Product review (5 stars): Love it...Love it....Love it!
I purchased the LG 2040 steam washer and dryer in combination, and could not be happier!  Prior to this, we owned an old whirlpool agitator washer and drier, which worked great, but after 14 years, were starting to have some issues.  In researching washers and dryers, we decided to go with the steam versions due to their excellent ability to wash more efficiently, reduce wrinkles in clothing, and reduce allergens.  However, never having had any experience with the steam option on washers and dryers, we were not really sure what to expect.  Well, after using them for about three week now, we are very happy with the results!

The steam option on the washer (which can be difficult to fully appreciate) definitely has benefits.  The primary benefit is the ability to reduce allergens on the "Allergene" setting.  It is great to know that items are getting thoroughly sanitized in the wash.  Steam also reduces the amount of water being used (which is already quite low in the front-loading machine).  Finally, don't worry about steam shrinking the clothes.  Basically, the steam comes from above, while there is cooler water in the bottom where the clothes are located.  The steam gives a deeper penetration with superior cleaning, while the cooler water keeps your fabric protected.  It also minimizes wrinkling problems by softening the fabric.  We've had excellent results in experimenting with the steam washer option.

Another feature we love in the washer is the load sensing capability.  In this process, which takes about one minute at the beginning of the cycle, the washer spins a couple of times, judging the weight of your load (the material must be dry for this to work properly), and estimating how much detergent you should use.  Bottom line, this will save you lots of money on the HE detergent required for these machines.  Most loads, which look like full loads due to their volume, actually only require a half measure of detergent.  The machine lets you know exactly how much to put into the load before beginning the cycle.  This is a genius feature!

The washer, whether using steam or normal washing procedures, is fantastic!  We've had tremendous results, and our clothing has never felt cleaner and fresher.  One note: the machine does wobble a bit in the spin cycle, but is overall very quiet and smooth.  It will take lots of experimentation, which can be quite fun actually, to understand all the features of this washer.  Highly recommended!