Washers wash your clothes and dryers dry them, right? Seems kind of cut and dry (pun intended). Things like capacity and spin speed will be similar in a lot of laundry pairs. It's things like cycles, interface, and after-sale service that may help you differentiate between brands.
In this article, we are going to look at two of the largest appliance companies in the world, Whirlpool and Samsung. We will compare their machines and help explain the differences.
Samsung
Samsung is a Korean company that was started in 1938 as a trading company by Lee Byung-Chul. In the 1960s they started making electronics. In the last decade, they have grown to be one of the largest electronics companies in the world.
They manufacture everything from TVs and phones to ranges and refrigerators as you probably know. Samsung is now the number 1 brand sold in the US and have introduced new products and technology in appliances.
They have Wi-Fi connectivity. They also introduced the most advanced laundry set in the industry.
Samsung FlexWash
These machines are two washers and two dryers in the same footprint as one.
Samsung Washer Recall
Samsung had problems in laundry not too long ago, but traditional top loads were only affected (note every manufacturer has had issues with the so-called hybrids or top load washers without agitators).
However, Samsung is the only company who issued a recall.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool is an American company founded in 1911 by Emory and Louis. They started by making electric motors and soon after, washing machines. The Whirlpool corporation owns Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, and Jenn-Air.
Whirlpool started as a laundry company. Their unofficial launch was based on a handshake agreement with the once dominant, Sears, for laundry.
Whirlpool vs. Samsung Laundry Front Load Laundry Comparison
Features:
- Steam Wash: For above-and-beyond clothing care; steam technology gives your washer even more fight against stains, odors, and wrinkles.
- VRT Plus™ Technology: Reduces vibrations 40% more than standard VRT™ washers. Less vibration means less noise, and a more peaceful laundry day.
- 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity: Spend less time in the laundry room by washing more clothes at once. A generous 4.5 cu. ft. tub capacity allows you to wash weeks' worth of laundry in one load.
- Self Clean+: Because a cleaner tub means cleaner laundry - the Self Clean+ cycle cleans the tub by removing dirt and mold from the tub. A Self Clean+ reminder appears on the main display once every 40 washes.
- Smart Care: Smart Care Samsung appliances allow you to troubleshoot potential problems with your appliance without having to consult the heavy manual. With the Smart Care app, you can simply point your smartphone at the control panel and it will interpret the error code and tell you the necessary steps for troubleshooting.
- 10 Preset Wash Cycles: Normal, Heavy Duty, Permanent Press, Sanitize, Allergen, Bedding, Deep Steam, Delicates, Quick Wash, Rinse and Spin.
- 10 Options: Steam, Self Clean+, Delay End, My Cycle, Extra Rinse, Extra Spin, Sound, Spin Only, Child Lock, Smart Care.
- Internal Water Heater: Ensures proper, high wash temperatures needed to clean laundry effectively.
- ENERGY STAR® Rating: ENERGY STAR® products exceed federal guidelines for energy efficiency. Owning an ENERGY STAR® washer means you're not only helping the environment - you're saving a small fortune on energy costs over the washer's lifetime.
- Other Features:
- 5 temperature settings
- 4 spin settings
- 3 soil settings
- 1,300 RPM maximum spin speed
- Diamond drum design
- Ice blue LED display
- 24-Hrs. Delay End
Highlights
The Smart Care App is great for troubleshooting on both Samsung laundry pairs. You can also set the time and cycle plus you can check the remaining time from your phone.
At least in theory, the App has a 1.5-star rating on the Apple store. There are still connectivity issues in smart appliances.
Features:
- Multi-Steam™ Technology: For above-and-beyond clothing care; steam technology gives your dryer even more fight against stains, odors and wrinkles.
- Wrinkle Prevent Option: Ensures that your clothes leave the dryer wrinkle free and ready to wear.
- Sensor Dry: Sensor drying technology senses the needs of each individual load. By detecting moisture levels inside the drum, the dryer can automatically set the ideal temperature and running time. The result: no more overdried or under dried laundry.
- 10 Dry Cycles: Refresh, Wrinkle Away, Normal, Heavy Duty, Permanent Press, Bedding, Delicates, Sanitize, Time Dry and Quick Dry.
- 12 Options: Mixed Load Bell, Wrinkle Prevent, Anti-Static, Small Load Care, My Cycle, Adjust Time (up), Adjust Time (down), Eco Dry, Sound, Child Lock, Smart Care and Drum Light.
- My Cycle Option: Remembers a selected cycle, temperature, spin speed and soil level combination and saves it for future use.
- Smart Care: Smart Care Samsung appliances allow you to troubleshoot potential problems with your appliance without having to consult the heavy manual. With the Smart Care app, you can simply point your smartphone at the control panel and it will interpret the error code and tell you the necessary steps for troubleshooting.
- See-Through Reversible Door: A see-through door makes it easy to monitor your load in the dryer. It can also be reversed for more installation flexibility, or to accommodate left-handed users.
- Eco Dry: Uses up to 25% less energy for each load.
- ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR® products exceed federal guidelines for energy efficiency. Owning an ENERGY STAR® dryer means you're not only helping the environment - you're saving a small fortune on energy costs over the dryer's lifetime.
- 7.5 cu. ft. Capacity: Spend less time in the laundry room by washing more clothes at once. A generous 7.5 cu. ft. drum capacity allows you to dry weeks' worth of laundry in one load.
Highlights
Steam is an advantage to laundry. In a dryer it allows you to refresh your delicates instead of subjecting them to a full wash and dry cycle. The Senor Wash is a great feature for a more efficient drying performance.
Features:
- AddWash: Conveniently add in forgotten laundry after the cycle has begun with the AddWash door. Save time and energy by not doing an additional load of laundry.
- Steam Cleaning: Steam technology equips this front-load washer to better tackle stains, odors and wrinkles.
- Super Speed
- Wash a full load in 36 minutes.
- Breakthrough technology provides a 40% faster and more thorough wash cycle.
- Simply press the button to select SuperSpeed and save time on 5 wash cycles, without sacrificing cleaning performance.
- 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity: Large capacity 27" washer lets you wash up to 3 laundry baskets in a single load. Fit more laundry so you can do fewer loads.
- Self Clean+: Self Clean+ technology keeps the washer tub fresh by removing dirt and bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals. Self Clean+ also sends reminders to clean the tub every forty wash cycles and even sanitizes the gasket.
- 14 Preset Wash Cycles: Normal, Heavy Duty, Permanent Press, Sanitize, Allergen, Towels, Bedding, Deep Steam, Whites, Active Wear, Delicates, Wool, Quick Wash, Rinse and Spin.
- 12 Options: Super Speed, Steam, Self Clean+, Delay End, My Cycle, Prewash, Extra Rinse, Extra Spin, Spin Only, Sound, Child Lock, Smart Care.
- Dispenser Trays: Prewash, Main Wash, Softener, Bleach.
- Vibration Reduction Technology Plus: Washers with Samsung VRT Plus technology are quieter than any other washers in their class and are now 40% quieter than regular VRT. An innovative tub design and special sensors keep heavy loads balanced even at high spin speeds.
Highlights
The add wash feature is a popular feature offered by Samsung, it allows you to add small garments after the wash cycle has started. VRT technology or Vibration Resistance Technology helps keep the machine grounded at high RPMs. Steam will help with the stain penetration.
Features:
- Multi-Steam Technology:
- Dewrinkles, refreshes and deodorizes your laundry items to keep them smelling and looking clean and crisp
- Steam Refresh
- Steam Wrinkle Away
- Steam Sanitize
- Smart Care: Monitor and manage your dryer right from your Smart Phone. Troubleshoot any problems that arise without having to wait for customer service
- Eco Dry: Offers superior drying while using less energy to save you thousands over the lifespan of the dryer
- ENERGY STAR: Meets ENERGY STAR's stringent standards for energy efficiency
- Vent Sensor: Detects duct blockages and reminds you to clean your vent and conveniently allows you to forward these alerts to your smartphone.
- 14 Dry Cycles: Steam Refresh, Steam Wrinkle Away, Steam Sanitize, Eco Normal, Normal, Heavy Duty, Permanent Press, Active Wear, Bedding, Delicates, Wool, Time Dry, Air Fluff, Quick Dry
- 11 Dry Options: Mixed Load Bell, Wrinkle Prevent, Anti-Static, My Cycle, Adjust Time (Up), Adjust Time (Down), Eco Dry, Sound, Child Lock, Smart Care, Drum Light
Highlights
The duct alert is great in terms of letting you know if you have a clogged duct, preventing possible fire. Adding a few more dry cycles than the model below for a more customized experience.
Whirlpool Washer WFW85HEFW - $899
Features:
- TumbleFresh™ Option: Keep clothes fresh without having to immediately transfer them to the dryer. This option activates after the wash cycle is finished and rolls clean clothes periodically to help prevent wrinkles from setting in.
- ColorLast™ Cycle: Keep colors vibrant longer with this cycle that adjusts wash actions and wash time while using gentle temperatures for optimal fabric care.
- Presoak Option: You won't have to spend time soaking clothes in the sink with the Presoak option that soaks clothes right in the washer, helping to remove stains, and then starting the wash cycle automatically.
- EcoBoost™ Option: Get additional energy efficiency with great cleaning performance. Lower water temperatures and increased wash action allow this option to use less energy while still delivering effective cleaning.
- Precision Dispense: This feature automatically provides well-balanced cleaning by releasing detergent at the correct time to mix with water, penetrate fabrics and deliver optimal fabric care.
- Steam Clean Option: This option penetrates fabrics using increased wash action and heat for even more help in removing everyday stains.
- Adaptive Wash Technology: Keep clothes looking newer longer with technology that senses and adapts wash actions, time and temperature.
- Smooth Wave Stainless Steel Wash Basket: Give clothes the care and protection they need with the sleek pattern of this stainless steel wash basket that gently guides them and helps prevent fabrics from fraying and snagging.
- 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity: Wash over three baskets of clothing in a single load. Finish laundry faster with 4.5 cu. ft. washer capacity that offers enough space to handle larger loads.
- Add-A-Garment: Add clothes to your wash load while the indicator light is on and still get optimal fabric care.
- ENERGY STAR® Qualified: Exceeds government standards to help conserve natural resources and save money on your utility bills.
- Tier 3: CEE Tier 3 standard is based on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency qualifying product list.
- Sanitize Cycle with Heater: The Sanitize cycle with Heater eliminates 99.9% of common household bacteria. Bacteria tested were S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae.
- Quick Wash Cycle: Wash a small, lightly soiled load in just 25 minutes using the Quick Wash cycle.
- Visible Ball Balancer: Install your front load washer on a second floor and be assured of great out-of-balance performance and vibration control.
- Clean Washer Cycle with afresh® Washer Cleaner
- 1,200 RPM Maximum Spin Speed
Highlights
The clean washer with Affresh cycle is great for cleaning your washer every 50 washes with Affresh tablets. The precision dispense helps the detergent mix at the right time with the water to optimize cleaning performance.
Features:
- Steam Refresh Cycle: Clothes are ready to wear, thanks to the Steam Refresh cycle. It releases wrinkles and reduces odors without rewashing.
- Advanced Moisture Sensing System: Three built-in sensors read incoming air temperature and outgoing air temperature while monitoring moisture levels. This helps the drying cycle end when everything is perfectly dry, saving time and energy and helping to prevent overdrying.
- EcoBoost™ Option: The EcoBoost™ option saves energy by using less heat and extending cycle time. You'll enjoy great drying performance while using less energy. Savings may vary across load type or cycle.
- Sanitize Cycle: The Sanitize cycle eliminates 99.9% of common household bacteria.
- Quick Dry Cycle: Finish drying a small load quickly.
- Wrinkle Shield™ Option: Help keep wrinkles from setting into your clean clothes with intermittent tumbling after the dryer cycle ends. The process lasts for up to 140 minutes or until you open the dryer door.
- Tap Touch Controls with Memory: Start your next load quickly using the sleek control interface of the Tap Touch controls with Memory. This technology allows direct access to dryer functions and even remembers your last cycle and settings to save you time.
- Quad Baffles: Get better, more balanced tumbling and increased effectiveness on small loads with the unique design of four shorter, staggered baffles. Now, larger items dry more evenly while smaller items keep tumbling without getting stuck riding the baffles.
- 7.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity: Dry bulky items like comforters and sleeping bags in this 7.4 cu. ft. capacity dryer that provides enough space to care for loads from the matching washer with ease.
- ENERGY STAR® Qualified: ENERGY STAR® qualified models exceed government standards to help conserve natural resources and save money on your utility bills.
Highlights
You can use the steam cycle for refreshing your clothes. Advanced moisture sensing to alleviate over drying. Quad baffles for a smooth tumble. Sanitize is great for bedding and towels.
Features:
- Load & Go System: The Load & Go reservoir holds enough detergent to wash up to 12 loads of laundry, so you can simply fill it and forget it.
- Adaptive Wash Technology: Adaptive Wash technology senses the needs of each load and adapts wash actions. Clothes always look their best, and colors stay vibrant wash after wash.
- Steam Clean Option: Add the power of steam to the stain-fighting Steam Clean option for even more help in breaking down deep soils.
- Wash and Dry Cycle: Featuring FanFresh technology, the Wash and Dry cycle automatically activates a fan, so you can get tomorrow's clothes ready without having to use the dryer.
- 12-Hour FanFresh Option: A built-in fan activates after the wash cycle is over, tumbling clothes for up to 12 hours, so you can finish laundry when you're ready.
- ColorLast Cycle: The ColorLast cycle adjusts wash action, gentle temperatures and wash time to keep colors vibrant over time.
- Precision Dispense: Precision Dispense holds detergent and additives, and it releases detergent at the correct time during the cycle for optimal fabric care. Detergent mixes with water to penetrate fabrics, virtually eliminating pre-treating.
- Presoak Option: The Presoak option adds extra time for soaking before the wash cycle starts.
- Smooth Wave Stainless Steel Wash Basket: The Smooth Wave stainless steel wash basket gently guides clothes through the wash cycle and helps protect fabrics from fraying and snags.
- 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity: Wash over three baskets of clothing in a single load. Finish laundry faster with 4.5 cu. ft. washer capacity that offers enough space to handle larger loads.
- EcoBoost Option: This option lowers water temperature and increases the tumbling action to use less energy while still delivering great cleaning and gentle performance.
- ENERGY STAR Qualified: Exceeds government standards to help conserve natural resources and save money on utility bills.
- Available Options: A 15-inch high pedestal can be placed under the washer for laundry storage, or the stacking kit allows the matching dryer to be installed on top of the washer. Water hoses are also available (sold separately).
Highlights
The Load and Go feature is a great time saver with up to 12 loads of detergent and also helps with cleaning the machine. Presoak assists with those heavily soiled loads.
The fan fresh starts the drying process after the wash is done eliminating knotted smelly clothes if you can't get to the load right away.
Features:
- 7.4 Cu. Ft. Capacity: The 7.4 cu. ft. capacity dryer offers enough space to care for loads with ease. You'll even be able to dry bulky items like comforters and sleeping bags.
- Advanced Moisture Sensing: Advanced Moisture Sensing uses three sensors to track moisture and temperature, adapting drying times to end the cycle at just the right time, helping to prevent damage caused by over-drying.
- Wrinkle Shield™ Plus Option with Steam: Help keep wrinkles from setting into your clean clothes for up to 150 minutes. This model uses the added benefit of steam for even better wrinkle-fighting performance.
- Steam Refresh Cycle: Clothes are ready to wear, thanks to the Steam Refresh cycle. It releases wrinkles and reduces odors without rewashing your favorite shirt.
- Stainless Steel Dryer Drum with Sound-dampening Technology: Enjoy quiet tumbling thanks to sound-dampening material that dampens noise from metal buttons and zippers.
- Quad Baffles: Get better, more balanced tumbling and increased effectiveness on small loads with the unique design of four shorter, staggered baffles. Now, larger items dry more evenly while smaller items keep tumbling without getting stuck riding the baffles.
- Static Reduce Option: Reduces static by combining a spray of mist with tumbling after the load is dry.
- EcoBoost™ Option: Use less energy while still getting great drying performance with the EcoBoost™ option that uses less heat and extended cycle times for greater energy efficiency.
- Delicate Cycle: Delicate fabrics and lingerie get gentle treatment with this cycle that dries them at the low temperature they need.
- ENERGY STAR Qualified: Exceeds government standards to help conserve natural resources and save money on utility bills.
- Available Options: A 15-inch high pedestal can be placed under the washer for laundry storage, or the stacking kit allows the matching dryer to be installed on top of the wash.
Highlights
Wrinkle Shield adds steam for even better help with wrinkling after the dryer is done. The option for static release is nice when you are drying at a high rpm. Again, the moisture sensing helps ensure dry clothes.
Whirlpool vs. Samsung Reliability
| |
Units Sold |
Units Serviced |
Service Rate |
| Whirlpool |
524 |
20 |
3.82% |
| LG Electronics |
320 |
17 |
5.31% |
| Maytag |
1,124 |
74 |
6.58% |
| Samsung |
154 |
12 |
7.79% |
| Electrolux |
1,549 |
295 |
19.04% |
| Speed Queen Commercial |
13 |
3 |
23.08% |
| Frigidaire |
86 |
21 |
24.42% |
| Speed Queen |
44 |
16 |
36.36% |
Both are good, but Whirlpool has a better rating based on 30,761 service calls logged by our service department last year.
If you need repair, Whirlpool will be easier to find service. Samsung is a bit spotty for service in certain areas of the country.
Made in the US, Whirlpool is more reliable and easier to fix.
Whirlpool vs. Samsung Laundry Features
Both are similar in terms of capacity, cycles, and options.
The Samsung Smart Care offered in both models is great for troubleshooting when you have a problem. The add wash is very convenient when you forget to add a garment. The vent sensor is a great safety feature, so you will know when to check your duct.
If you are stacking the Samsung units, the angle of the interface may be hard to read for people under 5’ 11”.
The Whirlpool machines have a nice baffle design that ensures a full tumble for your clothes. The Fan Fresh feature is a lifesaver for someone who may be busy doing other things and forget about their washer running...I'm sure we can all relate.
The optimal dispense feature is also a great time saver and will prevent you from adding too much detergent into the mix.
When to Buy Samsung or Whirlpool Front Load Laundry
There are 5 times to buy an appliance: Black Friday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day. You can save 10-30% during these promotional times.
Tariffs
President Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on foreign steel and 10% on aluminum. Plus, an additional tariff on washer machine parts.
Samsung should have been affected more, because they also been slapped with a 20% fine on all washers to 1.2 million and 50% beyond that.
However, Whirlpool has a bigger issue at this moment and it has affected their availability. They have a price increase of 7.2% slated for December.
If you are in the market, then Black Friday may be your best time to buy.
Conclusion
Laundry is different from refrigeration. You are more apt to buy a triple cool Samsung refrigerator than the second door on your washer for adding socks.
Overall, you want your laundry machines to work. The Wi-Fi is interesting on the Samsung. However, until the functionality improves, Whirlpool may have a better machine.
Of course, prices, promotions, and how these companies deal with tariffs could be your deciding factor.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale Washer Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside tips to all the brands, to dimensions and explanations of every washer and dryer type are included. Over 355,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles