Plumorchard, we considered SQ, as we too like their simplicity of what they have to offer. We settled on Miele as a friend of ours runs an appliance store that sells them. However, we are still awaiting their arrival as they sold-out at the end of the year and they have received our washer, but no dryer, so we are still waiting as we would like both delivered at the same time. We are replacing a Fisher & Paykel Smart Drive washer model L03 and dryer model D04; both purchased new in November 1996 as F&P was starting to establish itself in the US. The washer has been flawless except normal wear as the agitator blades there are three) have a relief line in them (I suspect to prevent the drive mechanism from locking should a situation arise where a bundle of clothes binds against the drum and the agitator) and one fatigued to the point that it broke-off with another showing fatigue signs so a new agitator was in order (approximate agitator cost is $215 with shipping, and a DIY project). The other issue was, and still is, the one-piece plastic control fascia cover with all the button selections that cracked once and was replaced, and has since cracked again. I do not like this method of covering buttons as it leads to the same outcome time-and-time again. The dryer did give us issues, the main issue: It would not shut-off when it should after selecting an automatic selection (e.g., cottons, permanent press, etc.) causing the clothes to get super hot. At the time I contacted F&P providing a very detailed description of the issue, and F&P worked directly with me under the condition that I send them back the parts I replaced, I did. All functions worked well for about two years, and then the same problem reoccurred. Again, I contacted F&P and they had a record of me so they sent out the same replacement part only this time the part was made by GE versus F&P, I sent them back the old parts as instructed. All worked well until the five-year mark where the same issue occurred. By this time F&P had become established in the US, and they no longer allowed me to fix it, as they sent a repairman. The same part was replaced, and it too was made by GE; on each occasion the part had changed (as I photographed the parts each time). Since that time the dryer has worked without fail. There is simple workaround if the automatic selection does not work and that is to run the manual timer versus the automatic selection. The plastic fascia control cover also cracked over time, twice. Both the F&P washer and dryer are going to a needy family when our new ones arrive. The reason we chose not to go with F&P again is that I come from a family that will not own GE consumer products (GE's commercial and industrial products are excellent, their consumer products are typically below par). During that time I do recall something on how GE became involved with F&P, but because of all the acquisitions and mergers it is hard to put all the pieces together, but the bottom line is that I want nothing to do with GE consumer products. I can say, without equivocation, that I enjoyed interfacing with F&P as they were very accommodating.

beagle, All Free Clear doesn't get stains out by itself. It doesn't have enzymes to do that. So, it is great for stuff that touches my skin, which doesn't get so dirty anyway, but it's nice to know that Cheer could get it even cleaner if the enzyme in Cheer doesn't bother me when perspiring. I like All Free Clear fine for my sheets, towels, underwear, jeans not worn gardening. I just don't love the cleaning ability compared to Cheer powder. I tried Cheer Free liquid but actually didn't like it as well as All Free liquid -- can't remember if it was because of the enzyme in Cheer Free or just cleaning ability. Cheer Free also isn't marked as allergist recommended and I read somewhere that All Free is supposed to kill (eliminate?) dust mite droppings. Who knows?

I have had a SQ FL for 1 1/2 years. If I remember correctly, SQ changed from a gray boot to a black boot. I believe the black boot is more mold resistant. Leveling the SQ is an important step. Next the installers need to adjust the feet for even pressure (weight bearing load). This may be accomplished by loosening the lock nut on a front foot and adjusting the foot as the FL is spinning. This is a fine tuning step and the FL should be very stable once adjusted properly. I assume that your FL is on concrete in the basement. If the shipping supports (metal block, shipping bolts and shock absorber spacers) were not removed, the FL should not have been damaged by placing it in its back. If the shipping supports were removed, the shock absorbers could be damaged from large shifting movements. SQ FLs do not employ fancy load balancing programs for spinning. Some FLs do a better job with this and thus may have fewer walking issues. The only time my SQ FL wants to walk is when a load is very unbalanced and the result is that the FL may move approximately one inch to the side. I like my SQ FL for its quick washing cycles, simple controls, good washing performance, long warranty, commercial quality components and expected reliability. I expect SQ to remain a player in the laundry market. Parts should be readily available. Other FLs may come in designer colors, have more cycles, higher final rpm spins and may be a little quieter. I wonder how many of those FLs will outlast my better built SQ Fl?

I am going to add my review to yours -- I have had the 432 model for a couple weeks now. I chose they 432 because I didn't really understand the difference between the 432 and the 542 but I did want the extra rinse option. Anyhow, the good... -The cycles are super fast. Every load of laundry I've done has been done in 30 minutes. Honestly, my dryer can hardly keep up with it! -Love that the lid does not lock. I like to take a peek and make sure I've added enough detergent and the water level is high enough. (not sure why it stops agitating -- I could watch my 10 year old Maytag wash the clothes). - It's simple. I wanted a machine that my 14 year old could use without getting into trouble. Now for the not so good... -Cycles are super fast -- but sometimes I wonder if it actually washed the clothes long enough. The rinse cycle is particularly short which some people may not like. -It does not fill to the top. This was not a problem until I put a set of king size sheets in there. Could have used more water. I used the reset feature to add more but the manual does warn against doing this (could cause the washer to overflow - not sure how). What I am unsure of: -Still not sure why it says to put detergent in the washer, then the clothes, then start. I like to dissolve my detergent in the water before adding clothes. Is there some reason I can't do this? - The Delicate cycle -- I only used it once and I wonder if there is something wrong. It barely agitates and spends most the cycle just sitting there soaking. Maybe its idea of delicate is not actually washing the clothes! Overall, I am pleased but I'd rather have my 10 year old Maytag still working and have $800 in my bank account!