Product review (5 stars): Manual washing
I'm rating the older model XPB45. I've had it for 6 months and it still runs fine.

My family of 4 will soil a dozen towels during the week, so I take those to the laundromat. This machine does not do well with towels. I might fit 3 and they are heavy when they are soaking wet.

My large hamper holds 2 loads for this machine. When I have 3 hampers full of stuff that's gathered up for the week, I take it to the laundromat and get it done in an hour.

This spin-dryer causes a low rumble and intense vibration in the floor as it spins. I have this sitting on a foam work-mat and a nicer looking memory-foam mat as well, which I highly recommend.

The washer will start to smell after awhile, which I've finally figured out how to fix. The drain for the water is underneath the spin-dryer tub. It is easily nudged to the side so that I can pour some vinegar into the bottom of the machine. I do this after I'm done with the washer and the vinegar kills everything. Works great.

The drain hose split on me after a dozen loads or so, as I move the washer between the kitchen sink and an adjoining room. It is repairable with some laundry hose parts at the hardware store, but I had to get creative. I adapted a short garden hose to my kitchen sink as well with a quick-adapter. The short fill hose that comes with the machine slips off when I turn my back on it. All the extra hardware amounted to another $40 maybe.

So really it's a 3-star solution. If you love it, it's a 5-star machine. If you're not impressed and the hose splits on you, it's a 2-star machine. I live with someone who really soils laundry, which I would have to wash by hand. This machine is perfect for those loads.