As I mentioned earlier in this thread, my favorite washer of all time was our 1974 Frigidaire 1-18. If it had a fault, it would be that it was kinda noisy. Next or the list are these machines:
2. 1980's TOL Whirlpool direct drive.
3. 1970 Maytag 806--Other than design and reliability, there really was nothing that stood out about its performance.
4. 2008 Electrolux TOL front-loader. The rear end seals and bearings went out in six years. But, it was a great performer.
1964 Lady Kenmore Piano Key TOL. Enough options to cause feature paralysis. I would have rated it number 2 if it weren't for the anemic spin of the belt drive machines.
5. Fisher-Paykel Aqua-Smart performed well but was less than gentle on clothes.