As a short term compact, I was really considering the Elux set. The reviews have been good and you can sometimes get a deal/sale from the big box store on them. Really like the look of the Stainless Steel model they recently released too.

Bless them, the buyers bought the house and more than half of everything in it. They are from LA.

Elux looks to be $300 off at HD.

If you are not to have them for more than discribed above go for Electrolux. They are good at washing and drying but from my experience they donot last as long as other brands. The cheapest bosch cost as much as the electrolux's.

I have found on the dryers from electrolux that you need to clean the condenser alot due to the filters. Miele has the second filter in the door witch makes a huse difference.

So I went to HD and Lowe's and looked at the range. Who knew LG made a compact pair? Saw Bosch, Elux, Whirlpool & LG. Those are the big box offerings. Need to check but only LG and Elux appear to have heaters. None of the Bosch (from Lowe's so they may be altered) have heaters regardless of price. With sales, Elux is least expensive by $200 margin. Sort of a no brainer it seems. I can order and they will deliver when I need it in Jan.

Too bad about Whirlpool not having a heater because they have a heat pump dryer vs condenser.

But I still have a lot of reading to do before the sale ends. They are all basically on sale but I can't understand paying more for Whirlpool than Elux -- unless I'm missing something and if so please enlighten me.

According to the Lowe's website, the Bosch 300, 500 and 800 series washing machines have heaters. Here's the link: Bosch washing machines at Lowe's If you click on "specifications" (blue tab) and scroll down the list of features, i.e., cycles, sanitize, drum materials, dimensions, etc...it will also list 'built-in heater'--shows a green check mark there. However, I was under the impression the 300 series does not have an internal heater, but on the website for that model, built-in heater has a green check mark. Maybe the features page is outdated or not tailored for each model correctly. Who knows. I find sales people at Lowe's/HD and the like are a bit overwhelmed with product info and one brand/model melds into another within their mental file cabinet, not really giving the most accurate information at times. Can't blame them considering the large inventory carried by big box stores.

Anyhoo, maybe that helps.

Roc if you don't need this machine for the long term and don't care if it is bright and shinny new I would seriously look for a used machine on Craig's List and Ebay. My old Malber needed repair over a year ago and I didn't want to replace it as I plan a renovation to include a full sized machine. I found a older machine 2007 that a local man refurbished. It has worked flawlessly and even has a heater, which my old machine didn't. I paid $150 and if I tried I probably could have gotten it for less. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Great idea Heather, Around here it’s unlikely to find something but with a look.

@seasea - i got print outs for various machines, could nit find heater on the Bosch list. Odd. Will recheck.

Roc: just checked whirpool and model WFW5090GW has a heater according to the specs.

All I have read about the Bosch machines sudgest that they have heaters and also they are 240 volt machines.

Checked all 4 of Bosch washers and the cheapest heats to 145 and the rest heats :

• Internal Water Heater Heats Water Quickly and Efficiently

The LG has a heater but is a 120 volt machine.

Heater yes/no in specs can be wrong. Wattage I think is less likely to be wrong. A 120V washer with heater will draw upwards of 1000W for heater plus motor together. 240V with heater upwards of 2000W.

Rococo, are you still out east? Why is Miele off the list? I am interested in where this hunt leads.

I looked at local Craigslist. Someone was selling an old stacked pair with a dryer that didn't always work LOL! That's about the speed around here. So no go.

Elux and LG are the two best options. LG pair is $400 more than Elux. Both on sale. Both with heaters; 1400 rpm spin. LG with decent waranty. Elux doesn't specify waranty and requires a call to find out.

Does anyone thing LG is worth the upcharge? Can't recall any fans.

Miele is advantageous when selling but meaningless for renting as no one cares IMO. I've seen so many rentals and it's always BOL stuff. I would be better off with those jumbo machines (oddly same price) but my loads are so small it's ridiculous.

Roc, sorry about the lack of decent used machines. I know you want a compact front loader. My neighbor just bought a GE front loader to replace an old Malber. I think they chose it based on size and price. I know nothing about its reliability, but if you are only using it for a year or so it might be a consideration.

heather, I looked at the GE compact. It was more than the Elux! I wish I could find an inexpensive stacking compact pair. Will keep an eye on CL for the next week.

Don't believe the specs on a retailers sites alone.....double check with the manufacturers' sites. I looked up a Bosch on a local retailer's site and it was listed as vented, but Bosch's own site says they are ventless (their 24" dryers). I may need to consider a "compact" 24" stackable pair of machines, but I am definitely going front load washer only. I've been looking at the Bosch.

@Toronto - You are correct and I always recommend going to the manufacturer's site. I also read the use and care manual of any appliance I am considering. F.ex. I just found out that I can do a prewash and an extra rinse with the Elux machine I'm considering.

I had a Bosch Axxis compact pair a few years back in a closet in our apartment. With a condenser dryer that was excellent. The washer -- at that time -- did not have a heater. Now Bosch has models with heaters. If I was making a purchase for a home -- not a rental -- I would likely go with Bosch.