These new frontloaders cycle the water on/off several times during the fill process. If the household water system is subject to water hammer, then it'll happen each time the water valves cycle. The OP's previous washer may have been an old-style toploader that didn't cycle the valves repeatedly during fill. Some machines also have what's called "soft close" valves, which help avoid water hammer. Water hammer arresters can be installed to ease the problem. Check with a plumber, or research online if you or hubby can DIY plumbing projects.

justgottabme--I love the way the light hits it too. The crema marfil is honed, but the Emperador (sp?) is polished. So the circles really come to life. annz--the color is BM Eagle Rock, 1469. (notice I painted out the box where the hoses go? ooooo, maybe you didn't, which means my goal was accomplished and it just "blends away".

Yup, mine's solid (thick strips). DH will be the first to say that it was really thick and difficult to cut (for the sink - cutting the length was fine though). I have a slightly uneven hunk of butcher block that I end to have made into a cutting board (definitely need both hands to lift it)

Schrock is the cheapest of the 3 you list. For a reason. But do you need Level 6 Cabinets if Level 4 will do the job? You may aspire to Level 8, but settle for 6. Same with aspiring to Level 6 and settling for a 4. What Level home do you own? What’s your percentile in the market? Realistically? The limitations of lower priced and specified lines is the numbers of colors offered, the numbers of modifications offered, and what is considered “standard” construction vs “upgraded” construction. People create good looking kitchens all the time from some of the cheapest no features or color options cabinets around. Cheepchinesecrapola. Because they find a color that works for them, and they have a designer that can work within the limitations of the line, and and they don’t start upgrading the basic construction. When you start throwing all kinds of “upgrades” onto a lower line, you might as well move to a line where those features are standard. Decide what the lowest level is that you are willing to live with for 5 years. Buy those.