Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash Review: The Smart Appliance with a Surprising Quirk

There’s a universal moment of frustration known to anyone who has ever done laundry: the sight of a single, rogue sock lying on the floor just seconds after you’ve started a full wash cycle. For me, this moment used to be a weekly ritual. The options were grim: let the lone sock languish until the next wash, or waste water and energy running a tiny, dedicated cycle for it later. It’s a small problem, but it’s emblematic of the inflexibility of traditional home appliances. In a world of on-demand everything, our laundry routine felt stubbornly archaic. This constant battle with the laundry basket, coupled with the desire for smarter, more efficient home management, is what led me to investigate the new generation of connected appliances, a search that brought the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash directly into our testing lab.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Modern Washing Machine

A washing machine is more than just an appliance; it’s the engine room of a household’s weekly routine. It’s a key solution for maintaining hygiene, presenting ourselves professionally, and caring for our families’ clothing. The main benefits of a high-quality machine are profound: they save an immense amount of time compared to manual washing, use water and electricity far more efficiently, and protect the longevity of our clothes with specialised cycles. A poor choice, on the other hand, can lead to inadequately cleaned clothes, damaged fabrics, high utility bills, and the constant, disruptive noise of a machine that sounds like it’s preparing for takeoff.

The ideal customer for a feature-rich, 9kg capacity machine like this is typically a medium to large family, a couple that goes through a lot of gym gear or work uniforms, or a tech-savvy individual who values the convenience of smart home integration. It’s for those who see laundry not just as a chore, but as a process to be optimised. Conversely, it might not be the most suitable choice for those living in very small apartments with limited space, or for individuals with minimal laundry needs, where a smaller 6-7kg machine would suffice and be more cost-effective. For those who prioritise sheer capacity above all else, a 10kg or even 12kg model might be a better long-term investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Always measure your available space twice. Standard washing machines have a width of around 60cm, but depth can vary significantly, especially on larger capacity models. Ensure you leave enough room at the back for pipes and ventilation, and at the front for the door to swing open fully without obstruction.
• Capacity/Performance: A 9kg drum is excellent for families of four or more, easily handling bulky items like duvets. However, it’s crucial to understand that the maximum stated capacity often applies only to specific, longer cycles. Pay close attention to the machine’s spin speed (RPM)—a higher RPM like 1400 means more water is extracted, reducing drying time and cost.
• Materials & Durability: Look for a machine with a stainless steel drum, which is standard for durability and hygiene. The body, often made from high-grade plastic like ABS or treated metal, should feel solid and well-constructed. The real long-term value often lies in the motor; brushless or “inverter” motors, like the one in this Samsung model, are generally quieter, more efficient, and come with longer warranties.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A modern machine should have an intuitive control panel, whether it’s a dial, buttons, or a touch screen. Smart features can add convenience but can also introduce a learning curve. For long-term care, consider features like drum clean cycles and easy-to-access filters, which are essential for keeping the machine running efficiently and preventing odours.

While the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Sleek, Smart, and Surprisingly Substantial

Upon its arrival, the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash immediately presented itself as a premium piece of kit. The classic white finish is clean and crisp, and the machine feels incredibly solid, weighing in at a reassuring 70kg. The standout visual feature is, of course, the AddWash door—a small, secondary door embedded within the main one. It’s a clever piece of engineering that looks futuristic without being obtrusive. The main control interface is a combination of a large rotary dial for selecting primary cycles and a sleek black touch panel for customising temperature, spin speed, and other options. The display is bright and easy to read, providing all the necessary information at a glance. Setting it up was straightforward, no different from any standard freestanding machine. In our hands-on evaluation, the dial turned with satisfying clicks, and the touch panel was responsive, confirming that Samsung hasn’t compromised on build quality. It felt like a significant step up from older, more plasticky models, ready to handle the rigours of family life. Eager to see if its performance matched its promising exterior, we got it plumbed in and ready for its first load. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design.

A Deep Dive into the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash’s Performance

A washing machine can look the part, but its true value is only revealed after weeks of relentless testing with everything from muddy sports kits to delicate woollens. We put the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash through its paces to see if its smart features are truly intelligent and if its core washing performance lives up to the Samsung name.

The AddWash Door: A Gimmick or a Game-Changer?

Let’s address the headline feature first. We went into this test slightly sceptical, wondering if the AddWash door was a solution in search of a problem. After a month of use, we can confidently say it’s a game-changer. That phantom sock scenario I mentioned earlier? It happened on day two. With a traditional machine, it would have been a moment of resignation. With this Samsung model, I simply paused the cycle, opened the small AddWash hatch, dropped the sock in, closed it, and resumed the wash. The entire process took less than ten seconds. The safety mechanism is well-designed; the hatch can only be opened when the drum temperature is below 50°C and the water level is low enough to prevent spills, which covers the vast majority of the wash cycle.

Beyond stray socks, we found it incredibly useful for adding a forgotten tea towel, a child’s stained t-shirt discovered after the cycle started, or even for adding extra fabric softener towards the end of the rinse cycle for a stronger scent. It completely removes the “laundry anxiety” of having to commit to a wash. It’s not just about adding items, either. You can use it to add delicates that only need a final rinse and spin, saving you from running a separate, wasteful cycle. This feature, which might seem minor on a spec sheet, has a tangible, positive impact on the daily laundry workflow, making the entire process more flexible and less rigid. It’s a prime example of thoughtful design that solves a real-world user problem, and it’s a feature that really sets it apart in a crowded market.

SmartThings Integration and AI Control: Clever or Complicated?

The second pillar of this machine’s modern identity is its Wi-Fi connectivity and AI-powered brain. Connecting the machine to our home network via the Samsung SmartThings app was a seamless process. The app itself is powerful, allowing you to start, stop, and monitor cycles remotely. Getting a notification on my phone when the wash was finished was genuinely useful, preventing damp clothes from sitting in the drum for hours. The “Laundry Recipe” feature, where you tell the app what kind of fabrics and colours you’re washing, and it recommends the perfect cycle, is a nice touch for those less confident with laundry settings.

However, this is also where we encountered the quirks mentioned in user feedback. The machine features an “AI Wash” setting that uses sensors to detect the weight and soil level of the laundry, theoretically optimising water and detergent use. In practice, we found this feature to be a bit overzealous. On several occasions, a standard mixed load that should have taken just over an hour saw its time extended by 30-40 minutes as the AI recalculated. We confirmed the observation from one user that disabling the AI control for most everyday washes led to more predictable and consistently shorter cycle times. While the technology is impressive, it seems the algorithm favours thoroughness over speed to an extent that might frustrate users on a tight schedule. We quickly fell into the habit of manually selecting our preferred cycle, which still delivered excellent results. The smart features remain a net positive, but users should be prepared to intervene rather than relying on full automation for every wash. You can explore its smart features and customisation options here.

Deconstructing the 9kg Capacity and Wash Performance

This is arguably the most critical aspect of any washing machine, and it’s where we have to provide some important context. The Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash is advertised with a 9kg capacity, but our testing confirms a crucial detail highlighted by other users: this maximum load is only achievable on a select few programs. The primary one is the lengthy ‘Cottons’ cycle or, as one user pointed out, the ‘Cloudy Day’ setting, which is designed for large, absorbent items. If you attempt to load 9kg of clothes and select ‘Mixed Load’ or the 15-minute ‘Quick Wash’, the machine will either flag the load as too heavy or use a default weight assumption that’s much lower (typically 4-5kg).

While this is common practice across all manufacturers—as different fabrics absorb water differently and require more space to tumble effectively—it can feel misleading. For us, this wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s vital for potential buyers to understand. You can wash a 9kg load of cotton towels, but you can’t wash a 9kg load of mixed synthetics and shirts on a fast cycle. Once we adjusted our expectations, the actual cleaning performance was fantastic. The EcoBubble technology, which froths detergent with air and water before the cycle begins, proved highly effective at lower temperatures, lifting everyday stains from our test swatches at just 30°C. The 1400 RPM spin cycle was excellent, leaving clothes significantly drier than our old 1200 RPM machine, which tangibly reduced tumble dryer time. The variety of cycles, from ‘Hygiene Steam’ for allergens to a dedicated ‘Delicates’ wash, all performed flawlessly within their recommended load limits. If you’re considering this model, you can check the latest price and availability online.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our expert findings align closely with the real-world experiences of other owners. The convenience of the AddWash door is almost universally praised, with many citing it as the single reason they chose this model. However, the operational logic of the software is a point of contention. We found feedback that perfectly mirrored our own testing, particularly from a user who noted the frustration of the 9kg capacity being limited to the “cloudy day setting.” Their comment about having to “automatically switch off AI settings for every wash” to prevent endlessly extending cycles is a critical piece of advice for any new owner. This sentiment highlights a gap between the machine’s theoretical smarts and its practical, day-to-day usability. While the core hardware and cleaning power receive high marks, the user experience can be significantly improved by learning to manually override the more aggressive automated features.

How Does the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash Compare to the Alternatives?

The laundry appliance market is fiercely competitive. While the Samsung model has unique strengths, several alternatives might be a better fit depending on your specific needs for capacity, features, or budget. Here’s how it stacks up against three key competitors.

1. Hoover H-WASH 500 12kg Washing Machine

The most striking difference with the Hoover H-WASH 500 is its massive 12kg drum capacity. For very large families or those who need to wash king-size duvets regularly, this extra space is a significant advantage over the Samsung’s 9kg. It also boasts an impressive array of 60 programmes accessible via the hOn App, offering immense customisation. A key feature is the “Care Dose” system, which automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent and softener for up to 21 cycles, simplifying the process and preventing waste. If your primary concern is maximising load size and you like the idea of auto-dosing, the Hoover is a formidable alternative, though it lacks the unique AddWash door.

2. Midea MF10EW70BA 7kg Washing Machine

The Midea MF10EW70BA occupies a different space in the market, targeting those with smaller laundry needs and likely a tighter budget. Its 7kg capacity is ideal for singles, couples, or small apartments where space is at a premium. While it shares features like a 1400 RPM spin and a quick wash cycle, it is a more straightforward, less “smart” appliance. It does include a steam care function and an “add garment” feature, but the latter requires pausing the entire cycle, making it less elegant than Samsung’s AddWash. For the budget-conscious buyer who doesn’t need a large capacity or extensive smart home integration, the Midea offers excellent core functionality for a lower price point.

3. Hisense WFQP9014EVM Front Load Washing Machine Steam

The Hisense WFQP9014EVM is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Samsung model. It matches the 9kg capacity and 1400 RPM spin speed, positioning it for the same family-sized demographic. Its main differentiating feature is the dedicated Steam Wash function, which is excellent for sanitising clothes, reducing wrinkles, and refreshing items without a full wash. This is a huge plus for allergy sufferers or anyone who dislikes ironing. However, it’s important to note its C-rated energy efficiency, which is a step down from the Samsung’s top-tier A rating. Buyers will need to weigh the benefit of the steam feature against the higher long-term running costs.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash Worth It?

After exhaustive testing, we can confidently recommend the Samsung WW90T554DAW 9kg Washing Machine with AddWash, but with a few important caveats. It is a superbly built, energy-efficient, and quiet machine that delivers an excellent clean. Its signature AddWash door is a truly brilliant innovation that solves a common frustration, making the entire laundry process more flexible. The SmartThings integration provides useful remote control and monitoring for the modern, connected home. However, prospective buyers must be aware of its two main quirks: the 9kg capacity is reserved for specific cycles, and the AI Wash feature is best used selectively to avoid overly long wash times. For a tech-savvy family that values innovative features and is willing to learn the machine’s nuances, it’s an outstanding choice.

If you’re tired of spotting that lone sock a moment too late and want a quiet, efficient machine with a touch of smart-home magic, this appliance will serve you exceptionally well. It strikes a fantastic balance between cutting-edge features and core washing performance. For those ready to upgrade their laundry routine with a truly flexible and intelligent machine, we believe it’s a worthwhile investment. You can find the best price and order yours here.