@mattl, I previously had a set of Whirlpool Duets. They were from 2004, and I absolutely loved them. My machine was made in Germany, had an on-board heater, and cleaned like nothing else. I felt confident in the rinsing ability too. The homebuyers of my home, apprently, also loved them and insisted I leave them behind when I sold forever ago.
I would purchase that 2004 Model Again, but I would not purchase the modern-day equivalent. No sirree.
I have seen how the newer LG's, GE's, Samsung's, and Other Brands do with their ultra-low water usage, and I've never been impressed. Especially, with the Front Loaders. While they certainly don't use a cup of water, I have seen fabrics barely moist, and clothes that are not rinsed well.
A good example is a neighbor of mine who uses Tide Pods. (She thinks I'm a little crazy for liking Appliances). I have been gifted a few of the Pods, and when I use those same pods, there is only Minor amounts of fragrance and scent left over from the detergent.
When washed in her newer Front Loader (a LG)... it smells like she used the Tide Pods as Farbic Softener. The scent is so strong, and it lasts through the dryer. I am just convinced that the rinsing is not there.
Not to mention, I have so many white bath towels, linens, and other textiles that I like to wash in very-hot water, to keep them like New. I am very worried, I would not have the abilty to really wash things, the way I want, with the dumbed-down temperatures. And that is extremely important to me, over everything.
The reason my stuff looks brand new, even 25+ years later, is because of the way I wash them. I am happy to pay whatever it costs to obtain the same level of clean, regardless of the energy and water savings. You have to realize, a load of laundry is probably $600+. The savings are maybe two Dimes, or a Dime and a Nickle at best.
I am honestly hoping I can keep the same machine to my deathbed. I will be very disappointed if I can not. At the end of the day, I just wish Government would stay out of the lives of Americans. Consumers should have the right to choose what they want for their homes, even if the product is inefficient. (I am not looking for a reply, I am an Independent.)
One unfortunate example is the widespread Ban on incandescent light bulbs. While most of my home has LED or CFL's, the light bulb in my garage door opener affects the remote if I try to use anything else other than an Incandescent. Even if I try the expensive $16+ "Opener Safe" Bulbs. Someone was kind enough to tell me about the ban, and I went out and purchased a 12ct box to last me until I replace the opener or sell and downsize the house.
Apparently, less than 25% of Americans are using old Incandescent bulbs. Did the government really need to get involved? Maybe people preferred the old light, or in my case, physically needed them. I just wish they would focus on more pressing issues.
I'll get off the Soapbox, now!