Washing Machines Buying Guide
Our buying guide will explain which type of washing machine would suit you most, how much you can expect to pay for one, and which features are worth looking out for.
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elizabethGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 2 reviews
Ready for the Tip after 3 years
After years of using Westinghouse appliances I thought I would try Fisher & Paykel. Maybe they used to be a reputable brand but certainly not anymore and have since heard they were bought out some time ago. Washing machine actually had complete failure during warranty and display board was replaced, then back again to replace a nodule the second time it broke down!. A couple of months out of warranty and that's when it got expensive. Broke down again outside of warranty, got a repairman and paid for the part along with all the mornings taken...Read more
off from work to wait for a repairman.. Year later again and the balance nodules are gone, this time repairman $136 parts $400. Time to say goodbye. Cost of machine $900 Cost of repairs not including warranty ones if I had of paid for them all and not sent it to the tip- $800. Have since bought an Asko.Purchased in August 2021 at The Good Guys for $900.00.
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Not very Smart!
This is my third Fisher and Paykel washing machine.
As far as smartness goes this is way behind my previous machine.
You cannot change any settings eg spin speed or temperature, once the cycle has started, you need to go back to the beginning of the wash cycle.
You cannot step through any of the wash cycles.
You cannot put the fast spin speed on the delicate cycle.
If you add more clothes once the cycle has started it won't add any more water.
If you put water in the machine to try and soak something it drains by itself.
I'm not happy with all of the restrictions.
And apart from not being able to change settings through a cycle it also leaves lint on the clothes!
Purchased in November 2021 at Appliances Online.
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UnhappywasherwomanSydney, NSW
Two months old and already not working...
Purchased new machine Nov 2022 and already stopped. All lights flashing. Key lock keeps beeping (even when power off). Cannot set to any programme. All settings flash like a machine possessed! Have to wait a week for service person to visit. (Customer Service took over an hour to answer even after 7pm). Not impressed that machine couldn't even last two months!
Purchased in November 2021.
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Find out how Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Top Loader compares to other Top Loading Washing Machines
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HamptonrosesBlue Mountains NSW
- 12 reviews
- 1 like
- WashSmart WA8560G1 (8.5kg)
- Verified purchase
So Disappointed!
Our previous F&P top loader served us well for many years, but the time came to purchase a new one, so we dutifully went for a F&P again. Our old machine was virtually silent, this new one is ridiculously loud during every cycle - even our neighbours can hear it! I load it according to the weight guidelines in the manual, and it over balances constantly - even with only one set of DB sheets! The auto water level is useless, as it doesn't provide enough water and it contributes to the overbalancing of the machine. The clothing comes out cover...Read more
ed in lint, and it doesn't spin all the excess water out in the final spin cycle - the older model had the clothes coming out virtually dry it spun so well! Their service department is no good either - they sent a young technician out who patronisingly informed me that it's supposed to make that much noise! Don't waste your money on a Fisher & Paykel - they've obviously tried to cut costs by using cheap parts!Purchased in October 2021 for $809.00.
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DeePerth, WA
- 3 reviews
So far ver happy
Our old machine broke about a month ago on a Saturday morning. My husband went online to appliances online and ordered the 8.5kg top loader
1. It was affordable and price competitive
2. It would be delivered Monday free of charge and old machine taken away.
We have had no issues at all with this new machine. Its efficient, quiet and a great rating.
We use it for general and also work clothes.
Our old machine used to leave white and black marks on our clothing.
When I did the very first wash I couldnt
...Read more
Purchased in October 2021.
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KooklaPerth, WA
Faulty Product
This machine has put holes in our tshirts since we started using it, wish I could add photos, had it checked for issues but it's a design fault apparently, the agitator is dragging the fabric & its pinching causing holes in the fabric. The more we wash our tshirts holes get worse
Purchased at Harvey Norman Retail Stores - Appliances.
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Nicholas D.South East Queensland, QLD
- 6 reviews
- WashSmart WA8560G1 (8.5kg)
- Verified purchase
Does the job quietly
Gets my clothes clean and handles big loads without unbalancing. Button layout is easy to see and use. I avoid using the auto water level as I have found that it is too conservative and did not rinse the washing powder off sufficiently; no issues when manually set with a generous level. Super quiet. I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend.
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rossHunter Region, NSW
- 4 reviews
Knotting, wringing & creasing sheets & clothing
We've had this machine about 2 years & the Wife has complained every washing day about the above, but now she just can't handle washing with this F&P machine due to health & this is why I'm complaining about the knotting up of the sheets & clothes. Tried every thing possible(as males do) to eliminate this problem to no avail. Lifting out the twisted bundle of clothing(it's heavy) & wrestling to separate washed, rinsed & spun items & I realized why she complained each wash day & now I know. Question arises, if clothing is rope platted so tight...Read more
then how the hell can they be properly washed & rinsed. I always wondered why the towels & flannels were always stiff as cardboard & rough as sandpaper (using softener) after being dried, since owning this machine. Conclusion, wouldn't sell or give this away & onload this to somebody else! Got to get another BRAND!Purchased at Harvey Norman Retail Stores.
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SalSydney, NSW
Disappointing and frustrating
Bought in 2016, very unreliable, stopped working in year 2 and again after moving in year 3. My old fisher & paykel was fine even after moving twice over 10 years.
Purchased in June 2021 for $650.00.
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Find out how Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Top Loader compares to other Top Loading Washing Machines
Know better, choose better.
Cathy19Central Highlands and Goldfields, VIC
- 8 reviews
- 2 likes
So disappointed
I have had Fisher and Paykel washing machines for as long as I can remember.
Our old one packed it in after more than 15 years so of course, with such a great track record, we purchased another...
Bad decision.
The components under the lid are cheap and tacky. The lid where the powder is placed does not fit well. A service technician is coming out on Wednesday to see why the auto water level only fills to a small wash level. Clothes dont wash as well and the spin cycle is not as good as it has been in the past. Clothes used to be quite dry, not any more.
It is also ver noisy on the spin cycle. One of the reasons I loved my previous machines was the quiet...not any more.
I would recommend you buy something else.
Purchased in April 2021.
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peeved1Perth, WA
- 22 reviews
Great machine
Recently bought my third fisher and paykel this one is the 10kg top load washing machine love the features, washes the clothes perfectly makes no noise at all. Would recommend this machine.
Purchased in October 2021 at Betta Home Living for $998.00.
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trial-errorSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Buy something else
Very dissapointed in new Fisher and Paykel washing machine compared to previously owned prior models.
We have owned this one for over 2 1/2 years now so had plenty of time to be objective about it.
Broke down within the first 3 months. Repaired under warranty but took almost 2 weeks to get somebody here.
No lint filter. Clothes come out with lint stuck to them now.
Water level presets are set to give 3.5 star water rating, not to efficiently wash clothes. Need to manually select water level
Destroying all hubby's t-shirts. Slowing but surely ...Read more
Purchased in March 2021.
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HenriMid North Coast, NSW
- 7 reviews
- 1 like
Perfect clean clothes all the time, easy to use
Great little machine its 6 yrs old now Ive had no problems with it, its easy to use and washes really well, it gets used every second day, washes summer doonas no problems, great little machine, I would recommend it to anyone.
Purchased in March 2021 at Beta Electrics for $499.00.
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DaveP
- 5 reviews
- WashSmart WA7060G2 (7kg)
- Verified purchase
Great Washing Machine
So easy to use. A great washing machine that will make your clothes clean and fresh. It senses the amount on clothes you have put in and adjusts the water level to suit.
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Chris GHunter Region, NSW
not great
I went from a front loader back to a top loader because of the time factor. Front loaders take much longer per cycle.
But the F & P top loader does not agitate very well at all even on the heavy cycle.
Tradies clothes do not come out clean!!
Very disappointed with this product. I used to wash my office clothes on the gentle cycle in the old machine now I am using the heavy cycle and still not happy with the result!!
The agitator is also very user unfriendly to clean!
Purchased in April 2021.
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Find out how Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Top Loader compares to other Top Loading Washing Machines
Know better, choose better.
PhilSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 10 reviews
- WashSmart WA7060G2 (7kg)
- Verified purchase
Excellent machine
This was our first F&P Washer and won't be our last. It's super quiet, easy to use, simple buttons, and washes effectively. Great value for money also as bought on sale
Purchased in February 2021 at The Good Guys for $648.00.
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C JMelb
- 18 reviews
- WashSmart WA8560G1 (8.5kg)
- Verified purchase
Newly purchased but prefer older model Fisher & Paykel Top Loader washing machine
I have just installed a top loading F & P Washsmart 8.5kg washing machine, so I have only washed a few loads of washing on the "Regular" cycle. The machine is much noisier than my old F & P top loading washing machine which was a very reliable machine that lasted an impressive 15 - 16 years. The new Washsmart machine makes loud noises at almost every stage of the wash cycle. The washed items ( small, individual loads of clothing, towels and sheets) were all very clean after being washed. The washing machine came with a small spirit level to e...Read more
nable accurate levelling of the washer. The spirit level is essential as I have found the machine to be particularly difficult to level and if not absolutely level it is even noisier when functioning. The "Regular" wash cycle is 47 mins (too long unless wash loads are particularly soiled) and the "Quick" wash is 36 mins (not particularly quick). The Washsmart is easy to use and the wash cycles are very similar to those offered by my old F & P, with a few extras such as an "Allergy" wash, "Eco Rinse", "Delay Start" etc. The Washsmart comes with an Installation/User Guide booklet and a separate A4 instruction page on how to install the machine, perform the installation test cycle and correctly level the washer. I am hoping that the Washsmart is as hard-working and reliable and has the same longevity as my previous F & P top loading machine. I note that Canstar gives a 5-star rating to all F & P washing machines based on customer feedback. Were it not for the louder noise levels of the Washsmart machine, I would give it a 5 star rating also.Purchased in October 2021 at Harvey Norman Retail Stores for $729.00.
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Barbara RyanDarling Downs, QLD
- 2 reviews
Not a washing machine for people who step off the concrete
This a terrible washing machine if you actually get your clothes dirty.I am finding that anything dirty has to be soaked manually before I put it in the machine if I want them to be cleaned. We live on a farm, so almost all of the loads we put in are pretty dirty, and this machine does not handle the work at all. I work in an office and even my work clothes, if I get an unusual stain or spill, need soaking before I put them in, otherwise the areas that normally collect dirt, like collars and cuffs, come out still grubby. Even underwear comes ...Read more
out looking suspiciously unwashed. It has six cycles and the two most used, regular and heavy, have exactly the same wash time of just 49 minutes. While this is great for a regular wash, a heavy wash (which in our house is dirt, dust and grease) really requires much longer and more than a cursory wetting and rinse, which this machine seems to give. If you have kids who play cricket in whites, or ride horses competitively, forget about getting the stains out of these clothes - I soak, wash in the machine, soak again and then wash in the machine again. It does have its own soak option, but instead of draining the soaking water and starting again, it washes the clothes in the soaking water and puts them through a minor rinse. It is supposedly a water saving machine, but the terrible washing capability means that I select the highest setting for every wash in an effort to get clean clothes. There are a few good things about it - the speed of the cycle for a quick wash, its compact size and the ability to select the water levels are all good. But when it comes to its reason for living, cleaning clothes, it fails dismally. Good for people living in a unit and who never touch dirt, elderly people and anyone who only wears black; terrible for tradies, farmers, horse riders and gardeners.Purchased in March 2021 at Joyce Mayne for $934.00.
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Ros IHunter Region, NSW
- 11 reviews
always goes off balance when I wash my towels and sheets
Everytime I wash my sheets or towels this washing machine goes off balance. At least twice it stops itself and beeps it’s load is off. It is so annoying if you don’t hear it and come back an hour later to hang it out and it’s stopped itself.
Other than that when I was my clothes it’s great
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TashMid North Coast, NSW
- 2 reviews
Disappointed
Had this machine for about 6 yrs replaced balance rods recently which fixed the balance issue but am on my 3rd agitator due to fin broken again obviously a fault and these are not cheap, seems to happen every 2 yrs or so, does wash clean and big bowl but agitator should stand up to the fact that it is a large 10kg machine would stay clear of Fisher & paykel I wont buy another 1
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Questions & Answers
Glennasked
Hi there, I have a F&P 5.5Kg WA55t56GW1 washer which is a few years old and hasn't given us any problems at all. Just now, it has started beeping every 45 seconds without fail. I have unplugged the power lead from the wall but the sound continued. Could anyone assist with the reason for this please?
Thanks,
Glenn
No answers
S.Macasked
Switched machine on, first was light flashes but machine will not start when start button is pressed. Delay time light is not on.
No answers
Bev Krolligasked
Are there any good reviews on the Fisher Paykel *WL1068P1 10kg top loader ?
No answers
Prices
- 7kg Top Load Washer$727.00
- Fisher & Paykel 7kg WashSmart™ Top Load Washer - WA7060G2$779.00
- Fisher & Paykel WA7060G2 7kg WashSmart Top Load Washing Machine$779.00
- Fisher & Paykel - WA8560G1 - WashSmart™ 8.5kg Top Load Washer$849.00
- 8.5kg Top Load Washer$849.00
- Fisher & Paykel WA8560G1 8.5kg WashSmart Top Load Washing Machine$855.00
- Fisher & Paykel WA7560E1 7.5 kg WashSmart Top Load Washing Machine$866.00
- Fisher & Paykel WA8560E1 8.5kg WashSmart Eco Top Load Washing Machine$1,058.00
- 10kg Top Load Washer$1,099.00
- Fisher & Paykel WA1068G1 10kg WashSmart Top Load Washing Machine$1,109.00
- Fisher & Paykel - WA1068G1 - WashSmart - 10Kg Top Load Washer$1,299.00
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