Whirlpool 6th Sense Zen Direct Drive Front Loaders
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This brand used to be great in the past, but now it feels outdated and stuck in the past—like it hasn’t evolved beyond the 19th century. The so-called '6th sense' technology is completely useless and makes no sense. The washing cycle takes forever to finish, whereas my old machine completed the same load in just 45 minutes with better results. I… Read more
don’t understand how this brand is still in business—it should have shut down long ago. I would strongly advise everyone to avoid it."*
Leaky, Rusty, Noisy – To be objective, I've looked at other similar reviews and I too have had similar problems with the FSCR12420 10kg m/c. The machine works great during the warranty period (funnily enough), but literally straight after that warranty expires my washing m/c started experiencing: 1. Water leakage from beneath the detergent dispenser, control panel, and… Read more
r/h corner (facing the m/c). 2. The door boot seal did not completely drain water, and would eventually grow mould. This I believe is a design fault, and no matter how many hot washes I do, or how much bloody clove oil I put on it, the mould refused to be cleaned off. So, I ended up getting a replacement seal (not too pricey if you know where to find a decent spare parts company online). 3. Now, as we speak, I've got clothes in the m/c and on the spin cycle there is this incessant banging sound, and I'm concerned that one of the supports for the drum might be damaged. 4. The worst is trying to find a repairer. I live on the south coast of NSW and the closest repairer is an hour away, which means either I take time off work just to haul this m/c to the joint, or I pay a call-out fee for them to come out and look at it and then quote me for another repair job that includes another call-out fee. 5. The tech support from Arisit are terrible. I was found to be at fault when I explained my situation regarding the water leakage, and I was told that I was using too much detergent (I use a standard cap-ful of powdered/liquid detergent), when the rep told me I should be using 30% of the cap. THIRTY PERCENT??? Where is this written in any manual, or on any laundry detergent bottle? My machine isn't one of the Auto-dose ones that are available, but I might consider one (a non-Whirlpool brand) if that is the case. 6. I bought the m/c from The Good Guys with their 3 year extended warranty (or what I thought was extended). Turns out the "extension" includes the manufacturer's warranty, and the extension is an extra year on top. I do have photos, which are on my phone and I'm typing this r/v on my computer, and I've already sent my pics to Arisit, but a similar r/v has almost the exact same problem as mine. I will also be writing a similar r/v to the matching dryer that we purchased at the same time, the HSCR80420 8kg heat pump dryer. I had to replace that due to an internal fault.
Wont last more then 5 years before rusting out – After 4 years of use has started to rust and leak. The leak occurs after every wash and after cleaning boot seal, filter. I thought it would be worth the money spent. UPDATE Just after this initial review the whole machine gave up 5 months out of warranty. It was cheaper to buy a new machine so purchased a Bosch at half the price and couldn’t be happier. Show details
Rate whirlpool when receive outcome to issue – This machine washes really well! But there is mould growth in the seal even though I leave the door open after I wash . And 5 years on I have noticed it is starting to rust (first sign is the bubbling of the white coating which then starts to flake off! A machine built to be exposed to water and detergents should be rustproof. No reason why… Read more
a machine would rust under the dials also ???? Let’s hope whirlpool step up with this one as I am reading this is happening to someone else .. Regardless of warranty consumer affairs state there is a legality to a product is expected to last for a reasonable time . I will get back on here once I see what whirlpool do with my request to compensate.!
Worst Machine Ever, Do Not Consider – Purchased the first machine on 21/08/2021, from the start this machine was exceptionally noisy particularly during the spin cycle, at close inspection I noticed a part missing inside the drum thinking this was the reason why it seemed unbalanced. Called the repairer and after a few weeks the part was fitted but not before some of our clothes were… Read more
ruined by sharp bits where the missing part was suppose to be. During the next cycle the vibrating was so bad I was sure it was going to self destruct. Contacted the supplier and the machine was replaced on 17/12/2021. Thinking the new machine was going to be a lot quieter, I couldn't be more wrong, again through the spin cycle the drum vibrates badly......worst machine we have ever purchased, once it self destructs and it will eventually, I will replace it with another brand and never purchase another Whirlpool.
*Update* Second machine failed as well, was advised that the main circuit board failed, contacted supplier, machine was replaced with a different brand.
Starting to rust – After my previous experience with a Whirlpool front loader (see my earlier review) I swore I would never purchase another one, and I didn't, I luckily won this one in a competition (from The Good Guys who sold me the last one and its worthless extended warranty, so I guess in a sense I did eventually get my replacement) which was very well timed… Read more
as the old one had just died (bad timing as we were using cloth nappies for our baby at the time). So this one has been okay, washes fine I guess, there's always water in the door seal after a wash and even though I wipe it out and leave the door open for a few hours (all day) every time there is mould growth on it. During most cycles the timer is way off, it might show say 7 minutes remaining for like 10 minutes then the last 3 will go in less than 1. One of the legs fell off when we moved house, it is now propped up on a folded piece of cardboard. And 5 years on I have noticed that this one is starting to rust now too (first sign is the bubbling of the white coating which then starts to flake off), previously Whirlpool blamed my choice of detergent but this one can't be explained by that as it isn't even near where the detergent goes. A machine built to be exposed to water and detergents should be rustproof. So now we wait until this one eventually dies too and buy a better brand washer.
Noisy and unreliable – I bought mine second hand in as new condition. But after four months it is dead. It was very noisy on spin and vibrated a lot. The features are great but not worth it when it won't spin heavy items. It's also insanely heavy. I threw it down my back steps because I couldn't manoeuvre it. Show details
Practical and useful Washer – Had a minor issue at the very beginning as a hose has come lose. However, after sales team attended to the matter as fast as they could and now its all good. First time user of a front load washer and love the features, convenience and build quality ( Italy) Show details
Don’t Touch It, Worst Machine Ever! – I thought I’d done the right thing & researched as this was to be my first front loader. I had always previously had top loaders. So I thought I’d pay a little more & get a good machine. WRONG, Big mistake!!!! This machine was purchased for $1500 in Aug 2016 from the Good Guys and I was pretty happy with it. Did a pretty good wash, I liked the… Read more
30min quick function, I could still add some garments early in the wash & found it easy to use. Then the soap dispenser started leaking from Jan 2018 off & on. When I called the warrantee service I was told it was our water pressure- it must be turned up too high. Over the next couple of weeks I kept turning it down till eventually the tap was nearly off & the limited amount of water going into the dispenser wasn’t clearing the washing liquid. So in (March & May 2018) the soap dispenser was replaced twice under warrantee.
I was hoping this would be the end of the issues as my previous Simpson top loader had no issues & I had it 14 years, & prior to that I had a Hoover top loader for 10 years.
Now just 3 years old & this machine is ‘out of warrantee’ it is totally unusable & broken down completely. The machine drum can’t spin without making a horrible crunching/grinding sound & the rubber seals between the door & drum have all buckled. The machine can’t be used at all. I contacted the mechanic who had previously fixed it under warrantee & it will now cost me $145 call out fee + $35 every 15 mins. So I’m looking at a minimum of $200 just to be told whats wrong with it & if it can be fixed. Then additional cost for parts & labour on top to fix it. I would have expected a machine costing $1500 would last more than 3 year old! I’ve also contacted Westinghouse - Aristic now via phone & e-mail & of course the complaint has been fowarded to the manager. No result as yet & I’m pretty angry cause I’m a family of 4 & can’t do without a machine, So I’m sitting her with a very expensive boat anchor cause that’s all it’s good for.
I don’t believe I’ve got value for money - as the machine as pretty much cost me $500 each year of use.
Good washing machine – Great to use and economical. This washing machine is good for for a wide range of clothes I am quite satisfied with the cycle times and the clothes is still clean even if you use quick wash function. The only thing is that it was a bit too noisy while it functions. Show details
Good silent machine – This product has many options for different fabrics, colours, etc. The two features I like most are time delay (since I have a smart meter, I do the washing at off-peak hours) and the fast 30 wash cycle, that does the washing of relatively clean clothes in 30 mins!. It's also incredibly quiet :) Show details
Why so difficult – I don't know what I'm doing wrong here but my Zen washing machine is not so zen. It keeps stopping during wash cycles for no apparent reason and is so noisy that i cant wash at night. This is the replacement machine as the first one was making weird noise and technicians agreed to have it replaced as it was faulty. I'm definitely having the techs come over again to have it swapped for a top loader. Show details
My First Whirlpool. Won't be my Last – I bought my machine last week and what an incredible change it's made to the cleanliness of my washing. My first wash was a load of whites which included an old tea towel that had difficult to remove stains. When it came out of the machine it was sparkling white. I was shocked and had to go and show my husband. It's very simple to use and… Read more
the machine recommends the cycle for you (which you can override if you want to). It is also super quiet compared to the Electrolux it replaced.
The salesman told me it was made in Europe (Italy from memory?) so the fact I could buy European made (and not Chinese) for the price was amazing value.
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10kg Zen Washer – ok so all the negatives first.... buttons are difficult to press there is no sound to notify you that the washing has finished and as for Zen I think not! it is the loudest machine I have ever had. the machine is balanced and I am not sure why it makes soooo much noise. other than the above the machine washes well and features are pretty simple. Show details
Horrible. Buy a Bosch – Brought this after my previous front loader burnt out the door lock. Got talked into this make and model by the sales person. What a mistake! First unit water pump was broken on installation. Second unit in less than two months now locks door and doesn't open when hour long cycle finishes. Only way to get clothes out is to manually turn it off… Read more
at power and then turn it back on.
Water stays in rinse section of detergent drawer after wash cycle, so splashes all over you when you open drawer to reload.
Biggest Lemon in my house and next time will pay extra for a Bosch.
No issues – It washes the clothes! that's all it needs to do! It's quiet. i can delay start so I'm not washing at night when my solar isn't going. It's big so i only need to do one load of washing a day (unless i have sheets/ towels in which case it's a second load) which saves heaps of time! It didn't cost me an arm and a leg so I'm happy Show details
Just what my family was looking for – Very quiet and efficient unit which uses much less water and power than our old 7.5kg front loader. Easy to use interface, plenty of modes and customisation, clothes have never come out so fresh and clean. Install was a breeze and new water hose is quality, highly recommend this washing machine. Show details
Very happy – My Whirlpool washing machine has been going strong for 6 years now. It still works perfectly fine, I haven't had to make a maintenance call and all of its features still work. I purchased it second hand and i couldn't be happier. It is a front loader and it is a base model. The only qualm i have the washing machine is that it doesn't allow… Read more
you to pick how long you would like the wash to go for. You only have the option of 30 minutes, 1 hr and 2 hours.
A few more in between times would be great :)
It is quiet and easy to use.
very happy with it – I replaced my old Whirlpool with this one because the last front loader lasted us over 11 years and we loved it. I haven't gone back to a top loader since the first one i purchased. This is super quiet and it is a 1.5kg larger barrel than the former one but it doesn't appear to be much bigger inside. Its quick and easy to use, and my only concern… Read more
is that over time the electronic buttons may wear out more quickly than a manual type but only time will tell. I paid just over $920 for it with delivery. I particularly love the 30 min quick cycle and the fact that it can be stopped mid cycle if safe for you to add in that extra sock that you forgot!
Not a fan – This is my first front load machine and I wanted to love it but have found that I wish I had got something else. The salesman said "it's 10kg load, you can fit a whole doona in it"... yes but I never have 10kg of washing. I need to do lots of small loads and this unbalances the machine so it moves alot. Salesman: "it's got Zen technology so you… Read more
don't hear the motor" yes but the spin cycle is so loud it sounds like a rocket launching. The touch button's drive me nuts. They won't switch machine on easily( - but seems to turn on easily when I lean against it? )until it finally turn's on then it has to think and blink for a while before I can set programs- no small load option and no option for soak). Old fashioned turn knobs would be quicker.
Update!: bought this feb 2017 it's now July 2018 and there is rust and paint peeling from bottom corner of washer..... I hate this hunk of junk. The one time i ran for someone to check it out (under warranty) no one got bsck to me at good guys. Hubby is handy and figured out issue.
Update!: Jun 2020...total pile of trash. The front is completely rusted all over looks terrible. On rainy days it just stops working (damp air effecting wiring maybe?). It still works but Ive never felt it really washed clothes well. Washable Nappies? Forget about it. Do not buy this brand.
Great... so far! – I was hesitant with this purchase, however no regrets to date! The quality of clean is brilliant, it's quiet and it has some great features that I love (eg: keep fresh!). Maintenance is easy also... overall I this this a a great value for money purchase. Of course there is better, I have no doubt, but in this disposable age, the longevity of goods is not longer a consideration. I am happy with the purchase to date and the price I paid! Show details
Rusting front loader – This machine works well but it rusts badly just above the door and this defect is NOT covered by our extended warranty. We know of a friend who also has the same model and his is even more badly rusted than ours! It also uses quite a lot of water for a front loader and very noisy when on the spinning cycle. Show details
Pleased at my first front loader – After only ever using a top loader, we decided to give a front loader a go. We have the 7.5 kg model. Satisfied user. A sleek interface - easy to use. Cleans clothes well particularly on the Ecowash. Initially suprised that it could take up to 4 hrs to clean clothes, but given the option of the frequent tumbling post-wash I just wash overnight now… Read more
and hang in the morning. Although mine is 7.5kg in capacity, the 55 litre drum seems to hold less, maybe 5 kg.... unless I wash dense fabrics then I'd hit 7.5kg? One little nuisance is sometimes small items like baby socks or mittens get stuck in the door and then collect all the gunk from the wash - the only resolve is using a wash bag. The fun bit - pulling all my laundry out in a few seconds as opposed the bending over and reaching down into the top loader, the most awkward thing when pregnant.
So far so good! – I took a huge leap of faith buying this machine as I could not find any reviews on it, but it was the only machine that seemed to tick all the boxes i needed - 10kg, variety of cycle lengths, cold inlet only, less than $2000. I have only owned it about a month, but so far very happy with how it washes our clothes and the choices of cycle type and… Read more
length. I do have to turn the rpm down so it doesn't shake my windows too much, but had to do this with my last machine so probably says more about my house than the machine!
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