I LOVE my front load washer and dryer from LG. We got the best deal at HH Gregg after doing a lot of research and visiting many stores. LG or Samsung will probably make you the happiest in the long run. Whirlpool, Maytag and Kenmore are all made by the same company now, and we found the reports and reviews to be lacking. HH Gregg is also open sometimes to a little "bargaining" where the other places we went -Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's and Brandsmart were NOT. We were going to buy a model they had on sale in January, and they ran out, so they gave us the step above model PLUS they threw in the drawer bottom storage -they're around $225 a piece! I wasn't going to get them -but was happy to get them free. With those you don't have to bend over to load and unload your washer and dryer.
Not sure about the other response and the load size -the front loaders handle MUCH MUCH more of a load than even the biggest top loaders! We do laundry so much less now -and it's a blessing! The dryer also is top notch and incredibly efficient. As far as the drum not being able to spin and water spilling out and ruining your floors -HUH? Part of the efficiency is the way it washes -there is never a drum full of water to spill out if it breaks. It uses sprays of water intermittently with the detergent and agitates the drum back and forth. My clothes have been cleaner, fresher and more stains come out.
You do have to use detergent with the He symbol on it, but you can get a deal at Costco for a 180 load box of Kirkland brand for $17! All other major brands make an He version too.
If you leave the door to the washer closed all the time, it can get musty. You can leave it open when not in use or use the cleaner tablets once a month. We've had ours since January and I haven't needed to do anything.