Look into the Speed Queen brand. I've had a Speed Queen top loader for a year and half and so far, I'm pleased with it. It's durable and if leveled properly, balances loads very well. My old top loaders I used in the 1970's, 80's and 90's would go off balance once in a while. Knock wood, this has not happened yet with the Speed Queen.

I understand come 2018 Speed Queen top load washers will be redesigned. This may or may not be a good thing. We won't know until user reviews come out.

Fisher & Paykel's WashSmart agitator model is also a valid choice. They've been producing the basic mechanical design since approx 1997 with various engineering changes, and aesthetic redesigns on the machines (console styling and such). It's a deep-fill agitator toploader that also has some HE-type features. Has auto load-size sensing or five manual water levels. Spins at 1,100 RPM (or slower if desired). The Allergy cycle fills with full tap-hot water (but can be selected for four other temperatures) and runs two agitated rinses. Can fill a load on Allergy then switch to a different cycle (if two rinses aren't needed, Delicate speed, whatever).

Thank goodness Dadoes is here to mention Fisher & Paykel. Yes. Look into those as well.

I didn't know about F&P when I was shopping for my washer and if I had, I would have definitely given it serious consideration, and I just might have chosen Fisher & Paykel. Not just for the features, but it fits in my house. I was limited by size restrictions.

If the SQ will have dubbed down temps on the new models this company is going to go down hill.

From what I have read temp will remain the same but the agitation is going to be questionable. Plus they have ended spin drain.

If it would not have had tap hot I would not have been as keen on getting the SQ. The spin drain that Sparky cites would not have bothered me as much as I lived with Kenmores for decades which had the neutral drain...I know most of the experts feel that the spin drain is superior. I will be curious to see if the 2018 models do away with the infinite water level as another nod to "efficiency".

ArmJim, glad your settled in your new home. Per your advice before you left I am going to buy a speed queen dryer I think only the dryer is what I can afford. Should I be asking for an analog dryer and perhaps an analog washer? I’m going to Woodbridge to appliance connection which is only in the wash DC area. I looked at the reviews for Bray and Scarff and they are not particularly good. I also wondered what kind of refrigerator you bought. That’s a heavy decision.

Maggie, we don't move into the house until Friday. Have been staying with my partner's mom the last week. Driving from DC was an adventure-really a fascinating trip.

Don't buy the analog dryer-buy the top of the line electronic dryer. Model # ADEE9RGS. It has more features for not much more in price. Things like the extended tumble and more precise heat settings make it worth it. Be safe on the trip down 95. I have to say it is so refreshing being away from the DC traffic.

We bought a French door Kitchenaid refrigerator. The appliances we upgraded in the kitchen from the builder are all Kitchenaid and my partner just wanted to keep the appliances all consistent. The refrigerator does not have the water/ice on the outside. After living with stainless steel and it driving me nuts trying to keep it looking decent, we decided to opt to get the water dispenser located in the interior. It is being delivered on Friday.

Armjim, thank you for your advice. Texas vs DC and no sales tax. May your Kitchenaid appliances last for a long time. Your first Thanksgiving in the new home! I'll be on 95 tomorrow. I hope Appliance Connection is as good as Angie's List said it is. I wish I had a partner to help me through this and a new refrigerator. Here's to love.

Here's a video (dated 2013) of someone's F&P WashSmart in Australia. Current U.S. model looks and functions the same. Start of the cycle through 9:10 is the Eco Active pretreatment phase.

Fisher & Paykel WashSmart

That reminded me of the Sears catalyst system at the beginning of the cycle. It looked awfully rough on the load as it was agitating, and the rate of turnover seemed pretty long (I did not watch the entire video). Is the typical cycle about an hour?

Kenmore makes the best top load washers in my opinion! Plenty of power and can hold a ton of clothes at once. Lots of features on the newer models too. I've been using mine for over 6 years now and haven't had a single issue with it. If it matters to you a quick search shows that most of them are around 120 volts and 130-200 pounds.

ArmJim,

F&P's agitator has flexible fins. There's no transmission involved. The agitator bolts directly to the motor shaft, which is a 3-phase DC stepper motor. The motor board software monitors and directly controls the rotational characteristics (speed, arc-distance, and force of the stroke), varying it within an engineered range for the selected cycle based on the water level and load response.

You would have no issues with the Speed Queen. Get it and don’t look back! Absolutely incredible machines. The rest are just imitations.

Our new SQ washer and dryer are scheduled to be delivered this morning at 10 a.m. (right in the middle of our house of furniture and effects being delivered by our movers from Virginia). I am looking forward to posting my impressions.

As a side note-Maggie, we had our brand new, very expensive (to me-I have never paid this much for a refrigerator!) Kitchenaid refrigerator delivered yesterday-and it is defective. Does not run-lights up and dispenses water but the motor does not run and the keypads for the controls don't function. Grrrrr! The guys that set it up apparently did not know this. Best Buy is saying they won't bring the new one out until next Friday. Oh Lord give me strength.

Oh, where is the Quality Control? Quality Assurance? My LG washer flooded on first run and the insurance repairman flipped a few things and it worked ever since. But like the dryer should die very soon. I'm so sorry. I know it was expensive and beautiful too. Thanksgiving? I hope Best Buy will check the new one out with a specialized repairman at your home. I don't love Best Buy and hope they are better in San Antonio. I hope this is it and you get your happy spirit back.

I had a F&P washer and dryer. The washer was a lemon. After 5 service calls in the first year, they replaced it. The dryer broke twice in 5 years. I now have a Speed Queen. No issues or repairs. The SQ holds more, does a better job, and is far more reliable than the F& P.

Individual experience with any given brand varies widely. I have a 1999 F&P washer (been passed on to the grandmother, sister, and nephew has it now) that thus far has had one repair (pump replacement) and a 2004 model that hasn't had any repairs.

That’s why giving your model number with your story about your brand helps immensely.