I had not seriously considered Samsung as a washing machine brand until I had the opportunity to help do laundry at my brother's house. Our family has been having a stretch of illnesses that require surgery, so we've been pitching in to help one another. It's been a pleasure using this Samsung White 4.0 cu. ft. Front Load Washer – model # WF328AAW.


Description

This is a nice looking washing machine that also has a matching dryer. The machine can stand alone, or be mounted on an optional pedestal that has a slide-out drawer. There is also the option of stacking the washer and dryer, but an optional stacking kit needs to be purchased. The washing machine has a flat top surface as well stainless steel construction. The controls are located on the front of the machine … to the front left is a slide-out drawer where the detergent and liquid fabric softener is placed, and all the controls are to the right of the detergent drawer.

This particular model is white, a front-loader that measures 27" wide x 31" deep x 38" high. It weighs 238 pounds. Maximum spin speed is 1200 rpm, and the machine has Vibration Reduction Technology. The washer has an internal heater and a child lock.

There are 12 wash cycles: heavy duty, normal, whites, perm press, sanitize, towels, bedding, delicates, wool, quick wash, rinse & spin, and spin only. The 7 wash options include: SteamCare, SilverCare, delay start, pre wash, extra wash, extra rinse, extra spin.

Temperature settings are: extra hot / cold --- hot / cold --- warm / warm --- warm / cold --- cold / cold. Spins speeds are: extra high, high, medium, low, no spin.


Our Experiences

I'll say it upfront that I'm not a fan of front load washing machines. I love my GE top-loader. However, after using this Samsung front-loading machine, I'm pleasantly impressed!

Previously, my brother and his family were using a Neptune washing machine. What a nightmare. While the washer was in warranty, not only did it have the infamous mold/mildew problem, but it went through three circuit boards. The final blow came when an error message showed that yet another circuit board replacement was needed, and the machine was out of warranty. Bye, bye Neptune.

I love using this washing machine. It's easy to operate, cleans well, and has a lot of useful features. At the time of purchase, the store also had the matching pedestal at a discounted price. However, the extra height wasn't needed, and the pedestal drawer didn't seem practical for storage. It would hold small items, but it would not store larger laundry detergent bottles.

NOISE: This machine is incredibly quiet. I can't believe how quiet it is in comparison to other washing machines I've heard. There is no drive belt since it's a "direct drive" motor that uses a variable speed reversible motor. The machine is not completely silent, but the machine operates so quietly that the noise blends into the background of other house noises.

VIBRATION: The VRT (Vibration Reducing Technology) reduces excessive vibration. The 1200 rpm spin cycle is even. This washing machine has never experienced an unbalanced load. It stays in place unlike some washing machines I've seen which have literally danced across the floor.

LOAD SIZE: This is a large-load washing machine. Looking at the machine, you wouldn't think it could hold as much as it does. The literature says it can handle a king-size comforter. We recently threw in a thick queen-size comforter, and it fit well inside the washing machine. However, there wasn't a lot of room to spare.

ADDING FORGOTTEN ITEMS: Even though this is a front load washer, you can add an item after the washing cycle begins. Press the Start/Pause button and wait for the Door Lock light to go out, then open the door and add the forgotten items. Close the door, and the washing cycle will continue where it left off. It is recommended that items be added within five minutes of starting the wash cycle, or else the laundry might not completely clean.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT: This washing machine works best when HE detergent is used. The detergent drawer is a flush fit against the washing machine. It is easy to open and has compartments for the various cleaning products. There is a section for liquid detergent or powder, and sections for liquid fabric softener, bleach and pre-wash treatments. When needed, this compartment can be removed for hand washing to remove any soap residue.

CLEANING: This machine does an excellent job of washing clothes. They come out clean and in good condition. I also appreciate that while the clothes are damp to the touch, they are not dripping wet. This machine is excellent on water conservation, too.

SILVERCARE TECHNOLOGY: I had never heard of this feature until using this machine. There are two plates of silver about the size of chewing gum sticks located in the machine. Through electrolysis, silver ions are released into the wash to further sanitize laundry in cold-water washes; no bleach is necessary. The manufacturer says that this feature removes 99% of odor-causing bacteria for up to 30 days. Note: The SilverCare cycle cannot be used with the Wool cycle. Also, the silver sticks are only good for 2,999 washes and then it is recommended they be replaced.

CONTROLS: These controls are simple to use, and the cycles can be customized. A comfortable wide metal knob controls the washing cycles. As the knob is turned, a red-pink indicator light points to the chosen option, and the knob can be rotated either left or right. When the knob rests on a cycle, an electric-blue display shows how long the cycle will take along with what the cycle will include (ex: 30 minutes wash-rinse-spin). Once a cycle is selected, other options can be chosen to customize it. The selected options are marked with a red indicator light. What I like is that I can turn the knob, and the time for each cycle will display without turning on the machine. This way I can compare cycle times. Also, all the indicator lights are bright and easy to see.

DELAY START: A useful feature, this allows the washing machine cycles to be chosen up to 24 hours in advance of the actual start time.

DOOR: With a tug, the door easily opens, and it also snaps firmly shut. There is no leaking. I also like the round tinted window so that I can view what is happening inside the washing machine. When the wash is finished, I like to leave the door ajar to make sure the little remaining moisture evaporates. However, I'm the only one who does this. Other family members close the door. The machine has not had any mold/mildew issues. (Note: the household does not have any young children who could become trapped inside the machine should the door be left open.)

ALARM: Usually I hate alarms on washing machines. They usually are so loud that it sounds like an emergency warning rather than a notice the laundry is finished. This machine has an alarm that is a tuneful beep. It's loud enough to be noticeable, but it's not a shriek. The alarm will work well if the machine is relatively close to inhabited areas; however, if the machine is at one end of a large house, and people at the other end, then the alarm probably won't be heard.


Purchasing

This machine normally cost $998.00 from Lowes. However, a family member had a discount so that it cost $899.00 at checkout.


Summary

This Samsung Front Load Washing Machine has proven a great buy. I like the controls, how easy it is to operate, the way the clothes are damp to the touch (not wet) when pulled from the machine. This washing machine is going to be energy efficient, too. We already see it in the smaller amount of water used in the wash and the shorter wash times … yet the clothes come out clean.

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:


Samsung Dryer (matches this washing machine)

Cheer ColorGuard Laundry Detergent

Cheer True Fit Laundry Detergent

Tide Simple Pleasures Laundry Detergent

Woolite Fabric Wash

Bounce Dryer Sheets

Ultra Downy Fabric Softener

OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover

Dyson DC14 Animal Bagless Vacuum Cleaner


Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 899.00