Washing machines - call for opinions

[celticdragonfly]

Looks like selenite and I may be about to buy a new washing machine.

Short form - our 9+ year old washer has problems, repair dude said it'd cost $280-odd to fix it. That's probably more than half the cost of a new one, we're thinking.

So we're going to be looking into replacement. Maybe shopping some tonight, maybe later. Not sure where yet, either.

Anyway. The old one is a large capacity. I'd *like* to get a MEGA capacity, but doubt I can afford that, but I gotta have the large capacity.

Other than that - suggestions? Advice? Avoid brand X? Make sure we get one with those nifty new Left-handed Dingleboppers that they didn't have 9 years ago? Talk to me, people.

EDIT: On the various advice about frontloaders - it occurs to me that might really help with the "training Maggie to help with the laundry more" plan. Hm. How do you put the soap into those things?

Comments

Re: Front loaders

[nlbarber]

And fourth. I'm pleased with my new (since last summer) front-loader as a general concept, though it's got enough quirks that I wouldn't recommend this brand (Maytag). I bought a smaller sized one anyway, for my one-person household. When I need to wash the comforter, I go to my sister-in-law's...

Detergent in mine goes in a pull-out drawer at the top, as does softener if you use it. "High efficiency" liquid is what they recommend.