I’d go with the Anderson for the reasons you given.

Installer skill and experience is the critical success factor for installs - go with locally owned great reputation as if there is a problem you are working with the owner directly

I don't know if you have any "specialty" type windows, and if you do, Marvin can't do them in the infinity or essential or if they can, they are not operational windows and will be stationary. Only when you go up to the Ultimate window, the fiberglass and wood one, can they do arches. Then again, those are double hung, stationary or casement, not single hung.

We have been working with Marvin since February, from a retailer that is Marvin only, and while it seemed easy at first, in getting the quote to them measuring and final quote, that is when it all has fallen down. Our first salesman just stopped responding after it was discovered he put non functioning infinity windows in a bedroom (the two windows have an eyebrow shape).

Now we are working with the owner and it still isn't right. I am about to give up on Marvin and call Anderson.

Is there a difference between the infinity and essential windows? The Essential sample we saw in a showroom didn't seem to look as well-made or attractive as I'd remembered the infinity window looking that we'd seen a week or so earlier.

All there lines look different , the Infinity looks better to most but it usually carries a steep price tag since it is only available to select dealers, kind if like what Anderson does with there Renewal line.

Have you looked at Millard? In any event, I think a good installer is paramount.

*Milgard

Good question, Joe. I am definitely going back to the showroom. I was last there in February and was looking at the Essential. I didn't even recall what the infinity looked like and only saw it listed on our quote, I am guessing because of the quarter round style. That said, everything I see online says that Infinity is part of the Essentials Line, So I am not sure why I have Infinity and Essential on my quote.

Yes...looked at Milgard Ultra and liked it, but had two retailers (who carry Milgard) hint that they are having some out-of-the ordinary QC problems lately with Milgard. I don't know if that's truly an issue. But their quotes were quite a bit higher anyway.

The Infinity salesman in our home was borderline high pressure. The window looked terrific, but when our eyebrows went up on his quote, he went into "sell financing" mode, which is the death knell for any in-home sales presentation in our house.

The dealer we're speaking with now is clear to say that they offer Essential by Marvin (along with Andersen, Milgard and others). Our transaction with them has been more conventional and pleasant.

I agree with the other pro sentiments, those two products aren't far off from each other so if you love the install company for one over the other, easy choice IMO.

Right now I am debating Marvin Essentials. One thing I am hung up on is that the jamb is only 2.25 inches thick. I haven't looked at the Anderson. Does anyone have thoughts on that? Seems awfully thin. The elevate line is better, but I would prefer not to have wood interior.