Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Front Loader
Verified510 reviews
Fantastic Washing Machine – I wash all types of clothes in my washing machine. Delicate, wool. blankets, clothes, my husband working around the house and garden clothes, cleaning cloths, etc. As our new home has a full bench top in the laundry, I had to change the previous top loader with a front loader. I have always heard that front loaders give a lot of problems and are not as good as the top loaders but for my surprise, this machine is absolutely fantastic. It is fast, quiet and there are settings for all my different needs. What impressed us more than anything is that we had things in storage boxes for a couple of years and my sheet sets were no longer white but yellowish. I have used the setting for heavy soiled clothes and it is a long wash but they came out of the machine completely shiny white. Did not expect that! We agreed here in the house that it is our "washing machine from TV commercials" one as just like in the adds, the clothes enter dirty and stained and come out sparkling white! Very impressed.
Purchased in at Harvey Norman for $800.
Shocking customer service – Our machine was super loud- turns out we have a major known fault. We also bought a condenser dryer from this brand- also had a major known fault. Shocking customer service on both occasions . Bought 2 products- both had major faults. Didn’t meet any of the deadlines they promised to fix. Eventually got a refund on one product - as they couldn’t resolve. Living without a washing machine at the moment while I wait for them to get their act together. Every time you call the hotline you wait 30 mins to speak to someone. Shocking customer service when you do speak to someone. Seriously consider other brands that deliver a great support service and products don’t regularly have major faults. No wonder their customer service is so busy- products are not good quality
- Date Purchased:
Water pouring randomly one daz – We have had this Washing Machine for 3 and a half years. It suddenly started pouring water from underneath. Had nothing to do with the drain pipe as I emptied this properly. Very disappointing as it is coming beneath the machine from the front and the Machine has always been level, yet suddenly started this random purge of water behind the drain… Read more
plug. Have had Bosch before and honestly for such a short period of time for this to happen, would not recommend this Machine to anyone. Andrew
Cycle times are way longer than it say – I've had this machine for fours years now. My biggest gripe is the times aren't even close to being accurate. If it says a cycle will take 59 minutes, you can double that time. Doesn't matter if it's a full load or half a load. It'll take twice as long as it says it will. Also, it's quite loud when taking in water. As for cleaning. It does that… Read more
part to an acceptable level.
Overall, based on the cycle time alone, I wouldn't buy a fischer and paykel again.
Wouldn't Finish Cycle – 50min Cycle Took 2 Hours. Left Soap Suds. One cycle wouldn't finish so I stopped it and started it again on a new cycle so it took @ 4 hours to wash my clothes. Fischer and Paykel is Chinese rubbish now. Thankfully Harvey Norman are exchanging it for a different brand. Show details
Reviews with attachments
- +6
Disgusting faulty appliance – If you want a good quality washing machine that lasts I recommend avoiding this appliance. I purchased this 4 years ago & now it’s out of its manufacture warranty after 2. Years meaning 3 years of product care totalling 5 years. All up if anyone is looking to buy this appliance avoid. I had the matching dryer 9 KG heat pump now sold that & this… Read more
washing machine started off beautifully now very loud & struggles to get thru the spin cycle. Now it has developed. A un repairable. Write off leak under the soap dispenser where the washing liquid is put in it leaks from under the feet. When I first purchased this machine it was beautiful very quite machine now it’s very loud & the door need’s slamming shut cause of its age. Changed our washing machine & dryer to a Miele. Highly recommend avoiding this brand. What a waste of time & money.
I have taken to this product review before submitting mine & it appears other people have had leaking washing machine under the leg where the soap dispenser is. & endless problems as well. This did start off good after 4 years it has ended product care of Hearvey Norman did assist but was very hesitant on resolving this issue & didn’t want to give us a refund to choose our different washing machine.
- +4
Brand new machine destroyed my bed topper – I followed the rules, 4 kilos allowed. I weighed the topper 4.1 kilos. Ok. I used the bulky load as per the instructions, about 2 hours later an alarm went off telling me the load was unbalanced, so I opened the door and started to pull out the topper and to my horror, it’s ripped, grey, black, marbled, filthy and full of water. See pictures. This… Read more
is a new machine, I’ve used it about 8 times, I’ve previously washed this topper in my previous Bosch with no problems and that was a 6kg machine, this is an 8.5kg (for washing loads) but still, bigger. I had washed white sheets in it last week and they came out greyish so I was a bit worried about that so I did a machine wash with machine tablets, so it should be perfect. You’d think. I’m so sick of brand new appliances just not working properly. We’ve bought new things this year and they are crap and customer service? No such thing, I’m sure if I do ever get a reply from f and p it’s somehow gonna be my fault even though I followed all their instructions, cause I always take the time to do that just so these things don’t happen. Trash washing machine, don’t buy it
Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg Front Load Washer WH8560P2 low water use – This washing machine uses minimal water. To that comes a cost! Using less water creates a friction between your clothes. I have reviewed this machine and found it dampens your clothes only, and then does the cycle. I have found during testing that if I add additional 4 litres to a wash the clothes come out brighter/ cleaner and not damaged . The… Read more
clothes are in water, not just dampened. Apart from its water restrictive programming it's a great reliable machine. Recently though I have answered many questions about this front loader, and it seems the door latch solenoid is failing on many recent purchases. Cheers.
Laundry Swimming Lessons, Flippers Required, Snorkel Optional – We use the Everyday or Heavy Wash settings the most and we wash every day. We are gardeners and get real grubby. The machine does a pretty good job of keeping our work clothes as clean as possible. It gets a flogging. Warning: the 15 minute super quick cycle WILL flood your laundry. Make sure you have flippers, old towels and a mop and bucket… Read more
on stand by. The flooding doesn't happen on any other cycle. The cycle times are ok but the machine does get loud on the two settings we use most. It has great capacity. We wash blankets etc and haven't had an issue.
In-depth reviews
Great machine overall – my machine is 2 1/2 years old. It stopped emptying, but would still spin. I checked (as per reviews), the filter box, as well as I could, down the bottom on the right. I saw nothing so called in there ,so I called someone from F&P, out to see what was wrong with the machine. My son is a builder and a nail was found right at the back of the filter,… Read more
that I had not seen.$180 later, my machine is working perfectly. I did not use a strong enough torch to see right to the back of the filter. So, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK the filter. I can`t say this enough! Save yourself $. The technician, on booking the appointment, did not suggest ,that I check the filter again. While at my house, the technician got another call from someone with the same problem. He said the call out, was for the same problem that I had, but didn`t suggest to that customer either, that he check the filter again. Apparently it is a common problem that they get calls for. Otherwise a great machine ,love the super quick cycle, but machine doesn`t tolerate larger loads on spin.
Worst washing machine, started giving problems within the first 7-8 months – This Fisher and Paykel Washing machine is no longer fit for purpose, constantly displays error "out of balance" . Disappointed as this Top Loading 10 Kg washing machine didn't last the expected 3 years for a large whitegood appliance. In fact it started giving problems with this "out of balance" issues within the first 7-8 months but then we… Read more
removed the cloths and put back again and started and it was working like that for the first and second year, then on the third year this problem became more often. In fact we didn't realise that this was an issue due to the bearing/suspension worn this quick because of poor built quality. The customer support person said it could be a problem with bearing or suspension-holders which is common in these models. Then I asked if it is such a common fault why there is no free repair or recall on this and they said the warranty is only 2 years. As such would need to buy a new machine. What a poor quality parts used in it ? the bearing etc.. didn't last even for an year.? Will not buy anymore appliances from this company.
Very happy – I brought this washing machine as a surprise for my grandmother to replace her 30 year old top loader. she has never had a front loader before so at first she was very upset with me but after a little convincing and explaining what to do and how the machine works she now loves it Always remove all the transit bolts in the back of the washing… Read more
machine BEFORE USE if you DON’T this will break the washing machine the transit bolts lock the drum in place during transportation.
After i did some testing i have found that in the instructions it says the machine can run on hot and cold water or cold water only and the machine will auto detect that it is connected to cold only. THIS IS PARTLY TRUE
if a cycle temperature is above 30c the washing machine will try and draw hot water even if its not connected. After 2 minutes of buzzing it’ll recognise this and switch to cold. So to fix this i went to a hardware store and got a Y tap connector and connected the hot and cold inlets to the cold water supply this fixed the buzzing hot water solenoid.
Also make sure the washing machine is installed on a hard floor and the washing machine is perfectly levelled. tighten up the locking nuts so the feet don’t come lose doing this will make the spin cycles whisper quite.
I have decided to preset all the wash options to my grandmothers liking to do this
1. switch on the machine select a cycle
2. press and hold a option eg temperature until it flashes change the options to your liking
3. then press key lock to save the options so every time you select that particular cycle it remembers your choices you can do this on all cycles.
My grandmother is very happy with her washing machine her favourite cycle is the everyday cycle it can wash a full load in 1 hour and compliments how much cleaner the clothes are which is great.
I hope this review helps people Thankyou
Kind Regards
Positive reviews
Best washing machine I've ever owned! SO quiet – This is the best washer I've ever had. I've lived in a lot of share houses so had a LOT of washing machines from Samsung to Bosch to cheaper models. My previous Samsung washer broke and I got a technician out to fix it and he recommended this Fisher and Paykel washing machine (he was not affiliated with any device). I bought a second hand one… Read more
from marketplace and OMG it's crazy how good it is. I wash on various cycles from quick wash to 2 hour long cotton cycles, I have washed duvets and delicates, even trainers and everything has come out perfectly.
My washing machine is in a cupboard right next to my lounge and this is SO quiet. Sometimes I have to open the cupboard to check it's actually on because I think it's too quiet I must have forgotten to press start.
Amazing!
Find out how Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Front Loader compares to other Front Loading Washing Machines
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Terrible timer – Good washing machine, but don't trust the timer if you need to be somewhere - the longest minutes in the history of time. I left a load in the machine for my entire holiday after thinking I had 15 minutes leeway. Show details
Very easy to use – Im really happy with this machine, really easy to use esspecailly if you dont like the touch screen machines! Type of washing cycles are really easy to change and dont get any balls on our clothes. Also if there is a tissue left by mistake it doesnt make too much of a mess and only stays around the area it was left. My clothes are always wahed well and are in good condition after repeated washes. Very happy!
Negative reviews
RUBBISH – I can run faster than what the agitator turns. The machine stops so need to keep moving the washing inside around before it will work again. By the time the washing has finished the clothes are so (tangled) that it takes so much effort and patience to try an un tie a knotted mess. Show details
I am not explaining u do the explaining why your washing machine lasts not much longer than a couple of years – Absolute rubbish. Returned the first one that was faulty now this one the spinner intermittently works and it sits on 8 minutes for 15 minutes complete garbage. Certainly don’t make them like they used to my old fisher and Paykel lasted 25 years this one lucky to get a couple of years out of it Total scam Show details
Machine died after 5 years – This is the first front loader I’ve owned and loved using it. It washed well and was nice and quiet. I liked it so much I bought the matching heat pump clothes dryer. Fast forward five years and the machine started making a lot of scratching noises when spinning. We had a technician out who has told us the barrel has separated and it’s not working… Read more
economical to repair ($2k) so it’s time for a new machine. He said this type of problem is common in machines 10-15 years old. I’m really disappointed to be having to replace the machine so soon. I’m currently building and now reconsidering my fisher and paykel appliance selections.
Recent reviews
Dont waste your money – In just over 4 years the Fisher & Paykel front loading washing machine bearings have gone. It sounds like a freight train is in the laundry! I live in a single person household and have done on average 1-2 washes per week (if that). My previous top loading washing machine lasted 20 years. Unfortunately, I have been told it is very time consuming… Read more
and therefore expensive to fix the bearings due to the design of the machine and it would be cheaper to buy a new one. The local electrical appliance repair person advised me, if buying another front loading machine, to buy either a Bosch, Electrolux (not a Westinghouse despite being made by the same company) or LG, in that order. He also said that Fisher & Paykel make an excellent top loading washing machine. However, they clearly have some way to go with the quality of their front loading machine. Avoid at all costs...they dont last.
Poor product, non-existent after sales service – Bought this machine from Harvey Normans 12 months ago. After 11 months it started leaking quite badly. Contacted F and P service who took all of my details, and then promptly did nothing about the issue. I chased down an F and P service agent in the area and was able to have repairs effected under warranty. Now, one month later, it's not spin… Read more
drying properly and is leaving water in the conditioner tray. That's also gone to the local agent for repair; we've by-passed F and P completely. A further problem has now surfaced: the 55 minute wash takes about 1 3/4 hours. This is a dog of a machine and after it's repaired it will be disposed of (with suitable comments to any prospective owner) and we'll buy another machine. We previously had a Electrolux front loader for 12 years with no problems in that time. Avoid F and P like the plague is our advice.
Filter does not work – This front loader doesn't actually have a working filter. When I purchased it from Harvey Norman I was told it simply didn't need a filter to regularly clean as the debris washed away. I did ask about this in store. Yes, I know it is 'Buyer Beware'. The Filter is simply a piece of plastic (Bottom corner outside machine) with no basket or net to… Read more
catch debris. I did not know this at the time of purchase. Impractical for female users to pull out a heavy machine, disconnect hoses and regularly check for blockages as recommended. I wondered why new whites never looked white after just one wash. Now I will need a repair person to clean the hose as display shows it is the filter causing current issue. I will not purchase again.
Died after 5 years – Bought 22.07.17 and died 26.02.22. The LED lights (that indicate your desired setting) also started malfunctioning after 1 year. Most reviews are written soon after purchase so I thought to share the durability aspect in case it is helpful. Show details
Find out how Fisher & Paykel WashSmart Front Loader compares to other Front Loading Washing Machines
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Disappointing to say the least – First time I've bought a front load washing machine, for everyday clothes and it continually stops mid cycle with an Err. I have to remember to press the start button at 4 or 5 intervals turning a short wash into an hour long wash and an hour long wash into a three hour wash. This is frustrating when you leave home and expect the washing cycle to be complete when you return. I've tried the reset option, but this doesn't work. Very disappointing!
Heat element failed within 4 years – Washing machine is no longer fit for purpose, constantly displays err 75. Disappointed as washing machine didn't last the expected 5 years for a large whitegood appliance. The warranty is only 2 years. As such would need to buy a new machine. Will not buy anymore appliances from this company. Failure of the heating element seems to be a common occurrence. Show details
Great washing machine but not reliable – We (did) really like this washing machine, very quiet and washed clothes well. Has heaps of wash cycle options. We're a family of 5 and so we use it almost daily and wash 6-8 loads of washing a week. Now after only owning for less than 4 years, the machine sounds like a jet engine on spin cycle and the bearings are totally worn. We just got Fisher… Read more
& Paykel technician out ($130 callout) to be told it's going to have to go to workshop to replace bearings at a cost of $700. We mainly wash cold water and we're told that this is the cause, apparently it doesn't break down the detergent enough which then gunks up and slowly destroys the rubber seal protecting the bearings. We're pretty disappointed with the reliability and now looking for a new washing machine instead of wasting money on repair.
Electrical faults, water leaks and soap leaks – - Detergent system leaked water. - Led display lights not working,so couldn’t see option to use for washing. - Water leaking in middle. - Customer service wants to charge me to fix it. Buy anything else! Show details
Lasted 4 years. Not good enough. Customer care is a joke – After 4 years of normal use by two people, only one short program works. A couple stopped a while back but weren't used much anyway so it wasn't a problem. After going round and round in circles with various "Customer care" people just to get the cost of a replacement part, it seems it is going to cost around $500 to repair. They did not want to… Read more
give me the price of the spare part and were trying to push me to their "Book a service" service number. Clearly that's a nice cash cow for them.
I paid $839 for it and would expect more than 4 years. Yes it's sleek, pretty and easy to use but after this frustrating experience I won't be buying Fisher and Paykel again.
Great machine – This was my first front loader and so glad I bought it. Clothes come out clean, I have used most wash functions . Never had any clothes damaged. Even washed runners in it on delicate and came out clean. Show details
Can't Live without it – We have owned Fisher and Paykel front loaders for around 7 years, we sold our last one before we moved from Mount Isa to Brisbane as with most of our furniture to save on removal costs. When we arrived in Brisbane we went out and purchased another one. We have only ever had one issue with the machine since owning them, which was to do with a hot… Read more
water sensor, it was replaced under warranty without issue, great customer service. When shopping for a front loader make sure it can be opened during the cycle and that it has a quick cycle, Fisher & Paykel front Loaders have this feature on some not all machines so just choose carefully. They are not critical features, but you will appreciate them, trust someone who has lived with front loader for many years.
Great machine – I've owned the machine for about 3 years now and have been very happy. It washes our clothes and linen very well and I love the quick wash option and delay start. Great for waking up to the load of washing already finished. It does tend to go off balance and we need to adjust the levelling legs frequently, however I think our floor in our rental property is not level Show details
clean fast wash every time – Fisher & Paykel washing machine easy to navigate clear and simple instructions, includes smart detergent dispensaries, quiet motors, water-saving technology and smart cycle options. This machine performs well with heavy duty clothes as well as being gentle on delicates I use the quick wash usually, done in 30 minutes perfect for a busy family Show details
Decent machine – Have had our machine for over 3 years now. We’ve never had a problem with it mechanically and it washes our clothes well. I only have 1 real issue with the machine and that is that it takes far longer to wash clothes than it should. It can sometimes be stuck in 8 minutes for over 30 minutes which is very frustrating when you plan around when it’s… Read more
meant to finish. I love the add garment feature and the quick cycles when I only have a few things to wash. Great size and quality for the price we paid.
service – We are using Fisher & Paykel since a long time without having any problem till date. It is so easy and durable. We are using this since more tan 4 years.
So easy to use – I have been a F & P customer for years. We upgraded to a front loader from a top loader due to age of our last machine, 15 years! I love the new front loader, it is more gentle on my clothes, it has auto dosing for detergents, far more wash cycle options and can take a bigger load. We often wash bulky bedding and having a bulky cycle has meant… Read more
I don't have to sit in a laundromat waiting for a load. It takes longer to complete a cycle but it just means I get on with other things while it does.
I cannot highly recommend Fisher & Paykel more.
Love it – Great machine and heaps of different wash cycles. Love that it has a quick 15, quick 30 and then a everyday which is around 60mins. Never had a problem with it but recently upgraded to a LG 10kg due to a special and I miss this machine so much!
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An update. Nothing from f and p, who woulda thunk? Now the door keeps saying to open, I open it, it… Read more