Fisher & Paykel Series 7 Top Loader Washing Machines
Verified272 reviews
I could handle poor automatic water level sensing and the spin going out of balance too easily, but not the planned obsolescence. I requested a service in 2026 on a 2020 WA8560P1 washing machine that was noisy at high spin speeds. The service technician did not correctly diagnose the cause of the noise and provided an expensive quote for… Read more
unrelated pump and suspension parts that were not cost-effective to replace, which I declined. Within a couple of weeks of the service call, spin mode stopped completely. By simply removing the agitator, I could easily see that the screws securing the spline drive to the bowl hub had sheared off, evidently failing progressively over time rather than all at once. Upon installing new screws myself, the machine is now working properly again. The $220 service call fee was therefore a waste of money. I tried complaining to F&P but would have incurred another $220 fee for them to look at it again.
But this is worse than poor customer service. This is also clear evidence of planned obsolescence. The bowl hub has provision for 6 screws to secure the spline drive to it. Only 3 screws were installed in the factory, which obviously couldn't handle the forces because they sheared clean off in only 5 years. That wouldn't have happened with 6 screws. Unfortunately since it isn't possible to remove sheared-off metal screw threads from a plastic bowl hub, it therefore isn't possible to install 6 new screws after the failure has occurred, hence the best I could do was install 3 new screws in the alternate holes. I presume that they too will shear off in due course. Naturally the bowl hub is not available as a separate part so the whole bowl will need to be replaced next time at great expense. I wont be looking at F&P products when that day comes.
F&P used to be a good brand when it was a New Zealand company before the Haier China takeover. It's something much less now.
I agree with ALL of the comments that I've read. In my case the agitator has broken fins after 2.5 years, and the machine occasionally makes a grinding noise at start up. I also purchased an extended warrantee from Harvey Norman which I have found very difficult to navigate and also have not had any satisfaction in my attempts to make a claim.… Read more
There are 2 of us in our household and we wash clothing bedding towels etc. Since the fins are broken the wash in not effective at all, even needing to wash 2 times.
- +2
These Top Load Clothes Washers that are at least 8kg or larger has a design flaw. The fins on the agitator break without fail after 5 or 6 years. The washers are great. We have had 2 over 20 years, but the fins on the agitator fatigue break. Be prepared to change an agitator every 5 years. Probably $300-500 if a tradesman makes the repair. Show details
Reviews with attachments
This machine has been excellent – We had this model washing machine for 9 years without incident. When the washing machine required a major service, we decided that because it had been such an excellent machine, we replaced it with the current model which like its predecessor, is excellent.
Always out of balance only 7 years old – I kept getting out of balance took it out of the laundry to check it and everything was fine I read all of the reviews and rang fisher and paykel and they were helpful and told me that the issue is the suspension rods $142.00 for the set of 4
In-depth reviews
Great machine – takes a beating and keeps on ticking! – First off, the 'out of balance' issue that everyone is complaining about in the reviews here is easily fixed by replacing the suspension rods. Even when they're new, these washing machines can have lousy suspension rods in them. Only two months in, ours was already repeatedly stopping mid-cycle with unbalanced loads, and opening the lid and… Read more
manually redistributing the loads sometimes helped but more often, multiple reshuffles were required to finish a cycle. And then some loads just wouldn't run through at all and had to be hung up wet. We had our appliance repairer friend have a look at it and with his wealth of experience, he quickly had the machine running properly.
A replacement suspension kit with all four of the rods that are required costs $124 in late 2024: I know this because I just ordered a replacement Suspension Kit Assembly (part no. 424569P) today from Fisher & Paykel, after the previous set that our friend installed back in late 2016, finally began failing: that's almost eight years of flawless, heavy operation! We think that's impressive.
We love the cavernous, 10-kilo capacity of this machine; the ease of operation, including selecting from numerous programmed cycles for every conceivable kind of load; and we're impressed with the speed with which the machine does its work. The stain-soaking programme is much appreciated and is effective at removing heavy stains and the machine also has a self-cleaning function, which we run every couple of months.
In short, our experience is that this is a fantastic washing machine with a flaw. We have found that replacing the suspension rods has transformed this machine from a troublesome beast at first, to one of the best appliances we have ever owned. We'd give it five stars but for the recurring suspension rod issue. Four-and-a-half stars from us.
Fisher Paykel rubbish washing machine and woeful backup and products – Utter piece of rubbish and Fisher Paykel know it and will not repair properly. Purchased this boat anchor about 5 years ago. Within 2 years the cabinet rusted down inside and the suspension arms failed. Arms failed just outside warranty and caused the boat anchor to get out of balance on any weight load. Had to purchase expensive suspension arms… Read more
and put them in myself as Fisher Paykel take 10 - 3weeks to attend. Fixed that and noticed rust in the bottom inside of the cabinet. Fisher Paykel said out of warranty even though the rust was evidently there within the two year boat anchor warranty. I said their implied warranty of 2 years does not matter and QCAT in Qld would see that obviously it was existent in the two year and also the machine must be warranted over the two-year period. Told Fisher Paykel that maybe I go to QCAT and sort the matter out as I have done myself before.
The contacted me and said either I pay for the new cabinet with free labour or the other way round. I told them where to stick their boat anchor sideways. I said I will simply not buy Fisher Paykel as their products are junk and go to another brand.
Well I left the cabinet rust and last week the machine made a horrible noise and sh.t itself. Fisher Paykel were 1-14 days just to attend on their site. Got Fallon out and find it is the tub spline drive. Very expensive.
Have decided to junk this piece of Fisher Paykel boat anchor and buy a Samsung 12 KG Top Loader. WA12A8376GW.
Never going to buy another Fisher Paykel product, refrigerator, boat anchor. Why support Australian part made junk when overseas made are better quality.
Fisher Paykel stated re the rust - Jun 23, 2022,
"We would like to apologise for the inconvenience that you have experienced with your Appliance. We have reviewed your case again and we're happy to cover parts only under good will but you have to pay for service call out and labor only. Part numbers: 424057P ($344 approx. + GST) & 421642 ($31 approx. + GST.) We trust you will accept our good will gesture without prejudice and in the spirit in which it is offered and hope you will now enjoy many years of reliable use from your appliance."
Service call-out ($140) and labour ($300-500) would have amounte3d to over $400-500. That amount on a $1000 piece of junk was simply not on. Why I now am buying a well reviewed Samsung 12Kg top loader.
I said to them in a return email "I am very disappointed in your reply. So your inner Fisher Paykel cabinet walls will rust just from splashing. Must be very low quality from the start. The machine was leveled by a spirit level when I installed it. I had to replace at just over 2 year the 4 x suspension springs because the originals are rubbish. So, you want to come out and for a service call of $140 to than provide a cost estimate of parts and labour. Why was not a labour component in this $140. Think of it - $140 to drive to my bloody address and nothing else. What you have [Name Removed] is a crap product. I know you did not make it but pretty poor effort. I will get to the rust myself with converter and treatment after I have removed the rust.
GOODBYE FISHER PAYKEL
Product was good when new but encountered out of balance issue in under 5 years – Purchased this washing machine and was more than satisfied with it, until several months ago when the spin cycle goes out of balance at the beginning of the spin cycle. Machine is level, clothes are evenly weighted however when machine is empty you can see that the bowl is not evenly aligned . After two washes a week in a one person household I… Read more
did not expect the machine to have problems. I see other reviews with problems with spin cycle so will not pay for a technician and likely suspension rod parts for repairs that appears to be the problem when you look at some other online reviews and videos. The issue with a lot of white goods products is quality control and being built to a price and no longer built to last. Fisher and Paykel now appears to be owned by Haier with manufacturing in China and Thailand to keep pricing competitive even though their washing machines tend to be at the higher end of pricing. A choice of a new washing machine is less likely to be another Fisher & Paykel based on the above purchase.
Positive reviews
Excellent – I read the earlier reviews and think we must have a different machine. Works perfectly, would like it to be less water efficient maybe as it looks to hardly use enough- but clothes are always clean. Show details
No spin – Hi I have error code 40 coming up on my fisher and paykel washing machine WL1068P1 any help would be great Not spinning (a very very slow spin) i am trying to work out if it is the control module
Love it – I use my machine daily and use it to wash all types of fabrics and colours including delicate and heavy duty materials. Eg silks, satins through to work clothes Needing the heavy duty wash. The Fisher and Paykell lives up to its promises and delivers what it says. This machine gives you the control over the type of wash, water temperature along… Read more
with water levels and/or you can set the machine to your favourite washing cycle. You are able to pause the machine during the wash cycle to put in an item that you forgot, change the water level and temperature and the washing cycle time extended to suit the user. I personally have found that regardless of what cycle I set the machine too, it doesn’t disappoint This machine has an auto cut off should your machine becomes unbalanced but the need for this is rare as the machine has the ability to balance an uneven load of washing. Another wonderful feature is that it doesn’t have a filter to worry about. I love my machine.
Negative reviews
Very disappointed in the FabricSmart Washer 8.5kg – FabricSmart Washer: We are very disappointed with this washing machine. We purchased the 8.5 fabric smart washing machines in January of 2020 (2 years ago), and have had continual trouble with the balance in the spin cycle. There is a white residue left on a dark wash. We spend time rearranging the load but it continues to beep ... we take extra… Read more
care to load the soiled clothes in the machine, but find many times it stops bangs around, beeps, and refuses to finish the cycle. We've tried re loading the heavy wet clothing, and then starting the cycle again from the beginning only to have the balance crash on us again. This has been a very expense and frustrating purchase. I believe this Model has an inherent error in it that needs addressing.
F&P - not as good as it used to be – Having had two F&P top loading washing machines which both lasted 15 + years, I went straight to back to this tried and tested brand when I needed a smaller machine. My new machine (WA7560E1) was noisy when it both filled and agitated from day one - clunking with every turn of the agitator. I had 5 visits from F&P technicians to inspect the… Read more
problem after initially recording the noise and sending it to the retailer. The second technician replaced the suspension rod - apparently the wrong part had been installed during assembly. But there was no change to the noise level - which was so loud it could be heard two rooms away. After escalating the issue with F&P as the problem was not resolved, the company has now offered to replace the machine with a F&P front loader or provide a credit note for an alternative machine. While I appreciated the gesture from the company, I'm disappointed that the F&P brand quality is no longer a certainty and that it has taken 7 months of follow up by me to bring about this outcome. I'd rather have a F&P top loader that was not noisy but I'm not sure that such a machine exists anymore.
Find out how Fisher & Paykel Series 7 Top Loader Washing Machines compares to other Top Loading Washing Machines
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Only worked for 3 years then had errors – Very disappointed with our purchase. There are frequent detergent marks on our clothes because it doesn’t wash very well. After three years it kept beeping every load saying it was unbalanced. We tried everything and even got it serviced. It didn’t fix the problem. I would never buy this brand again! Show details
Recent reviews
Lint machine – Rough on clothes and so much lint, this machine has been very painful, a lemon
Not enough expletives to describe machine – The very worst washing machine I've ever had.Always stopping for being out of balance,cleaning cycle uses vast amount of water and you can't select your own water level. Don't buy under any circumstances. Show details
Disappointed – I have waited about 10 weeks before writing my review. My clothes are only lightly soiled and the machine is only used for small one person washes (not family loads). After having my last F&P top loader for 10 years, I'd kill to have it back again if only it wasn't leaving residue gunk on some wet loads as it had started to. PROS OF THIS MODEL… Read more
Large bin (holds more than my old 7.5kg top loader) - can easily do my sheets. Spins well - less ironing required compared to last machine Cleans well - mainly use the 'auto' water level and on lightly soiled clothes so not tested on 'Site' worker clothes. F&P customer service was good when I called them to book a technician (albeit long phone hold wait time). I booked a technician to come (still under warranty) but have since cancelled and will do so again soon when I am ready to pay $150 if the technician comes out and finds no concerns with the machine warranty caused.
CONS OF THIS MODEL Cannot alter anything once a cycle starts - if I lift the lid it seems all the water drains out under the fillable area and the cycle timer starts clocking down all over again from the timer it started from (so annoying waste of electricity and water refilling again). If you do not select 'auto' for water level and say you choose 'low' - if you lid the lid during the cycle when it is about to start agitating wash and you can see it has reached its water level, but you decide you now want it to 'medium' level water fill instead, you can't pause the machine change to 'medium' without the whole tank of water emptying again (waste of water and all your detergent) and starting the whole time cycle again. The soak function is ridiculous - 2 hours on a timer and that timing can't be shortened. I can't get the machine to do a warm wash (yes the hoses are hooked up correctly and I can feel hot and cold water flowing through the tubes into the machine) but never warm water in the tub when it's ready to do the actual wash. I agree with another reviewer that the red lights are hard to read on the black panel. The only white light is the 'lid locked' light and that's the one that can be read the best. Clunks a lot and spends a very short amount of time during each cycle actually washing. Makes a didgeridoo sound during the 'regular cycle' as it lets water out. Very noisy. You can't move a cycle along to say e.g. 'rinse' next. You have to let the machine do it's full timed cycle as it wants. I feel it is using more water than my other machine if you select a specific water level e.g. 'low' rather than using the 'auto' water level mode which you can't even check on to see if it seems enough water. One day I let the machine do it's thing on the 'quick' cycle. I checked on the machine to see if the water level was rising - yes all good and my soap sheet was causing soap suds. Put the lid down, happy and within 2 minutes there was clunk, clunk, clunk. I went back, all water in the tub had emptied (?) and the agitator was intermittently turning with the machine trying to let water in (but none coming through from the unchanged wall taps as when the cycle started). I had to fiddle with the machine again and put another washing machine soap sheet in - such a waste (a) of water and (b) of the soap sheets that are quite expensive to buy. I can't stand the fact I can't open the lid to see if everything is going ok.
DO I RECOMMEND THIS MODEL No.
Rusted within 3 years – Worst ever washing machine - purchased 3 years ago and it has rusted all underneath. No care factor from them or Good Guys where we purchased it. Even purchased Gold Concierge cover - another waste of money as they don't cover rust. We spent $1500 and would expect it to last more that 3 years so strongly recommend you stay away from Fisher &… Read more
Paykel Washing Machine - basically a rust box for washing your clothes. Given the machine is to wash which involves water, one would think that it is rust proof - think again. Very disappointing and very poor quality. Only discovered as moving house revealed rust all over my tiles - look at bottom of machine and rust everywhere - stay away from this unless of course you are happy to spend this sort of money every 3 years and also have your tiles permanently stained by rust.
After 7 years, I'm calling it - worst machine ever – I have had this washing machine for seven years, and I cannot begin to describe how much I hate it. It constantly has out-of-balance issues and is difficult to clean and troubleshoot. The out-of-balance issues can regularly turn a normal 40-minute wash into a two-hour ordeal. Genuinely not worth it. Avoid at all costs. Show details
Bad waste of money – IT will not fill with water to a full level even on full load. it tangles and knots up the bed sheets. it tangles up my work cloths and leaves gunge marks all over them even in warm water and using the liquid detergent. Have had many fisher & Paykel machines before until now. The water saving sensor won't put enough water in it to wash properly and without a full agitator it rolls and knots up the cloths. Don't buy. Show details
Very Disappointed – I had been so happy with my previous Fisher & Paykel washing machine, that when it stopped working after many faithful years, I did not hesitate in purchasing another one, big mistake. I should have done my research and read reviews, as this new machine is terrible. Very noisy, out of balance and problems with the water level. So disappointed, an expensive mistake. Show details
Not happy – Can hear water going in to washer then seems to drain out, on checking water nowhere near covering clothes. Told by helpline to put on heavy duty wash. Ridiculous as clothes are very lightly soiled I prefer quick wash. Clothes smell of detergent. Have tried adding water, wetting clothes first to add weight etc. Etc. Really not happy with this expensive product and would love a solution. There is no setting to control water level. Show details
Find out how Fisher & Paykel Series 7 Top Loader Washing Machines compares to other Top Loading Washing Machines
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Can't believe they sell a washing machine WITHOUT a lint filter!!!!!!!! – I am astounded that in 2018 Fisher & Paykel are selling me a washing machine WITHOUT a lint filter!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I have to pay almost $50 to buy the part that should come with the washing machine????????!!!!!!!!! Otherwise I am happy with the machine. I wash a lot of dark clothing and this is just not good enough. Show details
Constant Issues with the balance from 35 mins on – The Machine constantly beeps with balance issues from the time it gets to 35/34 mins out. No amount of moving clothes around seems to help. It is quite steady and not out of balance but I can never get it working except on rare occassion when it finishes the wash while stopping only twice Show details
This machine frustrates me every time I use it – I bought this machine as our last Fisher and Paykel was superior quality. I regret the purchase every time I use it. Despite all efforts to trouble shoot, my clothes come out covered in lint/ residue. Fisher and Paykel customer care has not offered any assistance to resolve the issue. The product she be discontinued as it absolutely does not do… Read more
the job that it claims to do.
A few months on...and this washing machine continues to be a piece of crap. A 10kg machine ought to be able to wash a queen size top and bottom sheet together, but no...in this machine they come out dirtier than they went in. Customer care continues to be of zero assistance. Stay away from this machine.
Most frustrating machine ever – I cannot believe this machine was ever released, let alone still for sale. I have recently used one at at my parents’ place to do a few loads of washing. I was over it immediately. It is constantly going out of balance and has to be babysat. Worse than that, when it goes out of balance it goes back to the beginning of the cycle so a 52 minute load… Read more
can actually take 2 1/2 hours if it goes out of balance often enough. The price is also ridiculous. I have replaced theirs with a 10 kg front loading Bosch for just over half the price. Don’t touch them unless you want a world of frustration and hours and hours of wasted time.
Very Disappointed – Have previously owned a F&P washing machine and so was keen to get another. Within a year the bottom internal agitator fins snapped off, clothes do not clean as you would expect and clothes often have powder residue on them no matter how much or little powder you use. Would not recommend. Show details
Junk - Built to fail – If you paid this much for this piece of junk you got ripped off sorry. After 3 years almost every part failed. Suspension rods, bearings, agitator and bolts, rust. Cost more to fix than a new machine. Rubbish!
I hate this machine – This the worst machine I have ever owned. I cannot believe that a company is allowed to get away with the production of such rubbish. They are clearly contributing to global warming with the over production of sub standard machines as well as contributing big time to land fill issues. I’ll be happily throwing this machine over a cliff and replacing it with something that is not manufactured by Fisher & Paykel Show details
I am constantly getting very small holes in clothing especially linen and fine cottons from mens shirts to bed covers – When ironing i would see very small areas of broken thread I looked into it and thought it was coming from the machine as it uses little water causing the garment to be under the agitator against the blades. I had the agitator changed but it’s still happening Show details
Constant need of repairing – Terrible washing machine. Bought 2 years ago. Had to call Fisher & Paykel service for repeated repairs. This is now the 7th. Springs keep rusting, breaking and squeaking. Lid cracks as a result of it. Door does not lock properly after a while, design fault as a tech had to cut and modify a piece now. Now the "suspension" is broken and cannot spin. Show details
Disappointing, not the reliability of older F & P washers – After 4 & half years the rinse cycle always rumbles the machine out of balance. So frustrating, the machine is level and clothes are not out of balance. Of course out of warranty and calling a repair person has its expensive issue. Planning to try and replace rods diy. Online parts for rods is $100. Hope it’s worth it. Our last F &P washer lasted 15years. What is going on with this company. Sorry! will never buy another F & P Show details
If I could give it zero , I would – This machine has a the bane of my existence since I bought it. It has ruined all my clothes and chews everything. It is always out of balance , and it actually leaves the clothes filthy after a wash. Washing anything large or bulky is a no no. they come out disgusting, even after completing a bowl clean. Makes no difference. This machine should be recalled and discontinued. Show details
Avoid if unfinished cycles and endless beeping annoys you – The out of balance issue is outrageous. Our 3 year old machine has not worked properly for 6 months. Replacing suspension rods after 3 years should be a product recall especially as constant beeping may cause you to pour fuel on it and set alight. F&P response is to send a technician because it is out of warranty. This is a major failure and… Read more
clearly well known at this point, no need for a technician just send parts. 10 minutes to replace with a phillips no 2 screwdriver, not paying $150 to fix a near new machine. Our previous F&P machine was 16 years old and $50 for new main seal and bearing made it good as new. Should never have sold it. Any wonder landfill sites are full of these pieces of junk. Never again.
30 years of using fisher and paykel – Well this reminds me of using my mothers twin tub. Having been using your brand for over 30 years this unit destroys fabrics and towels. Without the agitator the cloths come out tangled into a ball and throws the machine off balance with every wash no matter how I put the cloths in. I am using more detergent as the cloths are not coming out clean… Read more
as with my old 8kg machine. You are set with the programming in many cases preventing changing water levels etc, yes you can use the bulk program but still not allowing me to change to suit the load. I am about to get my old machine repaired and replace this new machine. Very dissatisfied.
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