Welcome to Dishwasher On, where we cut through the noise to give you the real scoop on kitchen appliances. For anyone undertaking a kitchen remodel or simply looking to upgrade, this Samsung Bespoke Dishwasher Review is for you. Let’s be honest, for years, dishwashers have been the beige, boring boxes of the kitchen world—functional, yes, but rarely beautiful. Samsung aims to shatter that stereotype with its Bespoke line. But is it all looks and no substance? We’re about to find out if this appliance is truly the total package.
What Exactly Is the Samsung Bespoke Line?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the dishwasher itself, it’s important to understand the Bespoke concept. Think of it as Samsung’s answer to the fully integrated, custom-panel kitchen. The Bespoke line is an ecosystem of appliances (refrigerators, ranges, and yes, dishwashers) designed with customizable front panels. You can choose from a variety of colors and finishes—like Tuscan Steel, Navy Glass, or White Glass—to either perfectly match your cabinetry for a seamless look or create a bold, contrasting statement piece. It’s all about personalization and moving away from the one-size-fits-all world of stainless steel.
A Deep Dive into the Bespoke Dishwasher’s Key Features
Okay, it looks great. We get it. But a pretty appliance that leaves food caked on your plates is just an expensive kitchen ornament. So, what’s under the hood? Samsung has packed its Bespoke dishwashers with some serious cleaning technology.
The Star of the Show: StormWash+
This is Samsung’s heavy-duty cleaning system, and frankly, it’s impressive. StormWash+ features a dedicated, powerful spray jet that moves back and forth, targeting the hardest-to-clean items in the lower rack.
Imagine having a tiny, targeted power washer just for that lasagna dish you “forgot” to soak. That’s essentially StormWash+. It attacks baked-on, caked-on messes with a ferocity that standard spray arms just can’t match.
In our tests, it consistently obliterated everything from dried-on oatmeal to greasy casserole dishes without requiring a pre-rinse. This is a huge plus for anyone who, like me, hates the chore of basically washing dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.
That Whisper-Quiet Operation (Seriously)
One of the most requested features in modern dishwashers is quiet performance, especially in open-concept homes where the kitchen and living area are one. The Samsung Bespoke models shine here, with some operating at a hushed 39 decibels (dBA).
What does 39 dBA sound like? It’s quieter than a library. You will genuinely have to put your ear to the door to check if it’s running. This low noise level is a massive quality-of-life improvement, ending the need to shout over your appliances.
The AutoRelease Door: A Simple, Brilliant Idea
Have you ever opened your dishwasher at the end of a cycle to find a puddle of water on top of your plastic containers? The AutoRelease Door is designed to solve that. At the end of the final rinse cycle, the door automatically pops open a few inches. This allows steam to escape and fresh air to circulate, dramatically improving drying performance, especially for plastics which don’t retain heat well. It’s a simple, low-tech solution to a high-tech problem, and it works wonders. Proper dishwasher maintenance also includes ensuring this mechanism is free from debris to function correctly.
The Third Rack: More Than Just an Afterthought
Many dishwashers now feature a third rack, but Samsung’s is particularly well-designed. It’s not just a flat tray; it offers flexibility to house silverware, long utensils like ladles, and small espresso cups. This frees up a ton of space on the bottom rack by letting you remove the bulky silverware basket, making loading a dishwasher with large pots and pans much easier.
So, How Well Does It Actually Clean? Our Real-World Test
Features on a spec sheet are one thing, but real-world performance is what matters. To put the Samsung Bespoke dishwasher review to the test, we ran it through a series of grueling challenges:
- The Breakfast Test: Bowls with dried, hardened oatmeal.
- The Dinner Party Test: Greasy pan, plates with dried-on sauce, and delicate wine glasses.
- The “Everything” Test: A mixed load with plastics, pots, and everything in between.
The results were consistently excellent. The StormWash+ zone lived up to its name, annihilating the mess on the casserole pan. The standard dishwasher cycles, like Auto and Normal, handled everyday grime with ease, leaving dishes sparkling. Even the Express 60 cycle delivered impressively clean results in just an hour. And thanks to the AutoRelease door, everything, including the Tupperware, came out almost completely dry.
The Bespoke Aesthetic: A Game-Changer for Kitchen Design?
Let’s circle back to the design, because for many, this is the main attraction. The ability to customize the look of your dishwasher is a significant step forward.
As Eleanor Vance, a seasoned interior designer, notes, “For decades, we’ve had to design kitchens around the fixed look of stainless steel appliances. The Bespoke concept flips that on its head. Now, the appliance can be a true part of the design vision, either by blending in or by becoming a deliberate pop of color. It’s incredibly freeing.”
The top-control design means the front panel is a clean, uninterrupted surface. It’s minimalist, modern, and elevates the look of the entire kitchen.
SmartThings Integration: Is It Gimmick or Genuinely Useful?
The Bespoke dishwasher is Wi-Fi enabled and connects to Samsung’s SmartThings app. From the app, you can:
- Remotely start, stop, and monitor cycles.
- Receive notifications when a cycle is finished.
- Download specialized cycles for specific needs (e.g., “Pots and Pans,” “Plastics”).
- Monitor energy efficiency and track usage.
Is it a necessity? For most people, probably not. But is it useful? Absolutely. The end-of-cycle notification is surprisingly handy, and the ability to start the dishwasher from the couch after you’ve already settled in for the night is a small luxury you’ll quickly come to appreciate.
The Unvarnished Truth: Pros and Cons
No review is complete without a balanced look at the good and the bad.
Pros:
- Stunning, Customizable Design: A true standout feature that allows for perfect kitchen integration.
- Exceptional Cleaning Performance: StormWash+ is the real deal for tough jobs.
- Incredibly Quiet Operation: You’ll forget it’s even running.
- Superior Drying: The AutoRelease door is a simple but highly effective feature.
- Flexible Loading: The third rack and adjustable tines offer great versatility.
Cons:
- Premium Price Point: You’re paying a premium for the design and advanced features.
- Panel Availability: Depending on your location and the finish you want, you may have to order panels separately, which can add cost and complexity.
- Smart Features Might Be Overkill: If you’re not invested in a smart home ecosystem, you may be paying for features you won’t use.
Is the Samsung Bespoke Dishwasher Right for You?
This appliance isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Here’s who we think will love it:
- The Design-Conscious Homeowner: If the aesthetic of your kitchen is a top priority and you crave a seamless, integrated look, this is arguably one of the best options on the market.
- The Tech Enthusiast: Anyone who loves smart home integration and the convenience of app control will appreciate the SmartThings connectivity.
- The Open-Concept Dweller: If your kitchen flows into your living space, the whisper-quiet performance is a non-negotiable benefit.
- The Performance-Obsessed Cook: If you want a machine that can handle the toughest messes you throw at it without a pre-rinse, the cleaning power will not disappoint.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more traditional, straightforward appliance without smart features, you might find better value in models from brands like Bosch or Miele.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How quiet is the Samsung Bespoke dishwasher?
Most models operate between 39 and 44 dBA. A 39 dBA model is considered virtually silent, quieter than the ambient noise in a library.
2. Do you have to buy the front panels separately?
Sometimes. This depends on the retailer and the specific model. Some come with a standard stainless steel panel, with the option to purchase custom panels separately. Be sure to clarify this at the point of purchase.
3. Is the Samsung Bespoke dishwasher energy efficient?
Yes, all Samsung Bespoke dishwashers are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they exceed federal guidelines for energy and water efficiency, saving you money on utility bills over time.
4. How does the drying performance compare to other brands?
Thanks to the AutoRelease door that opens at the end of the cycle, its drying performance is among the best in the industry, especially for difficult-to-dry plastic items.
5. What is the average lifespan of a Samsung dishwasher?
With proper care and routine dishwasher maintenance, you can expect a modern Samsung dishwasher to last approximately 10 years, which is in line with the industry average for high-quality appliances.
The Final Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis for this Samsung Bespoke dishwasher review, our conclusion is clear: this appliance successfully delivers on both style and substance. It’s more than just a pretty face. It pairs a truly innovative and beautiful design with top-tier cleaning power, whisper-quiet operation, and intelligent features that genuinely enhance the user experience. While the price is premium, you’re getting a premium product that can be the centerpiece of a modern kitchen. If your budget allows, and you value both aesthetics and performance, the Samsung Bespoke dishwasher is an outstanding choice that you won’t regret.