Dishwashers are tough to buy now. You know about European dishwashers like Miele, Bosch and Asko and American dishwashers like KitchenAid, Maytag and Frigidaire. But now, we have Korean manufacturers like LG and Samsung.
Before you walk into a showroom, it is best to set all your preconceived notions aside. Don’t worry about that your coworker doesn’t like about their dishwasher. You are buying for you. There are often very few differences between brands until you get up into the premium units like Asko and Miele.
In this article, we'll go over the history of Samsung, explain the differences between each of dishwashers and highlight some key features.
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Samsung
Samsung has dominated the electronics space for years. Chances are you have had or currently own a Samsung television or cell phone. They are a leading innovator in the space, constantly going head to head with other powerhouse brands like Apple, Sony, and LG.
In what is seemingly their never-ending quest for world domination, Samsung also has a rather strong appliance division, which is becoming a fast riser among consumer brands. Always flashy on a showroom floor, lots of bells and whistles, along with big ideas make them a big hit in the younger tech community. The big question with Samsung is, sure these products are fun…but do they work?
Samsung Dishwashers
Let’s look at each model starting from their basic model.
DW80J3020US - $399
Considered a good value option in the Samsung line, this unit just hits the mark in terms of quiet at 50 DBA’s. It is Energy Star certified and uses less than 4 gallons of water per load.
Unique in this price point is 3 independent wash arms, a self-cleaning filtration system, a hidden heat element, stainless steel interior, and it wouldn’t be Samsung without offering electronic touch controls, which are exposed on this unit (visible). Other features on this unit are:
- Hard Food Disposer
- 4 Wash Cycles and 1 Wash Option
- Fan Condensing Drying System
- 2-Piece Silverware Basket
- 2" Adjustable Racking System
- Child Lock
- Rinse Refill Indicator
- Cycle Progress Indicator
- Last Cycle Memory
- Five Sensors (Digital Water Leakage, Overflow, Sanitize, Turbidity, Water Fill)
DW80F600UTS - $599
In my opinion, this step up mode is much more of a half step up. Almost identical to the previous model, all of its major features are the same. A stainless interior with 3 wash arms, this unit is, again, Energy Star certified and uses the same adjustable racking system.
So what are you getting for the additional couple hundred dollars? There are a few things. First, you are integrating the controls (hiding them), keeping little hands away from the buttons, reducing the amount of fingerprints on the front of the unit, as well as creating a much cleaner overall look in the space.
You are also getting a 20% quieter 48 decibels, an audible end of cycle indicator, and a delay start function, which can delay the start of a cycle up to 9 hours.They also replace the quick wash with a delicate cycle.
Other features are:
- Hard Food Disposer
- 4 Wash Cycles and 2 Wash Option
- Fan Condensing Drying System
- 2-Piece Silverware Basket
- 2" Adjustable Racking System
- Child Lock
- Rinse Refill Indicator
DW80F800UWS - $799
This third step in the rotary dishwasher line is where you really start to see some added value. It is more in range with what is being offered as a quiet unit (46 DBA's), uses a double fan system for increased drying.
It also has 6 wash cycles and 4 wash options, and an audible end of cycle indicator all while still holding the Energy Star certification. The biggest upgrade here is what they call a “storm wash” which is a heavier duty wash system ideal for attacking baked on soils.
Other features are:
- Double Filtration System
- Hard Food Disposer
- 3 Spray Wash Arms (Upper, Middle, Lower)
- 2-piece Silverware Basket
- One Touch Adjustable Racking System
- Child Lock
- Rinse Refill Indicator
- Cycle Progress Indicator
- Last Cycle Memory
- Self-Cleaning Filtration System
- Seven sensors (Digital Water Leakage, Low Level Water, Overflow, Sanitize, Turbidity Water Fill)
DW80H9970US - $1,319
Part of the Chef Collection (the high-end line of Samsung appliances), this unit is packed with features designed to set itself apart from the competition. When you open the door, your eyes are immediately drawn to the bright red track on the base of the interior.
This is Samsung's WaterWall system which basically is a jet system on a track which shoots straight up in the air to eliminate dead spots in a traditional rotary system (it’s literally a wall of water).
As stated, this unit does have a couple of standout features that are designed to look impressive, and actually solve a few minor gripes for consumers. First the LED interior is bright and impressive, and the Star display on the front of the unit will indicate time remaining on the cycle.
The upper third rack has a flex tray which can make putting the silverware away a breeze because you can lift it out and bring it over to your silverware drawer.
They also use a zone booster feature which allows for the right or left side of the wash basket (lower wash arm) to perform at a higher intensity for the heavily soiled items you do not want to soak or hand wash.
Finally, it offers a half load option for both the upper and lower racks for a time (and energy) saver and an express wash (for lightly soiled full loads) which will finish in about an hour.
Other features in the unit are:
- 40dBA
- Hidden Heating Element
- Triple Filtration System
- Electronic Touch Sensor
- 3 Spray Wash Arms (Upper, Middle, Lower)
- 6 Wash Cycles and 6 Wash Options
- Fan Condensing Drying System
- Child Lock
- Cycle Progress Indicator
- Last Cycle Memory
- Four Sensors (Digital Water Leakage, Water Fill, Overflow, Turbidity)
Should You Buy a Samsung Dishwasher?
As stated earlier, I am a fan of technology as long as there is a point to it. I don’t like when companies add things in just to say they are different. It needs to be effective.
Top rated dishwashers like Miele, Asko, and Bosch have used a rotary system for years and have never found a need to change from it. To be fair that was on the first generation, and Samsung, to their credit, admitted they had some issues with the technology at first.
The next generation is now out and Samsung believes that all the bugs have been eliminated.
The features are compelling as is the starting price at $399 with all stainless steel inside. Samsung is a noteworthy brand as well.
Then again, it should be. Dishwashers are generally reliable especially with Bosch and Miele. Samsung, however, is new. Features aside, water appliances are tough when they leak.
Samsung is and will be a good option in a world of good options.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about dishwashers? Get the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with features, specs and profiles of the top brands. Well over 130,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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