Kenmore Washer - Front Load HE5T Review

We bought a Kenmore front-loading washer (HE5T) two and a half years ago.  I never imagined I would spend that much on a washer but when we needed a new one, I really wanted a front-loader.  At the time, we purchased the cranberry colour because it was a floor model and the sales person said we could have "extras" if we bought the set (washer and dryer) off the floor.  We did (since we were looking for both a washer and a dryer).  I was naive to think the bottom "drawer" came standard.  If you want the drawers that make these taller and offer storage space, the drawers alone are about $250 each.  I was glad they threw those in for free.  We were also given this flat topper that went across the bottom of both the washer and dryer (as they sit side by side).  I believe that is usually an extra $250.  If we had the height-space and a main floor laundry, I would absolutely love to stack these two to save some room.  However, as it is now, we have them in our basement that isn't tall enough to accomodate stackables.  I never have to haul bedding to the laundromat again!!  I can fit a king-size comforter in this baby!  I do at least the equivalent of 2 regular loads of laundry in one load and LOVE it.  Saves water and uses less energy than a traditional washer.  LOVE IT!

NOTE: You MUST MUST MUST wipe out the washer each time you use it -- not the barrel part but around the inside of the rubber that encircles the opening.  It is ESSENTIAL you wipe this out every time and NEVER leave the door completely closed.  You have to leave the door slightly open.  This is true not just for this brand/model.  This is true for EVERY SINGLE front-loading washer.  If you don't do this, you will have mildew growing/stinking your laundry.  Fortunately we found this out early on when we bought it.  We thought our towels were just stinky but read about this issue online.  Since we figured it out everything has smelled and come out clean.  If you do have an issue with smell (ie. you didn't realize you had to do this and already own one) you can do a cleaning cycle and put it through 2 cycles with bleach in the water.  When you are done, scrub out under that rubber-type sealing ring and then do another cycle with hot water.  From then on, wipe out around that and leave your door slightly ajar.