Samsung WD11DG6B85BKU3 "Smart" Washing Machine: More Gadget Than Washer - A Disappointing Experience
Let's be clear: after eight months of use, this isn't the reliable washing machine I expected; it's more of a frustrating gadget. As a family of three with frequent needs for washing sportswear and towels, we relied on our previous Samsung washer-dryer for a decade. While its drying function became inefficient after a 2-3 of years, I hoped this newer model, boasting advanced technology, would offer a better experience. Sadly, it has largely been a disappointment.
My key frustrations:
Insufficient Water Usage: This machine's "eco-friendly" approach translates to an alarming low use of water. Unlike my previous model, attempting to add water via the detergent dispenser during a cycle triggers an alarm and halts the process. Often, the laundry tumbles with barely any visible water, leaving clothes feeling more damp than washed. This issue extends to spinning: after hand-washing a jacket (despite being machine-washable), the machine refused to spin, deeming the single, soaked garment too heavy. I suspect this wouldn't have been the case if the machine used adequate water during its own wash cycles.
Ineffective Washing: The primary function of a washing machine is to clean, and this one struggles. (Not so) stubborn stains persist even after multiple washes. A tomato (!) stain on a cotton t-shirt remained after three attempts, and deodorant marks show no signs of budging, regardless of detergent quantity. Even a towel washed on a dedicated program still felt greasy with baby oil. Kids socks look the same before and after washing.
Poor Rinsing: Increasing detergent to combat the ineffective washing only introduces another problem: insufficient rinsing. Residue clearly remains in the laundry after the cycle.
Misleading Program Descriptions: The "15-minute quick wash" is a blatant misnomer. It runs for 16 minutes only at 30 degrees with a single rinse and a useless 400 RPM spin. Achieving a genuinely quick and effective wash (30 degrees, two rinses, 1200 RPM spin) takes 23 minutes – short enough, but certainly not 15.
Illogical Program Limitations: The "Towels" program, which would most benefit from automated drying, inexplicably lacks this option.
Restricted Drying Settings: The wash and dry program only allows adjustment of drying duration, not temperature.
Poor Program Prioritization: The machine is overloaded with seemingly unnecessary pre-defined programs while lacking crucial options and flexibility.
Annoying Unnecessary Features: There's no way to disable the end-of-cycle music, a minor but persistent annoyance.
Hygiene Issues: After just three months, after a week-long holiday with the door and dispenser ajar and regular cleaning in a meantime, the machine had an unpleasant odor.
Questionable Automated Detergent Dispensing: While the automatic detergent dispensing is convenient and has reduced overall usage, I often suspect it's dispensing too little. This reinforces the issue of laundry feeling barely moistened after a wash.
Deteriorating Drying Performance: The automated drying cycle was initially a positive aspect. However, after only a few months, I'm already noticing a decline in its efficiency. As drying led to shrinkage even when drying t-shirts on the "synthetics" setting, I now limit its use to towels and bedsheets to avoid damaging clothes and fearing a repeat of my previous Samsung's rapid decline in drying effectiveness.
Unreliable Software: In true "gadget" fashion, the washing machine occasionally freezes, making it unwise to start a cycle before leaving the house.
Forced App Integration: The manufacturer implies that downloading their app is necessary to unlock the machine's full potential. However, the app's demand for personal information, which I deem irrelevant to basic washing functionality, has deterred me from using it.
In conclusion, this Samsung washing machine feels more like a poorly executed gadget than a reliable appliance. It struggles with basic cleaning tasks, leaves laundry feeling and smelling less than fresh, and is riddled with illogical limitations and frustrating quirks. My advice? Opt for a washing machine with fewer bells and whistles and a greater focus on its core function: effectively cleaning clothes.
