Figured out the pump noise is the power foam. The pump circulates the water and detergent under the tub and some foam or suds come up through the holes. Phew! Now I've used the sanitize feature a few times. But it pauses at 41 minutes or about 20 minutes. Is this to heat the water?

I too have recently purchased the 328's and love them. The they are in a main floor laundry room (wood subfloor with wood laminate flooring) and the washer is very quiet. The only time I hear it is when it is filling for the rinse cycle. Don't know why that is noisier than filling for the wash unless it is the sound of the water going thru a different compartment of the dispenser?? Its unbelievable how quiet it spins when its really revved up. Sometimes it will wobble slightly when its first starting to spin and then once it gets balanced and takes off - doesn't move at all. I don't think there is any cycle other than sanitize that will heat the water, but I don't understand why that would be an issue?? I mean, if you want the water that hot, why wouldn't you just choose that setting? I really like the dryer also. As far as the wrinkle release option, I think it heats for awhile then cools down. The refresh cycle I think just heats. The wrinkle prevent will intermittantly tumble on just air for 90 minutes after clothes are dry. I didn't see spending $300-400 more for the set for the steam option. We don't have alot of clothes that need to be dry-cleaned, so I don't think I would have used that option enough to warrant the cost. I have used the SilverCare option once. Just wanted to see if there's a difference in the way the clothes smell, but they smell fresh regardless of the option I use. I think SilverCare is great for scrubs that would be ruined if they were bleached but yet they need sanitized. I just forget to use that option :) Overall - thrilled with my purchase. We were replacing Maytag Neptunes purchased on '01, which are still fine (gave them to son and DIL) Never had a mold issue with them, so don't intend to have one with my new ones. I do leave the door open on my new Samsung washer so it can dry out. I didn't do that with my Neptunes because it had an interior light. Hope this helps in your decision making. I don't think you can go wrong with the Samsungs.

I just got this washer today. Didn't get the dryer - I couldn't justify replacing my very functional though ugly and scratched up Kenmore. So far, I'm really liking the washer. Of course, I've only done a few loads so far. Everything seems to be nice and clean. I'm nerdy enough to admit I sat on the laundry room floor for a few minutes to watch the first load washing. Yes, with my face like an inch from the door since they're tinted. I was washing my children's bedding. At first I was concerned because it didn't seem like my son's quilt was getting wet all the way through. But the washer adds water a bit at a time - like it adds some, does a few tumbles, and then adds some more. Within a few minutes there was enough water that everything was wet and there was a pleasant "slosh" sound. (I'm weird - I love that sound.) I got mine via Best Buy online for $611 - free shipping and install. The installation guys were friendly and very efficient. I left the metal wrench that comes with the set (to remove shipping bolts and level the washer) on top of it during my first load to see if there was any vibration - nothing. I definitely don't think it's silent, but the sounds I hear are the motor (slight humming), the water pump on occasion, and a slight and lovely sloshing sound when the wash cycle really gets going. I have noticed a little water in the seal after each load - won't be a problem to get in one swipe with a microfiber rag when I'm done for the night. Got a load of whites (towels and washrags, mostly) in there on Sanitize now - I'm very eager to see the results. I didn't get the extended service contract. I generally don't - my experiences with them in the past have not been pleasant. I'll wait through my 1-yr parts & labor warranty from the manufacturer, then I'll add the washer for $5/mo to my service contract through my gas company. I have been very pleased so far with the service calls I've had through them for my range and dryer.

I also find it odd that the replacement washer had the same issue. It makes me feel like _I'm_ not using the washer correctly. But, this isn't my first front loader, and with a household of 3 adults, we don't do that much laundry. I know the shipping bolts were not removed until delivery. However, they did place the washer and dryer on their backs outside my home to screw in the pedestals before bringing the units into my house and up the stairs. I don't think they removed the shipping bolts until the washer was in my house on the second floor. The one to two week turnaround time to get a service appointment has been standard during this washer/dryer saga. I'm not sure if the Sears services all appliance brands they sell, or just Kenmore, but in either case they are 'backogged' enough that this much time is needed to get an appointment.