Fisher & Paykel FabricSmart Top Loader

A solid reliable workhorse – Had the machine near a year now. Use 2 to 3 times most days. The full gambet of household cloths and linin. This machine is quiet, dependable and straight forward to use. Its soundly built and all the operational settings match the load to be washed well. No regrets at all. Show details

Never Again – Purchased Model WA8060P1 and have no end of problems.After the warranty ran out we had to have the logic board replaced and then six months later water starts leaking from the bottom of the appliance We always thought Fisher Paykel was a name that could be trusted and on reflection that was a myth. Will never go anywhere near this companies… Read more

products ever again,BE WARNED from the reviews their products are not worth the exorbitant prices they charge.

Such a bad experience – I had the previous Fisher and Paykel Fabricsmart washing machine for 15 years. It was awesome. When it died, I replaced it with the latest version of the same model. That was a mistake. The new one constantly goes out of balance, it leaves white residue on everything, and the absolute worst bit, at only 2.5 years old the agitator fins have… Read more

snapped! This meant that it put holes in my clothes! I rang Fisher and Paykel to request they fix the agitator fins, and they told me the machine is out of warranty so I would have to pay to get it fixed! I pointed out that under the Australian Consumer Law goods have to be of an acceptable quality and durability, and if they fail outside of the warranty period the manufacturer is still obligated to repair the issue if it is reasonable to expect that the goods would last for that amount of time. I asked them if they thought it was reasonable that an $809 washing machine would fail after 2.5 years. They said yes! They also said that the consumer law did not matter to them, and they are bound by internal processes, not the law. So... now I'm deciding whether to just ditch the thing and replace it with another brand, or whether I go to my local office of fair trading and spend the time and effort to fight them. Please be very wary when dealing with this company. Anyone who considers themselves not subject to the laws of the country they are trading in is a matter of concern.

Excellent Machine 14 years of trouble free use – This was the 3rd Fisher and Paykel top loader we have had in the past 30 years and because they have been so good we are just about to upgrade to a new one. But we have discovered that they now make 3 models of the 10KG capacity and there is not a lot of difference between them for the $600 price tag difference so it seems like a marketing… Read more

exercise rather than to provide a better quality product, particularly as the reviews for the most expensive model are far worse than the cheaper model.

What has come to light by reading all the reviews for all the models and that I was not aware of because we have not had any problems with our old machine is that customer service is if falling owners of the most expensive model.

I was going to buy the more expensive machine because it was more like the one we had but after reading the bad reviews on that compared to the good reviews for the cheaper model I think I'll save some money, more than a third of the price and go the cheaper one.

It has one year's less warranty but given the poor repair service from F&P I don't think that it's an advantage, I'd prefer a more reliable machine.

I'm giving F&P one more go because of the good history I have had with them up to now but if this one turns out to be a dud they have lost me for all their goods.

There are a lot of manufacturers out there and many new ones from developing economies entering the market the only way for established brands to hold on to customers like me is to produce a quality product and provide a quality service.

Sadly from what I have read here it seems F&P may be listening to their marketing people more than their customers.

One good model that does the lot is better than 3 models with little difference than price and with quality compromised by trying to create a point of difference that is negligible and unwarranted.

NOT HAPPY JAN!!!!!!! !!? – We have been very happy and loyal Fisher and Paykel users since our twenties (now 70's) and regrettably have to say we are not happy with your call centre. After using a front loader in our caravan for nearly four years, we were delighted to purchase a new top loader when we moved back into a house again in January. We chose our washing… Read more

machine based on the following criteria ... the FIsher and Paykel brand, the faster wash cycle with it being a top loader, the value for money (price)! Not minding it being a run out model soon to be discontinued, the helpfulness of the salesman at Harvey Normans compared to the disinterested almost rude salesman at The Good Guys ... we wanted a quick, quiet machine which did a good wash.

FIrst issue was when being installed out of the never before opened and non damaged box, was that there was a dent on the top side which is able to seen over the level of the tub beside it. This dent caused one of the hoses to jam so we needed to have a serviceman call to set it going. he indicated that the machine should have been exchanged but that was not possible due to it being the last for sale in the shop. He said that we should be due some compensation, so subsequently we emailed the service centre, receiving the automatic reply stating that we would receive a phone call from customer care in the next 24 to 48 hours ... some 4 weeks later we still hadn't received a call, so emailed a second time, copying the original email. It would now be more than two weeks since we received the second perfunctory reply saying we would receive a call from the call centre in 24 - 48 hrs ... no call.

In the meantime we experienced difficulty getting the machine to do a spin only after hand washing some clothes. Our main issue other than the call centre, is the unfriendly logic of the model. To avoid necessitating a second service call, we called the call centre ... the girl on the phone assured us that we were doing everything right, therefore she and we concluded that it must be therefore a faulty machine. A serviceman called who understood the complex logic and showed us what to do ... the machine was not faulty at all. He also stated (as did the first technician) that we should be compensated for the dent on the side, and he is happy to verify the damage, having sited it first hand. We would have expected at least $100 discount had we purchased the washing machine out of the box, therefore having seen the dent before purchase.

In summary, we are happy with Fisher and Paykel for over 50 years ... we like the machine for its speed and quietness and the way it does a good wash (the only issue we see is the logic of the machine being not easy to follow) extremely happy with the professionalism and helpfulness of the servicemen/technicians ... but the Call Centre has a lot to answer for!!!

Can someone please get back to us and sort the dent issue for us ... thank you.

SIncerely ... Nic

Love it still after 3yrs – Many cycles. Tried all and extremely satisfied. Delicate cycle very good for a top loader. Cycle times accurate and love that I can spin one item of clothing and does not go out of balance. Use it regularly and it hasn't missed a beat. Also has a good fast spin. Love it.  Show details

It just works – washes well, is mostly quiet in operation and though sceptical about full auto it does a good job in selecting fabrics, spin speed and wash action. Powder through the top is easy and never found anything undissolved. You can set how you like or just press start, now been running for 3 years including a move out of Sydney.  Show details

Bought for my mother – For the price it is a good machine. My mother wanted it because it had an agitator. She used to have an old washing machine and she had read up about how when it doesn't have an agitator it does not wash your clothes as good. She also needed a top loader as she cannot bend down. This model was a good size. Not too big and when it is just her… Read more

she can put it on the short cycle. It was simple to hook up and the controls are simple to use. It is average when it comes to noise. No noisier then mine that I have at home.

So far no complaints.

Computer died after 3 years, just out of warranty – Worked okay for 3 years. Then the computer died. Terrible. Never buy another Fisher Paykel product again. I Rang the call centre. Service fee will be about $150 and the new computer part over $100. Not sure it's worth having it fixed as high probability of something else failing after. Lousy quality product.  Show details

Power cut on spin cycle and now it's dead! – The worst machine. Few months ago the machine kept saying 'power cut' when it got to the spin cycle in rinse 1. It would restart 10 seconds later for 1 minute then power cut again. Had a technician come in and said something had gone and needed a new part. $125 for the part, another $125 for the technician to come in. It's been 1 month and he… Read more

still hasn't come in to fix as the part was back ordered.

Today, the machine DIED during a cycle. It won't turn on. I'm fed up with this machine, especially when we pay $1500!

Have to get another technician to come in and assess the problem. It's really SLACK of Fisher and Paykel to put out a model that doesn't last. I see someone else has had this problem too so it's not just a one-off like they told us.

We previously had a Fisher and Paykel Gentle Annie that lasted 23 years. Compared to the Gentle Annie, this model is a load of crap.

After 3 years the Washing Machine is not working - – At least 10 times our machine has stopped. When it gets to a spin cycle we get a message on LCD power cut,turn power off & on says restart in 10 seconds than stops after 5seconds.The power point is fine all other appliances are working perfectly. Fisher & Paykel produces rubbish products, I am very disappointed.  Show details

It makes my life easy. I like it! – I like a washing machine with an agitator compared to the one without. I set and forget this model so I really like it.I don't have to keep changing the settings. It has a timer so I know when the wash is going to finish. It has a pause button in case you need to add more clothes.The only thing I don't like is, it doesn't collect the lint or it… Read more

doesn't have a lint bag so sometimes the lint are left on the clothes specially the blacks. Overall, I am very happy with it coz it makes my life easy.

Never a problem – Had this unit over 15 years. Never had any technical or mechanical problems. Auto water sensor has been a bit finicky on occasion and rethinks itself a few times, but that is all we could say about it in a negative aspect. The purchase date provided is an approximation only.  Show details

Quality Machine; Very Efficient and Clever – So quiet and easy to use. Most cycles are under 50 minutes. Clothes are clean, no lint, no tangles, and using the 1100 Spin Cycle clothes are almost dry. ECO is great for those on water restrictions or not using fabric softener. Delay start is best to capitalize off peak night electricity. Clever, the first 8 minutes of the wash cycle, water and… Read more

detergent are mixed then sprayed over the clothes. The barrel is filled to set level after that time. Note; Detergent must be poured into the centre of the agitator. Tip: To soak clothes longer than the maximum 2 hours just turn the machine off at the wall or the machine will auto drain.

I manually set the water level based on the agitators 5 levels; the auto fill is a bit too conservative.

The machine doesn’t have cycle advance which I miss, as changing any setting other than the water level will completely restart the cycle. Rinse cycle is a short wash then rinse of about 30minutes.

Design by Kiwi’s in mid 2015 and built in Thailand (WA8060P1). This machine is quality right out of the box and the user guide should be read. Purchased May 2016. No Problems thus far.

Replaced Simpson 756 Encore 7.5kg, 16 years old, noisy, 15% bigger barrel, water and power hungry.

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Pretty Good – I've had this for 2 years now & works fine so far without a single problem. Does a pretty good job with clean clothes but can be noisy some times. I like the feature that automatically works out how much water to fill up to help keep water consumption down but still not sure how accurate it is. Updated Dec 6...I had a minor problem just outside… Read more

F&P warranty but fortunately had an extended warranty through Appliances Online. Very quick & easy process & had F&P service contact me next day to arrange on site repair within 3 days. F&P Rep was great. I got a text the night before advising I was first up the next morning & he would be there at 7am - which he was. Very friendly, helpful & outstanding customer service at every stage. Highly recommend F&P even if you do have an issue.

Confusing Options – It's okay but the options are so awkward to adjust so quite often people will just get confused and press power and start meaning that they will often get a cold wash with an Auto Sensing water level when they might not want it so stupid. Its alright if you want to always use an auto water level.

A pain to wash with – We bought this machine 5 or so years ago after the salesman highly recommended it. Although it has never broken down it is a pain to use. The clothes come out so badly covered in lint there is excess dust everywhere even when you shake them out before and after hanging out. Which them creates excess dust in my children's rooms. So I would not… Read more

recommend to anyone who has an allergy or children's with allergies. The clothes don't ever feel clean after they have been washed. You can't put anything in it that is heavy because it constantly goes of balance. Winter is the worst because if I put even just one of my husbands jumpers in it goes of balance and you have to fiddle with it to work. Doesn't spin if I put the bath mats in. And wouldn't spin with my sons single quilt in it. I had to take it to the laundromat to wash. My husband's work clothes never come clean either. It doesn't get any marks or stains out of clothes so you have to soak a lot of stuff beforehand. I really wouldn't recommend it. Especially not to families. Started of okay and has gotten progressively worse over the years. Just replaced it with a front loader.

Quiet and great washing machine – Have had this washing machine for a few years. The stand out feature is its quietness and also a range of cool modes such as Eco power mode and duvet mode. It also senses the amount of water and the type of fabric so quite handy. No problems so far. Clothes come out clean however there may be some residue left on it depending on how dirty your… Read more

clothes are. There is also the option to rinse the machine on its own but I found that to be a waste of water and energy as it doesn't do much.

Great Machine – Washes clothes well with no lint left on clothes. Spin cycle is very good, clothes come out nearly dry. Doesn't tangle or rip clothes. Quick and efficient, I have a family of 4, and wash most days and I find the 8kg is just right. I have used this machine since the start of January 2016. The only bad thing I found was the auto water fill does not… Read more

fill the right amount in the tub, so I manually use med or high water level depending on the amount of clothes to be washed and this solves the problem without a hassle. I would recommend this machine.

Didn't work from day 1 – went to use the machine the first time, dial would only go to regular. Other options wouldn't work properly either. Technician came and ordered part. He returned to fix the machine three weeks later. Machine worked for a day. Again dial wouldn't work. Technician returned. Needs a tech expert to come and put another part in. That was two weeks ago have not been able to get a date for the repair and we are without a working washing machine.

SOLID AS – I have owned this washer for just on 3 years it has been faultless. I was just reading some of the reviews on it and am surprised at some of the negativity. I wash large loads daily and sometimes multiple loads, to date no issues, in fact friends have used my machine and gone and purchased their own straight away. to my knowledge they haven't had issues either. Great machine would buy again along with any other Fisher & Paykel products.

Buyer beware – I purchased this machine 8/2/13 on the 14/7/14 I had a technician come an replace the electronic device after having numerous problems now it is Not working again an warranty has expired... This machine is a lemon to say the least.. Im very angry! I only wash every fourth day as i am a family of 3 only. Technician is coming again at a cost of $135.00 to just look at it! This is a joke... Do not buy!

Rubbish machine - Great design but made of junk – I love the Fisher and Paykel technology - load sensing, water sensing, cold + wash option (raises the cold water temp just a little without making it 'warm') and all the different wash options - I was sold on the tech. We have F&P washer, dryer and fridge. The owning experience was less than happy however. We washed at least once a day. … Read more

Inlet solenoids failed - twice - replaced once under warranty

Motherboard failed - 3 times - even with a surge protector installed. Replaced once under warranty.

Fins snapped off agitator

Wash repeatedly left undissolved detergent on clothes - service tech said we should be using liquid detergent and the warm / hot wash option. This wasn't our idea of an energy efficient machine if we had to use anything other than cold water. Tech also informed us we should turn off the auto water level sense feature and use the full load option. again this would use way more water than we had hoped for the machine.

No lint filter meant that all lint was nice and evenly distributed on wash - how could they leave a lint filter out of the product? Again, service tech somehow blamed lint on using powder detergent instead of liquid. Ironically the machine came with 6 months supply of powder detergent with the machine from the manufacturer when we bought it!

I rarely had a 'clean' wash from this machine. Having to wash some items twice certainly made it less than energy efficient.

Good riddance!!!

Terrible washing machine – Purchased my F&P in 2012 from Good Guys who guaranteed me that it was a top quality machine, what a waste of money! The agitator wings snapped within 4 months so it got replaced under warranty, yet again within 12 months the crappy plastic agitator broke, clothes are being streaked with lint and soap scum, I hate the bloody thing. Update 2016 - the electronic panel has now gone!

died at 9 years – i got a good run out of it. Only one breakdown, that wasnt too expensive to fix. Its now coming back with error code 130 and 136. Decided to go back to a front loader as they wash better. The washing powder goes straight into the machine with all the dirt on your clothes. No wonder it comes out with grey streaks Got clothes very dry had to soak clothes in laundry tub before putting into washing machine

Great Machine – We had to replace our old, reliable but dying, top loading F & P machine and seriously didn't want to.We spent a fair bit of time reading reviews on washing machines before purchasing - a disheartening process. After considering front loaders with their long cycles and the non agitator top loading options (the ones we saw were poorly… Read more

reviewed), we opted for this Fabric Smart machine. We are only 2 weeks into it, but It has run perfectly, is easy to use and we wash a load almost daily. In our view, the more features any machine has, the more potential problems there are. We only need the basic cycles and this machine suits us well. In addition, there has been no lint or smudges left on clothes. We are very happy with our decision.

A good top-loader – F&P's direct drive design is excellent for quietness, reliability and fast spin, but the machine is let down somewhat by unreliable electronics. Our previous F&P top-loader washing machine lasted 18 years with a couple of valve services until an electronics board failure made it uneconomic to repair. We chose the new machine for its similar size… Read more

and features including a wool cycle.

A menu screen shows setting options that are not touch-selected but are scrolled and selected by facia buttons, The settings may have more options than the previous machine, some of which we as empty nesters may never use, but the process is a bit tedious. The water level setting 'automatic' does not add quite enough water to our eyes. If the water level is set to maximum with a full load, some minor splashing out of the bowl into the cabinet can occur as the bowl sinks down on its suspension when full.

The menu screen was faulty on arrival and the whole electronics board had to be replaced, a service call we could have done without.

Apart from these irritations we are very happy overall with the machine so far after three weeks.

Does not do what it is designed to do – I have had this machine for about 8 months now, i have tried out all the settings and no matter what I pick it just never seems to clean my clothes properly, I always end up having to rewash most things. There is a preset option with the machine when turned on which lets you select how dirty your load is, good option except you cant control the… Read more

spin speed so the clothes usually come out very wrinkly and tangled. Prior to this machine i owned a westinghouse front loader which was excellent especially in cold water...the fabric smart machine is a poor peformer in cold water even on the most advanced clean setting. When i use the handwash setting, clothes come out as dirty as they went in and with detergent stuck to all the clothes. The only thing i like is that it is quiet but i would much rather a loud machine that washed my clothes properly! Too many gimmicks and not enough performance!

so far so good.. touch wood! – Have had this machine for a few years now, got it second hand from a friend who was moving, so at least 4 years old.. Has performed well, despite initially having troubles getting the hot water to work, eventually got it to work and thankfully haven't looked back.. Always put washing powder in first, let the water fill a little before… Read more

throwing the clothes in..

Nice way to have auto sensing water level.. Makes my life easy.. Just walk away..

Wash at least 2 times a week with a 3/4 to a full load.. Worried that it may be overloaded but still completed the job fine..

Machine not 10 years old yet and the bowl has completely collapsed, broken off, whatever keeps it le – I bought the machine for $990 in June 2005. Have had no problems until Easter Monday. The bowl completely collapsed and is leaning right over to the side of the machine. I sent Fisher & Paykel an email around 7am last Tuesday, 7 April, 2015. Still have not received a reply nor an acknowledgement of my email. I just found out that this model has been discontinued. Is it because the bowl was known to collapse.  Show 3 replies

3year old top loader not working – At least 4times our machine has stopped.When it gets to a spin cycle we get a message on LCD power cut,turn power off&on says restart in 10 seconds than stops after 5seconds.Our power point is fine. I had my previous F&P top loader for ten years no problems this one is a dud.Has anyone had a similar problem?

It's a dud - I want a refund – After 12 years without issues from our previous F&P washing machine, we decided to replace it with another P&F since the last one had been so reliable. We bought our Fabric Smart F&P washing machine a month ago & both hoses were leaking from the start. It was installed by appliances online so I know it was installed properly. We tried to fix… Read more

it ourselves but couldn't so contacted Appliances online's customer service department. They advised that this was a common complaint with this machine & that new hoses usually fix the problem. Appliances online advised they would contact F&P & have new hoses delivered to us within a week. So a week without a washing machine & F&P mailed us new hoses.

We installed the new hoses and they were okay for about 2 weeks. Now they are leaking too, but this time they are leaking from the rear of the machine.

I have contacted F&P again & have been told that I have to wait another week until someone can come out & have a look at the machine. This is ridiculous. We will be pushing for a refund..

Don't buy this machine

lint and grime – Hate this machine it doesn't matter how many times l clean it lint and grime build up around agitator dissatisfied.

CRAP! – Bought this machine just 2.5years ago. Usually use the machine once a week, twice a week at the most. There is only 2 of us, no children and we work in the office. Our clothes were hardly heavily soiled. This F&P washing machine is over rated, so called 'smart'. Hardly the case, died on us suddenly! Priced at more than $900 I would have expected… Read more

more years out of this machine. Disappointed to find similar reviews posted here about this machine. Wished I had looked before buying. Never again F&P. Not keeping my hopes up on your customer service either. Your machine and your brand is CRAP!