Softer are because of detergent and softener used
Nothing to do much with WM.
If want to compare, use the fastest spin speed to wash. When I using the Samsung FL and spin at 400rpm, it do softer but not dry. If spin at 1000rpm, it is dryer but not soft.
Detergent not properly removed during wash also resulting to softer laundry.
Now the Samsung FL spin at max speed are at 85dB, standing 10ft away, 1ft away reaching 90-95dB depending on load. Not to mention it dance every now and then when the load is >50%.
Someone here mentioned that it is more gentle as gravity force pull the laundry down, but this is wrong thinking. It drop at the wrong time causing the whole WM to dance.

Yup, that's right, front loader fails on heavy load washing. That's why we can send this company provided WM within 2 years to trash.
Washing normal T-shirt is ok. Put some jeans, bed sheet means we will go out for dinner first. Because it is too noisy and very irritating when it start jumping.

That's why I won't buy any FL for home usage. Cannot wash heavy load but have to pay premium price for it
Is like buying a high end Lexus sedan and using it on desert. End up you need to push the car out from sand

For me, I buy something that should be fit for purpose, else I won't buy.

For me would be buy bigger capacity and wash slightly half size to save up over usage n running life.

It is not just water usage. The most expensive is electric.

Everyday run cost more. Bigger capacity reduce frequency wash. And you can wash comforter and bigger item. This also help on ROI.

any electrolux or panasonic front loader user here ?

I'm happy with the washing result of the Electrolux. No tangle up etc. Just didn't imagine that it will suddenly black out like that.

As a contingency, what's a 10kg machine to recommend? Just reading back the last 10 pages. Noticed supersound vouch for toshiba and panasonic. Any specific model? Thanks!

which one do you have? panasonic or electrolux?

many new washer manual would recommend only low sud/bubble detergent to protect the washer, i was wondering what type of detergents safely use for front loaders?