Samsung vs. Whirlpool Dishwashers: What's The Difference?
Ideas and Advice

Samsung vs. Whirlpool Dishwashers: What's The Difference?

Dishwashers are one of the best kitchen appliances you can invest in. These appliances use modern technology to turn what used to be an all-day task into something you can load once and leave alone until the dishwashing cycle is done. Whirlpool and Samsung have both distinguished themselves in the world of kitchen appliances: for decades, they have been well known for making robust, powerful dishwashers that get the job done. But is a Samsung dishwasher or a Whirlpool dishwasher the best option for you? What are the best dishwashers that come from each brand? What innovations has each of the brands brought to your kitchen? And what features should you make a priority when you buy a new dishwasher? This blog post aims to answer all your questions and help you figure out, when it comes to Samsung vs. Whirlpool dishwasher models, which is best for your home.

Quiet Operation

Quiet Operation

When you're selecting a dishwasher, you want one that operates quietly and doesn't overwhelm the kitchen with noise. In general, Samsung dishwashers are quieter than Whirlpool dishwashers. You can get a Samsung dishwasher that operates as quietly as 39 dBA: that's as quiet as a soft whisper. Meanwhile, the quietest Whirlpool dishwasher we sell runs at 47 dBA, which is the same as a quiet office. Louder models for both brands top out at around 60 to 65 dBA, which is about the same noise level as a nearby conversation. When all put together, this means that if you plan on spending a lot of time in the kitchen, it may be worth it to get a quieter Samsung model. If you prefer to turn the dishwasher on and then leave the room, you will find that both dishwasher brands operate quietly enough for your needs.

Washing Racks

Washing Racks

If you wash a lot of silverware, especially specialty silverware such as knives, it's almost certainly worth it to invest in a dishwasher with a third rack. A third rack is also a godsend when it comes to oddly-shaped cookware and other unique items. Samsung generally manufactures more dishwashers with a third rack than Whirlpool does. If all of your silverware fits easily into a single basket, Whirlpool (and the brand's AnyWare™ Plus Silverware Baskets) may be a more cost-effective option for you.

Place Setting Capacity

Place Setting Capacity

One of the first questions that consumers should ask when buying a new dishwasher, especially when comparing Samsung vs. Whirlpool appliances, is how many dishes their new dishwasher can hold. Whirlpool and Samsung are roughly equal in this category: they both manufacture dishwashers that can hold between 8 and 15 place settings per load, depending on the exact model. Both brands also make dishwashers of 18-in. and 24-in. width as well, fitting easily into both of the most common sizes of cutout.

Number of Cycles and Options

Number of Cycles and Options

Before you buy a dishwasher, it's important to consider the number of wash cycles and other options that are available to you. If you are frequently going to wash heavily soiled loads of dishes, or if you have a wide variety of cookware to wash, it may be worth your while to invest in a dishwasher that provides you with a wider selection of cycles. Features such as Whirlpool's AccuSense® Soil Sensor and Samsung's StormWash™ heavy-duty wash cycle are well suited to tackle nearly any mess you can throw at them. If you're looking for a wider variety of cleaning options, it's a good idea to look at Samsung first, however, as Samsung provides more cleaning options in general. Indeed, many of their dishwasher units come equipped with a hard food disposer that makes quick work of heavily soiled dishes, even when they have solid chunks of food caked onto them. This means that the dishwasher's drain is less likely to clog than it is on a unit without a hard food disposer.

Smart App Compatibility

Smart App Compatibility

Samsung offers more smart dishwashers than Whirlpool does, but both brands have options available if you'd like to monitor or operate your dishwasher using your smartphone. In Samsung dishwashers, look for dishwashers that let you remotely start, stop, or delay your cycle using the SmartThings app. With the SmartThings app, you can even track the number of dishwasher pods you use and order new ones before you run out. When it comes to Whirlpool dishwashers, meanwhile, you can use the Download & Go™ option to customize each dishwasher cycle on your smartphone, and even use your smart home assistant (such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa) to control the dishwasher using the power of your voice.

Tub Material

Tub Material

Another critical choice you have to make when buying a dishwasher is the material of the tub. This blog post goes into detail on which tub material is the best choice for you. If you're looking for the economy and stainproof nature of a plastic dishwasher tub, you may want to look at Whirlpool first, as Whirlpool dishwashers are more likely to have a plastic tub. Meanwhile, a stainless steel dishwasher tub is quieter than plastic and allows the machine to use much more effective drying methods. Samsung makes more dishwashers with stainless steel tubs.

Price Point

Price Point

One of the first concerns people have when buying a new dishwasher is how much it will cost. On this front, Whirlpool wins: their dishwashers tend to have fewer advanced features, but they will clean your dishes just as well as Samsung dishwashers, and they tend to cost less overall. Many consumers indeed have no interest in a dishwasher with high-end features. They simply want something that cleans their dishes, and Whirlpool dishwashers are superb at doing that job.

Our Expert Picks

Best Selling Whirlpool Dishwasher - Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ

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The top selling Whirlpool dishwasher at Appliances Connection is this 24-in. unit. With a fingerprint resistant stainless steel exterior and a pro-style bar handle, you get a premium appearance from it, even if your budget is limited. But it isn't only the exterior that makes this dishwasher a favorite. It can hold up to 15 place settings, and with five wash cycles to choose from (including Sensor, Sani Rinse, Soak and Clean, and Quick Wash), it's easy to select the perfect settings for any dishes. Its third rack helps you save space by spreading your silverware out, and folding tines make placing bulky items simple. And the dishwasher's advanced leak detection system automatically drains water from the tub if it ever senses a leak.

Best Selling Samsung Dishwasher: Samsung DW80R9950US

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Our most popular Samsung dishwasher is one of the quietest dishwashers on the market, and also one of the smartest. At 39 dBA of operating noise, it's quieter than the average library. And you can use the linear wash system with AquaBlast™ jets and Zone Booster™ technology to deep-clean up to 15 place settings at a time. The flexible third rack maximizes your opportunity to adjust your silverware, and it even has an adjustable section to fit large utensils such as spatulas. Meanwhile, the AutoRelease™ door automatically pops open at the end of the drying cycle, improving air circulation inside the dishwasher and letting the humidity escape.

Top Rated Whirlpool Dishwasher: Whirlpool WDT750SAKV

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Another of our best Whirlpool dishwashers is this 24-in. unit in stylish, fingerprint resistant black stainless steel. Our shoppers especially love its high capacity (it can handle up to 15 place settings) and the sensors that automatically adjust the cycle settings and flow of water based on the soil level of your dishes. The upper basket is easy to adjust to fit tall items on either rack: whether you need to clean cookie sheets on the bottom or water bottles on the top, you can configure this dishwasher to fit your needs. The three-piece silverware basket even splits into two, letting you move it wherever it needs to be or separate the parts.

Top Rated Samsung Dishwasher: Samsung DW50T6060US

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The top rated Samsung dishwasher in our lineup is this compact one. At just 18 in. wide, it can easily fit into a small space, while it can still handle heavy loads (up to eight place settings). As a bonus, you still get five wash cycles and four options at your fingertips. The stainless steel exterior has a fingerprint resistant finish that repels smudges and stains. On the inside, there are three spray arms, each on their own level, maximizing the spread of water within the appliance. Our shoppers love the dishwasher's whisper-quiet operation (with just 46 dBA of noise level) and its pocket handle, as well as its high-end fully integrated digital control system.

A Splash of BESPOKE Color: Samsung DW80BB707012

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If you've decided on a dishwasher from Samsung and you love brightly colored statement pieces, definitely look at the BESPOKE Series. The sheer variety of color options available makes this 24-in. dishwasher one of our top picks. But we don't just love its appearance. With eight wash cycles available to clean up to 16 place settings at a time, you can do dishes for your whole family. The dishwasher offers the smart features that we've come to expect from Samsung, including connection to the SmartThings app. StormWash+™ technology blasts high-pressure water at all angles to catch even the most soiled dishes. And the FlexLoad™ rack system lets you adjust the middle rack with a single touch so you can fit cutlery, casserole dishes, or whatever else you want.

Related Questions

Who makes Whirlpool dishwashers?

Whirlpool dishwashers are manufactured by the Whirlpool Corporation, whose offices are based in Michigan. The Whirlpool Corporation also owns KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir, and Amana.

What are some methods for how to clean Whirlpool dishwashers?

There are a lot of ways to keep your Whirlpool dishwasher clean, and cleaning your dishwasher is important to keep it functioning well. We discuss many of these methods in this blog post.

How long do Samsung dishwashers last?

Samsung dishwashers are built to last: most of the time, they will keep working for more than 10 years before needing repair or replacement. You can extend the life span of your dishwasher by keeping it clean and well maintained.

Who makes Samsung dishwashers?

Samsung appliances are owned and manufactured by Samsung electronics, headquartered in South Korea.