this.

I have king size bedding, but no thick comforter. We live in Texas, We have sheets, cotton blankets, and a bed spread. All fit in the Duet, not all at the same time of course. Dog bed fits fine. Everything I need to wash fits fine. We do NOT need this giant washer he wants.

Somebody mentioned space for the big machines. We were supposed to go over today to measure the space, but the seller canceled on us. Now we're supposed to go Monday or Tuesday. I do have my doubts that the big machine will fit. The current owner has a Duet set on pedestals similar to my set, so I know something that size will fit. I don't remember there being much extra room between the top of the machines and the cabinet above, so we'll see.

Regarding Kenmore, as I said in my OP I will NOT buy from sears. I had a really horrible experience with them when we still lived in FL, so about 9 years ago. I prevailed in the end, but it was a unbelievably bad experience, took months to resolve and caused me tons of stress. I'm sure I posted about it here years ago, and it's a long story so I don't want to get into it now. But Kenmore is out of the question because I will NOT buy from Sears.

No, DH is not an engineer. He's picky, maybe somewhat OCD, and very stubborn. I'm just as stubborn though, and will get what I want in the end, I just have to decide if it's worth the trouble to get there.

ANYWAY, after seeing some of the machines in person, he's now off of LG all together and liked the Samsung machines better. He said the LGs were "flimsy". I do think I've convinced him that the 4.5 CF machine is plenty big enough. But now I have to look up the Samsung models we were looking at to see if they are on that NSF list (Thanks Moroseaz).

Oh no....tell hubs Samsung has the worst reviews on the net.

Not my recommendation, but I am not the one that has to use it.

You are welcome, Gin Gin. I did marry an engineer and he'd have the same argument even though I'd be surprised if ever used the washer. Again, from what I've read, the 4.3 - 4.5 washers can handle a good-sized family. If you've been happy with your Whirlpool, I'd recommend staying with the Whirlpool. Tier II machines are being phased out and Tier III machines are on the market. It seems that the bulk detergent dispenser is becoming the norm although the individual cups are sold as after-market items. If you can afford the steam option and the fan option, I'd highly recommend them both. I didn't think I'd want or need them but I use the fan option on nearly every high-spin load to knock the clothes off the drum. The steam option is default for the Allergen cycle and great for families owned by their pets :).

Samsung is all about the bells and whistles. There is a lot of plastic and not rugged construction. Look at the reports of early failures, delayed service and obsolete parts. Take a look at that whirlpool 97 if you want sleek.

Moroseaz, I'd be happy to stick with Whirlpool, but all of them on that NSF list seem to be discontinued and I can't seem to find any of them locally.

Funny how a couple of you are saying Samsung is more flimsy than LG, DH felt the opposite. You should've seen him wiggling detergent drawers like loose teeth. I kept telling him nobody uses them like that.

I would definitely pick LG over Samsung based on my research. My washer is 3.7 capacity and handles king size bedding with no issues whatsoever.

Hmmm. If he likes heavy duty and you could use a compact -- perfect for the two of us -- maybe take him to see the Mieles. It's a great machine. And it's more! Sounds perfect.

We looked at the WP 90 and WP 97 in earlier posts. Try looking at those two models.

I love my new LG! I found it priced well and it has all the features I wanted. I got the LG3370 from Lowes with the 5 year extended warranty. i guess it could be that some LG's are more flimsy feeling. I don't think the one I got is. good luck!

My family just got an LG 3570. It is definitely not as robust as the Asko we used to own, but seems to be okay. That said, it washes clothes quite well, although it must be loaded and set a bit differently from our old Asko. If you want a truly robust washer you will need to look at Miele, Asko, AEG, etc. and pay substantially more for them. I think that mid-range washers from major washer manufacturers are much the same, feature- and build-wise. As mentioned earlier, if you have been satisfied with Whirlpool in the past then maybe you might be satisfied with a new Whirlpool model.

As for Samsung vs LG, my Aunt and Uncle have owned a Samsung pair for 3 or 4 years without incident. Samsungs, however, are supposedly deeper than LGs, and will need about 6 or so more inches of room, front to back, than LG washers.

That's my $0.02 CDN.