Product review (4 stars): Works well, with some minor issues
The first unit I got I returned, because it sounded like a rocket ship about to explode and had this incredibly pungent chemical/plastic smell that did not disappait after a few weeks of airing out.
The second one is quieter, but I would not agree with most other reviewers that this machine is "very quiet." It still sounds like a garbage disposal, although a softer one (not one grinding a spoon).
Be aware that while the washer works great, the spin dryer cannot hold the same capacity as the washer. Wet clothes are very heavy, and unless it's socks, small items, etc. I spin them one at a time: sweater, standard towel, etc. You know you overloaded the spinner if it sounds really loud and starts kicking around on the floor.
Filling the washer is somewhat tedious. The sink to unit hose is too small for my faucet, and the hose seems like it'd take a long time to fill it up anyway. Using this regularly would probably impact your water bill, but I guess that's to be expected.
Regarding the smell, it smells like the first one and I'm HOPING it'll go away soon. Most other reviewers did not have a problem with the smell, which could mean that it should go away soon or they have no sense of smell. The odor really fills up my small bathroom, even with the window open.
That brings me to the next point, make sure you have space for this unit. I use mine in the bathroom, and it's very tight. It would be very hard for me to use this in my kitchen, as the hose is somewhat difficult to position at a higher level vs. letting it lie down in the tub. So although the unit is probably as compact as it can be, very small bathrooms would have trouble accomodating it.
OVERALL: it does what it says, it gets clothes very clean, and it beats going to the laundromat. Customer service was great in helping me with the return and fast about sending a new one. I'm petite but have no trouble moving the unit around.