I just read CR this week as well. I purchased a new Kenmore
HE frontload washer and dryer last year (2005 model). Let me
tell you, this is a fine washer and dryer pair. It does a great job cleaning the clothes and when they come out of the washer, they are almost dry. I was really inpressed with the size of the dryer. It was like using a commerical dryer in a laundrymat. I think I like this machine better than a topload because (1) you can load all the detergent, bleach, fabric softner at one time so that you don't have to worry about missing the rinse cycle. (2) It is great if you have a bad back like myself. I was always hitting my knuckles on the agitator while getting clothes out on my old toploader. (3) You
do use less water with these new machines. My water bill averages about $28.00 every two months. There is one thing about these machines you all may want to know. The ad states you can stuff clothes to the max, esp. kingsize spreads etc. That is not the case. You will get better results if you don't overpack the machine. Also the cyles do take a longer time to complete. I am guessing that because the machines are actually doing the work instead of using lots of water. I am hoping to get a video on this machine while it is running so that you can get how it works. I like to hear from anyone with a similar story.
Hope everyone out there has a Great Holiday!!
John