We had a front load washing machine prior to this Kenmore Elite version, and while I loved that it didn't use as much water, it also didn't clean the clothes very well either. Just freshening up items was fine, but sweaty, stinky clothes and cloth diapers didn't come as clean as I would have liked. Then we bought the Kenmore Elite and it made a huge difference. I LOVE the sanitizing cycle, which I use on my cleaning rags. I knew it was working very well, when my dingy hand towels I had begun to use as rags since they were used long enough to begin looking grimy even once they were clean, actually came out of the sanitizing cycle looking better than my currently-in-use kitchen towels! I also love all of the different cycle options and the ability to save one cycle as a custom option (I like to use cold water for most washes, and it will save that default setting on the custom button). I don't use most of the all the time, but I use them often enough that I'm glad they are there. Especially like the gently, handwash cycle for sweaters and delicates. The soaking cycle isn't as long as I would prefer, so when something really needs a long soak, I will just pause the washer after all the water and soap are mixed up and leave it for the amount of time I want to soak it. Which also brings me to the pause button--love that I can add an item with it at the beginning of the wash cycle with that button. Energy Efficiency You will definitely use less water. It also gets a LOT of the water out of the clothes before you put them in the dryer, which means less energy use drying them. I like that my washer has options for using cold water or using even just tap water temperature, which is a feature I use quite a bit to save on heating the water. It has an extended spin option as well, the get even more water out if you choose. Cleaning Time Sometimes the digital display that indicates the time left on the load is not very accurate. I suppose it readjusts as the cycle goes on, but when I am working around when the load will be done, and then it isn't done, it is a little irritating. I do like that the machine has an express wash option for a few article of clothing (any more than a few and the time goes up to a regular wash cycle). That has been helpful when I've forgotten to wash a soccer uniform until the last minute :) A light cycle is about 40 minutes on my machine, and the express cycle is about 30. Performance As I mentioned in the beginning, this thing will clean well if the clothing is on the correct cycle. The only things I have to soak in order to get really clean are unusually dirty items--like when my son has soccer practice for 2 hours in 90 degree heat. I generally have to soak his shirts or the sweaty smell doesn't come out, but I consider that out of the norm circumstances (and it might come out if I used hot water on the cycle in the first place--I don't). The sanitizing cycle is amazing. I also find that if I pretreat stains like grass (I just use diluted laundry detergent), they will generally come out in a warm water cycle set at a longer length than the light option. The only real issue I have on performance is when I wash 1 sweater at a time. It doesn't do this well at all because the sweater really holds a lot of water and the washer can't distribute the weight with just one item that is heavy, so it won't go into the spin cycle and the sweater comes out soaking wet. Only option is to wash a couple of large towels with it, and that's just a pain. Despite this one quirk (not sure any front load washer could do this though), I really love this washing machine! Ease of Use Nothing hard about using it. Hardest part would be setting the custom cycle and all you do is set the cycle how you want it and hold the custom button down until it beeps. Design I like the look of the washing machine. I do not use a pedestal under it because I use the top of the washer and dryer as a folding station. You will see the hook-ups behind the machine if it isn't on a pedestal, but I have cabinets over them and I installed a shelf under the cabinets that swings up so you can still get to the hook-ups. You can see it on Pink Toes and Power Tools (dot) com search "shelf behind washer and dryer". That way I still have a place to fold the laundry and I'm not looking at ugly hoses and fittings. I love how much the washer holds as well. I've washed a king-size comforter in there with no problems. Durability We had to have someone come out and fix the part that spins the washer once. We've had the washer for several years now. Honestly, I don't know how that part doesn't wear out even more (knocking on wood right now) given the amount of laundry I do in this house and given how much wet laundry weighs and it takes a beating sometimes when it is redistributing the load in order to go into the spin cycle.

Kristen71

USA

A+ Best cleaning and short cycles. Gets laundry done a lot faster and a lot cleaner. With less water and less electric use. Energy Efficiency Easy on electric bill. And water bill. You use a lot less detergent with this machine. Cleaning Time Really fast cycles and if you need more cleaning cycles its there and easy to use. Performance Outstanding performance. I cannot believe how much cleaner my clothes are with the use of this machine. Ease of Use Easy to use and nice quick guide sheets to refer to if need be. Design Love the design. Remodeled my laundry room around the color and design of my washer and dryer. I'm in laundry heaven with this Kenmore elite washer and dryer. Durability Durable. Easy to clean.

Shalamar

USA

I purchased the Kenmore Elite Washer and Dryer this spring and it has made a positive difference in my laundry days! I had considered a popular front-load model, but wanted a more cost-effective solution to laundry day. This washer is quiet and efficient, with many options for wash cycles, from delicate handwash to heavy duty whites. It is confusing at first to listen to the cycle because the washer begins by admitting water in short spurts, then immediately goes into the wash cycle. It doesn't seem possible that enough water has gone into the machine to start the cleaning process, but more water is added periodically as the detergent is activated and clothes are tumbled. The process uses less water than the typical machine and it is energy star rated. The Kenmore Elite Dryer features a see-through glass panel to monitor clothes in the dry cycle. It works well with small to medium loads, but I have had to set it for additional time for larger laods, as it does not seem to dry them in the time allotted by the dryer's automatic setting. I really like the steam dry feature which quickly removes wrinkles from clothes that will be worn that same day.

flocan

Fort Lauderdale, FL

I WOULD NOT BUY THESE PRODUCT AGAIN.IN 2 YEARS HAD TO BUY 5 HEATING ELEMENTS FOR DRYER(THAT'S  WHAT MAKES THE CLOTHES DRY)WASHER WE ALSO HAD TO BUY A KEY(THAT' WHAT HELPS IT SPIN)TO MANY TO COUNT IN 2 YEARS.

JoTyler

Marksville, LA

I bought this set several years ago.  I have been pleased with the quality of the washer and dryer.  They are quiet which is a change from a more traditional washer and dryer.  I barely remember that I am doing laundry.  (they are set up in the kitchen which is very close to the living area). The cycles that you can use are useful.  I really like the bulky setting because I wash my rugs from the bathroom and kitchen on this setting.  It also has a sanitize setting that is helpful for major clean ups.  You can stack this set if you want to and I did for about a year.  When I moved I could not stack them anymore and you can switch which way you open the doors depending how you want them to open.  I change it by myself.  My daughter who comes home from college brings her laundry and does it herself because she likes the set so much!  I also loved the burnt orange color....  

dao1228

Dahlonega, GA

I bought Kenmore Elite (front loader) washer and dryer set a few years ago and really like them.  The washer washes items quickly and doesn't use a lot of water or detergent.  It's also gentle on my clothes.  We got rid of our previous washer because it would tear up clothes.  The Kenmore Elite is SO much better. The dryer doesn't leave clothes wrinkled or covered in lint.  They were costly, but I've saved a lot of money on detergent and water.

cheesecakebaker

Deland, FL

Ok, keep in mind it has been 10 years since we have had a new washer and dryer, but man! The dryer is possesed I tell you, lol. No actually I can't beleive that it actually senses when clothes are dry and shuts itself off.  I cant beleive that in 30 minutes a normal size load of laundry is actually really dry. My cats are enthralled with being able to sit in front of the washer and watch it go round and round. Actually so am I. The washer doesnt seem to use alot of water, doesnt appear to really beat the clothes up, but boy, there is an extreme difference in the finished "product". The clothes actually look and feel different. Maybe because they are truly clean now? Again, its been 10 years since we had a new washer and dryer, but I would definately buy these again. Well worth the money. The pair have so many options on how much wash time, spin time, dry time, type of clothing, its actually a wee bit fun to do laundry now.

khall6969

Plainfield, IL