Whirlpool-made direct drive washers
Lisa,
I will echo what many others are saying about Whirlpool-made direct drive washers (i.e. Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Roper, Estate, Maytag, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Crosley, Inglis, and Kenmore). Go for it and seek out a nice used set. They are plentiful and will provide many years of trouble-free use.
Stay away from Whirlpool's new top-load washers, though. They are absolute junk! I had one for just over a year and sold it because I hated it so bad. The lid lock, water flow restrictor, and lack of a mechanical timer and tub brake made for one of the worst machines I have ever used.
Rob