Highest capacity for the weight rating are either Bosch or Siemens 6kg. if your Haier was belt driven chances are it will be similar in size. So look at the 7kg models too. At 7kg the LG is also a contender. Below that size LG are all the same and will likely be smaller than what you had.
7kg will be in the 39-42k range.
Panasonics are cheaper but like samsung are relatively new to the game so not in the same league as LG or Bosch/siemens in terms of support.
One curious thing i've noticed with the bosch/siemens is the models with no digital display are not susceptible to water tank height requirements. They'll work even with a tank lower than 30 feet. However ones with digital displays are more strict. Though at the height you mentioned ithink you will be ok.
If there was no residue when boiling it means the permanent hardness was low. Thing is you won't be washing clothes at that temp but rather lower. Well, you can do boil washes but only for durable cottons.
How did you find cleaning performance ? did you have to dose at hard water levels or just the minimum dosage.
Which detergents did you use and which worked best.
Thanks for the suggestions. Will probably pick up the LG since it has good reviews elsewhere. Will post back once i do.
Cleaning performance with the Haier was good. By dosage, do you mean detergent added?
Ariel did the best job but even the lower cost Wheel powder used occasionally did a decent job.