In the long run, Speed Queen is the most cost effective set of laundry you can buy. They aren't the lowest priced, but they are the longest lasting and have the best warranty in the industry.

I think they're all basically the same, especially washing machines since they are pretty simple in design and working theory.

You're smart, I think, to go with a top loading washer. The front loaders are awful and meant to appeal to people's egos in order to overcharge them.

There are differences in TLs. First of all most use a lot less water. SQ is the only one of the old school washers left that use a full amount of water. We use them in our business because nothing cleans the way they do. We have tried multiple machines of different kinds. We used a Maytag Bravo last year on vacation and were not impressed. The agitation was minimal and baby clothes just did not get as clean. The build on the SQ is also old school. You might pay a little more up front and no chimes but you will get a washing machine in all the best sense of the word. We also have allergies and appreciate the great rinse.

You can get a Speed Queen set in the $1,500 range.

The front loaders are awful and meant to appeal to people's egos in order to overcharge them.

What a wheelbarrow full of bovine feces.

FL have been standard in Germany/Europe for over 60 years.

We know how impractical and stupid German engineers and consumers are right?

A good FL gets clothes clean, rinses well, uses less energy and detergent. They just take a lot longer. And you should clean dispenser and dry gasket to prevent mold.

Yes, if going TL Speed Queen is they way to go.