Fisher & Paykel washer review
Written: Oct 06 '07 (Updated Oct 22 '07)
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Pros: Energy efficient, Less drying time, all around great machine
Cons: Plastic lid, no timed bleach dispenser, not much else
The Bottom Line: My recommendation to any one thinking of getting a Fisher & Paykel washer is, get it, you will love it
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| jacksonpain's Full Review: Fisher and Paykel EcoSmart GWL15 Top Load Washer |
Fisher and Paykel washer
Let me start by saying a little about myself. I have sold appliances for quite A while. Not only have I tried, but I also own many of the appliances I review. I also take service calls, so I hear which appliances have the most service problems. ( I usually own the ones that don't). That being said, I own A Fisher & Paykel washer and top load Dryer .
Fisher & Paykel, to many people seems like A new company. They have actually been in business for over 70 years, and are based in New Zealand. Unlike most companies they have opened and continue to open plants in America. They also have great customer service, where real people answer the phone ( no computer system with button pushing ).
Now to the stuff you would care about. Fisher & Paykel has three models of washing machines to choose from. They are WL26CW1 AquaSmart , IWL16 Intuitive Eco , GWL15 Ecosmart. I have the Ecosmart and this is the one I will be reviewing. All three machines are great and have few problems. In fact the AquaSmart has no agitator and can easily compare with any front loader on the market for capacity. I also sell or have sold Maytag, G.E, L.G, Frigidaire and Whirlpool, washers
Here are the questions I here the most
1. Is it energy efficient ? Yes, in fact its the most energy efficient top load washer in north America, and only uses 24% of the energy of a traditional washer. another way to put it a traditional washer uses around 45 - 60 gallons per load where this uses between 14 - 28 gallons depending on load size. Also it spins up to 1000 RPM so drying time is less. Takes about half as long as a front loader to wash and dry.
2. Are they more expensive ? Yes and no, if you compare it feature to feature against any top loader, no not by a long shot. If you compare it to the cheapest piece of junk in the store based only on price yes but then again so would almost everything else. Retails around $600
3. Do they have A good repair history ? Yes, at are store we have very few service calls and I would dare say they have the fewest service problem of any washer we sell. Also the washer will diagnose itself, and beeps in a sequence when something isn't right, then grab your owners manual and look it up. IE: 3 beeps hot water is not on. On top of that it should only take you a minute to remove the front and access it, because the only tool you need to work on it is a Philips screwdriver. Plus it come with a 2 year warranty ( that's twice as long as most )
4. Does it have a big tub ? Yes, and It's a stainless steel, 3.7 cubic foot capacity tub, and in my opinion holds at least 25 to 35% more clothes. The reason is Fisher & Paykel uses a brushless DC motor ( which means less parts around 66% less than a traditional washer no belts, pulleys, brakes, clutches, or transmission) which means you can fill it up and pack it in. Plus it's a self balancing wash tub ( no more walking )
5. Is it gentle ? Here's a shocker it is, unlike a traditional washer it does not beat your clothes with an agitator instead it washes with what's called Load sensing . The best way to describe it is like this, The same way if you where to put your hand in the wash tub and move the clothes back and forth, your brain would tell your hand how hard it needs to move the clothes. Well that's how it works. Plus it has a 3 speed motor 300RPM, 670 RPM, 1000 RPM
6. Is it hard to use ? No not at all, granted it looks like its going to be confusing but its not at all you have to do is hit power, pick your cycle,and hit start. The washer automatically picks the water temp, water level, and spin speed. You can over ride any of these options if you would like or set the favorite button ( side note: even though you can over ride the options, the washer will not let you pick anything that would wreck the cloths IE: cant do fast spin on the gentle cycle ). Something to remember use high efficiency detergent or no more than half of regular, and pour it directly down the agitator
Sounds to good to be true well there are some cons
1. Not as efficient as most front loaders
2. Not as large capacity as some front loaders
3. Does not have a timed bleach dispenser
4. Both washer and dryer's lid lock's when they start, and you have to press pause and wait a second before you can open it.
5. Washer and dryer lid are taller than normal "55 1/2 inches " so check cabinet dimensions to make sure lid can open.
6. Lid is made of plastic ( not a big deal but kind of looks cheap )
Remember before you run out and buy a Fisher & Paykel or any other washer do your homework. Buy your washer from a sales person who knows what there talking about. This is just my review, and my experience. This is not the only washer I like and there are plenty to choose from so good luck and make sure to look at front loaders or top loaders without agitators.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 599
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jacksonpain
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