Product review (5 stars): This Ain't Yo Mama's Machine
Purchased this machine October 2012 (actually the 7000 series)same machine but a few extra cycles and a drum light. I wash an average of 3 loads a week --everything from dog beds, heavy queen size comforter(almost like tent canvas) to handwash delicates, my much loved Smartwool socks- and everything between-it all comes out great. Operations are straightforward - it's washing machine with a dial, a power on and start button for goodeness sakes. Never read the owner's manual, used all the cycles.

Things I didn't have to do with my old top loaders: learned from the salesman at Sears and reading reviews- leave the door ajar to avoid the moldy smell, wipe the rubber gasket once a week after the bulk of my loads are complete to keep dry (I also inspect under the gasket as coins, dog hair, and such seem to accumulate there). Have not done the Affresh cycle, and the machine hasn't asked for it, but I do a bleached load of whites once every other week - maybe that's why?

Love the controls, - many selections, simple and straight forward plus the wash/hold- which works great. Washes, dries and keep a few items unwrinkled until you take them out (i did six hours).  Used when I had a work meeting and didn't want to iron in the AM or get out of bed to put in dryer - I'm sure there are people out there who would try to do a full on this feature- who knows maybe it would work.  I did a business dress and matching light weight womens jacket AMAZING!  Mom's machine didn't do this. This feature is  available on the 7000 series- something to keep in mind when deciding.

 Normal loads take 57 minutes, heavy comforter 1.5 hours.  Use HE detergent is written on the front of the machine so I do: Nellie's all natural powder (OK- the tin it comes in is cool) and liquid Gain much better, sometimes use Borax as a booster, sometimes oxywash, also use in-wash liquid softner.  Clothes come out great, cleaner and fresher smelling than any of the 6 toploaders (including my Neptune) I've owned. The spin cycle is amazing!  This thing spins like a jet engine, and I'd guess my clothes weigh 1/2 to 1/3 less because of the additional water removed - not to mention the amazing kaleidoscope show you get watching this thing go.

If I forget an item I can pause (instructions on the front of the machine)the machine and the door will unlock so I can add. Nice. There is no soak (maybe there is, but I've not read the manual. I often used soak on my the toploaders, this machine cleans better so I don't miss it.

Purchased an extended warranty (5 years),though I hate them, just because of the machine's electronics and potential for high repair costs. My cost all in (install, tax, warranty) $1337- from Sears Warehouse. Machine has reduced my water use - I save minimum $30/month, 5 yrs = $1800. This doesn't even include the reduced dryer wear & tear + energy reduction due to the effective spin. Seriously, depending on what you wash, some stuff comes out nearly dry- including my smartwool socks.  IMHO, the days of having a machine last AND perform for 20 years are over or maybe never exsisted. My last machine was a early 1990's $100 Craigslist heavy duty Whirlpool (probably cost a nearly a grand new) toploader intended as an  interim purchase. That machine kept working, but didn't get the clothes really clean and I often had to rearrange loads because it went out of balance- not to mention the crappy spin cycle (wet clothes) and increased dryer time.

This machine is quiet! It's inside the house, in a second floor laundry room, about 8 feet from bedroom doors and behind a glass door (1920's french style). I did nail a piece of MSD board on top of hardwood floor where the machine sits.  I can hear it spin, and it chime and bleep as it's doin' it thing (think R2-D2 from Star Wars)  - uh understated compared to the buzzer on my mom's old machine. Pretty sure these can be turned off, but I could careless.

Overall- to me it performs like the top of the machine it claims to be. Better than ANY machine I've ever used or owned (including the commercial machines at the laundy mat down the street  that I USED to have to use for my daughter's heavy comforter). This thing balances itself, weighs the loads,washes great and will (hopefully) pay for itself before my extended warranty expires. I'm loving it! Love the drum light, the hi-tech look (mine is white) and performance.  I smile everytime I walk by - it makes my life easier, my people smell better, my clothes last longer and saves me money. A door ajar, a wipe of the gasket, a jet engine sound during the spin - small prices for me.