I would buy the same high capacity top loader I already own -- Maytag Bravos. It meets every laundry need I have, and does it all extremely well. I can use the internal water heater on almost every cycle, not just two -- and not just for true hot water, but also for true warm water. Its huge capacity has allowed me to cut down wash loads from 7-10+ each week to 3-5. I love being able to wash queen- and king-size comforters, sleeping bags, and pillows with ease. Its high spin speed wrings so much water out of laundry, it dries in much less time than it used to -- at least half the time, if not less. And much, much more. There's not a thing about this washer which I don't like. :)

White porcelain is slightly higher quality, as it's a heavier coating. However, all the materials are of accordingly "lesser robustness" nowadays. When you consider that an upper-middle Whirlpool washer (model LDA7800W2) cost $369 in 1976, and you're looking at machines 34 years later at $379 and $329, something has to give to allow it. :-) Whirlpool has been producing this direct-drive mechanical design (with a few changes along the way) for over 26 years under the Whirlpool and Kenmore brands. KitchenAid, Roper, Estate, Inglis, and now Maytag, Amana, and Admiral. Some of the model/brand lines were slightly more durable (such as KitchenAid when they carried laundry, with heavier motors, porcelain tops and bronze bearings on the dryers). One or two Maytag models have stainless steel baskets. Otherwise, A = B = C.

We have a top loader GE Profile. I think the loads take way too long. I also have to use extended spin to cut down dryer time or I have to turn the dryer on at least twice. Repair guy had to come out a year or so ago for something with motor and drum. I forget what all was involved but I do remember him saying he was surprised it didn't dump water all over the floor because that's the end result. When the time comes I like to replace with a SQ. I stayed away from front loaders since there isn't an agitator and potential mold issues.

the blue is fine: but I would paint it a more indigo blue shade....probably lighter : the shift will really play up that terra cotta floor. Could be nice against the white cabinets,and make the counters look more earthy. Plan for a new fabric piece at the window, then just live in the space for a while. If you want something else …..there are greens to work with. I would stay with a color..the space is large....the white looks good with some color as it's a massive amount of white. I did not think pink/blue when looking at it initially. More like soft and easy …..definitely not clinical ….as white kitchens can be sometimes. I like the blue.