Thanks for all the appliance info

After spending
way too much time researching yesterday and today, I went with a LG front loader (a mid-range model with only a few bells and whistles) and its matching dryer from Costco. After taking into account the Costco price included delivery (so did other stores), hoses and such, installation, and removal of the old machines, we saved $500 over the prices at Home Depot and Lowe's. It seemed like everyone still had the Labor Day sales going.
Our washer and dryer are side by side in a closet w folding doors off the kitchen. Dh installed the last set when we moved here 13 years ago and swore he would never do it again because the space is so awkward.
I looked at the door seal in the LG washer at Home Depot tonight and it looks even easier to keep dry than my current front loader. Now I keep the door open and the detergent drawer cracked when it's not in use because a little bit of water remains in the folds of the seal. I haven't had any musty smells or mold issues, thankfully.