I would look for a FL with an on board heater (sometimes called a steam option) to get a true hot wash. Government rules have changed temperatures in current models so what used to be considered warm is now considered hot. FYI Speed Queen FLs do NOT have an on board heater, but will give you a tap hot wash. All rinses in all machines are now cold only by government mandate. If you didn't know, LG makes most of the Kenmore badged FLs at Sears. Electrolux current models are well thought of on the forum and will handle a queen sized quilt. Given what you said about loads, I would estimate you need at least a 4.0 cu ft FL, that would eliminate the miele and compact models. IMO, I would avoid Samsung and GE based on bad construction and customer service. It's really important that you have local service providers available for any machine you select. I personally didn't like the filter arrangement in the Whirlpool/Maytag. The machine has to be disassembled to reach it. I have a Kenmore Elite 41072 that I've been happy with it. It's a cousin to the big LG 8500. There is no perfect machine and you'll find lemons in every line. Good Luck in your search.

I really really like my Electrolux WaveTouch (70 series), there is the step down which is the IQ Touch (60 series) which is basically a different interface (buttons laid out on the console) but no drop down in features. The models have been around for a long time and have been tweaked so the kinks are worked out.

Sorry if I step on some toes but I just hear too many bad stories with Samsung.

They keep inventing new models instead of fixing what's wrong with some of the issues the current models have.

Speed Queen is a favorite but we have to hear from the others if it can handle a queen sized comforter and they don't have an on board heater for Steam, Allergen or Sanitize cycles.

Unsure about Maytag (they are owned my Whirlpool now).

I believe Duets are still a decent made set.

See what others say...

I would recommend the large LG and Kenmore machines as well. A smaller version is available and constantly performs well. The TurboWash or AccelaWash feature does cut wash time down some too. But, the brand new Duets are programmed to use a little more water than the older ones. I wouldn't doubt that they are good performers as well. If you liked the Duets, why stray?

I would avoid Samsung AT ALL COSTS!! LG is not my favourite, but I do know several people who are quite happy with them...their water hammer issues on their machines and Kenmore is awful (Search this topic).

I would highly recommend Electrolux or Speed Queen. Reliable, strong performers, easy to use, practical, good build quality, decent service network.

I'm still happy with my Duets. Upgraded to the 95 series with the steam and more selection in cycles and temps. The sale price was only $100-200 more than the cost of the set I was replacing which I used for my king-size blankets and comforter. Haven't used this set for the comforter yet but it's handled the king-size blankets and the queen-size bedding just great.

I ended up buying Frigidaire because it had a smaller footprint and I have limited space. Very happy so far but too early to say anything about reliability. I wanted to like the Electrolux but couldn't live with the fact the door flops open wide and can't just be left open a crack - also a problem with my space constraints.

I recently moved and my 10 year old Kenmore version of Duet was still going strong when I left it behind. I would have bought another Duet but it was too big.

I really like the Electrolux. I have the compact model and there is no issue with the door having to be all the way open. I would definitely look into this brand.

This is so helpful! I'd love to hear more.

Sorry I forgot to mention that space issues are not a limitation. Thankfully I have a dedicated laundry room, not closet as in our previous homes!

Glad to hear WP Duets are still worth consideration. Interesting note about the Steam wash / heater. I was thinking this was just another gimmicky feature, yet this sounds like something I might need for washing my loads of white bath towels.

Sad to learn GE is no longer the stalwart brand it once was. And no go on Samsung? Ok.

I'll look a little harder at Electrolux; it's not a brand I've thought about.

Water hammer issues on LGs & Kenmore's - off to research more. That doesn't sound good.

Thanks again! Real life comments are what I need, especially since online reviews can be biased.

What's the matter with your current Duet? 8 years is a pretty short lived life. My orginal Duet went 12 years and was used in a semi commercial environment and we beat it 7 days a week.

Bearings going bad causing it to roar during spin cycle. Only a matter of time before it stops completely. Repair will likely cost more than half of a new machine.

I'm disgusted that it's happening after 8 years (although the salesman told me to expect maybe 5!!) My first WP TL lasted 15.

An example of how the LG's fill and the water hammer.

Wow. That's pretty poor. Only money we put in ours was a door boot. It was sold with the shop but still worked. With all the industrial products we used in that machine, it was a miracle the bearings and spider didn't give way.

As for the Speed Queen FL'er, it uses true hot tap, now while I'm a firm believer that 130 to 140 F is plenty hot enough expecially with modern day fabrics, unless you need to disinfect with temperature instead if chemicals...I would find out how much water the Queen uses and if its maintains a hot temp long enough to do the job. I've wondered if this highly rated machine fills with lets say 130F but after hitting the clothes and the cooler tub if the water temp is instantly shot down significantly.

I wouldn't consider any FL that does not have a heater. Pink is correct, they use much less water, and by the time the clothes saturate, and thermal distribution and absorbtion from the load and metal drum take place, the water temperature drops off dramatically. Sometimes by as much as 10 degrees or greater. Speed Queen, while making a well built machine, completely dropped the ball by not adding onboard heat. Whirlpool, LG, Electrolux, Kenmore are my picks not necessarily in that order. On the high end, Miele.

Thanks so very much for all of your responses. Off to do more research!

I wouldn't write off the Speed Queen FL'er until you find out how long the hot water stays hot after its in the machine. Theres also mention over on automaticwasher.org as to what to install in this machine to give you temps of I think it said 140 and above.

You need onboard heat with today's FL,s. Anything else is a waste of time and money and you won't be satisfied.

There's a way to use a 120 volt water heater on a Speed Queen FL that will give you temps of over 140F..I know nothing else about it LOL.