Our washer died shortly before our move in November. Ty decided we would buy a new washer this time – a big step for us!
Our first washer/dryer set was purchased used from my great uncle’s appliance shop about 15 years ago. When it cratered, we bought a set from my mom’s elderly neighbor lady who was moving to assisted living. She probably washed a load every 2 weeks. We used to joke about how that poor old washer and dryer never saw the likes of us! It lasted us about 10 years. In fact, the dryer is still going strong (my understanding is dryers can almost always be fixed fairly inexpensively…washers, not so much).
The washer Ty came home with that day has been such a blessing, I wanted to share with you my experiences upgrading to a true large family washer!
We purchased a Fisher & Paykel WashSmart top-load washer. Fisher & Paykel wasn’t a brand we were familiar with, but the gentleman who owned the appliance store explained that for the money, this brand was good quality and would do well for our size of family.
The selling point for Ty was the fact that it spins out the clothes at 1100 RPM, leaving less work for our dryer. When the clothes come out of the washer, they are markedly less damp. We’ve cut our drying time by about 20 minutes. Many large families will invest in a second dryer to keep up with the rate of washing; however, there is no need to do that when you’re clothes don’t need as much time to dry. (You can adjust how fast the clothes spin out if you do not want them to go that fast.)
The selling point for me was the size of the wash basin – a 22 pound capacity! The basin is HUGE! Every time I go to do laundry, I am amazed at just how much I can fit in there!
It is also super easy to add the detergent. You fill the basin to the line on the agitator and add the detergent to the hole in the center. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
Oh, and if you don’t have a super mega load of laundry in there, you can always ask the machine to determine how much is in there and automatically adjust the water height.
The entire console is digital and very easy to use. Nearly every load only requires me to push 2 buttons – Power and Start.
We love this machine so much, you are probably going to get to see it if you drop by the house for a visit! We are weird like that.
One reason I’ve had laundry on the brain lately is because our laundry schedule has been all out of whack since the move. Remember, I told you I had the kids doing their own laundry. Well, somehow the chaos of moving caused me to go into survival mode and *I* ended up doing ALL the laundry every single day. Thankfully, the new washer made this a fairly painless event. (Except the putting away! Will I ever learn to enjoy that part?) But, frankly, this isn’t an ideal situation when you have 10 people to cook, clean, and wash for. This past weekend, I printed off a new laundry sheet and we got back to our old way of washing. Yay!
2018 UPDATE >>
Starting earlier this year the “fins” on the agitator started to break off. They are made of pliable plastic, so I suppose that was inevitable. I did not choose to replace the entire agitator until the last fin broke off at the end of this year – 4 years after purchasing the machine (I know, I know – I’m cheap). I bought the replacement from Amazon HERE. I’m still very happy with the machine, but I did feel this issue warranted an update.
Do you have a large family friendly washer and/or dryer? Please share your experiences!
Candice Matthews says
Fisher and Paykel is a New Zealand brand, it’ll last you forever… But I may be biased I am from there haha. The washing machines also play the national anthem. Google how to do it. “Fisher and Paykel washing machine music” it’s pretty cool.
Amy says
Ha! I’ll have to try that!
Nikki says
We don’t have a family sized one but our last couple washers have been front loading/ use a lot less water and yes come out practically dry. I do think that having a second set would be sooooo useful at times but we are limited on space. 🙁 I always still have a pile of dirty laundry waiting for me. i am so thankful though for the one I have. 🙂 Washing by hand….I can’t even imagine it!
Andrea says
We have this set too and LOVE it! Way better than the Frigidaire front loads we had before.
Elizabeth says
thank you for sharing! our washer just died on Saturday, and we’re waiting for the repairman to give us the price to repair it. trying to decide whether or not to upgrade – the one you shared looks wonderful and I know F&P is a great brand.
Michelle says
Your washer sounds fantastic! I will keep that brand in mind when we need one. Our dryer takes a minimum of 70 minutes to finish a load, ugh. We hang up a lot, but still. We wash 11-14 loads a week (6-7 loads of clothes a week, plus a load of towels/sheets/etc.) almost every day. You understand. 🙂
Joanna says
Our Washer just died on us a couple weeks back. I was doing our family of 8 laundry by hand for about a week. We were able to get one from a a friend who grandma was going into a assisted living. Been trying to figure out what is the best route to go with a large family. The washer that died was only 6 years old. But we do 3-5 loads a day.
Amy says
By hand, ack! I bet you gained some muscle!
Nicole says
We recently had to replace both our washer and dryer. We got the LG 5.2 cu ft washer and the 9 cu ft dryer. I LOVE these two! I was doing 21-22 loads a week now I am doing 7-8. They hold so much and the washer spins almost dry (even towels). The washer is suppose to hold an entire king size bed’s worth of linens (comforter included).
Jenn says
So does the wash load take longer with the super sonic spin? Ours does that spin thing too and while nice for drying time, the wash cycle takes FOREVER. ugh. I would love to have one that doesn’t do that. I now feel like I need 2 washers. :/ The lid on ours also locks during each cycle and if you pause it so you can open the lid (add a garment or vinegar etc) it drains all the water. ugh. Hoping this one you found is maybe a better option for us at some point.
Amy says
The wash cycle does seem to be a bit longer, but my washing and drying times now match, so I feel like I’m more efficient.
Lisa says
We were blessed with my dad’s Kenmore front-load large capacity washer seven years ago. We also have a large capacity dryer, though it’s not front-load.
I have to say that fixing washers inexpensively is not impossible. My husband has replaced several parts (door latch, pump, bellow and some wiring harness)) and saved us a lot by doing so. Each part varies in cost, but the most we’ve spent for one is $120 or so, including shipping. We trouble-shoot by using Google, and have always been able to match symptoms to a specific problem for our particular machine. Then we buy the part by matching part numbers and use You-tube videos for directions on fixing. It’s been cheaper for us than buying a new machine of simar size. But of course there are parts that would not be worth it to fix based on costs.
All that to say it’s not always true that you can fix dryers inexpensively but not washers.
I like the look of your new washer though! Looks really simple to use as well, which is a plus.
Amy says
Yes, I agree…we fixed the old washer a couple of times before the issue became “not worth the money.” Thankfully, many of the repairs were made by a friend of ours who didn’t charge us labor cost!
Josi says
“Thank you Jesus for my washer and dryer”…..these are the words you will often hear me saying as I do laundry! I never want to take for granted the privilege of having these wonderful machines. I have been on several missions trips where I have washed my clothes by hand, taken them to a rooftop to hang dry or had the water supply into an old washer be so bad that it took 20+ minutes just to fill. We purchase most items used but we did buy a new w/d set some years ago. It was a HUGE deal. I get the excitement! I don’t mind doing laundry but I never like the putting away part either (or waiting for others to put their laundry away). Wouldn’t it be great to have a laundry/clothes storage room?….you could just hang the clothes up or put them on shelves right there next to the w/d.
Amy says
In this house, I do have 2 of the younger boys’ clothes in the laundry room, but I would need a room the size of my kitchen to put everyone’s clothes in there (and have a table to fold on too 🙂 )
Bonnie says
We love our Fisher & Paykel Washer and Dryer! We have had to do a few repairs but my husband was able to do that without much problem. Parts are available and the design much simpler then many other brands, easier to work on. Our local repairman told us that local industry use Fisher-Paykel Washer and Dryers in there plants because of their durability. We replaced our washer and dryer (Kenmore-front loader washer, very disappointed! It broke and would have cost $400.00 or more to repair. Sold the Kenmore dryer-it still had life in it.)They are made in New Zealand and are of much better quality then anything else I have owned.
DanaV says
Nice!! We have just a normal sized ONE :(. Isabel does the laundry. She actually hang dries outside as soon as it is warm enough. I LOVE the money that it saves us. Last year we had an entire month of hanging outside before we turned on the AC. I was so amazed at how much it saved. I paid her half of what we saved that month. She was thrilled. Especially since I don’t normally pay for chores.
Amy says
Our clothesline got lost a couple of moves ago. 🙁 I used to really enjoy hanging clothes, and did it a lot as a kid. I bet Isabel loved getting paid for that chore!
leanne says
I am happy to see it has the agitator in it! Where I work we have a high end top load washer with no agitator and it is ALWAYS becoming unbalanced and needs to be reset…sometimes it can take hours to finish a like a load!
Long story but so happy for you!
Kate says
I have had a Fisher and Paykel for five or six years and love it!! I second all of your glowing endorsements! I hope you were paid to post this -my washer is that great!
Emily Garrett says
I love our large capacity washer! I agree, it seems like I just keep dropping and dropping clothing into it before it’s full! It can also wash king size comforters! Yay!
Jessica says
Haha, glad I’m not the only large family mom who struggles with the putting away part! I really don’t mind washing and drying, but that last step…ugh.
Jon says
Most appliances these days (even refrigerators) have some sort of electronic controls. These parts are much more sensitive to voltage spikes (from lightning, etc.) than the old mechanical controls and are quite expensive to replace. To protect your new washer (and other appliances), make sure you plug them into a surge protector!
Evelyn says
We have a fisher and paykel as well. Very common here in New Zealand! 🙂
Kersten says
I just down graded because I like top loaders better and my big washer broke. I am really happy with it though! Does anyone have a good recommendation for a dishwasher. One that you don’t have to do the dishes before you put them in the washer. 😉 and that lasts longer than a couple of years? I haven’t had much success with dishwashers and have been washing my dishes by hand for quite awhile. I don’t want to buy another if it isn’t going to work. My hands are working just fine. Hee hee. But if I could find a good one it sure would be a blessing. Thanks!
Amy says
I’ve never had great luck with the dishwashers we’ve had in the homes we’ve lived in, but another large family we know just purchased a Bosch. They do a ton of research before buying things like this, so I’m assuming this would be a good option.
Heather Milford says
I LOVE my Kitchenaid dishwasher! It wasn’t cheap but worth every penny! I don’t prewash at all and can fit a ton of dishes per load. The best thing is how quiet it is. It seems like the dishwasher is always running at our house so it is such a blessing to not hear constant noise! When we moved we took our dishwasher with us… That’s how much I love it. If your dishwasher tends to not last, try adding vinegar to each load… Especially if you have hard water. I use vinegar instead of jet dry and a splash in each load and my dishes sparkle. Also, a dishwasher is the one appliance where an extended warranty is worth it.
April says
My husband has been a repair man for years and says that dishwashers are a waste of money. Lol, I still have one and use it, but he says that they just can’t do what people want them to. All of these detergent advertisements show that you can put dishes in the dishwasher with food still on, and the detergent will clean it off. However, doing this only clogs up the dishwasher and the drain lines. My husband gets called all of the time for dishwashers and almost every time they are clogged with food. Anyway, that’s my PA for the day. Lol.
Amy says
I appreciate his honesty! Having used multiple dishwashers in multiple homes, I think he’s probably right…have yet to meet a dishwasher that doesn’t require me to pre-wash all the dishes…not sure why I bother!
Julia Bunn says
In my opinion, portable dishwashers, the kind that roll into place and attach to your sink, are great. They last nearly forever, and do a great job. If you can get a used, not electronic one, that is your best bet.
Sarah says
Our washer finally died this past weekend after 10 years and the dryer wasn’t worth fixing. So we bought a new large capacity washer and dryer. I did hours of research and read consumer reports before deciding. I just about went crazy trying to make the “best” decision. I went with a front loading Samsung. I just love it so far. It’s actually quiter than my old washer and dryer and spins at 1200 rpm. I did the math on the time it takes me to do a load and its relatively the same compared to my old agitator type washer/dryer. Also I enjoy the music that plays when the cycle is over. That loud buzz on my old w/d gave me heart palpitations haha. I was worried that our clothing wouldn’t come out as clean without an agitator but actually my “fuzzy” socks I wear around the house have never been cleaner.
Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life says
When we moved into our last house we bought the largest capacity washer on the market (non-commercial)! I don’t even know what brand it is but I know I love it! Family of 9 – I only do laundry 1-2 per week!!
April says
We have the same brand washer and dryer! We love them. Ours is not a large capacity like yours, we only had 2 kids at the time of purchase. Now we have 6! But, the washer is still going strong. A small rock got caught up in the motor (I think it was the motor) and broke it, but my husband was able to order the new parts and replaced it. All that to say they are easy to work on if necessary! Enjoy your washer!
Ceara Merkle says
We have a front loader commercial series maytag with matching dryer. After 1 1/2 yrs it conked. The repair man said front loaders are for average size families (4-5). W e have 10people soon to be 11. I am looking for something that we won’t spend an arm and a leg on and will last longer than 18 months. I will look into this brand. I can not find any info on large families doing laundry. Yours is the first website I have seen. Thanks for the info.
Jenny says
Speed Queen is also an amazing brand of washing machines. They are made in Wisconsin and truly intended to last for 25 years. We paid 800 for ours, so it wasn’t cheap, but not much more than average and it’s built to last!
I love that is gets our clothes clean the first time and has no electronics or computer chips to fail. They do make some with those options but we got a more basic model.
You can usually only find them at local type appliance stores, not lowes or homedepot.
I really love it 🙂
Jenny says
Whoops, that was supposed to be a smiley face, not question marks!
Connie says
Hi Amy,
Just wanted to ask since you’ve had your new washer a while now do you still love it? I have to get another washer and I cannot see one of these in person so I have nothing to go by but my local Lowes will special order it for me so I am considering it. I trust your opinion and I know if it works for your family it will work for my family of 7. Can you wash comforters, etc in it and can you adjust the water level also instead of it sensing the load size? Sorry for all the questions, I want something that is going to last and to be honest researching washers has been exhausting! I don’t really want a front load b/c of all the issues I hear about. The new top loads without the agitator I do not like ( I had one and my clothes were never covered with water and didn’t get clean). This seems like the biggest top loader with an agitator you can buy but I would love your review before I commit. Thank you so much!
Connie
Amy says
Hi Connie! Yes! We still love it! In fact, just a couple of days ago my husband remarked about what a blessing that washer has been. It does wash comforters (I have one in there now), and yes, you can adjust water level, temp, etc. So far, I haven’t found anything I don’t like about it. 🙂
Sam Fisher says
I’ll probably be upgrading to something similar to this over the next few weeks. The washer that I have is a bit small and always takes at least two loads to get the clothes fully washed. With a larger one, I would be nice to do everything at once and not waste water.
Sarah C says
Are you still loving this machine? I’m currently shopping for one and can’t find one yet that doesn’t have horrible reviews. Do you have problems with the washer thinking the load is unbalanced and then refusing to continue? This is the most common complaint I can find for top load machines.
Amy says
Still loving it! Haven’t had a single problem with it.
Lea says
We have a similar one and it has been AWESOME! We had the Whirlpool Cabrio set that we LOVED. BUT. when the pump went out on the washer after 3 years, we found out that you’d have to replace the whole stainless steel drum to fix the pump, which is $600 just for the parts! Um, bad design. (The dryer is still going strong and dries the clothes quicker than we can wash). So my hubby who is the Master of scratch and dent deals found an LG Smart Drum with Direct Drive Top Load washer for less than 50% of the original price. I absolutely LOVE this washer! It also has a 22# capacity and wrings the clothes half dry without wearing them out! We’ve had it for 3 years now and it’s still going strong, we live in the country, are a family of 8, and have 2 chronic bedwetting. A huge machine with these capabilities has been a life saver! I’m so glad you wrote this, I will keep this in my notes for future reference when we have to replace.
Also, I used to be a laundry snob and sorted into 4 color categories, different temp setting for each type. Now, everything we have is either lights or darks, all washed in warm water, save an occasional whites bleach load. And I DO NOT notice any problems from doing it this way! Love the simplicity!
Reggie says
When we had just three littles, my man came home with a washer/dryer set that he’d gotten free via his line of work. It was all digital and she and I did not get along those first couple of years. Now six or seven years and three kids later, I fear she may finally be giving up the ghost… and I am scared. Scared of front loading, agitator less nightmares that cannot take my tried and true detergent, let alone a grass stain. I see myself amidst eight or nine loads of laundry versus the four my super size tub does now…and the cloth diapers…I suppose I can always invest in a scrub board and go full out Ma Ingalls.
kRISTINE says
WE HAVE A FAMILY OF 12 . 10 CHILDREN 🙂 AND WE JUST PURCHASED A SPEED QUEEN TOP LOADER, AND WOW IT IS A GAME CHANGER! i WOULD RECOMMEND THIS MACHINE AS WELL.
Amy says
Thank you for sharing, Kristine!
Jeanie Yturaldi says
This makes me MISS my F& P. We have a Maytag which is HUGE, but needs something fixed. HUb is thinking on buying the new lid lock piece as that may be the issue. Right now every load or few it needs to be unplugged for 15/20 minutes. NOT fun.
Jeanie Yturaldi says
Looking like we will be replacing our washer as my hub replaced the lid lock, and we called a repairman, and looked online. The only other fix would be the Electronic panel. I honestly don’t know how well it is cleaning with no agitator., and seems to go off balance faster. * My question* : When you replaced the washer did you replace the dryer too?
Amy says
I know we’ve talked in other places, but I wanted to answer this for anyone who might be reading the comments – no, we did not replace our dryer. It is a large capacity and was still running well.
Cindy Diehl says
Hey Amy,
When you get a free moment, would you let me know if you still like your washing machine. We have a Fisher Pakyl one we bought 14 years ago, and it still runs great but we are moving and will likely leave this one here and purchase a new one for our next house.
Cindy
Amy says
Yes! Still loving it!
Jamie says
Thanks for the review! I am going to look into this machine!
Theresa says
Amy, do you have the glass lid or the steel lid?
I am looking into this as the repair man said our current washer is no longer worth fixing.
Amy says
Steel
Theresa says
Thank you Amy!
Marlene says
We had three used but refurbished waters quit on us within one year. We were blessed by God to be able to finally purchase a new washer. Yes, it is very exciting! We showed people too. I love the feature on yours where you can add the soap easily! That is the one thing I wish ours would consider changing. I. recommend Speed Queen. You know, the same brand you find at most laundromats. They make them for the home too. The only differences being the water connections, and the panel being coin operated or not. That means you are getting a machine that is built to last! They come with up to a seven year warranty on parts AND labor, depending on which model you buy. The minimum is three years. Most manufacturers give you only two yrs. Yes they are expensive, but with us doing about three loads per day and the warranty that comes with it, totally worth it. With all the wash we go through, we’d be spending more than that on a washer every few yrs, and yet our Speed Queen would still be under warranty!
Amy says
Definitely see the worth in that! Thanks for sharing (and that may be my “next” washer! lol)
Amy Dean says
Do you still have this washer its 2020 now and ours is dying.
Amy says
Yes, we do still have it! We did have to replace the center agitator because the fins started breaking, but otherwise, it has been a great machine!
Sara says
Our Maytag top load has been a huge disappointment. The components contain a lot of plastic parts that ruin quickly. Amy, are you still happy with your Fisher Paykl? I think we need a new washer and don’t want to waste money. I see the other suggestions on this site and will check them out too.
Amy says
Hi Sara! I do still like the washer, but I will say, we have gone through 2 of the fins since buying it. That’s about $80 each. I feel like those could have been made a lot sturdier. When we go to buy a new one, I may look at the SpeedQueen. I’ve heard parts are easier to obtain for those as well.