I think I would go with the GE Harmony, it looks like its doing a pretty good job.

Thanks for posting, I wish they had videos of all machines.

monicakm, try the Sheets & Towels cycle. It will fill with a lot more water. Bulky cycle does too, but it spins slower.

I have a Cabrio set at our beach place and we have lots of beach towels, bath towels and extra bedding. I learned after some experimenting that the Sheets & Towels is a very flexible cycle, in that you can adjust the water temperatures and spins speeds to your liking. You can add the extra rinse and soak too if you care to. Give it a try, I think you'll find it will work like what you see in your video.

Get a traditional Whirlpool, Kenmore, or Maytag (which would be pretty much equivalent to your previous KA) agitator toploader. They're still available, you don't *have* to get an HE-type toploader. Or you could try an agitator-style (which is NOT HE) Cabrio, Oasis, or Bravos instead of the HE washplate-style.

I've had the GE Harmony for about 4 years and I love it. Sometimes really stinky clothes require a presoak (ie. football and hockey gear!) but other than that it's great. I wouldn't go back to a traditional TL. Aside from the fact that HE's save on water, they hold a lot more which cuts down on how many loads you have to do.

Couple other well-respected toploaders in addition to those mentioned is the Fisher & Paykal and Speed Queen. That is, if you do return it. Hopefully everything will work out with the cycle selections. Good luck!

This is totally nerve wracking! I spent the day yesterday comparing the specs the Whirlpool Cabrio 6400, the 6700 and the 6200. The 6200 is not Energy Star but there is a lesser model (WTW57ESV) that is. There are important specification contradictions on each of the three websites (Whirlpool, Lowes and Sears). Getting a "HE" washer wasn't important to me. I'd heard horror stories about the front loaders and didn't know if the top loaders without agitators had the same problems. But, I did want Energy Star Rated.
I also spent my Saturday experimenting with laundry settings...woo hoo!
charlyinfl, I did find that the Sheets/Towels settings and the Bulky items gave me more water and feel that I got cleaner clothes :) Each time I opened the lid (several times) I got more water. But, are those cycles appropriate for all load types? I like to use a gentle cycle for our "street clothes". I want them washed gently but they do get dirty and they too deserve to get clean :) I noticed that starting and stopping the machine doesn't add water to the other cycles I've tired. Even if it did, I'm not about to spend the next 15 years having to start and stop the machine 2-4 times for added water :(
dadoes, if you're still sticking with me thru this....you said "traditional Whirlpool agitator topload" OR "agitator style Cabrio". What would be the main difference here? Is the WTW57ESV a "traditional" washer? It and the Cabrio 6200 both have an agitator. Believe it or not, the WTW57ESV is Energy Star rated and the 6200 is NOT :o There is a big difference in the energy savings with the WTW57ESV (464 kWh vs 225 kWh). I'm pretty sure it's going to come down to one of these two. Could you tell me what advantages the 6200 has over the WTW57ESV besides being just a smidgen larger? Whirlpool doesn't offer and downloadable owners manual for the WTW57ESV.
ebear1271, I looked (on line) at the Harmony. I'm not sure I could learn to like the control panel options. How do you like it? If I go back to an agitator, I'm really going to miss the larger capacity :(( Running fewer loads reduces electricity and that was one of my main goals.
cynic, I bought the 6400 at Lowes. They'll let me exchange it within 30 days. I'm sure I can't get a refund so a Speed Queen is out of the question. I hadn't considered F&P. I figured it was out of my price range. But, I'll take a look at the Lowes site and see what they offer in F&P.
I wish I could find someone that has knowledge of this phantom "software update" that can be done on the Cabrio to cause it to use more water. Whirlpool said they have no technicians I can speak to :o and the one repairman I had scheduled to come out knew nothing of it so I canceled. Oh how I miss my KA that just simply did what I asked of it and didn't have a mind of it's own! Gives new meaning to the phrase "new is not always better".
mara, I have to tell you, I'm not a Consumer Reports fan. There's just too much to indicate they're biased and many flaws in their testing techinques. I'll sometimes use them as a starting point but don't take what they report as gospel. BUT, I'm encouraged by your enthusiasm for the Bravos. If I've asked this before and you've answered, please forgive me for having to ask again. In most of the cycles offered on the Cabrio, the water level doesn't even come up to the top of the clothes, much less cover them. Does it on the Bravos? I'm convinced more water is all I need to be satisfied with this washer. Also, I tend to lean towards the camp that says since Cabrios, Oasis and Bravos are the same type of machines and all made by the same company, they'll all work alike and have the same problems. But, what do I know? Apparently, when it comes to choosing a washer, not a whole lot :(
Monica (who hopes choosing a new Toto toilet for DH's bathroom isn't going to be NEAR as confusing!)

Monica, again, I am so very sorry you are going through this. It must be distressing to wash clothes and still smell sweat on them! I hope you didn't put them in the dryer?

I would soak them in warm water, detergent, and at least a 1/2 cup (if not a full cup) of baking soda or borax - probably overnight - and use the vinegar in the final rinse, as you did before, to see if that will get the odor out. Also, consider hanging them up to dry outside in the fresh air. (I would hang dark clothes in a shady spot.) If they're stiff after they dry, you could always put them in the dryer for 5-10 minutes to soften them.

When I was researching washers and dryers before I bought mine in May, I did go to Consumer Reports; I also went to a number of other sites, including epinions, this one, and another one with 'Consumer' in its name. I also conducted admittedly unscientific polls of friends and neighbors, both IRL and online, to find out what they liked and didn't like about their washers.

In answer to your question, I honestly haven't just stood and watched my Bravos for more than a few minutes; I don't usually have time for that. However, I *think* the water level comes up to the top of the laundry - I really do. Unfortunately (well, fortunately for me, of course), I am all caught up on laundry, and may not have to wash again until the weekend! Even with a household of 6 people, I wash much less often because the Bravos holds so much more laundry.

I do wonder if Bravos is better than Oasis and Cabrio - yes, they are made by the same company (Whirlpool), but I have heard many complaints about Oasis and Cabrio, while I've heard none about Bravos. I also recall the washer repairman who told me the Bravos was made better. Of course, above all, my experience with the Bravos has been excellent.

I personally would not get a GE washer. I freely admit I'm not unbiased, as I had a GE washer which was the top of the line at the time, the matching dryer, and a GE dishwasher. NONE of them performed very well (the d/w was by far the worst). A friend's husband is a repairman, says that many of GE's machines are made from parts from used machines, and says he would never buy one.

I looked at the Whirlpool washer you mentioned, and it looks good to me. I was surprised to see that it gets the Energy Star rating while the Cabrio 6200 doesn't. I'm thankful that Lowe's has the 30-day return policy in place in case you decide to return the Cabrio. I do hope life gets better for you. :-)

"new is not always better" "But, I did want Energy Star Rated" "I personally would not get a GE washer"

Monica,

Model WTW57ESV is new. I don't know anything about it other than the description at Whirlpool's web site. Sounds like it has the traditional direct-drive transmission design, but with some interesting extra features, such as a slightly larger capacity (3.5 cu ft vs. the usual 3.2 cu ft) and automatic water level. The EnergyStar designation comes from controlled temperatures to lessen hot water use, and probably (along with the automatic water level) it has spin/spray rinses by default to reduce water use instead of an agitated deep rinse ... being as there's a separate control to select when fabric softener is used ... which probably triggers a standard deep-fill agitated rinse.

The Cabrio 6200 is an agitator machine, but the agitator is of a slightly different design. The 6200 doesn't have a transmission. It uses the same kind of motor and drive system as the washplate Cabrio models, and has the larger-size stainless steel basket (rated either 3.8 or 3.9 cu ft, vs. 4.6 cu ft for the Cabrio models with a washplate instead of agitator).

Note that the Cabrio models (and Oasis and Bravos) use the same motor design and drive system as Fisher & Paykel toploaders.

monicakm, I definitely wouldn't go back to an agitator. One of the things I especially like about the Harmony is that it only uses as much water as it needs. I have no idea how it works but it really lessens the guilt over very small loads. For instance, I wash white socks separately. It's a very small load but the washer only fills to the top of the socks, no wasted water. As far as the control panel, once you accustom yourself to it it's really great. You have 6 buttons for your "favorites", cycles that you use all the time. It also has tons of presets such as towels, comforters, sheets, coats, etc. Some of them, like comforters or coats, fill the tub completely. Others are just a convenience. You have to play with it a little to see everything that's available but it only took me a day to figure everything out. Very user friendly.

Before I leave for a chiropractor appt...does anyone have an (semi) educated opinion on the Maytag MTW6399TQ? It has an agitator (like the Whirlpool 6200 and lets you adjust the water like the 6200)
Monica

Monica, I've tried googling Maytag MTW6399TQ and have also put that in at the Maytag, Sears, Home Depot, and Lowe's websites - but all of them come up with nothing.

Are you sure that's the model number? If so, can you link to a webpage so I can see it and read about it? That would help.

P.S. I hope you're doing fine, that the chiropractor app't went well.

Sorry mara, it's MTW6300TQ
The chiropractor is a God-send!
Monica

Have to tell you, it was a no brainer choice for a Cabrio W/D pair #6200 with agi which we bought April 2008. Over all it gets good reviews at the Best Buy website and 4/5 on the Sears site. Total cost was just over $900 for both the washer and matching dryer. The machine was on sale and included a $100 rebate from Whirlpool. Delivery and haul away was free. A five year fix anything on the washer or "take it back" service plan was $90. The washer is so quiet I can hardly tell it's on, never moves or shakes, and during the spin cycle makes very little noise. I have to open the L room door to see if it's on. It is a wonderful unit. Plenty of water and washing action. This is a dream machine.

John, GTK :) I would love to save on water (for the good of my septic system) and from the very beginning wanted to save on electricity but I'm not going to keep a washer that can't get my clothes clean. I loved the idea of the savings, I LOVED the cavernous size. I'll miss both of those things. But I missed clean (and clean smelling) clothes more.
Monica

I called the owner of the appliance company that does warranty work in my area. I wanted to ask about this phantom "software tweak" to put more water in my Cabrio washer. He'd never heard of it, called Whirlpool and, of course, they didn't authorize such a thing and said the warranty would be void. I explained to Steve my dissatisfaction with the eco-friendly washer and how I just didn't think that amt of water could adequately clean (and it's not). He agrees 100% that the companies care more for the environment than their customer. I'm really happy for those of you that are satisfied with your HEs. I truly wish I was one of them! I'd like to put less water in my septic tank and use electricity. Guess I'll have to cut down in other areas.
Monica

Monica, since the washer is still under warranty, have you contacted either Lowe's and/or Whirlpool to see if a repairman could come out while you have a load of clothes wsahing, so he could tell if the amount of water looks right to him?

Forgive me if you've already mentioned having done this. It's been quite a day - quite a week!

Not to argue, but do you mind saying why you HAVE to use a toploader? I bought a Calypso because I thought it would be better for my neck problems. When it finally died this summer, we went to a frontloader with pedestals. We went with LG because they were not as deep as the Whirlpool and we did want to be able to open the doors fully. ;-) I sometimes wish we had switched sooner, but mostly I'm just enjoying the front loaders. I think they are actually easier on my neck.

My laundry "room" is the width of a washer and dryer. Tucked in a corner (in front of the washer) is our hot water tank. The depth of my laundry "room" is just deep enough for the washer/dryer and the door to open. There's room enough for me and absolutely no room for a FL washer. But after all I've learned in the last month, I wouldn't be happy with a FL anyway.
mara, I've seen enough "washers in action", I've heard my mother complain about her FL (even tho her clothes looked fine to me), and described the water level here (sent in pictures as well) and to the repairman to know it's working as it was designed to work. I'm not happy I have to make the change. I really liked the idea of using less AND that 4.5 cf capacity....it just didn't work out for my needs :(
Monica

Monica,

I have not been on the forums much all summer long so I just now saw your post.
I too started with a Cabrio HE and then switched to a Cabrio with Agi. I was experiencing the same problems you seem to be. For $1100.00 it was NOT acceptable.

Anyhow, I have now had the Cabrio Agi for 17 months and I love it. Although it is not energy star rated I really do not mind. As the capacity is so large that I do far less loads than I previously did in my old Kitchen Aid TL (I know-we had the same old washer too!)

I really think you will be impressed with it. You can wash queen sized comforters with ease. I can easily wash 8 pair of mens dirty work jeans. I can do 13 towels in one load.

Let us know what happens and if you like your new Cabrio Agi.

lulundave, I hope I'm as pleased with the replacement washer as you are with yours :) It's going to be a little larger than the KA but a little smaller than the Cabrio HE...about in the middle. Has many of the same controls. ALSO, it has the same spin rpms as the HE (950) so I'm hoping that means the clothes will come out as dry (less dryer time). Thanks for your reply. Should have the new washer by the first of next week. A sidenote. My 2 1/2 yo grandson spent the night last Sat. I put him down for the night, was on about the 38th verse of Old McDonald Had a Farm (g) when he projectile vomited FOUR times...all over me and the bed :( Bless his little heart. We had no indication he was sick. After getting him clean and comfortable and before I could wash my clothes and the bed sheets, blanket and bedspread, I had to shake out the solids. I washed everything on the towels and sheets setting (to get get lots of water) and everything came out perfectly clean :) Had to add some more by pausing and restarting the machine but everything came clean.
Monica