Well, let's clear up a few misconceptions first. The "pole thingy is called an "agitator" and agitator machines have been around a long, long time and contrary to what many would have you believe, they're not necessarily all that hard on clothes. Clothes washers clean clothes by contact, whether front or top load. I have clothes that are 20+ years old and still going strong in my agitator top loader. Reading the forums, there's been a lot of clothes damaged by front loaders too. Machines vary. Don't get caught up in the hype.

Seems to me that most of the higher efficiency machines have a much bigger learning curve than a plain old agitator top load in order to make best use of it. You'll need to experiment with different detergents to find what works best for your use, different cycles and even your water.

Next, I don't know of a consumer front loader that will do a load in 35 minutes but others can chime in on this. Especially if you use a heater, an hour to two hours or more is very common. If this is an issue, keep it in mind.

If you're using the triple load Wascos or something like that in the laundromat, you'll not find a consumer model with that capacity.

You gave no idea of the size of loads, number of loads, even family size or budget you have to work with. This will impact what anyone would be able to recommend. Is water consumption a big issue?

If the timing thing is a real issue, I think you would be counting out most all front loaders people here have. One thing to consider though, some of the higher efficiency machines, both front and top load, have higher spin speeds available so that could save you some drying time. This could offset some of the extra time used by the washer so your total "per load" time would be more comparable.

Many people feel a heater is important. You have to decide if it is for you. You need to set your budget and determine the loads and other things that are important. Until then it's only a shot in the dark to try to recommend something.

I'd suggest you start reading some of the threads. Check out the FAQs too. You'll get a good education that will be valuable while you're shopping. It'll give you some ideas on what might be important to you and what might not be important to you and then come back and people can give a more educated suggestion on models to consider.

You'll get a lot of contradicting advice so be ready. You truly have to educate yourself to make the best decision for yourself, and keep in mind you can get a lemon in anything.

Hope that helps. Good luck in your quest for a new washer. BTW, are you looking for a new dryer too? One bit of advice, you may do well by not getting matching washer and dryer unless having them match is important to you. When push comes to shove, a $300 dryer isn't very different than a $1200 dryer.

what he ^ said :)