Fisher & Paykel's AquaSmart WL26CW2 is so versatile that it's the only washer in North America that operates both in high efficiency and traditional wash modes. This makes it an excellent choice for handling all of your different laundry types. In addition to being so versatile, it's among the most energy-efficient models on the market.

AquaSmart's dual washing modes offer two ways to wash your clothes. One way is to wash in a high efficiency manner like a front-load washer using only minimal amounts of water. When clothing would benefit from being fully immersed in water, the WL26CW2 can operate in a traditional mode by filling the tub. Regardless of the cycle type, at all times the AquaSmart maintains the convenience of a top-loading configuration with easy access.

Gentler than a traditional washing machine, the AquaSmart's low profile agitator operates by rolling clothing items over each other throughout the wash cycle. The system also distributes detergent more evenly throughout the wash cycle, and as a result it rinses clothing more quickly than does a traditional machine. The overall benefit of this design is to reduce water and energy consumption.

Yet another high-tech feature is the auto water level. This Fisher & Paykel machine senses the size of the load and automatically identifies the appropriate water level for optimum cleaning. In addition to setting the water level, the load-sensing feature identifies and automatically sets the correct wash action for each load. AquaSmart also monitors water temperature carefully. As detergent performs best at a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the AquaSmart automatically adds warm water to cold washes in order to ensure optimal performance.

With an extra-large capacity of 3.7 cubic feet, the AquaSmart WL26CW2 is large enough to handle comforters, blankets and other bulky items, or just extra-large loads of everyday laundry. We like the fact that AquaSmart has three variable-spin speeds of 300, 670 and 1000 rpm. Operating the spin at 1000 rpm for durable items provides the ultimate water extraction, which significantly reduces drying time. The lesser speeds don't cut drying time as significantly, but they do offer gentle care for more delicate fabrics.

Fisher & Paykel designed this particular washer to have fewer parts than previous models. The result is a machine that we anticipate will be more reliable than the manufacturer's earlier offerings. Confident with these changes, Fisher & Paykel is offering a 2-year warranty, which is double what we normally find in this category.

An ideal choice for those who prefer the convenience of a top-loading washer, but desire the efficiency of a front-loader, Fisher & Paykel's AquaSmart WL26CW2 offers the best of each style into one fairly priced machine.


Pros: No bending to load, makes good use of available technology, offers dual washing modes, large capacity, and impressive energy efficiency
Cons: Costs more than most traditional machines, but not as much as most front-loaders of equivalent efficiency