April 23rd, 2024 | 7 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect laundry products with our Washer Buying Guide
Samsung is the latest company to release their new combination washer-dryer.
In this article, you will learn about all the features of the Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 Bespoke Ai Laundry Combo.
You will also see the washing and drying results of four different laundry loads, including whites, colors, bed sheets, and a king-size comforter.
Then, later in the article, we'll discuss four important problems, including one serious problem nobody seems to be talking about.
In the end, we will even show you how to find it cheaper than the $3,338 price. Here is a hint: it's $2,199 now.
Let's get started.
Why You Should Read This Review
First, you have to know that we do not accept money from Samsung or any other manufacturers to make these articles.
We do not engage in any affiliate buying programs.
Unlike any other YouTuber, blogger, or influencer, we service these units under warranty, with over 37,000 service calls last year alone.
Real Tip: Warranty service or free service under a contract rate is a drain on resources and a surefire money loser.
That's why it's hard to find service under warranty. Nobody wants to do it.
So, our only interest is to show and sell reliable appliances in our stores and not promote unreliable ones.
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The Checkered History of the Combination Washer and Dryer
You couldn't buy a combination washer and dryer at Yale before the GE Profile UltraFast, LG WashCombo, and now Samsung Bespoke combination washers and dryers.
Combo washers and dryers were consistently on my list of appliances you should avoid buying.
Why?
Early combos had no lint filter, and that lint would build up in the machine for an expensive future service call - guaranteed.
The new larger combos all have filters.
But we do not have a track record of whether they will work in the long term.
Read More: Are Combo Washers & Dryers Worth It?
Samsung Bespoke AI Combo Washer-Dryer WD53DBA900HZA1: 2024 Review
Features
Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ All-in-One 5.3 cu. ft. Ultra Capacity Washer and Ventless Heat Pump Dryer in Dark Steel
Model: WD53DBA900HZA1| Dimensions: 27" W X 43.7" H X 34.4" D | Number of Cycles: 23 | Number of Options: 32 | Automatic Dispenser: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes | Price: $2,199-$3,338
I am just going to give you the highlights of the machine because there are so many features.
Size and Capacity
Samsung is the largest of the all-in-one combo units with a 5.3 cubic foot (cu ft) interior compared to 4.8 cu ft for the GE and 5.0 cu ft for the LG.
Of course, it is deeper at 34.4 inches; you'll also need room for another 2 inches in depth behind the machine. LG needs four inches.
The dimensions are 43.75" tall, 27" wide 34.5" deep.
Still, there is a lot to like in this machine besides the size.
Lint Filter
You'll like the lint filter. It's in the front like the GE Profile but has a similar, more user-friendly configuration as the LG.
We will talk more about the lint filter throughout this article.
47-Load Detergent Dispensers
The dispensers at the bottom can automatically dispense up to 47 loads of detergent or "flex" to dispense up to 34 loads of softener and 25 loads of detergent.
That's more than those found in both the GE Profile and LG combo washers and dryers.
Auto dispensers release the exact amount of detergent required at the right time. It is also incredibly convenient to load them up rather than adding detergent each time.
LCD Touchscreen
The technology is incredible on this machine, with tons of cycles and an easy-to-use LCD touchscreen.
You have an endless number of cycles - literally. Within those cycles, you can even change the options.
Energy Efficiency
It is also amazingly efficient. Look at this tag:
Even with the high cost of energy, it won't cost you more than $40 a year to run, even with expensive utility rates like those in Boston.
Washer-Dryer Combination
Its main appeal, of course, is that it's a combination washer-dryer, meaning you will never have to transfer your clothes from a washer to a dryer.
Pop your dirty clothes in, and they will finish clean and dry.
You don't have to rewash a load you forgot to place in your dryer, either.
Ventless Drying
Like the others, the unit is ventless and 120 volts, meaning you can place this anywhere with a standard outlet, water source, and drain.
So you never have to worry about cleaning your dryer vent again.
Heat Pump Technology
This dryer uses heat pump technology.
Heat pumps heat the air with a compressor through an air exchanger with an evaporator, removing the moisture.
It is a closed-loop system that doesn't continuously draw air like your vented dryer or project heat back into the room like condenser dryers.
Samsung has the largest capacity compressor, about 500 BTU more than the Ultrafast. You will see later if that translates into faster washing times.
So, it's far more efficient and will save you at least $150-175 a year compared to a vented dryer.
The downside is heat pumps take longer to dry, as you will see in our tests.
Now, let's see if it works and if the lint is captured.
Cycle Time for the Samsung Bespoke AI Combo Washer-Dryer
| Colors | Blankets & Sheets | Whites | Comforter | |
| Cycle Used | Wash & Dry | Wash & Dry | Wash & Dry | Wash & Dry |
| Time Indicated | 2 hrs & 6 mins | 3 hrs & 3 mins | 2 hrs & 50 mins | 4 hrs & 49 mins |
| Time Completed | 2 hrs & 29 mins | 6 hrs & 10 mins | 2 hrs & 54 mins | 5 hrs & 26 mins |
| Was it dry? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mostly |
| Notes | Washed 6 XL men's t-shirts and 4 beach towels | Washed a king size sheet set and a king size blanket | Washed 8 men's large dress shirts, 4 towels, and 8 men's large t-shirts | Washed a king size comforter |
For whites, including eight men's shirts, four towels, and eight large men's T-shirts, it showed 2 hours 50 minutes and completed in 2 hours and 48 minutes.
The machine showed 2 hours and 6 minutes for the colors, four towels, and 6 XL men's shirts but finished in 2 hours and 29 minutes.
So far, so good for the time, but like the others, Samsung had problems with beddings on the sensor setting.
A king-sized sheet and blanket showed 3 hours and 3 minutes and finished 3 hours later than indicated at 6 hours and 10 minutes.
The cycle for a comforter was completed in 5 hours and 26 minutes, while the indication was 4 hours and 49 minutes.
For whites and colors, Samsung performed about the same as LG and Profile. It is almost identical to the GE for whites and the LG for colors.
In a future video, we will test Samsung against GE Profile and LG, including service breakdowns, so click the link below to subscribe and be notified first.
4 Problems With the Samsung Bespoke AI Combo Washer-Dryer
1. Sensor Dryers Cannot Dry Bedding
Like other all-in-one washers and dryers we've tested, Samsung struggled to dry bedding, taking almost three hours longer than expected.
However, drying bedding completely using a sensor can be challenging for any dryer. At my house, I usually need to run two drying cycles for bedding.
In the next few weeks, we'll be comparing Samsung with LG and GE Profile, using a timed dry cycle.
This should get the bedding mostly dry in a more reasonable timeframe, similar to what you might expect from your own dryer.
That's only the first problem. Let's look at the next two.
2. The Lint Problem
The second problem I have with these machines, including LG's and GE Profile's combo washers and dryers, is that their effectiveness at catching lint depends entirely on the lint filter.
The previous generation of combo washers and dryers often failed because they lacked a lint filter.
However, the newer models from Samsung, LG, and GE Profile are larger.
This size increase could lead to significant service challenges unless the lint filtering is completely effective.
And since these models are so new, there's no way to know their performance before you buy them.
3. Warranty
The third problem is the warranty.
You will see the 20-year warranty tag on the motor.
That's great, but the machine's moving parts are only guaranteed for one year, whereas GE has five on the sealed system.
On a new machine with new technology, that's a considerable difference.
4. Service
Lastly, regarding service options: GE and LG both have dedicated service departments. Samsung, however, does not offer any repair services.
Service must be a consideration, especially if you are buying from a retailer that does not offer its own repair services - which you most likely will be.
Pros & Cons of the Samsung Bespoke AI Combo Washer-Dryer
Pros
- Controls are super easy to use
- Lint catch is easy to use and catches most of the lint (also on the front)
- Large removable auto dispensers (General detergent dispenser 47 loads – Flex dispenser 34 for softener or 25 for detergent). So you can tell the machine if you have a softener you want to add or switch between detergents like Free + Clear and Sport, for example.
- Larger interior
- Custom/save/download programs
- One-touch start
- The bleach dispenser is right in front
- Connects with Alexa and Google Home
- Auto-open after dry cycle
Cons
- Taller unit
- Everyone in service operations says it's ugly. Editors note: I like it
- Cannot connect directly to a Wi-Fi network – you have to use the app on your phone (for downloads/updates, etc.)
- Detergent dispensers only at the bottom – not ADA
- Bedding took way longer than GE or LG.
Key Takeaways
I like how Samsung makes the controls easy.
The technology is incredible - really incredible.
By the way, you can even play music from Spotify on this machine. The microphone is in the machine, so I doubt you will be jamming to your favorite song.
Samsung designed another attractive (in my opinion) functional, easy-to-use washer and dryer.
You have another good option in addition to the LG WashCombo and the GE Profile UltraFast combo washers-dryers.
However, you have to be careful with any all-in-one unit. It will only be as reliable as the filter.
How to Get the Best Price for the Samsung Bespoke AI Combo Washer and Dryer?
I interviewed Samsung for this article. They told me the price was $3,299, except for the promotion.
In 2024, the appliance industry has been off-promotion for maybe two weeks.
Expect to pay $2,199-$2,499.
Read More: The Best Times to Buy Appliances
Additional Resources
Click the link to download our free Washer & Dryer Buying Guide. We all know someone who's been talked into buying the wrong washer or dryer. Don't let that happen to you.
Over 1 million people have found the right answers in the Yale guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
