Thank you all for the replies. I am following.
I’ve read a lot on line and seeing a lot of the same things echoed here.
Basic top load machine, no bells or whistles. Whirlpool, Maytag and Speed Queen seem to be the most favored.
Try to find something still made in America. Foreign made don’t seem to last. Kenmore (whirlpool) basic models will do just fine.
I sold appliances for several years. Whenever I had a man who understood machines (engineer, mechanic) involved in the buying team I would take the machines apart and show how they were built and how they worked.
They ALWAYS bought Maytag.
The fact that Maytag gave the salesman a New York Steak with every sale had absolutely nothing to do with my respect for the brand.
Did you know that most airport fuel systems are made by Maytag?
I have older Maytag TOP LOAD washer. It’s been great. My daughter has a high-end front load washer and can’t wait to get rid of it. It’s moldy inside, and it can’t be cleaned, doesn’t clean well, horrible machine. I’d never go with a front load. Also, mine wasn’t expensive.
We’re into 20+ years of service from our Asko washer dryer pair, bought new & moved once from Connecticut to South Carolina.
It has consumed 3 belts, 1 set of motor brushes, replaced the motor this year vs a second set of brushes, and 1 drain trap.
They are small footprint & stackable, require 220VAC (washer receives power from an outlet on the dryer). The washer only has a cold water connection & step heats the wash water to promote stain release vs setting at a hotter temp. It features ten attempts to rebalance & spins @ 10K + RPM so the clothes are only damp when done.
Not cheap but I consider the brand well worth the investment.
http://www.askona.com/laundry
Good luck with your search.
I am not a company rep, just a completely satisfied customer.