First of all, the Asko W6222 is a front load washer, and not a top load washer like the description states.

Second, this is the successor of the W6221 and has been out for less than 2 years, so the other review is not for this washer.

I needed a compact stackable washer and dryer for an apartment, and after doing research basically I was down to two main options: 24" Stacked unit top-loader washer with vented dryer with small capacity, or the more expensive stackable compact European-style separate washer and dryers.

I was leaning toward the European-style models, considering the entry level models from Maytag (MAH2400AWW+MDE2400AYW), Whirlpool (LHW0050PQ+LEW0050PQ), EuroTech (EWF272+EDV278), Bosch (WFL2090UC+WTV76100US), Asko (W6222+T712) and Miele (W1203+T1312).

I found the Asko W6222 + T712 scratch & dent combination at a local outlet store at 50% off, and since I had already done my research and this one was one of the models I had on my list, it was a no brainer (see my review of the Asko T712 dryer here).

Installation was pretty simple, and unlike some of the other models I was considering, there is no need to buy a separate stacking kit. There is also the option of purchasing a slide out table that fits between the washer and the dryer (to fold clothes, etc.) but I did not get it. Like most electric vented dryers, the T712 requires 220V, but unlike most washers, the W6222 plugs into the dryer. Also, unlike most washers which take both cold and hot water, the W6222 only takes cold water, more on this later.

The washer is really good looking, especially when the controls are lit up. It is extremely easy to use, I didn't even need to read the manual as everything is very intuitive.

There are 6 temperature settings: Cold, 85, 105, 120, 140, 205 (F degrees).

There are 3 spin speeds: No spin, 800 rpm, 1200 rpm.

There are 10 programs: Stain-White, Stain-Color, White, Color, Quick, Perma Press, Wool/Hand, Rinse, Spin, Drain.

Then there's the stop/start button, and a lock button.

On the top right there's a display indicating the time remaining in the cycle which is very useful.

I have only used the stain-white, white and color cycles, so I can't comment on the others, but clothes come out incredibly clean. My whites which had been yellowing from years of top-loading washers and bleach are now shiny white.

Because this washer heats its own water, gradually, until up to 205F degrees, it gets rid of most stains without chlorine bleach (which shouldn't be used in this machine). I use a small amount of OxyClean + a small amount of HE detergent (such as Tide HE) and everything comes out clean and very dry (much dryer than the old top-loader).

There are three detergent compartments: Main, Pre-wash and fabric softener. As far as I can tell, Pre-wash is only used in the stain cycles.

While the unit is compact in size, you can fit a lot in the front loader. I have no problem with a queen set of sheets plus a few other clothes, or 4-5 full size towels, and because of the high spin speed (1200rpm), the dryer cycles are shorter.

The wash cycles can be long, and they depend on the temperature (higher temp, longer cycle) and the program. For example, a Stain-White cycle at 205F lasts 2:24, a Color cycle with cold water lasts 56 minutes, the Quick cycle with cold water lasts 24 minutes. From what I can see though, the longer the cycle, the cleaner the clothes.

Other nice features:

- When selecting a program, the washer remembers the last settings I used with that program. So for example, I use the White cycle at 205F and 1200rpm, then the color cycle with cold water and 800rpm. Next time I use the White cycle, it will automatically set the temperature to 205F and 1200rpm.

- When it stars spinning, it will spin slowly in one direction, then the other, until the washer is balanced. If it cannot balance itself, the washer will not spin fast. This is incredibly nice when washing towels. I am sure most of us have experienced top-loaders spinning and actually moving on the floor, this washer will never do that. One time I was washing a single pillow, and the inside of the pillow had folded itself so it was like a small ball, and the washer could not balance itself, so after trying for a while (I want to say 10-20 minutes), it stopped with a pillow soaked in water. I fixed the pillow, ran it again, and everything was OK the second time.

- The countdown timer is constantly updated so if the washer needs to take longer to balance itself, the timer is still accurate.

- The spinning mechanism is sort of "floating" in the frame of the washer, so I can feel no vibrations on the floor, and the washer is on a high floor.

I really have no complaints about this washer. The long cycles may bother some, but if you understand how it works and how it cleans the times are reasonable. Other common complaints about front loaders are that you cannot add something after starting, but after getting used to the way front-loaders work this doesn't bother me either.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 650 (outlet)