Looking for a new washer and dryer...any recommendations on what to buy or not to buy?

[The empressof all]

5. Don't get a GE front loader

I've had nothing but trouble with mine. We had the appliance guy teach us how to now do the regular maintenance which requires the lower front of the machine be opened and exposed and laying on the floor to remove and clean a filter. It's a major pain in the ass. We also have had problems with the boot which is the seal around the door and it has flown open in the past and seeped water all over the place. With what I paid on repairs I could have had a new machine. I'm waiting for it to break one last time and getting something else. The other major pain is that they recommend you have matching machines for safe stacking which means I'll have to replace a perfectly fine dryer. I have to stack as I don't have the room for a side by side. If I had a choice I would never get another front loader. I'd get one of the top loaders without the center agitator.