Product review (5 stars): AWN542S Speed Queen Washer
There are several detailed reviews on here, so I'm not repeating everything already written. Just wanted to note the following.

I had a TL Maytag Neptune HE washer that I loved. It washed everything we had and lasted at least 13 years. Last week it stopped spinning and draining - called Maytag and had service man come repair it (this was the first time I ever had to call someone to repair it). Unfortunately he informed me that it would cost a bit over $1,700 to repair. Even though I loved the machine, I'm not about to pay that much to repair a well used washer.  So we began a long, painful search for a new washer.

I was used to the big tub with no agitator taking up space as well as the 1000 rpm spin that made it easier to dry the clothes. I wanted the same quality or better on a new machine. Stainless steel tub, minimal noise, high speed spin, quality, and good looks. Unfortunately, after reading reviews and complaints, etc online for days (and long nights) - The only machine that kept coming up with the quality I wanted was the Speed Queen. It wasn't pretty, had a smaller tub, had an agitator and the spin speeds were lower. Kept searching hoping I could find a nice looking machine that was quiet, didn't tear up clothes and had a good warranty and all the other things I wanted in a washer; but it no longer exists. Apparently I can't have my cake and eat it too.

So late last night I finally gave up and decided I would just have to get the speed queen. One of the biggest concerns I had was whether or not it would be able to wash my king size sheets and bedspreads. (I don't have comforters - they are great until they need to be washed and then they get lumpy - can't stand that). Anyhow, I figured that I would either have to go a laundrymat to clean my bedspreads or dry clean them in the dryer. But to get a reliable washer for everything else I had to go with speed queen.

I called the local appliance dealer back this morning(spoke with several over the coure of several days - all said go with speed queen). He had his delivery guys come within the hour and install my new washer and take away my old one (definately can't get that kind of service from the big box stores!).

Cleaned out machine after they left and started a load. Haven't adjusted water level yet. The clothes came out dryer than I was expecting; but man was that thing louder than my maytag. Ok, finished that load and decided to see if my king bedspread would fit. Put it in (it fit), set it to slow agitation and fast spin and held reset until water level covered it. It washed fine. Onto 3rd load now, testing a load of whites. I think this third load has started before my maytag would have been finished with the first load.

Something else I noticed that I wasn't expecting; my clothes actually feel softer. We do have a water softener and I always use dryer sheets, but I don't recall our clothes feeling this soft.

Hmm, starting to think this might be better than our maytag was. Oh, and I'm using HE detergent. Had a bunch left and I'm not going to waste it. And I haven't had issues with the agitator. It was easy enough to get used to. As far as sound, as long as I shut the laundry room door, it's not bad. So far, my fears were unfounded, except for the way it looks - but since I don't actually have to look at it (after all I can just shut the door) that's not really a big deal.

I might have actually made a really good decision going with speed queen. Thought I would have serious regrets after having a larger HE machine for so long; but for now, I'm actually happy about it. What a relief.