Top loaders remind me of twin tubs, so for that very reason I refuse to buy one!

I will always remember spending every Saturday afternoon tied to the sink washing clothes. Took all day to wash everything, then a whole week to dry it all on the line outside.

Ohhh.... are you getting and induction cooktop as well ?

I'm getting excited now.

Sadly, I have to admit, that yes we did. !!

Can't comment on that particular model, but we've had a Samsung for 5 years and it's been really good. Not one breakdown.

Anyone know how to get red dirt out of clothes?

Soak them for a long time, eg overnight, in a solution of Sard, Fiesta or something similar. Spot treat any mud stains first. Rinse out, then into an intensive pre-wash and wash cycle, using a good detergent such as Bio-Zet (frontloader version) or Sard/Fiesta etc (reduce the quantity as they don't have frontloader versions).

Empty the pockets.

have you got your $100 cash back yet? we got a samsung about 3 weeks ago & got an email to say we would recieve our cash back in about 90 days!!

No cash yet and got that same email yesterday...

Sorry you chaps haven't had your money back yet....but as to recommendations

a) Front loader.

b) $500.00 - 600.00 ish

c) Samsung or Bosch seem good.

Bosch are good if you get one made in Germany - a lot of the cheaper models aren't any more.

Otherwise, for something designed to last 20 years get a Meile. I had Bosch (2 of them) for over 20 years in the UK but swapped to Meile 7 years ago when we got here. It's in a different class, even the cheap end of the range. Smoother, quieter, removes red dirt from mud soaked gardening clothes, doesn't get unbalanced when spinning.

I know this is a UK forum but it gives you an idea of what to avoid
http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/forums...98b5d7397c4796

and they do have an Aussie section

http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/forums...forum.php?f=28

I did my homework and bought a Miele, but it was a lemon, so they gave me a replacement, which washed and rinsed so poorly that I got Miele to give me a refund. Then I bought a Bosch and it's wonderful. It won't last as long as the Miele, but was is the point of having a washing machine that doesn't work for 20 years. I'll just buy another Bosch when this one wears out, so sign of that yet though.

This one's cheap and has many additional benefits

We do. Reports from the chief clothes washer are favourable.

Got a fantastic deal on the 1400rpm model. Bargain hard.

It's a little noisy though.
Can you get a muffler for it?