Samsung Series 8 AI Energy ecobubble™ WW11DB8B95GBU1 11kg Washing Machine review: "It's in a different league"

Price on writing: £929 | Buy now from Samsung

How we tested

Our reviewer Mairi put the washing machine to the test in her home over the course of 70 washes. Washing clothes for her family of eight, she took detailed notes on user-friendliness, efficiency, effectiveness and noise levels. Cross-comparing the Samsung with her previous washing machine, she thoroughly tested each feature against a number of everyday laundry tasks.

Related: The best washing machines

What were your first impressions of the washing machine?

That it looked very modern, sleek, smart. We were amused at the end-of-cycle melody. I was cynical -  it looked and sounded good but could it actually do the job I needed it to do?

The washing machine was relatively easy to set up, although I could not find a manual with it. I found instructions online, including videos helpfully, but it is fairly intuitive to use anyway.

Read next: The best dehumidifiers

What's the Samsung Series 8 AI Energy Washing Machine like to use day-to-day?

I use the AI wash cycle which weighs and adapts to the load and stains. It is my ‘go to’ option and washes the clothes well. No complaints except I'd like to be able to lower the temperature to 30 degrees. The 40 damaged a waterproof bed protector before we realised.

The 39-minute quick wash cycle came in handy when my teenage son needed his uniform washed on the morning of school - it did the job. The bedding cycle was great for washing a duvet, too.

I use the Ecobubble feature to soak heavily soiled clothing. No stains. Brilliant! I really like being able to soak in the washing machine rather than in buckets/tub. A welcome feature. I didn't use the autodose feature, which allows you to pre-load laundry detergent, I use tablets and put them directly in the machine.

I am not sure of the purpose of the app. Once I downloaded and set it up, I’ve not looked at it again. I'm mainly home based so perhaps the app is more useful to those who are out during the day but I do not understand how, maybe by using a timer to start washing. I use other smart devices in the home such as lights which I find useful. I have yet to appreciate the app for my washing machine.

The 11kg drum has been really useful. I did wonder if a larger load would affect the performance of the washing machine but it also does a better job of cleaning than my previous machine, a 6kg AEG. I can now do almost double the washing, more effectively, using just as much detergent as I used to, saving me labour, time and money.

Some of the cycles are very long, and this put me off using them, for example, the eco option is nearly 3 hours. However I am conscious of environmental impact and grateful that there is an eco option. I intend to use this feature more in the future.

Compared to my previous washing machine, the Samsung is in a different league - advanced technology, smart, better cleaning performance - a pleasure to use. It feels like the workload split with my previous machine was 50/50. The workload split on this machine feels more 80/20. I am still having to sort, load and unload, treat stains, etc, but once the load is in, I know this machine will do a great job.

Related: The best tumble dryers

How well does the Samsung Series 8 clean your clothes?

Very well. With an adventurous preschooler; creative, active, young children; teenage boys, and an often mucky dog there is a lot of dirty laundry and potential for staining. This machine did better than my previous, saving me labour and time (treating stains and soaking outside of the machine), and money (replacing stained items).

Read next: The best budget washing machines under £500

What are the best features of this washing machine?

It has lightened my load. As a busy, working mum I need a washing machine that does its job well and doesn’t add to mine. The larger drum, more effective wash power, and self maintenance feature save me time, labour and money.

The smart prompting to clean the drum and clear the filter is fantastic. An important part of operating a washing machine is managing the maintenance of it. This feature means I don’t have to worry about that.

Related: The best washer dryers

What's one thing you'd change about this washing machine?

I would add a longer press on the on/off button when in child lock. The touchscreen is sensitive and so I used child lock to stop cycles being disrupted by people leaning on the screen. However the on/off button is still operational and extremely sensitive to touch when in child lock, meaning there are times when it has been accidentally turned off mid-cycle. This was frustrating. A 3 second hold to activate the on/off button when in child lock mode would overcome this.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She researches and reviews the products Mumsnetters swear by, with a particular focus on home essentials, laundry and fans. From a highly-recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.

Holding an MA in Creative Writing and a PGCert in Lifestyle Journalism, Poppy's written about parenting topics for The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Mirror and The Sun. She's a best-selling, award-winning author, and her books for children and parents have been translated into 12 languages.

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