Whirlpool WTW5300VW

I was looking for a small, portable washing machine, since I live in an apartment and don't see myself buying a house very soon. I found this Whirlpool, and it seemed to be what I was looking for - small size, lots of features, and a brand I was familiar with (my mother had Whirlpool appliances). It was pretty reasonably priced - cheaper than most of the other models, in fact - which really kind of sold me on it.

At first, I was pretty happy with it. It did everything it was supposed to do pretty well - it hasn't leaked or refused to work so far, actually. The capacity isn't anything to brag about - it's pretty small, so I have to split my laundry up into a lot of loads - but I guess that's the tradeoff for having a portable washer. It's also pretty easy to use.

The dials are clear, so I can tell what I'm doing, and I'm not worried about the thing breaking as far as dials or hinges - it seems to be really solidly built, which wasn't necessarily a concern of mine (I'm not rough on my appliances) but it's a perk knowing that I won't have to hire a repairman anytime soon.

My complaints with the machine, begin with the fact that the thing is SO LOUD. My apartment is reasonably-sized, but there's nowhere in the place I can go that I can't hear the thing running. I kind of wished it would have been quieter so I could, you know, listen to music or something while it was going.

Also, the capacity - again, I should have expected this - but it fills up very fast. My last round of laundry took me eight loads, which I think is excessive. I wonder if I wouldn't actually be saving water, detergent, and money by buying a larger washer?