Something else I read but didn't research at the time is that some laundry care/appliance forums note the option of a pre-heater and or water temperature sensing unit that some washing units have. This may be of interest if you have an inefficient water heater be it in capacity, heating ability or have long water line runs between the heater and your appliance.
Most washers don't actually monitor water temperature, they just draw from the hot water line for hot water cycles. Generally, the temperature programming is good enough for most consumers but if you actually need to compensate for long line runs or an inefficient water heater then you're doing yourself a disservice to not find out which manufactures/models would serve you better.
*Extended Warranties: Generally, I'm not a fan; but I do purchase them for our appliances. It hurts in the initial payout but that first service bill will have you feeling good about the decision; especially if you end up with a service issue that can't be resolved w/out replacing the unit.