[TomW]

I wanted to add a comment on the longevity of Kenmore's. In 37 years of marriage we are on our second Kenmore washer and dryer. The "new" ones were purchased in the mid 80's.

Consumer reports has an article on washers and generally favors the front loaders. Never heard of a problem with mold and, in fact, according to CR, the front loaders removes more water from the clothes due to their higher spin rates which also reduces the amount of drying needed.