Re: Conventional top-load washer.

I know what choices I want in washing my clothes, but wonder what features I need/don't need (are necessary or marketing hype) in buying a new washing machine? Also what is more or less repair prone?

Specific concerns:

1. Lint filter (where is it? Is this IN the machine to keep it off clothes or is this ON the hose to keep it out of my drain?)
2. porcelain, plastic, stainless tub?
3. control type: rotary or manual, electro-mechanical, electronic
4. heavy duty cycle
5. # of wash speeds and/or # of motor speeds (what's the difference?)
6. what material do I want the outside/top/lid made of?

And can anybody tell me difference (repair proneness) in Kenmore Triple Action Agitator, GE HydroWave, Whirlpool Xtra Roll Action Plus Agitator

I'm just a consumer who has heard from repair dudes and repair shops for washers that one of the worst things you can buy in a washer is one of those electronic displays. The manual knobs are far superior and don't go bad. Actually the newer models last a lot less than say a model 20 years ago did. It's just a personal preference what you get and how much you want to spend. I've had good luck with Kenmore products but they were the manual knob types and I now have a GE manual knob type that I've used minimum 12 times a week for 6 years now with no problems. The Kenmore never saw a repair person either in 12 years. Spending more doesn't mean it's going to last longer either I've been told. I did buy a used washer that actually had two different speeds of final spin. That model would spin the clothes so dry it was like having an extractor setting on it. Don't remember the make. I should never have sold it when I moved.