Fisher & Paykel Series 3 Top Loader Washing Machines
Verified196 reviews
Can't kill it – I purchased this second hand 11 years ago, it's going great . It's been a few places in that time, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne and back to Brisbane and still as good as the day I got it. Washing everything I can put in it. Show details
So far so good – we purchased our F&P top loader a couple of months ago. So far so good. No problems to report. Easy to use and small enough to fit into our laundry space. Very happy with it. Update January 2025. We have had the machine close on two years. It continues to work well. I am happy to recommend it as a good buy. However there was an issue with the… Read more
installation by Harvey Norman staff. The hose was not well secured to the standpipe and it came loose, causing a flood. Make sure it is secured firmly.
Bad experience with Fisher and Paykel – Popular brand however annoying crap in playing up two years time with their stupid codes that constantly beeping non stop. Never this brand again, got LG better !
Reviews with attachments
Lasts forever – I bought a Fisher & Paykel "Pride" 5.5kg Top Loader in the mid 2000s. Only broke down the other week. I was washing during a storm and because of the storm there was intermittent blackouts. After this, the wash machine did not turn back on; I assume the storm fried the electrical components inside the machine. Decided to replace it with the… Read more
Fisher & Paykel QuickSmart MW513 (5.5kg). Which, as far as I know is the same machine. I mentioned to the salesman that my old one lasted a very long time and I am hoping to get the same lifespan out of the new one. He said they are made with different parts nowadays and to only expect a 10 year lifespan. But, they said that when I bought my original one as well. :)
This time, I'm thinking about adding a surge protector to the machine.
I added a picture of the washing machine below. I don't have the proof of purchase.
LATER EDIT: I discovered that it didn't break due to a power surge but a "low voltage event".
You get more than what you pay for! – I've used it for roughly 6 years second hand and still going strong. Used it on delicate, wools, dark, light, jeans, blanket covers, blankets, soft toys, pillow.... and can always rely on it to do a good job. It doesn't put a significant strain on our energy or water bills either. Occasionally it might eat your clothes at the bottom of you try… Read more
to pack it jam tight (our fault really) in which case it'd just stop and beep. You can then gently pull your fabric out unscathed and reload or keep going without damage.
Great brand! The drum is still as the first day!
Used for 2-3 persons house hold.
Fisher Paykel MW513 5.5kg top loading washing machine from Appliances Online is a very good buy – This is a very compact unit, perfect for just two people. It is quiet in operation, cleans well, and has many adjustable options. The default setting is for warm wash. I would have preferred a cold wash as default, but I could not figure out how to change the defaults; so I will just do that manually every time. The service from Appliances Online… Read more · 1
is fantastic. The machine arrived quickly; the installation crew were very professional, and they removed the old machine as well. The supplied water hoses are about 15cm too short to work in our laundry, so I used the hoses from the old Samsung and they work fine. Making the hoses so short is false economy. The drain hose has a small hole in it from the manufacturing process and it leaks when the machine pumps out. I am still waiting to hear about a fix for this. The lint filter is self-cleaning so it sends micro-plastics down the drain and into the ocean. I’m not thrilled about this, being used to cleaning filters myself. All in all I’m very happy with this machine, except for the hoses. Fix that and I would give it five stars.
This is a seriously good machine – Maybe its the thrill of having a new washing machine, or maybe this machine is just awesome. It really is so simple to use and does an amazing job. Do you want allergy settings - got it! Delicates - better tick that too. Lid lock -absolutely. 4 different spin speeds - done. It also comes with timing/delayed start. And most importantly, it washes clothes really, really well. My highest recommendation! Show details
In-depth reviews
A bad apple in a good brand – The washer was a replacement for an aging but functional washer. We didn’t want to wait till the old girl failed so bought the Fisher & Paykel due to the brand having a good reputation. We’ve had their fridges and they have served us well. The washer includes setting the wash temp hot / warm /cold and varying cycle types from gentle to… Read more
permanent press. You manually program the load size with 3 gradients. It includes a Lid Lock function that locks the lid when in spin cycle for added safety. I hadn’t given this feature much thought but its purpose has made me feel that it’s a good thing to have. The bowl size is for a 6KG wash and the agitator is gentle on clothes and washes quite well with powder or liquid.
There is only one thing this washer is very poor at – filtering. When we first got the washer we noticed the “good clothes” getting contaminated with grass, lint, cat and dog hair and other types of debris. Black clothing is really noticeable. We thought we were the cause but soon realised that even separating loads into “black items”, good clothes and yard clothes didn’t solve the issue. The cross contamination between loads is unfortunately a big problem for this washer. We resorted to washing items in dedicated washing bags but the cross contamination between loads has made that a wasted effort. We squeezed in a few more loads in our old Simpson washer before offloading it and it was a stark contrast – the old washer beats this one hands down. We purchased an aftermarket filter which catches some debris but not much.
If you are in the hunt for a washing machine, ask around – we wrongly assumed this would be a good choice and now we are stuck with it. A call to Fisher & Paykel where a discussion that took place revolved around us having to pay the cost of a technician if there was no issue, and from the discussion I couldn’t help but think they already knew of the problem, so I cut my losses and left it at that. We now resort to handwashing clothing that we want properly cleaned.
In summary when the sole job of a whitegood is to clean and that whitegood doesn’t do even a reasonable job, then you’ve got a lemon on your hands.
My Washing Machine – My modern-day washing machine works well and is reliable every time I need to wash my dirty clothes and get them to smell nice, fresh and clean again. This is especially true after a hot and sweaty work shift or during the day when the weather is hot and I am moving around a lot. Glad there that the machine spins the clothes in the same… Read more
machine, which saves on quite a lot of space and the clothes come out damp, not dripping wet. I can then hang them on the line outside to dry. Couldn't fit a tumble dryer into the size laundry I have.
There are many interesting functions on my washing machine whether you want to do a long or short wash, a hot, warm or cold wash or small of large wash. There are settings for washing delicates, woollens or just ordinary washing.
Having a modern-day washing machine saves you having to use quite a lot of tiring labour on a wash-board and wringing out the clothes afterwards, like my mother grew up with. Thank God for modern technology.
From Rebecca Hill
Nice little unit – Six weeks, and does the job. I purchased the extended warranty as I have an existing electronic control board memory. It is quick and quiet. I bought it, (in a hurry), after using this site to decide what machine to purchase. My old trusty F&P started leaking around water pump, (couldn't be bothered fixing it). I have read some reviews about… Read more
water splashing up on the high water setting. I checked this by opening up the lid and sticking my head in while the machine is washing. I saw a few little drops onto the angled side. I solved this by pulling my head out and closing the lid. I live in NZ. I ordered online. When it was in store, (three days, man), I picked it up. One year on, still good, still the same. No problems at all. Feb 2022, still good. March 2023, problem. Just a few months after 5 year extended warranty. Half way through a spin cycle before top speed it suddenly stops spinning. Then starts the spin again. Does this three times. Hmmm,.... April 2023, No problem now, it has resolved itself. I played around reading a bunch of codes and playing with commands and all seemed to work OK. Now the machine works completely again without issue. Not sure what happened. All is well again.
Positive reviews
Awesome machine – After our old f&p died we purchased a Korean brand front loader last year, what a total waste of money, it was very noisy, a full load took 3 hours and clothes always had a starched type feeling, bit the bullet and purchased a f&p top loader same as our old one, brilliant, it’s quiet, a full load takes approx 40 minutes and clothes come out perfect Show details
Built to last – I wash clothes for a family of 5. Very satisfied. Clothes are always clean and well maintained. I’ve had it for almost 20 years and it’s only now needing parts replaced. Show details
Easy to use, love it, never had a problem with it – This was my first washing machine living alone and I love it. It's easy to use. Fast, but still washes the clothes thoroughly. I've never had a problem with it. Will buy the same model again if this ever dies. Even a second hand model, found cheaply on Facebook Marketplace, would do just fine. I drained the water into the bathtub with the supplied hose.
Find out how Fisher & Paykel Series 3 Top Loader Washing Machines compares to other Top Loading Washing Machines
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Negative reviews
Awful – Worst brand and worst customer service.No one returns your call and sends technician after 1 month. The washing machine was crap lasted only 3 yrs.Never buying this rubbish garbage brand Show details
Very Cheap and nasty washing machine - Not like to Good old ones – So unhappy with the VERY INFERIOR quality of this machine Now where do I start? 1. Operationally only 3 wash levels. The mid level is not enough so must always wash in FULL 2. Strange behavior. When you turn on the power the machine powers on too. But not really. You still must push the ON button.Select the cycle then the start button. 3. Mine… Read more
started playing up very quickly. Would not spin. Repeatedly cycled from on, try to spin then off again. This would happen over and over again. Rebalancing the wash helped occasionally but not always. Same with advancing the wash. 4. Eventually one day when I got it to spin it was spinning perfectly then as it was slowing down it went BANG! Power died. Wouldn't turn on again. Conclusion: Inherent problem with the electrics. 5. The washer agitator is cheap, light and very flimsy. The fins on the agitator snap off very easily. Unbelievable! 6. No lint filter supplied with the washer as standard. You need to buy one for about $35. I ended up giving mine away to some poor sole who thought he could fix it. Good luck mate!
Its ok – So I bought this after an LG that I wasn't that happy with, but I think I'd take the LG back now, at least it had a filter. This one leaves fluff on our clothes and sheets mayby I overfill but I expect it to hold more I guess, it goes off balance a lot, I guess many machines are the same these days and mayby they just don't make them like they… Read more
used too or I need to use longer cycle. I bought it because of the good reviews and mechanically it has been good.
Recent reviews
Ok but could be better – Bit on the noisy side but overall does the job and at an affordable price you can pick it up on special every now and then.
Awesome Machine – I purchased this machine waaaaay back in 2004 and it’s still running unbelievably well. Simple and easy to use. I’m a single guy working in a dusty metal factory and I have to wash my work top and pants after a single use. This washing machine has been outstanding and I’ve only ever had a single issue where the drain pipe or the actual pump got… Read more
blocked. Simple fix using an air compressor and its been fine since. It bangs and crashes sometimes during the spin cycle but what machine doesn’t. I only ever use cold water and I’m a happy little vegemite with the results. One minor complaint is that a lint tray would of made the machine absolutely flawless.
Great spin but no cleanable lint filter – Been using this for over 4 years now. Washes well and quickly. The high-speed spin-dry is very handy in a cold, wet Adelaide winter. Needs to be cleaned a few times a year with a bicarb soda + white vinegar + long, hot wash - if not, the buildup of crud tends to confuse the sensors and computer, and it doesn't empty out consistently, creating… Read more
froth. Has only three water levels, and the low and medium levels are too low - could do with four or five water levels to pick from. Worst feature is no cleanable lint filter - it claims to have a self-cleaning filter, but even if this is the case, it would be sending lint into your S-bend. Needs a cleanable lint filter.
Great machine as always by f&p – I had a MW512 since 2007 when I sold it to upgrade to a bigger model the new MW513 is very similar so I’m sure it will be the same. While I had this machine it was great nothing ever came out uncleaned and it span very well. The only issue really is that the agitator fins may snap eventually but a second had agitator is cheap and it’s an easy fix. So if you are buying a new MW513 or purchasing a used MW512, MW511 I would recommend it. Show details
So noisy on rinse and spin cycles – We bought this machine to replace our old F&P 6kg model that served us well for 14 years but had finally packed up. The new one seems to wash the clothes reasonably well but it is so noisy on the rinse and spin cycles. We had a technician come out but he said there is nothing wrong, F&P are now using a different type of pump and that is just the… Read more
way they are. So, if considering buying one then beware that it will be very loud on rinse and spin. Also, although it gives its capacity as 6kg, like our old one, it does not seem to be able to take the same amount of clothes, we have to put a smaller load in.
Non stop problems from Day 1! – This washing machine has been nothing but a headache since its installation. Washing machine regularly leaves grease stains on clothes. Repairman have been out 5 times, each time they tell me they can't find any faults and to call next time it is playing up. Customer service is useless. After countless $ worth of ruined clothing and the wasted… Read more
time on hold, dealing with customer support, taking time out of my work day to accomodate the repairman I am ready to throw it out and start fresh.
DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!
Find out how Fisher & Paykel Series 3 Top Loader Washing Machines compares to other Top Loading Washing Machines
Know better, choose better.
Very tough and reliable – Got 2nd hand this year but came out in 2006 very tough and reliable hope it lasts a long time and not die. ease of use and has eco option. Show details
11 years old and still going well – We bought this f&p washer in 2009 and haven’t had any problems with it in eleven years. This is the second f&p washer I’ve had and can highly recommend it. Show details
Basic Workhorse – A basic machine that does what it says on the box. Quick cycles, great energy rating - better than any front loader (cold wash) The machine washes well and the 1000rpm spin cycle leaves the clothes almost dry. I haven’t had any issues with the machine going out of balance or splashing like other reviewers. Here’s hoping I get the same 15 years of… Read more
service out of this Thai built machine that I had from the previous Australian one.
Update 12/03/2023: I discovered rust spots on my sheets and shone a torch inside the drum and could see rust all around the base of the stainless steel drum where it joined the plastic base of the tub. The machine was out of warranty but F&P replaced the drum free of charge out of goodwill.
The gold standared for a workhorse washing machine – We have just had to upgrade/downsize after our fisher & paykel quicksmart died. The quicksmart we had was purchased some time around 2005, so it was like 15+ years old had never been serviced or broke down, I can only assume the belt deteriorated and broke away. Anyway for the review, this machine is not super efficient or top of the line in… Read more
terms of functions, it's also a biut loud but you can mitigate that by ballancing it correctly and following the load instructions, however in terms of a solid whitegood that is a good investment and does the job day in day out well beyond the lifetime you'd expect, this is absolutely that.
Pros: Ultra Durable Quick Wash Easy to Use
Cons: Not super efficient
Useless with large items – I purchased the MW60 Quicksmart top loader in April 2018. Right from the beginning it has been useless with any thing larger than a pair of jeans. Try putting a bathrobe or a douna cover in and it turns everything into a huge ball. The machine start walking through the laundry and makes a huge racket until you pause it and re drape all the… Read more
washing. Machine has been balanced time and time again. Service men have balanced it, but problem continues. I think it is a design fault of the agitator which is too big on the bottom. Rediculous that you have to hang around when you put a load of washing on.
Basic and does the job – I had to replace my F&P Front Loader as we had a power surge and it has been playing up since. I will get it looked at but need to keep getting the washing done. I just wanted something very basic - there is not much else around, so I went for a smaller F&P Top Load (I used to have an 8kg - too big for me). I am actually very satisfied. It does… Read more
the job, not much extra features (that hardly get used) but also forgot how quick top load machines are! I'm very satisfied. I'm also quite sure this is the same style machine that has been around for ages, so as long as you look after it, I am hoping I should get years of service (I now keep it unplugged when not in use!) I also do not think its using any more water than the front loader was but I think I get better rinsing with this machine.
Purchased 2006, the thing is still going – Originally purchased in 2006. The original motor died over a year ago (2018) where we replaced it with a Chinese copy. That soon died only after 6 months. Purchased a f&p original motor and I would expect it to last another ten years... With current motor, have notice that the pump is significantly loud, especially on spin, sounds as though a… Read more
plane is taking off. This top loader has only been run quite heavily as of the last year, household of 3, washing everyday a few loads on heavy duty, hot, high. Still going strong otherwise, no signs of slowing down. Otherwise in its early life was used quite lightly. This top loader has definitely given us what we paid for considering its still going strong.
Unbeatable washing machine – We have the 7 kilo model. It is a good looking machine. It is used to do about 8 full loads a week of mild to moderately soiled clothes. The controls are easy to understand and use. The machine is great for delicates too, and the spin cycle is very efficient if a little noisy if it gets a bit off balance. Overall a very good appliance. Show details
Very disappointed with this product – The laundry, whether it be a clothing wash, towel wash or sheets, always ends up twisted. Sometimes twisted very tightly. When the wash has finished, I always loosen and untangle the laundry and run it through an extra rinse to ensure all the soap has been rinsed out properly.
Worst white good I have evr owned – I spent a long time researching my purchase of this machine. I have never owned a F&P item before but read the reviews nearly all positive. This machine ruins EVERYTHING!! Holes get pierced in to your clothing by the bottom thin plastic traps of the agitator even on gentle or with a low spin making the items eventually disintegrate. But even… Read more
worse is the lint situation. I had no idea this machine would lead to me throwing away many sheet sets/pillowcases/doona covers & even some of my own tshirts and leggings because the lint cannot be removed. I have not only paid for a washer that is basically 100% useless burt have lost alot having to replace all the my expensive bedding items. Why doesn't it hacve a lint trap?? Thanks for ruining so many of my things F&P.
Great small size machine – Machine is quiet and spins really well. This is my second Fisher Paykel slightly larger and this one has an eco feature. First one lasted 20yrs. Really happy with this machine.
This washing machine is a beauty! – This 5.5kg washing machine has a selection of four basic and adequate wash cycles. It never becomes unbalanced while washing large items; it just quietly gets on with the job. Show details
Tangles and gets off balance on regular basis – Limited internal space due to large agitator. One queen size quilt cover is maximum load and this will tangle EVERY time and the machine will get off balance EVERY time. It also gets off balance if I wash towels. I have played around with load size so as not to overload, but problem remains. I need to stand by the machine EVERY spin cycle to… Read more
rectify problems. For other loads, anything like a long skirt or trousers, will get tangled in the agitator. I have had this machine for 2 years and while it is still operating without any mechanical issues, I have just bought a cheap washing machine to replace it. Washing is now considerably easier! Perhaps if you only need to wash single sheets and small towels it would be fine.
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