Fisher and Paykel WA37T26G Top Load Washer

Pros: There are no belt, pulleys or brushes on the motor. Therefore, less to break.
Cons: I have no negatives to share.

I've owned the machine for a little over 2 months now and am completely satisfied with the result of my extensive product research. My laundry room isn't adequate for a front-loader and I read too many negatives to want one either. I did consider the ...

Pros: Saves electricity and gas
Cons: a bit more expensive than other machines.

This washer gets the clothes clean AND saves a lot of money on electricity - I can even run it from my solar power inverter because the direct drive motor is so efficient!

Ingenious recycling water pump that creates a cascade of soapy water from the top of the drum onto the clothes is very effective in dissolving and distributing granular detergent.

Spin dry cycle gets most of the water out of the clothes, so they can dry outside on the line instead of using the clothes dryer - a BIG savings on gas!

Electronic controls work well - we've had the machine for over 3 years and had no problems whatsoever!

Pros: Programming features are user-friendly - the washer can be programed for an extra rinse cycle
Cons: For some large families the smaller size might not work.

I bought a Fisher and Paykel top loading washer and a dryer five years ago primarily because they were the only models that would fit the space available! As it turns out, in five years of doing on average five loads of laundry week in and week out, we have had NO problems with either machine.

Pros: Quieter. Uses less soap and water.  Time delay & many wash/rinse options.   
Cons: I couldn't also get the matching top-load dryer to go with it. 

After my second in 10 years made-in-Mexico crappy washer committed suicide, I was very disgusted and cynical while shopping for yet another unplanned replacement.  I checked all the usual places: Lowes, Home Depot, and the other big-box stores.

I knew I didn't want a front-loader or a machine that didn't have at least some parts made in the good old USA.  My last stop was my local appliance store where I was introduced to Fisher and Paykel--a New Zealand company operating in Clyde, OH.

I fell immediately in love.  This model has an agitator, but the two models above it do not.  However, even with the agitator, this machine has all the water/energy saving features of a front loader.    Direct drive--no belts, transmission, or brakes, etc.  Less to go wrong. 

Watch out, front loaders!  This machine is super.  Even my husband's grungiest work clothes come out looking like a dream.  And I didn't have to spend an extra $200 to buy a drawer to prevent my having to do laundry on my knees.