A direct drive washer is definitely the way to go. Those machines in the picture are great, even though I do prefer a dryer with a hamper door. I personally prefer the Kitchen Aid models, even though they have the same drive structure as the Whirlpool's, they are built a little better, for example the KitchenAid washer has both a porcelain top and lid, a heavier agitator, and the unique thing about the KitchenAId is that because it has a heavier agitator, the fast agitation is like a medium agitation on a Whirlpool so it doesn't beat up your clothes as much. It has better insulation on the cabinet. The dryer has better drum rollers, a heavier belt, a porcelain top which resists rust and scratches, sound insulation. Both brands are life long machines, you can have them forever. I have customers that still has their Kitchen Aid washers and dryers that I sold them in the late 80's.