Product review (5 stars): Fantastic...so far
I was a bit worried when I read some of the reviews for this washer.  I have owned this exact model in white with the see-through lid for a little over a month.  The first weekend after it was delivered, we had company and I was stunned when I realized I could easily fit 3 complete sets of queen bed sheets in one load.  Just to see if the comments about things not getting clean were true, I added a white wash cloth that had been used to wipe off grassy, dirty feet after mowing the lawn and then allowed to dry.  It came out immaculate using cold water and no bleach. Since this is new technology, it pays to READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL before you use it.  Sheets need to be placed in the washer a certain way.  I have washed blankets, coats, hand washables, and a queen comforter in addition to the normal washing and had great results each time.  I've never had an unbalanced load.  I love the feature where you can clean the washer itself with the bleach cycle.  I am diligent about letting my washing machines remain open after a load so they can air out, but there was always that mildew smell once they got a bit of age on them.  I had wanted an Energy Star front load washer but just did not have enough space in my small laundry room.  This set (I bought the dryer also)takes up a bit more space front to back than my old Kenmore pair, but is the only top load Energy Star rated washer.  I find the washer very quiet and you do need the alarm to know when it's actually finished with a load.  My laundry room is located right off the kitchen and I can hear the alarm but not the washer running.  I'm short (5"1") and have no trouble reaching to the bottom of the tub to retrieve the wet clothes after a load is finished. My one minor complaint is that I occasionally like to use Woolite Dark for some of my nice black washable items.  Since it's not an HE detergent, I can't use it in this machine and I don't think there is any special dark only HE detergent on the market.  I had only planned to buy a new washer, but realized that the large capacity that this washer could hold would overwhelm my large capacity Kenmore dryer.  In retrospect, I'm glad I decided to buy the pair.  Another reviewer mentioned using a surge suppressor to protect the electronic touch pads and I think this is a good idea.  When my old washer died, I asked our repairman for his input and he said that if you get an electronic model to get an extended warranty of some sort because the electronic boards are very expensive to replace and they are the first things to go.  I haven't had to deal with Whirlpool customer service but would suggest going to repairclinicdotcom to find parts for just about any appliance you can imagine.  I got a large rebate when I bought my washer and will be getting a dryer rack for the dryer (which didn't come with the dryer)as part of my rebate.  I'm very satisfied with this washer after a month of continuous use.