Dadoes rebuilds his own machines, so I think his definition o trouble and mine might be different. ;-) I recently switched to a FL and my only regret is that I didn't do it when I bought the last machine. Without spending twice as much for Miele, LG and Whirlpool Duets (not the sprots) were getting the best recommendations here and from the service people I trusted (didn't even ask the bozos who broke my old machine beyond repair -- they were Whirlpool's pick, not mine). In part because of the bad experience with Whirlpool and in larger part because the bug-eyed Duets were the deepest washer out there and I would barely be able to open the doors in my narrow laundry room, I went with LG and gained a couple of inches. The wash large loads, do it well (what I expected from any washer) but what surprises me is how easily and quietly they work. Almost a year later, I can hardly believe how much better they are. FWIW

dadoes, Thanks for the ongoing help/expertise. I hope others will benefit from you help and my learning. An update on my "dirty fix" of putting a paper clip across the switched leads, at the connector to the to the control console panel. As noted, I left the ground wire unconnected, it seems it is run through the switch connector to make it easier to disconnect the console from wiring. There are two other large wire connectors on the timer/control. As stated, I checked the jumper out and the machine ran in all cycles with the lid up, no surprise here, the surprise was yet to come. As I hadn't yet check out the route of the safety ground I simply left it open and put a piece of electrical plastic tape around the paper clip jumper. This morning I put in a load of cloths and noted the agitation started even with the door open, confirming the jumper was still there. I was about going to other things when I noted a wisp of smoke coming out of the back of the panel. I shut the machine down, pulled the power plug, and opened the console again. There I found some of the electrical tape was softened and taking it off found the plastic connector had some heat damage. Seems there is more current than I assumed (checking the schematic I see all motor current pass through the lid switch - looks like wire no larger than 14 gauge stranded). I decided to plug the switch connector back into the switch. Strangely the switch is in the closed position, independent of the door position. It must be that my jiggling the switch around trying to remove it the first time caused it to no longer align with the lid position actuator - as you describe, I can't see any of this without removing the cabinet. Still, it appears one should be able to remove/replace the switch via the access provided by moving the control console. The switch itself has a "flat spring" (about 1/2" wide and thin) mounting clip, which when depressed allowed me to move the switch, but not to remove it with the short attempt I made. For now I closed up the counsel, with the switch connector plugged into the switch and the safety ground. The machine washed the load normally, and runs all cycles independent of the lid position. I am still not totally convinced that the control/timer isn't part of the intermittent problem. I will run it for a few loads to see if the machine runs properly (albeit with no lid position dependence). If it does I will consider replacing the switch, but I am inclined to run the machine absent the lid safety feature. I'll not have any problem remembering to keep my hand out of a running tub, in fact I will continue to run with the lid closed.

I do laundry for a family of 5 in an Asko. The miele can be loaded almost to the top (leave room for a balled fist) and wash beautifully. Don't let the size scare you. I haven't looked at the Electrolux compact but will share that my LG front loader can only be loaded 75% while my Asko can be loaded 95% due to being truly horizontal.

linda918, In answer to your original question of whether a Speed Queen FL or an Electrolux FL, I would choose a SQ FL in a second. The reason being I had 2 different Fridgidaire FL washers over the span of 12 years. Fridgidaire is owned and made by Electrolux. The first of the two was forever in break down mode. The amount of $$ I spent at laundromats could have gotten us 3/4 of the way to a new washer. It would 6-8 weeks from a call for repair to having a poorly, barely functioning washing machine again. Fridgidaire would rather rebuild the whole darn washer seven times than issue a lemon refund or a replacement. 2nd Fridgidaire FL washer was more reliable. Lasted 8 years, but we never once had clean and fresh laundry with either washer. Our clothes stunk. Our towels stunk. Our sheets stunk and my formerly always pristine and fresh cleaning rags and napkins were filthy, looking and smelling. I only washed on hot or warm, using extra rinses and highest soil settings with top shelf detergent. Pieces of garbage. If I had to go FL washer today (I have a Speed Queen TL washer for several years now), I would choose Speed Queen or Miele. Both will cost you dearly, but your cleaning results will be good. LG makes good FL washers too but I have space restrictions that most do not. If you do choose LG, get a model that has an internal heater (not all do) so you can have the higher temps needed to do sanitize cycles for sheets, towels, socks and underwear. Good luck with your decision!