Looking between two models
1): https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/p/panasonic-8.5kg-front-load-w…
2): https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/p/samsung-8.0kg-front-loading-…
Major decision point is reliability and serviceability/ availabilty for parts.
Which would you pick?
Capacity is neither here nor there.
When did you stop doing appliance repairs and sales? Sounds like you're talking about ancient times.
Weve got the previous version of the Panasonic. 4 years in and still going strong. Would definitely buy another Panasonic. For us its a toss up between F&P and Pana - as much for aesthetics as it is function. Had a samsung previously and that ran okay for the few years we had it
Stores like Noels/Harveys seem to be pushing LG as well at the mo (maybe its a $$ incentive thing). In any case, personal experience with LG has been really poor for after sales and availability for spare parts.
I've always gone with second-hand F&P top loaders, they just seem to go and go rarely giving any issue, and you can get them pretty cheap.
The one time I did have an issue (iirc motor brush had worn out but I can't remember), it was cheap to fix because parts are so plentiful.
My current 5.5kg one I got for $120 4 years ago and have had no issues.
I'm looking at this one at the moment: https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/p/fisher-paykel-8kg-front-load…
Did some discussion locally with the repair shop. Was recommended if considering F&P skip and go straight for the same haier equivalent.
ended up going for the panasonic.
LG front load WASHER / DRYER COMBO 2 in one machine , OR LG front load , LG was the first to do a direct drive and have perfected the tech , they did a compact heatpump combo not yet launched in NZ quality of wash is at par with Miele , i have used many I think Bosch Miele are also good , don't touch Haier f and p front load , samsung is alright
I did applicance sales and repair for years.
There are essentially two builds - the "F&P build" (F&P and associated companies) and the "Simpson/Westinghouse build" (true for washers and dryers) pretty much every other company uses (or a slight variation of it).
The F&P build is hands down the winner in every case. Better designed, less moving parts, easier to both repair and find parts for. That's why you can still pick up a 30year old F&P appliance in good working order, and get the parts for it within a few days.
The two you've listed have the second build type. Whether there is any difference beyond the timer and user display is doubtful.