Whirlpool Duet Washer - Front Load Review

We bought this Whirlpool Duet Front-Loading Washing Machine (and its companion dryer) because they came highly recommended by the salesman and a friend, and they sport great energy reviews.  In fact, it's very difficult if not impossible to prove any energy or water savings.  The machine does an acceptable job of cleaning, and the tub is quite large. It will not, however, hold as many pair of jeans as advertised, and I'm not talking about super-large sized jeans, either.  The machine is a bit awkward to load and empty; I often drop clean clothes on the floor.  If you buy the platforms to raise the machines, that problem is improved, but you can no longer use the top of the machine to sort or fold clothing.  My main complaint is the lack of durability/dependability. This machine has been serviced 3 times in 4 years and appeared to be quite difficult to repair as one "fix" didn't hold for even a week, and a new computer and two more trips were required.  Two different repair men told me this was one of the best models on the market.  If that's true, I've gotten a lemon.  (And of course the repairs all were needed just after the warranty period expired.)  This appliance was too expensive to have been this unreliable; it has cost too much in repair costs and irritation for the times I was without its use.  It even ruined some clothing when it locked with a soapy wet load that faded before the repair man could come empty it.  I definitely don't recommend this machine.