I know what you mean. I have a Frigidaire Affinity 6700. It is the most basic of all the Affinity series and although my clothes get thouroughly soaked and clean it has still needed numerous repairs and has a constant mold problem despite all of my efforts. I'm going to replace it too when the service plan wears out and the costs to repair outway replacing it.

When I do replace it, I'm planning on checking out a few brands. My eyes are on LG, Samsung, Bosch, and Miele. Now some of the brands may be more expensive, but if the performance is excellent and the longevity of the machine is factored in, it is probably worth the cost. I'll most likely get an LG. They are gradually starting to come down in price as the market demand for FLer's increases and I have seen mostly sterling reviews on them. Also another feature I like is most have a large drum and a drawer down below in front to clean out the drain tray. The drawer for the drain tray alone cuts down service calls in and of itself. The ones I checked out at my local Home Depot were reasonably priced and had many functions.

On another note, you could check into some of the TL HE machines. They do not have the same probs with mold and mildew and usually do not have problems with saturating the clothes. My sis-in-law has a Maytag TL HE machine and absolutely loves it.

If it helps, you can go to youtube and expotv to get reviews or see how some of the machines work. You would be amazed how many people put videos of their washing machines just washing on youtube. It is pretty good reference material.

Once you do decide on a model, do a net search on that model for posted reviews or problems. For instance, if you did a net search on your whirlpool FL, you would fine website after website with people posting problems with them. That's why I didn't get one 2 years ago when I started looking. I steared clear of the Kenmores too for the very same reason. The net is a wonderful tool and helps a lot.

HTH.

I just got the Miele 4842 and dryer set- it's my first front loader and I too was so tired of messing with repairs. It just wasn't cost effective and a huge hassle. Plus I felt guilty for using so much water and energy.
I'm on my 4th day with the new machines and I adore them, especially the washer. My whites are beaming! The quality of these machines is very impressive and I hope the reliability reputation holds true as well! (fingers crossed)

As far as the price being reasonable, for me it's a big "ouch" but at the same time, I expect to have to pay for a quality built set that is supposedly built to last twenty years.
Good luck! Choosing the right set can get down right stressful!

suzie - Your list of complaints just screams operator error. Are you overloading the Duet? Those kind of recurring problems are rare and can be caused by overloading. Odors and mold can be prevented by using less detergent, no liquid FS and leaving the door open. Doing a hot wash or Clean Washer cycle if you have one is also a good idea.

You may see the same problems with a new machine, no matter what brand it is.

monaw - the Miele advertising may say they last 20 years but they don't mean with no service. Like a car, they will last a long time if used correctly and maintained properly. Parts subject to wear and tear may need replacement eventually. I keep my Toyotas for 15-20 years, but they get regular maintainance. My old Kenmore laundry center lasted over 30 years with no repairs, but I don't expect any of the new machines to be that reliable. None of them are built the "way they used to be".

Good luck with your machines.

oregpsnow - I assure you the problems are NOT due to operator error. I have not overloaded my Duet - ANY washing machine should be able to handle a load that consists of only two pairs of average sized jeans. It should also be able to handle a load that consists of only two bath towels. A single blanket for a queen size bed should at least get wet in the center. How can it possibly get clean if it doesn't even get wet? I most definitely do NOT overload my machine.

I use exactly the correct amount of HE detergent and do not use liquid fabric softener. I leave the door open and, yes, I wipe down the gasket and clean it inside and out with bleach. I run empty loads with hot water and bleach, etc.

I am not the problem. The machine is poorly designed (isn't there a class action lawsuit about this?) I made a mistake by buying it without researching washing machines for days, weeks or months beforehand. I foolishly trusted the name Whirlpool.

happymomof2kids - thank you for understanding! I am currently thinking about the Amana NFW7200TW. It seems to get good reviews and to the best of my knowledge is built by Samsung. I would love to go back to a top loader (my old one worked like a dream) but the design of our laundry room won't allow it. I have been using a top loader at the laundromat for the last few weeks and our clothes are cleaner and smell better than they have in years!

monaw - I looked at the Miele and although I love my Miele dishwasher I am not confident in front load washing machines, which is why I won't invest a lot of money in another one. The Amana is significantly less expensive - less of a gamble I guess!

It's not that surprising that a single blanket in a front loader wouldn't get saturated all the time from what I've read about FL users' experience. They're fluffy and lighter weight. Did you use a bulky cycle? I've seen several people suggest a prewash or a rinse cycle to wet it down and compact it. Also with small loads in FLs I see a lot of complaints about balance issues.

For "a machine that is RELIABLE and uses sufficient water to clean the clothes", you might want to look at a Speed Queen top loader or the agitator Fisher & Paykel. That should solve your mold issues too.

IIRC, Amana is made by Whirlpool. (Don't shoot me if I'm wrong.)