Samsung vs Smeg Washing Machines

Samsung keeps its washers in the mid-market, from £349 for the 8kg Series 5 AI Energy WW80CGC04DAEEU to £479 for the Series 6 ecobubble WW90T554DAW. Smeg sits higher, with the 9kg WNP96SLAAUK with Steam and Autodose at £599, the 8kg WNP84SECUK at £499 and the WDN064SLDUK washer-dryer at £799. Smeg's washers are the more design-led appliances, with Italian styling that matches its kitchen ranges.

The features diverge sharply. Samsung relies on ecobubble, AddWash, Hygiene Steam and AI Energy on its Series 5 and 6 models, with SmartThings app control. Smeg's pitch is steam and Autodose. Autodose holds detergent in a built-in tank and doses the right amount for each wash, while steam refreshes garments and reduces creasing between washes. The 9kg WNP96SLAAUK1 spins at 1600rpm, faster than the 1400rpm Samsung machines. Samsung's 11kg Series 6 at £479 undercuts Smeg's 9kg model by £120 and offers a far larger drum.

Samsung suits households wanting an 8kg or 9kg washer under £500 with app-linked controls, and families with heavier laundry will find the 11kg option at £479 useful. Smeg suits buyers who value steam refresh, automatic detergent dosing and a kitchen-matching finish, and who are happy to pay more for them. Anyone who dislikes measuring detergent will find Autodose practical over time, while Samsung's lower price leaves more budget for a dryer. Households with bedding, pets or a large family will value the bigger drum, while a smaller household could manage with the 8kg Smeg WNP84SECUK at £499. The 11kg model is also the largest drum in the Samsung range shown here.

Bottom line: choose Samsung if you want an 8kg, 9kg or 11kg washer under £500 with ecobubble and smart controls, choose Smeg if you want steam care, Autodose and a design-led machine from £499.