We have the Whirlpool set and love it. We first had the dryer without the pedistal, then later on the washer with pedistals for both. Go with the pedistals.

My favorite part is the detergent drawer. You have a spot for fabric softner that is automatically put in the wash at the right time.

We've had our Maytags for 19 years - one service call. Our daughter and son-in-law just bought their 1st set. They're not the same generational product (more evidence of planned obsolescence)but are probably still the best 'merican brand on the market. ML

We bought the Kenmore set when we moved into the new house 4 years ago - front loaders ROCK! We did have a small leak about 9 months ago, and the local repair guy had to replace a gasket on the washer. Other than that, these things are workhorses. I love digital controls, too -- being able to dry a few things for only xx minutes, instead of 'short-medium-long' options is great.
The washer is configured like Amy's Whirlpool, and that makes adding bleach or softener very easy - and the whole drawer comes out completely for easy cleaning (because they get disgusting after a while).
Dittos on the pedestals as well - if ONLY to save you from bending over as far. We mostly use the drawings as storage for rags and such, but the height is the best part.

The LG with steam, (I know its not American,) is very highly rated by Consumers. Besides, both my M-I-L and S-I-L have them and are in love with them.

Women really need to work on what they fall in love with.:>)

I'm a Kenmore guy myself I must admit, but then I bought mine before K-Mart bought Sears ;)

That was...uh....13 years ago?

Still using the Washer and Dryer. My home came with a Whirlpool Dishwasher, which I've found to be pretty good, if somewhat noisy....

I have Frigidaire front load washer and dryer.
If I had the money, I would get a Neptune set from Maytag.

Not only that, any extended warranty you can get from the manufacturer and NOT the seller/retailer is money well spent. And if you are like me, and love the smell of fresh clothes on the line, you won't be using your dryer that much but it is nice to have on rainy days. Get the extended protection for both.

You won't be sorry.

Is the bedroom level on the same level as the laundry? That could be what you meant, but I couldn't tell.

If not you will still have a hard row to hoe. Studies show that 85% of laundry is generated on the bedroom level. I built a 2-story house, and I had an upstairs laundry room put in it just because of this factor, and every time I gather up the clothes and take them 15 feet down the hall to clean them, I am thankful. To protect in the event of a broken machine leaking water into the family room below, I have a shallow basin that the entire washing machine sits in, which is plumbed through the wall and outside. Had a pump failure and it saved the day last year.

A caveat: get quiet machines. Forget the front-loaders. Consider the ergonometrics of getting heavy wet clothes in and out of the back of such a machine while you are bent over. That's a R/X for a destroyed spine.

Take the $$$ you save and buy the Armorer a new gun.

I like Rivrdog's logic!

Single-story house, Rivrdog - bedroom and laundry room are at opposite ends of the same floor.

We own a motel(small one, 28 rooms) and do all the blankets and quilts ourselves. We Bought the LG set 5 months ago. We love it.!!!! No problems and handles the large quilts. We are very picky about cleanliness and spots!!! It does an excellent job!!!

Love your Blog. Thanks,
Pat

Pat, your recommendation is impressive - getting comforters and blankets clean is hard to do with my current washer and dryer. I'll have to go and price the LG. Thanks!

Well, I have no wonderful washer/dryer advice (mine were inexpensive and came from Home Depot, but they work)....but I just had to chime in on hating KMart! I worked for them for 12 years (on the Service Desk), and I pretty much refuse to shop there.....hate it! :)

You've been tagged!

Maytag:

http://thatsnotverynice.blogspot.com/2007/06/maytag-wringer-washer-how-to-operate.html

:-)