Fisher & Paykel vs Westinghouse Fridge — Australia Comparison
Updated 2026-06-28
Fisher & Paykel and Westinghouse are two of the most popular fridge brands in Australia. Fisher & Paykel is the premium New Zealand brand owned by Haier, while Westinghouse (owned by Electrolux) has been an Australian kitchen staple for decades. Both are available at Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, and JB Hi-Fi across the country. This comparison focuses on their most popular French door models in the 500-600L range — the sweet spot for Australian families of 3-5 people.
Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX6 French Door
See price on Amazon
Westinghouse
Westinghouse WHE6060SB French Door
See price on Amazon
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX6 French Door | Westinghouse WHE6060SB French Door |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 519L (364L fridge + 155L freezer) | 565L (394L fridge + 171L freezer) |
| Energy Rating | 3.5 stars | 3 stars |
| Annual Energy | 375 kWh/year | 420 kWh/year |
| Ice Maker | Internal automatic ice maker | Internal automatic ice maker |
| Noise Level | 39 dB | 42 dB |
| Dimensions | 790W x 1835H x 695D mm | 835W x 1780H x 740D mm |
| Warranty | 2 years parts & labour + 5 years sealed system | 2 years parts & labour + 5 years sealed system |
| Made In | Thailand | Thailand |
Pros & Cons
Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX6 French Door
Pros
- ActiveSmart technology learns your usage patterns and adjusts temperature to reduce energy waste
- Quieter operation at 39 dB — noticeable difference in open-plan Australian kitchen-living areas
- Slim 790mm width fits standard Australian kitchen cabinetry without modifications
- Stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints — practical for families with young children
Cons
- Higher price point at A$2,499 — roughly A$600 more than the comparable Westinghouse
- Smaller total capacity at 519L compared to Westinghouse's 565L
- Internal water filter replacement costs A$60-80 per year
Westinghouse WHE6060SB French Door
Pros
- A$600 cheaper than the Fisher & Paykel while offering 46L more total capacity
- FlexStor system with adjustable bins and shelves adapts to different food shapes and sizes
- Wider 835mm design provides more usable shelf space per tier
- Widely available at every major Australian appliance retailer with competitive pricing
Cons
- Higher energy consumption at 420 kWh/year costs approximately A$50 more per year on electricity
- Noisier compressor at 42 dB — audible in quiet open-plan spaces at night
- Wider footprint at 835mm may require kitchen cabinetry checks before purchase
Our Verdict
The Westinghouse WHE6060SB is the better value pick for most Australian families — A$600 less and 46L more capacity means more food storage per dollar. The Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX6 is worth the premium for buyers who prioritise energy efficiency, quiet operation, and a slimmer profile that fits tighter kitchen spaces. Over 10 years, the Fisher & Paykel saves approximately A$500 in electricity costs, partially offsetting the higher purchase price. For budget-conscious families, the Westinghouse is hard to beat.
Best for Budget
Westinghouse WHE6060SB French Door
Best for Features
Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX6 French Door
Editor's Note
Both models frequently go on sale during The Good Guys and Harvey Norman EOFY sales in June-July, with discounts of A$200-400. Check electricity costs in your state — SA and QLD have higher electricity rates, making the Fisher & Paykel's energy efficiency savings more significant. Both brands have reliable Australian service networks, but Westinghouse (Electrolux) has more service technicians in regional areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fisher & Paykel better than Westinghouse for fridges in Australia?
Fisher & Paykel is better for energy efficiency, quiet operation, and build quality. Westinghouse is better for capacity per dollar and wide availability with competitive pricing. Both brands have strong Australian service networks and identical warranty terms.
How much does a Fisher & Paykel fridge cost to run in Australia?
The Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX6 uses approximately 375 kWh per year. At average Australian electricity rates of around 33c/kWh, that's approximately A$124 per year to run. The comparable Westinghouse costs about A$139 per year — a difference of A$15 annually.
Which fridge brand do Australian appliance technicians recommend?
Australian appliance technicians generally rate Fisher & Paykel slightly higher for compressor reliability and build quality. However, Westinghouse (Electrolux) parts are more widely available in regional Australia, making repairs faster and often cheaper outside major cities.
Affiliate disclosure: This comparison contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings.