I love our front loaders very efficient and you can soak things in it and do pretty much anything you want to. I have the top of the line Kenmores and yeah I dropped $5000+ on the pair but I am looking to get 25+ years out of them like I did my last set I bought when my wife and I got married. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for and I will say get the extended warranty, Sears stands behind them and never ask any questions. For the next 10 years I am covered so if any computer board fries it is replaced no problem at all. And when it goes out I can get another extended warranty to cover me the next 10 years.
Billy