Sometimes it just has to be American

I have lived in the UK for over 22 years now but in that time I have remained consistent in my longing for a top loading washing machine. The vast majority of UK washing machine are front loading. It makes sense as most are in the kitchen, under cabinets. But front loading means smaller. It also means leaks (I know I have been there -- one memorable occasion I managed to flood the utility room).  After the flooded utility room incident, I did buy a UK top loader...over the phone as the Internet was not that advanced. It duly arrived. A UK top loader is a slim line loader and the drum is turned on its side. It is not designed for heavy use. I wore out four drums before the warranty expired...So I went into my local John Lewis and had a long conversation with the staff where I learnt that all washing machines were not alike and that some are designed for light use. With three young children (at the time) and a husband who ran, I needed heavy duty. They did not stock an American top loader so I went with Miele. I had that Miele for 11 years, constantly on and running and never had to call out the washing repair man. This is opposed to becoming friends with the repair man over the other two washers... However over the last year, it was clear that my trusty machine was not working as well as it should. The time had come. My husband mentioned the top loader again as he always liked the washing machine at my mother's and the speed at which our laundry was done.
I was very pleased when I discovered John Lewis does sell American top loaders (the John Lewis Internet site is wonderful) and they sell Maytag. The Maytag advert about the lonely washing machine repair man has lived long in my memory. Maytag is a brand to trust.
Yesterday, it arrived. It is wonderful. It takes a much larger load than the old Miele. Laundry breeds in this house.
 The delivery man said that he hoped I knew how to use it as he didn't have a clue! Umm they are very simple to use.
My youngest took one look and proclaimed it American and large. It is ironic how pleased I am to FINALLY have the sort of washing machine I grew up with.
I hope it lasts and that the old advert was right...