I have the LG and have had the Whirlpool Duets,Kitchenaid Ensembles,Frigidaire Affinities, Bosch, and Miele front loading super capacity machines and have different likes and dislikes on all. However, the LG holds considerably more items and has some nice features that I,myself like a lot. That doesn't mean though that my taste in front loaders is equivalent to anyone else's here.
The features I prefer are:
1. button catcher This device will help keep the pump from jamming and getting burned out. You open the small door and drain out the excess water. Then,you unscrew and pull out the small little cup cleaning out the residue in it like lint,coins and buttons that went astray.The Whirlpools and Frigidaires do not have the small door but the Whirlpools have the catcher but no way to get to it w'out removing the base panel.All the others have the small access door you can open and be able to unscrew and clean out the cup that's there.
2.Sanitary cycle. This incorporates a HOT wash that lasts anywhere from 25 to 60 minutes depending on the temperature of the incoming hot water. My Miele boosts the temperature up to 175F I had an Asko that would heat the incoming cold water to a whopping 200F!! Bed sheets,pillow cases,bath and beach towels,t shirts,underwear,socks and running shoes would come out remarkably clean.
3.High speed spin. This truly reduces the drying time and saves energy for those who use an automatic instead of a clothes line.However, the only dry cycles I use are the automatic cycles that use the sensors to determine the dryness of the loads.Nobody knows the exact time it takes to dry and could waste tons of electricity by over timing the loads.
4.See through windows. I have no frigging clue why but, Sears has "engineers" who insist on having the manufacturers of their brand of washers and dryers made with smoked glass/plastic. They are really hard to see through and make no sense to me. If you don't want people to see the inside, why bother to even have a window?
5. Perforated fins. The 3 fins that are incorporated in the drums should always be perforated.Because the water usage is minimal,these perforations help get clothes more thoroughly washed and rinsed. They take the wash/rinse water up and,as they tumble,the water sprays out onto the tumbling clothes.Without the holes,clothes can get dry spots,especially bulky loads like bedspreads and blankets.
6.Liquid detergent cups. Some of the front loaders do not have these and,if you want to do a pre wash, you have to wait until it's finished to add the detergent to the main wash.I see people all the time at laundromats here just pour it in and leaving unaware that they just put twice as much detergent in for the pre wash and none for the main.
7. Warranties. Most companies give a full 1 year parts AND labor warranty.LG has always given a full 10 year warranty (parts only from 2nd through 10th year)on their direct drive motors and now,Maytag,Whirlpool and Sears Kenmore are doing the same only on (Select) models.
8.Dependability. I always look at CR and check to see who of all the brands has shown a pattern of dependability on their products.Currently, LG is leading the pack on having the fewest repairs on not only their washers but their gas and/or electric dryers too.
Some of the nicer features on different brands are not that noticeable but,one of my favorite ones is the fact that the LGs will spin EITHER way depending on the balance of the load.My original set would usually spin clockwise but,sometimes would go counter clockwise. All the others except the Askos and older White/Westinghouses would go counter clockwise.My new LG has been going counter clockwise more so than not.I also like an interior light that can come on while in operation with the door closed.It makes those sleepless nights more enjoyable. Especially with my surfboard shaped rug to lay down on as I fall asleep from the sound of the water splashing and the neat sounds I hear during the final spin.My cat will come in and sleep at my side.
SOOOO, Whatever you choose, I hope you'll get years of great service and fabulous results. There may be some great deals going on now. everybody wants to sell.I always check the websites of wherever I shop before deciding which model I'm purchasing and where.If there's a Sears Outlet Store in your area, go there and see if they have any great deals. BUT if you do get one theer, ALWAYS be sure to get the service plan,not necessarily from Sears but from their manufacturer. I had a Frigidaire Affinity I bought on clearance at Sears and they offered me two years for $149. I said no and called Frigidaire. They gave me 3 years for $129 BUT,unlike Sears,theirs began 1 year after purchase date.Sears (why I don't have a clue) will sell you 2 years but not include the manufacturer's warranty. To me ,that's a rip off.
Aloha!
