Samsung DW80R5061US
8.2 / 10 — A capable, whisper-quiet dishwasher that nails everyday cleaning with smart convenience features, though a few finish-quality niggles keep it just short of premium status.
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Overview
The Samsung DW80R5061US is a 24-inch built-in dishwasher aimed squarely at households that want reliable, quiet performance without paying a premium for a European flagship. It sits comfortably in the mid-range segment, bringing a handful of smart-home-adjacent features and a thoughtfully designed interior to a price point that competes with the likes of Bosch 300 Series and Whirlpool's upper-mid tier.
Samsung has been steadily improving its dishwasher lineup, and the DW80R5061US reflects that effort. It ships with a stainless-steel tub, a third rack for cutlery and small utensils, Zone Booster targeted cleaning, and a 48 dBA noise rating — quiet enough for open-plan living spaces. Connectivity via the SmartThings app rounds out its feature set for tech-forward buyers.
This dishwasher is best suited to busy families of three to five who run the machine daily and want consistently clean results across a variety of load types. It is less ideal for buyers who demand the absolute finest silverware care or who need the ultra-slim 18-inch format for compact kitchens.
Key features
Targets concentrated water jets at whichever half of the lower rack needs extra scrubbing power — ideal for baked-on casserole dishes on one side while delicate glassware sits safely on the other.
A full-width top rack adds dedicated space for cutlery, spatulas, and small lids, freeing up basket room below and maximising the 15-place-setting capacity.
Samsung's multi-directional spray arm system combines upper, lower, and rotating jets to reduce stubborn food soil without requiring pre-rinsing under most conditions.
A sound-dampening insulation package keeps cycle noise unobtrusive enough to hold a conversation in an adjacent room — competitive for the price bracket.
At the end of the drying cycle the door automatically pops open a few inches, venting steam and dramatically improving drying performance on plastics compared to purely heated-dry systems.
Wi-Fi integration with Samsung's SmartThings app lets you start cycles, monitor status, and receive end-of-cycle notifications from your phone — useful for multitasking households.
Full specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Model number | DW80R5061US |
| Width | 24 inches |
| Place settings | 15 |
| Noise level | 48 dBA |
| Wash cycles | Heavy, Normal, Auto, Quick, Delicate, Sanitize |
| Wash options | Zone Booster, Hi-Temp Wash, Sanitize, Delay Start, Extra Dry |
| Number of racks | 3 (upper, lower, third cutlery rack) |
| Drying system | AutoRelease door + condensation drying |
| Tub material | Stainless steel |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (SmartThings app) |
| Water consumption | ~3.5 gallons per cycle (Normal) |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Finish options | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, black stainless |
| Control panel | Top-mounted hidden controls |
| Door style | Bar handle |
| Warranty | 1-year parts and labour; 5-year tub and rack; lifetime stainless tub |
| Estimated annual energy cost | ~$30 (based on US average electricity rates) |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Genuinely quiet at 48 dBA — suitable for open-plan kitchens
- Zone Booster is a standout practical feature for mixed loads
- AutoRelease door improves plastic drying noticeably
- Full-width third rack adds real capacity without feeling cramped
- SmartThings app integration works reliably
- Energy Star certified with low water usage
- Stainless-steel tub resists stains and odours over time
- Fingerprint-resistant finish stays presentable with minimal upkeep
Cons
- Plastic components on racks feel slightly less premium than Bosch equivalents
- AutoRelease door can surprise pets or small children — no delay adjustment
- Normal cycle runs long (~2 hours) compared to some rivals
- Top-mounted hidden controls make it harder to check cycle status at a glance
- Drying performance on certain plastics still lags full heated-dry machines
- SmartThings setup can be finicky on dual-band routers without manual 2.4 GHz isolation
Performance
In daily use the DW80R5061US acquits itself well across the full range of household dishes. On the Normal cycle, a mixed load of breakfast plates, mugs, cereal bowls, and pans with dried egg came out spotless without pre-rinsing. The StormWash+ spray system earns its keep here — rotating coverage is noticeably more thorough than the fixed lower-arm designs found on budget machines.
Zone Booster is one of those features that sounds like marketing until you actually use it. Loading a heavy lasagne dish caked with baked cheese on the left side of the lower rack while placing wine glasses on the right, and then activating Zone Booster on just the left half, works exactly as Samsung advertises. The glassware emerges unscathed and the casserole dish comes out clean without a half-hour soak beforehand. It is a genuinely useful differentiator.
Noise levels are honestly impressive. Sitting in a living room separated from the kitchen by a half-wall, the machine is audible only as a faint hum during the main wash phase and practically silent during rinse. The 48 dBA figure appears to be an accurate real-world measurement rather than a best-case laboratory figure.
Drying is where nuance enters the picture. The AutoRelease door does meaningfully improve results — stainless-steel items, ceramics, and glass emerge dry to the touch. However, lightweight plastic containers, particularly tall protein shaker cups, still carry some residual moisture in their recesses. Running the Extra Dry option adds heat and extended drying time, which largely resolves this, though it adds roughly 30 minutes to the cycle. For households heavy on meal-prep containers, this is worth factoring in.
Tip: Enable the Extra Dry option by default for cycles that include plastic containers or baby feeding equipment. The added cycle time is worth the consistently dry results.
The Sanitize option raises the final rinse temperature to 155°F and holds it long enough to achieve NSF/ANSI 184 certification for sanitisation — reassuring for households with young children or immunocompromised family members. Cycles with Sanitize active do run longer, but the performance is verifiable and consistent.
Value for money
The Samsung DW80R5061US typically retails between $700 and $850 depending on retailer and sale events, placing it firmly in the mid-range bracket. At that price it competes directly with the Bosch 300 Series SHPM88Z75N and the KitchenAid KDFE104HPS, both of which represent strong alternatives worth considering.
Against the Bosch 300 Series, Samsung wins on Zone Booster flexibility and SmartThings integration but concedes slightly on rack build quality and the CrystalDry drying system Bosch offers at a comparable price point. If drying performance is your primary concern and you are indifferent to smart-home features, the Bosch edges it. If you already use Samsung or SmartThings devices throughout your home, the ecosystem integration here adds genuine value.
Who should buy this: Households of 3–5 running daily loads who want a quiet, capable dishwasher with smart connectivity and flexible cleaning options. Best for mixed-material loads that include both heavily soiled cookware and delicate glassware.
Running costs are low. Energy Star certification and the approximately 3.5-gallon-per-Normal-cycle water usage translate to roughly $30 per year in electricity costs based on average US rates, with water costs comparably modest. Over a five-to-seven-year ownership period, the Samsung pays for itself in utility savings relative to older or non-certified machines.
The warranty package is competitive — one year bumper-to-bumper is standard for the category, but the five-year rack and tub coverage and lifetime stainless-tub warranty reflect Samsung's confidence in the core components.
Final verdict
The Samsung DW80R5061US earns a 8.2 out of 10. It is a well-rounded mid-range dishwasher that delivers on its core promise: quiet, effective cleaning with smart-home convenience built in rather than bolted on. Zone Booster and AutoRelease drying are practical innovations that genuinely improve day-to-day usability, and the stainless-steel tub and competitive energy credentials make a solid long-term ownership case.
A few rough edges — rack plastics that feel a touch below the best rivals, occasionally finicky Wi-Fi setup, and drying that needs the Extra Dry crutch for plastics — prevent it from landing a higher score. But for most households looking for a dependable daily driver in the $700–$850 bracket, Samsung's DW80R5061US deserves a place on the shortlist.
Does the Samsung DW80R5061US require a dedicated circuit?
Yes. Like most full-size dishwashers, the DW80R5061US should be installed on a dedicated 120V, 15-amp circuit. Running it on a shared circuit alongside high-draw appliances risks nuisance tripping. Check your local electrical code and consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure about your kitchen's existing wiring.
Is the DW80R5061US compatible with my existing dishwasher space?
It fits standard 24-inch dishwasher cutouts with a height range of approximately 33.5 to 35 inches (adjustable via levelling legs) and a depth of 24 inches. Confirm your cabinet opening dimensions before ordering, and allow 0.5 inches of clearance on each side for installation ease.
How well does the SmartThings app integration actually work?
Once set up correctly — which requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection rather than 5 GHz — the SmartThings integration is reliable. You can start and monitor cycles remotely, receive push notifications when the cycle ends, and check estimated remaining time. It does not offer advanced scheduling beyond Delay Start, but for basic remote monitoring it performs well.
Can the third rack be removed if I need extra height in the upper rack?
Yes. The third cutlery rack slides out completely and the dishwasher operates normally without it. Removing it allows taller items — carafes, tall travel mugs, or large serving spoons — to be placed upright in the upper rack without clearance issues.
How does the DW80R5061US handle hard water?
The machine does not include a built-in water softener, unlike some European models. In hard-water areas (above 7 grains per gallon) you may notice mineral spotting on glassware over time. Using a rinse aid consistently and periodically running a dishwasher cleaner such as affresh helps manage buildup. A whole-home or under-sink water softener is the most effective long-term solution if hard water is a persistent problem.
