Verdict

Pros

• Good basic programmes
• Simple to use, modern looks
• Great wash performance
• Smart check fault diagnosis

Cons

• Super Eco not a great saving
• A little noisier than ideal
• Spin efficiency only average

What is the Samsung WF80F5E0W4W?

The snappily titled Samsung WF80F5E0W4W is one of the company’s mid-range washing machines offering both Ecobubble technology and a contemporary, slightly curvaceous look. The Ecobubble technology gently froths the detergent with both air and water before the cycle begins, creating cleansing bubbles that are supposed to penetrate the washing faster and more thoroughly than conventionally dissolved detergents. This enables a cooler wash cycle to be used, which in turn saves energy and is kinder to your clothes.

You also get Samsung Stain Away stain removing technology, a diamond pattern drum for gentler, more efficient washing and Samsung’s Smart Check for when things are not well in the washing department. Should there be a problem with the machine you can use a smart phone to scan the LED display, self-diagnose problems and detect errors. Many common issues you can fix yourself to save calling out an engineer. The top line figures of 8kg load, 1400 maximum spin, 12 programs and A energy rating give this machine a broad appeal without breaking the bank.

Samsung WF80F5E0W4W: What is it like to use?

Compared to some of Samsung’s top-of-the-range machines, the Samsung WF80F5E0W4W is very simple to use. Just choose the desired preset programme from a choice of 12, set illuminated dial and press start.  The controls feature a Perspex dial that has a great feel to it, and an LED display panel that shows the countdown timer, temperature and spin speed.

The display is surrounded by buttons that access extra options with a light single touch. The Ecobubble wash is set as standard for all washes and while there is the option to turn it off we struggled to think of a good reason why you would want to. On completion of the wash there is the usual Samsung ‘tuneful’ ditty but luckily there is the option to turn this off as the novelty soon wears off.

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Samsung WF80F5E0W4W: How noisy is it?

In an unusual set of results this machine measured exactly as per the published figures of 62dB for washing and 79dB for full 1400 spin speed. Both of these figures are ok for a mid-range machine, particularly one capable of hitting 1400rpm, but not outstanding compared to some of the brand’s top-spec machines or peers at this price point.

To put the sound into perspective around 60dB is approximately normal speaking conversation and 80dB would be similar to the chatter in a busy restaurant. Compared to other machines, the WF80F5E0W4W is considerably louder than Samsung’s own WF90F7E6U6W (£599), which measured a peak of just 69dB, while the benchmark remains the Miele WMR 560 WPS at a mere 67dB.

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Samsung WF80F5E0W4W: What programmes does it have?

There are 12 programmes to choose from with a good spread of options for a busy household. In addition to the usual cotton, synthetics, woollen and hand wash programmes there is a baby care (for clothes, not kids) an outdoor care programme for waterproof items and functional technical fabrics such as ski-jackets, spandex and micro-fibre.

The Stain Away programme avoids the need for pre-treatment of messy clothes with an intense wash at higher temperature, and there is a 15min quick wash for a quick refresh of everyday items. The Super-Eco wash runs at very low temperature to reduce energy consumption and each programme offers the option of manual spin speed, manual temperature, extra rinse or pre-soak.

Samsung WF80F5E0W4W: How well does it wash?

We ran three different wash cycles for our tests; a 40°C cotton wash with a 6.4kg (80%) full load at 1400 spin speed, a 40°C normal cotton wash with a 3.2kg (40%) load at 1400 spin speed and then the same wash but this time using Samsung’s Super-Eco mode. The Super Eco mode is limited to 1200 spin to save energy.

We did not use the full 9kg load as using 80% is regarded as more realistic for day to day usage. We also included a test stain strip in the first wash, which was stained with dried on ketchup, coffee, blood, red wine and engine oil, and conducted the wash with the prescribed quantity of a brand-name non-biological detergent.

The wash timings were a varied feast with the first wash running
over by 20mins on the 2hrs 52mins indicated, the second wash being
46mins quicker than the 2hrs 52mins stated at the beginning and the
final Super Eco wash running over by 18mins from the 1hr 57mins
indicated.

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As with all Samsung washing machines we have tested to date, the wash results were top-notch. Almost all stains were removed in the standard cotton wash programme with only the ever-present dirty engine oil showing strongly and a slight shadow remaining over the red wine. If you were using biological powder the results would be very good indeed.

The spin results were not quite as impressive but run about average for the machine’s price. The main wash left 2.4kg (38%) of water in the clothes, with the half-load and half load with Super Eco leaving 1.2kg (38%) and 1.4kg (44%) of water respectively. The Super Eco mode suffered from not being able to engage the full 1400 spin speed resulting in a fair bit of water being left in the wash.

Samsung WF80F5E0W4W: How much will it cost to run?

Once again Samsung has created a machine with great wash results and very frugal running costs. Based on an average UK household use (200 x 40°C 80% max load and 40 x 40°C 40% half load with a 50/50 split on normal and Super Eco programmes), the Samsung WF80F5E0W4W’s annual running cost is a very reasonable £33.96 for such a well-featured, high spin-speed machine. Specific figures for power and water use are listed on the specs page.

Should I buy the Samsung WF80F5E0W4W?

This is a good mid-range machine that offers a fine balance of performance and features for the money. There are plenty of machines with more programmes and options, run quieter or use even less electricity, but for an all-rounder that won’t break the bank, Samsung’s WF80F5E0W4W is a solid buy.

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