I sell the Speed Queen Samsung LG and Frigidaire. The Speed Queen is a very sound machine and pretty much bullet proof as Speed Queen has always been on the commercial side and thier domestic washer is basically what you find in Laundry mats. Its a tank and will give you years of service. they are a little more expensive at 1600.00 and the tub is a little smaller but a 3 year warranty parts and Labor best in the industry.

Can you help me understand how the detergent makes a difference? I figure it wore out from washing diapers for two on the sanitary cycle twice a week, plus my children playing in the backyard and getting pretty dirty, so I use the soak feature often. Lots of jeans, lots of towels, lots of laundry. Extra high spin for jeans, towels and diapers. No one ever told me that what detergent I used would make a difference on the life of my machine!

Please explain!

When it comes to a new washer, I need a workhorse. I figure a workhorse will do a bigger load. Effeciency is important to me, both in energy and water, but I care even more about getting my clothes clean.

Thank you for weighing in with your opinions!

By the way, the automatic notification is not working...

Well, that makes sense! I am one to read the manual before using something. I did everything that I absorbed. I have been through the trouble shooting pages a few times, but didn't go back to see what I missed the first time.

When I train Awana leaders, I tell them that they won't get everything the first time, so be sure they read their training manual later when they can absorb more. I should have gone back a few times to the basics.

I just read where it suggests using HE detergent for best performance. If they had told me "why" I think it would have stuck with me. Explaining why low sudsing is so important would have made it something I would have remembered the first time, instead of telling me it's okay to use my regular detergent, but only use 1/6. I forgot the "1/6" part too. We only saw the "suds" routine a handful of times. I work better when things are told to me in a concrete fashion.

Yep, I read the book, just forgot one part and did see why the other part is so important.

So, should I give the HE5T a second chance? Is the Duet the same only a different name? I really liked my HE3T, I just was sad it died so soon!

Meanwhile, I'm using a borrowed top loader that uses way too much water! It is quite a shock to see that tub fill up after using the front loader for four years!

Thank you for your explanation! That really helps us to understand. We will do better with the next machine because of your help!

Now, I need to figure out what to get next. I thought I wanted a Bosch Nexxt 500 plus. I like the features (4.2 cubic feet, profile wash, many options), but it looks like service in not available in our area. I was told the Speed Queen is a work horse and will last a lot longer, but it costs a lot, it's smaller and I don't see an option for high heat for diapers nor no spin for delicates. This is the best month for buying appliances. I feel like I need to make a decision soon. The Frigidaire didn't look like it rated very highly in the Consumer Reports. The Samsung VRT Silver Care was suggested too. I like the idea of something balancing itself and being so quiet. The Silver Care, I'm not so sure of, and there is not a long track record yet.

Okay, any more suggestions for maximizing my dollar?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! It is much appreciated!

Speed Queen is NOT owned by Whirlpool or Maytag. They are thier own company.