Yes, go to the Laundry Forum. Although while you're here, I'll give you my $.02. I know you said you want a top loader, but believe me, a front loader is soooo great. Are you sure that with the pedestal you'll be bending? Why don't you go to Best Buy or Sears, and check it out just to make sure? I have a front loader, and then turned my sister on to one (she has 3 kids and tons of laundry), and now neither of us would EVER go back to a top loader. Since you say you do a ton of laundry, I would recommend a front loader, which has greater capacity than a top loader, especially since there is no agitator to take up room, and to twist around your clothes. It is also more energy efficient. I recommend the Whirlpool Duet or one of the Sears Kenmore front loaders. I wouldn't bother with the ones that have the extra "steam clean" feature. It's an expensive gimmick. So, there's my $.02. HTH.

Again, thanks for all the replies and helpful hints about using Speed Queens. Having explored the local laundromat - it seems clean, but who knows what was washed in the load before yours? - I am now doing wash using the 5 gallon bucket and (new!) plunger method. Saves money and gives you great arm toning exercise at the same time. For one person's wash it's really not bad at all. @jakvis: I don't think this poor old Maytag is worth fixing. I googled its serial number and found that mine was not the only one with problems. Indeed, mine seems to have lasted a relatively long time, probably due to light use. The link below has some reviews. Here is a link that might be useful: Maytag SAV2655A Reviews

Aceh. (cont. from appliance forum) I have the DLG5102V Dryer. They are a very nice set, we have had them almost a year now without any issues at all. The LG washer at least does NOT in anyway damage your clothes it is quite gentle and uses the "Waveforce" action to get clothes clean. On certain settings the waveforce kicks in and as the clothes are spinning it pushes the detergent water into the center of the washer which then gets pushed through the clothes repeatedly. Works like a charm. It is very quiet, seems to be well made, has a glass top which is cool so you can see the clothes washing. and plays a nice little tune when the clothes are done. It uses just the right amount of water on all loads, then washers will weigh your clothes when it starts then adjust water level to that weight. IF by chance you want a bit more water then you can add water twice by pushing a button. You want the clothes just covered with water that way the washing action works properly. Many HE washers do not use enough water and you can not add water. This one does not have that problem. However you will get 2 strong opinions on Top Vs Front loaders. Those that love Front loaders swear by them and claim nothing is better and they never ever have any problems with them. Same for those like myself that prefer Top loaders. In my research which was rather extensive I found that most people in this country have and use top loaders, it is something around 80%. Of the 20% that use Front loaders i noticed when you look at hundreds & hundreds of reviews you will see a pattern. That pattern being that Front loaders are FAR more prone to Bearing failure, Far more prone to leaks and in general something happens to them within 3-7 years. plus they are far more prone to Mold and Mildew problems unless you are very diligent about cleaning the front seal and leaving the washer door open, even then some models might still develop mold. The way the drum bearings have pressure on them makes them wear out faster. Only ones without this malady are the funky ones called a Staber Washer because they are TOP load but still side axis. Most people in the Laundry forum will probably recommend a Front Loader. So do not take my word for it, please look for yourself. Compare reviews of the LG washer I mentioned here and ANY Front loader, look them all over very carefully then make your decision. I saw WAY too may problems associated with Front loaders for me to buy one personally. But you could buy a front loader and have it work problem free for 15 years, just roll the dice.

Mine don't match, one is white and the other is a champagne color. People used to buy them in sets back when the dryers were cheap but now that these machines have become so fancy (& expensive) I can't justify getting rid of one that works perfectly fine just to match the newer one. My laundry is in the garage so I don't care as much if they're mismatched but I have to admit it does look nice when they do. I'd rather spend the money and get the latest bells and whistles than go cheaper just so I can afford a matching pair. Btw...my washer is an LG and the dryer is a whirlpool, features and consumer ratings were more important to me than sticking with the same brand. My last set was Frigidaire, both were junk and neither lasted 5 years. They looked good as a set but who cared given how lousy they performed.