Fisher and Paykel EcoSmart purchase

[missourimom]

I'm looking for a little advice concering a new washer/dryer purchase. Everyone here seems to know so much -- I'm really hoping you can help.

I have my options down to the FP EcoSmart and EcoSmart top-loading dryer, or the Whirlpool Cabrio. Opinions? Thoughts? What's the reliability of the top-loading dryer like?

Any help is REALLY appreciated. Thanks!

 

[bobbyd32l]

Well, I have the Whirlpool Cabrio and Love it! It washes Very well, uses very little water, and spins very fast. It has a bunch of nifty features that get the wash nice and clean! Its also very quiet and overall is a very pretty machine! The Reverse roll over or what whirlpool calls a blossoming action works very well. It has 6th sense which basically tells the brain how much is in the machine to determine how much water to use. Catalyst ( WP call it DirectInject) which forces clean soapy water into the clothes for a deeper clean.

I love my Cabrio, but Ive never seen a F&P washer so I dont know anything about them. I do know that consumer reports likes them, but have a higher repair rate.

 

[DADoES]

I have the more deluxe Intuitive Eco washer and the (electric) SmartLoad TL dryer (probably the same dryer you are considering). Two years old. No trouble with either. I also have a six-year-old SmartDrive (model GWL08) washer that my grandmother is using, never any trouble with it, either. The most common point of failure on the newer washers is the recirculation divertor valve. It's supposed to be an easy fix, and the part is not expensive. Sears Parts online carried it at one time for $17, but they may have dropped carrying F&P parts, model searches came up "not found" the last few times I looked there.

One point of concern on the dryer: I've read several reports on the GAS version (NOT electric) that the ignitor assembly is somewhat delicate and sometimes is damaged by mishandling during shipping/delivery.

Interesting that you're considering the Cabrio along with the F&P machine. Whirlpool "borrowed" some key technology (the motor and agitator/basket drive design) from F&P for the Cabrio and its sibling the Kenmore Oasis. Some parts of the Cabrio/Oasis wash cycle operation are similar to F&P.

 

[missourimom]

Thank you both for the info! I had noticed some similarities between the FP and Whirlpool units, but I didn't realize the exact relationship. I have been leaning toward the FP -- my only hold back was reliability. Now it's decision time. Thanks again!