Hellobee Boards

@Mae: I spent a butt ton of time trying to figure it out and asked the same question a while back. I concluded there is no real way to tell if one is better than the other. So, I looked at the price range-s, picked a top limit, and then compared what was left at Lowes (I had a movers coupon; you can search for 10% off coupons on slickdeals). I wanted a top loader because leaving a front loader open with a kid(s) makes me nervous, and otherwise mold is a bigger risk. We got the Cabrio set and it works fine so far!

I remember when I was in high school I thought that when I started caring about owning a home and all the stuff that goes in it I would immediately feel like a grown up..haha..

http://m.lg.com/us/washers/lg-WT1201CV-top-load-washer

This is what we got a few months ago (and matching dryer). Highly recommend!

We have the Maytag Bravos washer and dryer and love the set. My cousin who works in appliance repair recommended it when we were leaning towards a front loader, he said the motors crap out on the front loaders and they generally have more issues.

ETA: I realized I didn't actually say anything about what you want. They are super quiet, since they are right next to our bedroom that was important. Energy efficient, but I feel like most washers and dryers are now. And the set wasn't too expensive, we got a deal with Home Depot and it was $1500 for both.

I really think traditional top loaders with an agitator works the best to clean clothes. There aren't a ton of models to choose from, the prices are good and there are energy efficient models. I would really consider that route.

We have an LG top loader and like it a lot. I think it is a bit on the higher end of the price scale but it is huge and has some really nice features. The one down side is that the spin cycles are crazy fast and with light weight knits they get tangled if they aren't in a knit bag or if I don't have it on low.

@wheres_c: @Mae: We have this set too and love them. They play a little jingle when the load is done though it is possible to turn the signal off totally so that there is no sound when the load is finished. My favorite part is the handle on the washer folds back under the lid to allows the lid to be closed but also the washer to dry out so that it doesn't start to smell. I highly recommend this set.