Product review (5 stars): Just as good as my old Kenmores (that says a lot)!
I just purchased my second washer of this same model.  I purchased the first one a year ago, and the other day when my old Kenmore finally gave up, without question I purchased another 542 to replace it.  I have a large family and we use 2 washers and 2 dryers.  If Kenmore still made a washer like the old 90 series we had for the last 20 years I would still be buying them.  As it is the Kenmores are computerized garbage now.  I also say that after using this model side by side with my old trusty Kenmore over the last year, this washer is every bit as good!