joeypete:
Thanks for the info on the F&P WashSmart, which some may choose as a reasonable alternative to the 2018 Speed Queen.
If F&P allowed for "Controlled Cold" under all circumstances, then the WashSmart would be on our list. Unfortunately, the winters are too cold, here.
Right now, our Kenmore D.D. from around 1990 is beginning to look pretty good to us. Unfortunately, I had it hauled away in 2005 after the transmission failed. This was before I began working on our own appliances.
Then, we had a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II for 10 years, but it didn't seem as durable as the Kenmore. It was a Quiet Wash; and, the noisiest machine we had ever encountered. Plus, we wanted our next machine to have a stainless steel tub.
If there was a mixing valve that could control incoming cold @ around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then we'd be perfectly happy with our SQ 92 series. Unfortunately, these valves are usually not engineered to be set, that low.
We were thinking that if the politicians had to do their own laundry, bet we wouldn't have to put up with some of this nonsense.
Thanks for your help!