Fisher Paykel Washing Machines coming to Europe

[liberator1509]

It seems F&P are finally bringing laundry to Europe with their stylish new FL washers. I really hope the bring the CleanSmart Top Loader too, but I suspect that won't happen :-(

Have any NZ/AU members tried the new FL range, or the CleanSmart for that matter?

D

http://https//www.fisherpaykel.com/uk/laundry.html

 

[ronhic]

...so how do they compare

Well that's a good question. Choice have recently compared washing machines and a couple of the F&P machines were included.

 

I've chosen both machines as well as Miele W5873 and AEG L77480. Not exactly a fair comparison from a price perspective, but thought it would be interesting to see how they compared to a 'high-mid end' and 'high end' machine.

 

A couple of things the photo couldn't get were the Db ratings. Miele was 58, F&P 60 and 57 and AEG 62.

 

Both the Miele and AEG optimise the wash time part way through the cycle so the initial 143m of the Miele becomes 84m and the AEG from 106m to 71m compared to the F&P machines running for 126m each.

 

The spin efficiency of the machines is actually pretty good really when you consider they are 1100rpm compared to the Mieles 1600 and the AEG 1400.

 

Note that these results are using a cold wash and a 3.5kg wash load, which is apparently what people tend to wash.

 

[washer111]

Interesting...

I've found the F&P front loaders to be quite interesting.
From what I understand, these are some sort of rebadged, generic Italian/Greek/Spanish product that they have - unless they've been refreshed, or Haier's acquisition of F&P has resulted in them using those machines instead.

The great thing about the F&P top-loaders, if you should ever get them, is they are highly efficient with water, and seemingly good cleaners. You can choose to be frivolous with those machines too, which is a *really* nice feature! (Except in Europe where using such amounts of energy would require donations to science).
The top-loaders are where F&P really do shine, I suppose.

The other interesting thing: Choice testing the washing in Cold water.
Is this 30º ("tempered") or pure, unadulterated cold water?

 

[iej]

The issue in much of Europe would be water charges rather than energy when it comes to top loaders.

They're not high everywhere and not metered everywhere but in many EU markets the charges for water are steep enough to make you think.

 

[liberator1509]

Thanks Chris
The price difference between the F&P and Miele is eye-watering, but very little in it otherwise - enough to warrant the cost? That said, F&P command a premium price over here in Ireland - the standard double dish-drawer coming in at well over E1000, putting them firmly in 'premium' territory along with Miele and Neff.

Washer 111 - earlier F&P front loaders were rebadged Turkish machines - decidedly not in the first rank, but these look like a different league - who knows! It will be interesting to see them in the flesh. I'd love to buy a CleanSmart Top Loader, but I doubt they will sell them here. I have a F&P Aquasmart and it is brilliant - has made me a convert to the brand.

James - yes water charges are very significant (especially in Ireland right now!), but the Aquasmart and CleanSmart top loaders are low water models, and capable of about 10L per kg, which is not far off an average FL washer.

 

[ronhic]

The front loaders are made in China these days.

 

My mother has one of the Beko made machines...and they also used Bauknect/Whirlpool machines too.

 

[rapunzel]

F&P offer front loaders to appeal to that segment of the market. Washer111 is absolutely right about their top loaders being quintessential F&P and that is what they (used to) focus on. Since the Haier take over we may soon come to witness the devolution of F&P products to generic and dull.

 

[liberator1509]

Quality drift

I sincerely hope that Haier has enough business sense to see that innovation and quality design are what mark F&P out! There is enough dull and dreary design out there...