Fisher & Paykel vs Westinghouse: Which Brand Is Better for Australian Homes?
Fisher & Paykel and Westinghouse are two of the most recognisable appliance brands in Australia, and both have strong followings. F&P brings New Zealand design innovation; Westinghouse is an Australian icon owned by Electrolux. Both are well-suited to Australian conditions. Here's a detailed brand comparison to help you decide.
Brand Overview
Fisher & Paykel
Founded in 1934 in Auckland, New Zealand, Fisher & Paykel has built a reputation for clever design innovation — they invented the dishwasher drawer, for example — and a distinctly Pacific design sensibility. They were acquired by Haier Group in 2012 but continue to operate as an independent premium brand with their own design and engineering teams. In Australia they're positioned as a premium mainstream brand.
Westinghouse
The Westinghouse brand is owned by Electrolux in Australia and is positioned as a mid-range to mainstream Australian brand. Westinghouse appliances are designed and engineered for Australian conditions and have a long heritage of reliability in Australian homes. They're often the go-to recommendation for buyers who want reliable performance without paying a premium brand price.
Comparison by Category
Refrigerators
Fisher & Paykel: Known for the ActiveSmart food preservation system (adjusts airflow based on usage patterns), elegant design, and good capacity. Their French door models are particularly popular. Build quality is excellent.
Westinghouse: Strong range of top-mount, bottom-mount and French door fridges. Excellent reliability reputation. PureBalance humidity-controlled crisper draws are a standout feature for produce longevity. Good energy efficiency. Straightforward, no-nonsense design.
Washing Machines
Fisher & Paykel: Their top-load agitator design (WashSmart range) is distinctive and delivers very thorough washing through a traditional agitation action. Good for heavily soiled loads. Front-loaders available too. The ActiveIntelligence system adjusts cycles based on load weight.
Westinghouse: Quiet, reliable front-loaders and top-loaders. Good energy and water efficiency across the range. QuickWash on many models is very fast. Competitive pricing.
Dishwashers
Fisher & Paykel: The DishDrawer is F&P's signature product — a dishwasher drawer that opens like a kitchen drawer rather than a door. Available in single (1 drawer) or double (2 drawers, run independently). Ergonomically brilliant, particularly for smaller households or kitchens with limited door-swing clearance.
Westinghouse: Traditional door-opening dishwashers in 60cm and compact formats. Good cleaning performance, solid reliability, competitive pricing. No single dramatic feature like the DishDrawer, but excellent all-round performers.
Ovens and Cooktops
Both brands offer comparable ranges of built-in ovens, freestanding cookers and cooktops. F&P tends toward cleaner, more contemporary design; Westinghouse is functional and straightforward.
Price Comparison
Fisher & Paykel generally commands a 15–25% price premium over comparable Westinghouse products, reflecting its positioning as a premium brand.
Our Verdict
Choose Fisher & Paykel for: the DishDrawer (a genuinely innovative product), premium aesthetics to match a renovation, or buyers who value distinctive design from a Pacific brand. Choose Westinghouse for: strong all-round reliability, excellent value, tried-and-tested performance, or buyers who want an Australian-focused brand at a competitive price.
See Both at Oceania Appliances
We stock Fisher & Paykel and Westinghouse appliances across all categories. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.