Biting the Bullet

[rinso]

Having recently downsized homes, we found our Hetties, which fit well in the old 10 X 10 laundry room, were monstrosities in their new home. A young co-worker made us an offer we couldn't refuse, and they were sold.

Now what to buy? My S.O. was definitely against a vintage set, but sugessted that we buy something unusual. We ended up choosing the TOL Fisher Paykel set.

It seem that folks either really like them, or hate them due to repairs or just because they are so different. We were willing to take the risk, just for the hell of it. The washer is of the wash plate design, and the dryer is top-loading. They both make odd noises, especially the dryer. So far, they are performing very well, and much better than the Hetties at pet hair removal. I like the fact that the washer gives you the choice of high efficiency or conventional top loading water levels in some of its cycles.

I'll let everyone know how we fare with these odd appliances.

 

[DADoES]

F&P's AquaSmart is a sibling to the Kenmore Oasis, Whirlpool Cabrio, and Maytag Bravos.

As discussed numerous times here, I've been using F&P laundry since 1999, beginning with a GWL08 and DE04, then upgrading in 2005 to an IWL12 and DEGX1 (the GWL08 and DE04 went to my grandmother). Never any repairs or trouble.

Looking forward to more details/comments/info on your new machines!

 

[DADoES]

Correction.

GWL08 & DE04 purchased 8/2/1999.

IWL12 & DEGX1 purchased 10/8/2004.

 

[rinso]

Fisher Paykel 1st week observations

Superior pet hair removal....Not sure which machine is mostly responsible
I get to use a reasonable amout of water if my load really needs it
Much less wrinkling and tangling than my Hetties
Comforter and sheets don't roll in a ball in the dryer
Very flexible controls let you configure things exactly the way you want
Dryer blower more powerful than most. On the first use, it blew residual lint out of my vertical vent all over the roof, and the deck, and the lawn.
Very odd sounding machines. One is always wondering if the sound is normal, or if something is wrong.
Mechanically complex mechanism on the TL dryer. At start up, it makes a loud thump, and other weird noises as it gets ready for the cycle. It does make me wonder how reliable the dryer will be long-term.
Only bad thing so far: Can't watch the washer. :'o( Wahhhhhh!

 

[DADoES]

<blockquote>Only bad thing so far: Can't watch the washer. :'o( Wahhhhhh!</blockquote>Surely you can. The lid lock can be tricked.

It's a spring-loaded claw hook. The lid tab presses down on the lower part of the hook, which causes it to rotate forward to engage the tab. Slip a slim, thin object, such as a table knife or spoon handle, into the slot at an angle, aim carefully and press down on the hook. The object can be removed after the lock solenoid engages .. but DO NOT close the lid until the lock releases.

I cut an old credit card to approximate the shape of the lid tab. The card will hold itself in the slot when the hook engages into it, which is easier to manage than having to deal with keeping a knife in the proper position.

The dryer noises are a bit alarming but the mechanism isn't as complex as it seems. There's a latch driven by a small motor that moves to engage (or release) the drum's access panel. The latch makes a sort of grinding noise when it operates. The thump is the drum panel sliding open or closed. I have a couple videos with the top deck up showing the opening and closing process, but they're currently not online for viewing.

 

[DADoES]

Drum Close

Drum Open

note: videos will be deleted after approx 1 week

 

[rinso]

Dadoes: Thanks for the tip on how to defeat the locking mechanizm. The machine comes close to the (bite your tounge) GM Frigidaires for being interesting to watch. My partner and I were very entertained this morning. Of course, maybe the Bloody Marys helped. ;o)

As for the dryer videos, thanks for those too. I love the way these machines work. I just hope I don't experience the reliability problems I've heard about. (crosses fingers, goes to church)

 

[rinso]

Oh sh**! I spelled mechansim wrong. I stink!

 

[rinso]

Update

Couldn't be happier with the washer. Its ability to let you chose between eco and conventional water use when loads require it, is awesome. Much less tangling than my Hettie.

On the other hand, I'm still skeptical about the dryer. It now occaisionally makes a ker-thump sound when the drum is rotating in one of its directions. Even when empty, it sounds like there is a tennis shoe in there.

 

[DADoES]

Someone on another message board is asking if the AquaSmart would handle wool sweaters well.

 

[frigilux]

Well, Glenn, I'm finally going to get to watch a Fisher & Paykel washer in person. A friend in Alexandria, MN who knows I'm into appliances had her brother and his wife call me with a question; They just moved into a house which came with a 3.0 cu. ft. (old school) Frigidaire FL'er pair (like mine, I'm assuming). They moved their 2-year old Fisher & Paykel (not sure which model) set with them, but it's in the garage.

They had never used a front-loader before and like it (it's so quiet!), but she's having problemsw with 'scum' being deposited on white loads when she pulls them out of the washer. I'm guessing the lip has never been wiped out and that's the source of the problem.

Anyway, their question was "should we keep the front-loader or get rid of it and install our F & P"? I, of course, said they should keep the F & P, as it's technologically more advanced than the Frigidaire. We're going to install them when I'm in Alexandria later this week. Yay!

 

[easyspindry]

Yay F&P

I have Fisher & Paykel Intuitive set -- top load dryer. The dryer is the best dryer I've ever had. When it finishes, the clothes are DRY -- not damp in spots. And it doesn't seem to get as hot as my old Whirlpool Duet. It does make some strange noises, but I figure that's the drum door opening and/or closing.

The washer is fantastic, too. I quickly learned how to fool the lid lock and have enjoyed watching it do its thing. It amazes me how it knows just how much water to use. I've never disagreed with its choice.

And the time I put in a very large load of towels, I was amazed at the agitator. When that baby started stroking, it sloshed water all over the kitchen. It was a long, hard stroke and really moved those towels around.

Sometimes it spray rinses once, sometimes twice -- or three or four times. Makes me wonder if it is somehow analyzing the water to see if there is any soap left in it.

The spin is great. I can iron my shirts (on my 1953 Ironrite) right out of the washer.

I've done one queen comforter, and it did much better than I expected.

Hope you remain happy with your F&P set. I've never seen the wash plate model. Should be interesting. But I really like the agitator.

Good Luck.

Jerry Gay

 

[rinso]

Someone on another message board is asking if the AquaSmart

There is a special cycle on the Aqua Smart for woolens, even prompting you to be sure and use a special detergent made for woolens. I haven't tried it yet, but I usually just have those items dry cleaned anyway.

 

[goprog]

Frigilux

When you going to Alex? I'm trying to get up there
tomorrow night or Friday if things work out.

 

[frigilux]

I'm leaving for Alex as soon as I shut down the computer. Then heading to Mpls. for the weekend. This is what's passing for a vacation this summer, LOL!

 

[goprog]

Times are tough.

 

[rinso]

I am still impressed with the operation of both machines. My pet hair problem has been highly attenuated.

One thing that I really liked was the "Omo" detergent that was included. I wish it was available here in the states.

 

[rinso]

These machines are soooo smart! They are great for the appliance impaired. Even my S.O. can follow the prompts on the LCD screen and get the right cycle for the load. I have been able to take down the set of instructions I had posted on the laundry room wall.