We have just used our rebate checks to purchase a new washer at Home Depot. We had started by looking at the FL machines until I noticed that all the US brands we saw were made in Germany. We started our search at HD and then looked at many other stores. We could not find the Maytag MTW6700 elsewhere, only the Whirlpool 6600. I believe the 6700 is an improvement.
We returned to HD and ordered the 6700 for $899. While completing the paperwork; they discovered the price was actually $849. When I reminded the salesman to change the price marked on the sign; he replied that he preferred to "surprise buyers" ??

**** Use your rebate money to buy American !!! *****

Today I went to the local "Mom & Pop" PLUS Service Shop where I got my Fisher and Paykel in 2001. I needed new Hot and Cold water hoses for mine. I looked around for the new models of F/P and they said they won't carry them anymore because they have too many problems. I just happen to have the model (GWL 10 Ecosmart) they say has the least amount of problems of any of the F/P machines (WHEW!). I've never had any problems with mine...but their low opinion of them would be enough to steer me clear of them.

-Grainlady

Interesting report, Grainlady. GWL10 has a different electrical design on the pump that makes it more susceptible to trouble than later (and earlier) models. A dead pump on a GWL10 will prevent the entire machine from running, as the pump is part of the main power circuit. And if the pump shorts-out, gets wet due to leaking, etc., it can kill the controller board at the same time. This design was changed on GWL11 and later to eliminate the trouble spot.

FWIW, I have a GWL08 that'll be 9 years old in a few months, never any trouble requiring replacement parts. The pump got clogged with a foreign object about 6 years ago, and I cleared a wad of strings and paper a couple weeks ago built-up over time from old towels/rags and missed tissues in pockets. Clearing a clog from the pump is an easy DIY job ... doesn't even require any tools.

bobpratt, I appreciate you using the thread I posted to throw that "buy American" out there! I did, back just 8 years ago - the repair last year was about 1/2 of the original price, we're giving up on them!

GL - The one lady I'm talking to at our local store has a FP top loader, it's probably 5 years old. I think I will call the local repair facility (in a small town, there's one company!) and ask them what they're seeing. I know at Lowe's they're still recommending FP (the guy I talked to there has the pair I want)... but they don't see the repair side of the business. Thanks for your input!

I just paid $899 for a Fisher Paykel washer and dryer set at Mazers in Birmingham, AL. They said these were closeout or floor models but they were not used and still have the 2 year warranty. The toploading dryer is definitely different in a good way but the washer is not too much different just a slight learning curve to adapt to. Adding detergent down the center of the agitator was a bit different. Clothes come out nearly as dry as My Maytag Neptune. I prefer the Neptune if given the choice.

milo2000, although F&P instructs to pour detergent down the agitator, neither the machine nor the clothes would be hurt if it's simply sprinkled directly into the wash basket, either before or after loading the clothes. My grandmother is "old school" and it's not intuitive to her to remove the softener cup and pour detergent down there. In the four years she has been sprinkling it atop the clothes, everything has been chugging along perfectly fine.

I'm sticking with my gut...I've been wanting the FP pair for over a year now!

Lowe's came down on their pricing - $1582 for the WL26CW1 washer and DE27C1 dryer. They're still not matching and deducting an additional 10%, as their policy states, but the local store doesn't have them "in stock" which is a stipulation of the policy.

They're rebating the delivery/install cost of $59. We haven't decided on the extended warranty or not... it extends the warranty to 6 years, is around $160.

I think FP is about to bring out some new models - they're not able to order new washers from their distributors right now.

Thanks for the info!

Why not just support the local store instead of feeding the corporate juggernaut that is Lowes?

Moe, the "local store" doesn't have it in stock, I called them to verify they would have them in a couple of days, like they told me, but their warehouse will not be able to order them for 3-4 weeks, then it will be a few days after that before delivery to the store. At Lowe's, they have 3 of each in the store, but are also not able to order - I think a model change is underway.

I think a model change is underway.

F&P are dealing with larger issues: Fisher & Paykel Relocate

I just ordered mine from an online authrized dealer- No one had it here local anyway, and online I got free delivery and no tax-