On the other side of the world, luxury goes by the name of Fisher & Paykel, but to this side of the globe, the brand remains relatively unknown to the common appliance shopper. One of the best ways to get familiar with Fisher & Paykel is through its premier line of refrigeration, a hidden gem in the industry with performance and design comparable to major names like Wolf and Viking. In this collection of Fisher & Paykel refrigerator reviews, we’re presenting you with everything you should know about these appliances, as well as a list of recommended refrigerators from our experts.
At a Glance:
Fisher & Paykel: The Brand, the Vision
The Fisher & Paykel Family of Refrigeration
Best All Refrigerator/Freezer: Fisher & Paykel 16.3 Cu. Ft. Built in All Refrigerator-Panel Ready (RS3084SR1)
Best Counter Depth: Fisher & Paykel Series 7 17.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Bottom freezer Refrigerator (RF170WDRUX5 N)
Best Panel Ready: Fisher & Paykel Series 7 16.8 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (RS36W80RJ1 N)
Best French Door: Fisher & Paykel Series 7 20.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator (RF201ACUSX1 N)
Who is Fisher & Paykel?
Respect goes a long way for Fisher & Paykel. For one, the brand is a firm believer of creating food preservation that endorses sustainable food practices. And then there’s the optimized refrigerator technology that retains the flavors and freshness of foods longer, honoring each ingredient equally and efficiently. It’s all part of the brand’s vision of the Social Kitchen — a place that goes beyond the basic prerequisite of cooking and eating toward a new idea where friends and family can gather to enjoy the comfort and pleasures of a kitchen.
The idea is the labor of over 80 years of innovation with an aim to perfect the science of food conservation. After all, Fisher & Paykel can credit its origins to refrigeration when the manufacturer first started fabricating refrigerators in New Zealand in 1934.
Since then, that island-borne vision has become a globally recognized premium appliance name, earning widespread praise. The most recent achievements the brand touts are two Red Dot awards, one of which includes Fisher & Paykel column refrigeration and freezers for outstanding design.
Related: Our Favorite High-End Refrigerator Brands
Fisher & Paykel Refrigeration 101
There are certain elements that go into successfully designing an aspirational kitchen. While ranges might sit comfortably on the throne, we argue high-end refrigerators are equally as important since they harbor the quality ingredients that give a range purpose. Fisher & Paykel refrigerators and freezers fit that bill to a T, providing advanced food preservation with elevated looks to match. Three distinct style options satisfy every palate, including Integrated Style crafted to blend in or make a statement, Contemporary Style with an easygoing look great for new-age kitchens, and Professional Style that pays homage to 5-star chef’s kitchens.
From there, Fisher & Paykel provides a variety of configurations. For a traditional, freestanding unit, explore French door models (including a quad door French door refrigerator) and bottom freezer refrigerators. For bespoke options, look to Fisher & Paykel column refrigerators and freezers, plus under-counter refrigerator drawers that provide extra food storage in virtually any area of the home. Regardless of the layout, Fisher & Paykel prides itself on creating refrigerators with the finest materials, including glass shelves, stainless-steel interiors, and hidden hinges, all in a range of capacities starting at 14.7 cubic feet up to 20.1 cubic feet of capacity on full-size models.
Durability
Part of the appeal of buying high-end appliances is superior construction made to outlast lower-end alternatives. Along with top-grade materials, Fisher & Paykel backs all its refrigerators with a 2-year Parts and Labor and a 5-year Sealed Systems Parts warranty. This makes for a considerable combination of durability and manufacture support, ensuring the Fisher & Paykel experience is enjoyable from day one and beyond.
Pricing
Depending on the model, Fisher & Paykel refrigerators are priced between $1,999 – $7,499. However, these prices reflect individual units, meaning the cost of pairing an all-freezer unit with an all-refrigerator model will cost up to twice the price of a single appliance. It’s also important to keep in mind installation costs, since professional setup is recommended for built-ins.
Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator Features
To see how New Zealand does luxury, take a look at these refrigerator features found throughout the Fisher & Paykel refrigerator lineup.
- ActiveSmart: Four different components — a system of microprocessors, sensors, vents, and independently powered fans — actively work to learn and maintain equal climate settings in the refrigerator (available on every refrigerator model).
- Variable Temperature Zones: Customize specific compartments in the refrigerator with pre-set or manual control to tailor preservation around what’s in stock. Depending on the model, options include Pantry, Fridge, Chill, Soft Freeze, Freeze, or Deep Freeze.
- Humidity Control System: This system provides personalized climate control for each produce bin.
- Ice Maker: Fisher & Paykel refrigerators with an ice maker come with the option to deactivate to provide more storage or a boost function to increase ice yield by up to 30 percent.
Related: How to Master Buying a Refrigerator Online
Pros & Cons
While the brand has received acclaim for its dedication to creating superior appliances, Fisher & Paykel still remains a relatively unknown name to the masses, leaving buyers uncertain about making the commitment. To help you get a better picture of what to expect, review our final tally of the positives and considerations of Fisher & Paykel refrigerators.
Pros:
✓ Made with quality materials
✓ Unique size options (32-inch and 25-inch models)
✓ Award-winning design
✓ All models come with a warranty
✓ Truly flush installation
✓ Good selection of Energy Star certified refrigerators
Cons:
✗ No smart refrigerators
✗ Smaller capacity than lower-end brands
✗ No side-by-side options
✗ Limited non-custom finishes (White, Black, Stainless Steel)
Our Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator Picks
With an inspired collection of features and designs, compiling Fisher and Paykel refrigerator reviews of the best products the brand has to offer proved to be a feat of its own. In the end, style and capacity were the determining factors, especially considering all models include exclusive ActiveSmart Foodcare along with premium construction. In the end, these are our picks.
Best All Refrigerator/Freezer: Fisher & Paykel 16.3 Cu. Ft. Built in All Refrigerator-Panel Ready
Take care of your food storage professionally inside this Fisher and Paykel built in refrigerator designed to mix and match with a complementary all-freezer unit for completely customized preservation. Signature ActiveSmart technology combines four different elements to protect foods from humidity and fluctuating temperatures, while Variable Temperature Zones provide the luxury of personalized compartments according to foods you stock. Complete with a panel-ready front, this all-refrigerator model was made to showcase style on the outside and high-end performance inside.
Best Counter Depth: Fisher & Paykel Series 7 17.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
From the specialized 32-inch design to the in-door water and ice dispenser, this Fisher and Paykel counter-depth refrigerator offers premium amenities for a truly luxurious experience. Driven by Energy Star certified performance, this high-end refrigerator uses ActiveSmart Foodcare and an ice maker that can be turned off for more storage or amped up for 30 percent more ice on special occasions.
Best Panel Ready: Fisher & Paykel Series 7 16.8 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
With this Fisher and Paykel refrigerator, panel ready fronts mean you can fulfill your true design vision — from chic to contemporary. Enjoy the craft of a bottom-freezer layout for easy access to frozen items and a shoulder-height refrigerator compartment for even easier management of fresh food items. As with all Fisher and Paykel refrigeration, this model provides the luxury of ActiveSmart Foodcare alongside an ice maker with a turbo setting, ideal for hosting and entertaining.
Best French Door: Fisher & Paykel Series 7 20.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Access the most fridge capacity from the brand with this Fisher and Paykel French door refrigerator featuring 20.1 cubic feet of organization. Part of the Fisher and Paykel Professional Series, this high-end 36-inch refrigerator comes with a sophisticated stainless-steel finish and designer handles for a statement that says pure, premium elegance. Keep your produce looking just as tantalizing thanks to ActiveSmart Foodcare that adapts to user habits for tailored performance and preservation, while a water and ice dispenser seal the deal on a luxury experience.
Conclusion
Fisher & Paykel appliances are commonly found together with similar big-name brands like Wolf and Viking, a clear indication that the brand can be trusted when it comes to top-notch performance. Overall, Fisher & Paykel doesn’t surpass leaders like Sub-Zero or even Thermador, but it is a worthy alternative that could potentially save you thousands.
The state-of-the-art features found on Fisher & Paykel refrigeration get positive marks, but the smaller capacities limit how much food users can ultimately store. Additionally, as kitchens transition toward the smart home experience, it may be harder to incorporate a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator into a space since none of the units come with connected programming.
All in all, traditionalists who enjoy the luxury of options can find a worthwhile solution from Fisher & Paykel’s wide catalog of refrigeration.
Shop Fisher & Paykel Refrigerators at Friedmans
The Bay Area’s home of luxury is the best place to shop for Fisher & Paykel refrigerators at competitive prices. As a Trusted Name in the Bay Since 1922™, Friedmans Appliance has a rich heritage of appliance expertise, meaning we know how to find the right appliance for your needs.
Shop our entire inventory online, by phone at 925-808-2950, or in-store at our appliance showroom located at 2304 Monument Boulevard in Pleasant Hill.