Add up the savings, stuff in the clothes, but don't forget...

The old top loader needed a $300 motor.  Eventually I convinced the landlord that this $800 washer would save money.  I added up the savings: $200 water company rebate, $100 savings in water heating gas in the first year, $40 in water savings (we're facing drought penalties), $100 in less wear and tear on the clothing, and saving a $100 repairman call.  The landlord let us do it, and Sears soon dropped off a new GLTF2940FS1 (1).

It was worth it.  This washer works great, even though it is at the low end of the price curve for front loaders.

The tub seems small on the inside, but you stuff it with clothing up to the top without trouble. After the first few loads (where soap from your old washer may bubble out), you get clean residue free clothes.  You'll be amazed at how dry the clothes come out.

You may also be amazed at how little water goes it.  This washer does not "soak" anything.  It's more like slapping soggy towels against a wall.  You'll never see standing water, and you can open the front door at almost any time without water spilling out.

Cycles
The thing has far too many cycle choices.  It's kind of like when cup holders became trendy on cars, and manufacturers tried to outdo each other with sheer numbers.  For starters, you've got the main knob:

* Drain Spin 13 min
* Rinse Spin 19 min
* TouchUp 30 min
* Soak 42 min
* Bulky  42 min
* Sport 33 min
* Wool 28 min
* Silk  28 min
* Handwash 28min
* Delicate 30min
* Quick 32min
* Permanent Press 31min
* Normal 44 min
* Heavy 49 min

Then you have 16 options for each cycle type (224 combinations!  A full page grid of options in the manual!).

I just set it on normal, works good.  If you do customize settings, the unit remembers.

Things to watch out for

* The unit shows "minutes to end of cycle".  Your millage may vary.
* After each load, check the door seal for wayward socks or small items.
* Occasionally dry the door seal, and leave the door open, to prevent mold.

Front loaders are notorious for mold build up in certain climates.  The GLTF2940F seems to do a decent job of draining all the water, but it's not perfect.  Like all front loaders, it has an awkward front door seal (for an alternative, see the Staber top-loading tumble action washers, which don't have this problem).

Overall, recommended.

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(1) Note, they actually dropped it.  And they had to go back for a second one !@#$@#%^!.  Warning with Sears: they promise great rebates, then make it so awkward to get the rebate, that you might as well have not bothered.