Fisher and Paykel ActiveSmart: What It Is and Why It Matters
Fisher & Paykel is a New Zealand brand with a devoted following in Australia, particularly for their unique refrigerator technology. Their signature ActiveSmart system is one of the most distinctive features in the refrigerator market. Here's what it is and why it makes a real difference to how your fridge performs.
What Is ActiveSmart?
ActiveSmart is Fisher & Paykel's intelligent cooling management system. Rather than simply running the compressor and fan on a fixed cycle, ActiveSmart continuously monitors and responds to what's happening inside the fridge and around it. The system tracks:
- How often the door is opened
- How much food is stored
- The ambient room temperature
- How warm the food added to the fridge is
Based on these factors, it adjusts fan speed, compressor cycling and airflow distribution to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the fridge cabinet.
Why This Matters: The Temperature Stability Problem
A common problem in standard fridges is that every time you open the door, warm air rushes in. The fridge then works hard to cool down again, often dropping the temperature below the set point before stabilising back up. This cycling can lead to temperatures ranging from 1°C to 8°C or more in different parts of the cabinet, and food near the vents can freeze while food at the back of shelves stays warmer.
ActiveSmart minimises this variation by responding more precisely to temperature changes. The result is a more consistent temperature throughout the cabinet, which is better for food preservation.
ActiveSmart Fridge Drawer
Fisher & Paykel developed the separate fridge drawer (a refrigerator in a drawer format) around the ActiveSmart concept. The drawer can be set to different temperatures independently of the main fridge, making it useful as a dedicated meat or dairy drawer, a beverage cooler, or a second fridge zone.
Is a Fisher & Paykel Fridge Worth It?
Fisher & Paykel fridges are generally priced in the premium mid-range — above Westinghouse but below Miele. For households who care about food freshness and want a fridge from a brand with an excellent service network in Australia, they're a strong choice.
Their build quality and reliability track record in Australia is excellent, and their design has become more contemporary in recent years while remaining distinctively different from the European and Korean brands.
Find Fisher & Paykel Fridges at Oceania Appliances
We regularly stock Fisher & Paykel fridges, including certified refurbished models at significant savings. Free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on all units. Visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park or browse our range online.