We're looking to replace our Neptune front loader.
We could probably search for parts and repair it ourselves, but neither my husband nor I have the time or interest to do so. We're looking to buy a new one instead. We replaced the bearings in 2020 with help from knowledgeable people on this site, which gave us an additional three years of use. So, I feel like we got our money's worth and now it's time to move on.
I might also buy a new dryer, even though our current one still works. Since our machines are visible in the mudroom where everyone enters the house, I want them to look good. I've attached a picture of our current setup.
I'm not a fan of the large, spaceship-like machines available now. They're too big and don't seem reliable or long-lasting. I am not sure which direction I should go.
I'm interested in Miele (specifically the W1 and T1 models) because I can build a counter around them and they have a good reputation for performance and durability. However, I'm concerned about practicality. I usually do smaller loads more frequently, so I don't need a huge drum. The Neptune has a 3.34 cu. ft. capacity but when I saw the floor model of the W1, it seemed shockingly small. I'm also unsure about the longer cycle times. I do laundry regularly but I can't spend four hours each day on one load. Additionally, I'm curious about how well they handle pet hair, as we have a Great Pyrenees, and the information I found on pet hair in the honeycomb drum is mixed.
I also like SQ front loaders. They have a similar size, design, performance, and features to the Neptune, and our setup would look similar. However, the price is quite high. It would be a stretch for our budget, and I'm struggling to justify spending that much on a washer and dryer. Am I wrong?
Another option is the SQ TR7. I like its classic look, and the price is comparable to the Miele. The only drawback is that it's a top loader, which would prevent us from placing things on top of it which happens all of the time since our washer is next to the mudroom door.
I'm contradicting myself here, but the salesperson at our local appliance store and a coworker of mine both recommended an Electrolux. They are big and spaceship-like, and I'm concerned about their durability. Is there any reason I should consider their suggestion?
Lastly, are there any new machines with a capacity of around 3.5 cu. ft. that I may have overlooked?
I would appreciate hearing your opinions.

We could probably search for parts and repair it ourselves, but neither my husband nor I have the time or interest to do so. We're looking to buy a new one instead. We replaced the bearings in 2020 with help from knowledgeable people on this site, which gave us an additional three years of use. So, I feel like we got our money's worth and now it's time to move on.
I might also buy a new dryer, even though our current one still works. Since our machines are visible in the mudroom where everyone enters the house, I want them to look good. I've attached a picture of our current setup.
I'm not a fan of the large, spaceship-like machines available now. They're too big and don't seem reliable or long-lasting. I am not sure which direction I should go.
I'm interested in Miele (specifically the W1 and T1 models) because I can build a counter around them and they have a good reputation for performance and durability. However, I'm concerned about practicality. I usually do smaller loads more frequently, so I don't need a huge drum. The Neptune has a 3.34 cu. ft. capacity but when I saw the floor model of the W1, it seemed shockingly small. I'm also unsure about the longer cycle times. I do laundry regularly but I can't spend four hours each day on one load. Additionally, I'm curious about how well they handle pet hair, as we have a Great Pyrenees, and the information I found on pet hair in the honeycomb drum is mixed.
I also like SQ front loaders. They have a similar size, design, performance, and features to the Neptune, and our setup would look similar. However, the price is quite high. It would be a stretch for our budget, and I'm struggling to justify spending that much on a washer and dryer. Am I wrong?
Another option is the SQ TR7. I like its classic look, and the price is comparable to the Miele. The only drawback is that it's a top loader, which would prevent us from placing things on top of it which happens all of the time since our washer is next to the mudroom door.
I'm contradicting myself here, but the salesperson at our local appliance store and a coworker of mine both recommended an Electrolux. They are big and spaceship-like, and I'm concerned about their durability. Is there any reason I should consider their suggestion?
Lastly, are there any new machines with a capacity of around 3.5 cu. ft. that I may have overlooked?
I would appreciate hearing your opinions.
