Samsung Home Appliances
Who makes Samsung home appliances?
Samsung home appliances are manufactured and sold by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., one of the world’s largest technology and electronics corporations. Samsung Electronics is the flagship subsidiary of Samsung Group, the South Korean conglomerate founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-chul, and it accounts for the substantial majority of the group’s global revenues.
Samsung Electronics generated revenue of US$220.7 billion in 2024, making it the world’s fourth-largest technology company by revenue and one of the most significant electronics businesses ever established. Home appliances form one of the company’s major product divisions alongside semiconductors, consumer electronics, and mobile devices, and the Samsung appliance range is sold in the UK through a wide network of retailers as well as directly through Samsung’s own website and experience stores.
The origins of Samsung: from trading company to global technology leader
Samsung’s origins bear little resemblance to the global electronics company it is today. Samsung Group was founded on 1 March 1938 by Lee Byung-chul in Daegu, Korea, as a small trading company dealing primarily in dried fish, locally grown groceries, and noodles. The name Samsung translates from Korean as “three stars”, reflecting Lee’s aspiration for the company to be as powerful and everlasting as stars in the sky.
The company expanded significantly in the post-war years. Samsung moved into textiles in the 1950s, becoming the largest wool mill in Korea, and by the 1960s had diversified into insurance, retail, and manufacturing. In 1969, Samsung Electronics was established as a separate entity under the Samsung Group umbrella, initially manufacturing black-and-white televisions. It was from this foundation in consumer electronics manufacturing that the company’s home appliance business grew.
Samsung’s home appliances division developed through the 1970s and 1980s alongside the rapid industrialisation of South Korea, with the company establishing itself as a significant domestic manufacturer before expanding internationally. By the 1990s Samsung had begun the sustained global expansion that has made it one of the world’s most widely distributed consumer electronics and appliance brands.
Samsung’s growth into a global appliance brand
1938: Samsung Group founded
Lee Byung-chul establishes Samsung as a trading company in Daegu, Korea. The name Samsung means “three stars” in Korean, reflecting Lee’s ambition for the company’s permanence and reach.
1969: Samsung Electronics established
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is founded on 13 January 1969 in Suwon, South Korea, initially named Samsung Electric Industries. The company begins manufacturing black-and-white televisions, marking Samsung’s entry into consumer electronics.
1974: Semiconductor entry
Samsung acquires Korea Semiconductor, marking its first step into the semiconductor industry that would eventually become its largest revenue source. This investment in semiconductor technology would later underpin Samsung’s engineering capabilities across all its product divisions including home appliances.
1988: Samsung Electronics renamed
Samsung Electric Industries is renamed Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., reflecting the company’s broadening scope across the full range of electronic products and appliance categories.
1990s: Global expansion
Samsung increasingly globalises its electronics and appliance operations throughout the 1990s, establishing manufacturing and sales operations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The UK becomes a significant market within Samsung’s European strategy.
2006: Smart Diagnosis introduced
Samsung introduces its Smart Diagnosis technology to its home appliance range, allowing appliances to transmit diagnostic data to Samsung’s service centre via a smartphone, enabling faster and more accurate fault identification before an engineer visit takes place.
2012: World’s largest smartphone vendor
Samsung becomes and maintains its position as the world’s largest vendor of smartphones, bringing the brand to near-universal awareness in the UK consumer market and reinforcing its presence across all product categories including home appliances.
2019: Bespoke range launched
Samsung launches its Bespoke appliance range, offering consumers the ability to customise fridge freezers and other appliances with interchangeable door panels in a range of colours and finishes. The Bespoke range represents Samsung’s most significant step into design-led premium appliance positioning.
2024: AI Energy Mode introduced
Samsung introduces AI Energy Mode across its home appliance range, using artificial intelligence to optimise energy use based on usage patterns and peak tariff times. The company claims savings of up to 70% on laundry appliance energy consumption in AI Energy Mode compared with standard operation.
Samsung home appliances in the UK
Samsung is one of the most widely owned appliance brands in the UK, with a strong presence across refrigeration, laundry, cooking, dishwashing, and floor care categories. The brand benefits from exceptionally high consumer awareness, driven in part by its dominant position in the UK smartphone and television markets, which gives Samsung a brand familiarity that most dedicated appliance manufacturers cannot match.
Samsung appliances are positioned across a broad price range, from competitively priced mid-market models to premium Bespoke-series appliances that compete at the upper end of the UK market. This breadth of positioning allows Samsung to reach a wider cross-section of UK consumers than brands concentrated in a single market segment.
What home appliances does Samsung make?
Samsung produces a comprehensive range of washing machines, washer-dryers, and tumble dryers for the UK market. Key technologies include Auto Dose automatic detergent dispensing, EcoBubble which dissolves detergent in bubbles before the wash for improved low-temperature performance, AI Energy Mode, and the Drum Clean+ self-cleaning function. Samsung washing machines are available in freestanding and integrated configurations across a range of drum capacities.
Samsung’s refrigeration range is one of its most prominent product areas in the UK, anchored by the Bespoke fridge freezer series with its customisable door panels and SpaceMax technology that maximises interior storage capacity through thinner wall insulation. The range also includes American-style side-by-side models, French door models, and integrated options, across a wide range of capacities.
Samsung dishwashers include features such as Zone Booster for intensive cleaning of heavily soiled items on one half of the machine while running a gentler cycle on the other, alongside Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring through the SmartThings app. The range covers standard 60cm and slimline 45cm widths in freestanding configurations.
Samsung’s cooking range includes built-in ovens, microwaves, and combination ovens. The Dual Cook Steam oven, which allows simultaneous cooking of different foods at different temperatures using a divider tray, has been a well-regarded product within the built-in cooking segment. Samsung also produces a range of microwave ovens, including combination and grill models.
Samsung produces cordless and corded vacuum cleaners under its Jet series, as well as robotic vacuum cleaners under the Bespoke Jet Bot brand. The robotic vacuum range can be integrated with the SmartThings platform for scheduled and remote operation.
Bespoke is Samsung’s premium design-led appliance range, launched in 2019 and expanded across multiple appliance categories. It allows consumers to configure appliances with interchangeable door panels in a range of colours and finishes, including solid colours, glass panels, and stainless steel, enabling more personalised kitchen design. The Bespoke range spans fridge freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.
Samsung’s key appliance technologies
SmartThings connectivity
SmartThings is Samsung’s smart home platform, which connects compatible appliances to a single app on a smartphone or tablet. Through SmartThings, users can monitor appliance status, start and stop cycles remotely, receive end-of-cycle notifications, and in some cases optimise energy use based on household patterns and tariff structures. SmartThings is compatible with a wide range of Samsung appliances and can also integrate with third-party smart home devices and services.
AI Energy Mode
Introduced across Samsung’s appliance range, AI Energy Mode uses artificial intelligence to learn household usage patterns and adjust appliance operation to reduce energy consumption during peak tariff periods or when the household is unoccupied. Samsung claims potential energy savings of up to 70% on laundry appliances and up to 15% on refrigerators when AI Energy Mode is active. These figures represent potential savings under specific conditions and individual results will vary by household and energy tariff.
EcoBubble technology
EcoBubble is a Samsung washing machine technology that mixes detergent with air and water before the wash cycle begins, creating a foam that penetrates fabrics faster than liquid detergent dissolved in water alone. Samsung claims this allows effective cleaning at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining wash performance on everyday loads.
Auto Dose
Auto Dose is Samsung’s automatic detergent dispensing system for washing machines. It stores liquid detergent and fabric softener in integrated reservoirs and automatically dispenses the correct amount for each load based on weight and programme selection. Auto Dose eliminates the need to measure and add detergent for each wash and reduces the risk of over or under-dosing.
Smart Diagnosis
Samsung’s Smart Diagnosis feature allows compatible appliances to transmit diagnostic information to Samsung’s support centre via a smartphone application. When a fault or error occurs, Smart Diagnosis can identify the specific code and transmit relevant data, which can help Samsung’s service team diagnose the issue more accurately before dispatching an engineer. This can reduce the time taken to resolve a fault by ensuring the attending engineer is prepared with the correct parts and information.
SpaceMax technology
SpaceMax is a refrigeration technology that uses thinner insulation material in the fridge walls without compromising thermal performance, creating more usable interior storage space within the same external footprint. This allows Samsung fridge freezers to offer greater capacity without requiring additional kitchen floor space, which is a meaningful practical advantage in UK kitchens where space is often at a premium.
Samsung and the Bespoke design philosophy
One of Samsung’s most distinctive recent contributions to the UK home appliance market is the Bespoke range, introduced in 2019. Bespoke represents a deliberate shift from the convention of offering appliances only in standardised white, silver, or black finishes, allowing consumers to select door panel colours and materials to complement their kitchen design.
The Bespoke fridge freezer was the initial product in the range and remains its most widely recognised expression. Consumers can choose from a palette of colours in glass or stainless steel panel options, and the panels are designed to be replaceable, meaning the appliance’s appearance can be updated without replacing the entire unit. The Bespoke philosophy has since been extended to washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners.
For UK consumers who prioritise kitchen aesthetics alongside appliance performance, the Bespoke range occupies a distinctive position in the market. No other major mainstream appliance manufacturer currently offers a comparable level of colour and finish personalisation across multiple appliance categories at Bespoke’s price points.
Samsung’s commitment to energy efficiency
Energy efficiency has become an increasingly central part of Samsung’s appliance messaging in the UK, reflecting both the sustained consumer focus on energy costs following the 2021 to 2023 energy price rises and the UK government’s appliance energy rating requirements. Samsung’s AI Energy Mode, available across its washing machine, fridge freezer, and dishwasher ranges, is the brand’s most prominent response to this consumer priority.
Samsung appliances across the range carry UK energy ratings, and several models in the washing machine and fridge freezer categories achieve A ratings under the revised UK energy label scale introduced in March 2021. For more on what energy ratings mean for running costs, see our guide to understanding appliance energy ratings.
Buying and servicing Samsung appliances in the UK
Samsung home appliances are available through a wide range of UK retailers including major electrical chains, online retailers, and Samsung’s own website at samsung.com/uk. Samsung also operates Samsung Experience Stores in the UK, including its Samsung KX store in London’s King’s Cross, where the full product range can be viewed and tested.
For appliance faults and repairs, Samsung operates a UK service operation with a network of trained engineers. Samsung’s Smart Diagnosis feature can assist in pre-diagnosis of faults before an engineer visit, which can help ensure the attending engineer attends with the correct parts and knowledge of the specific fault. For out-of-warranty repairs, independent national repair networks covered in our national service providers guide also service Samsung appliances.
If you need to source spare parts for a Samsung appliance, genuine components are available through our appliance spare parts section. Samsung error codes, which appear on the display of many Samsung appliances when a fault is detected, can be looked up through our appliance error codes guide.
Key facts about Samsung Electronics
Year Samsung Electronics was founded in Suwon, South Korea
Samsung Electronics revenue in 2024
Global smartphone vendor since 2012
Global TV brand for 20 consecutive years (confirmed April 2026)
Own a Samsung appliance that needs attention?
Whether you need help diagnosing a fault, want to understand a Samsung error code, or are looking for a genuine spare part, Whitegoods Help has resources across all major appliance types and brands.
Frequently asked questions about Samsung home appliances
Where are Samsung home appliances made?
Samsung Electronics operates manufacturing facilities across multiple countries. Samsung appliances sold in the UK and Europe are produced at factories in South Korea, Poland, Slovakia, and other locations depending on the appliance category. Samsung’s dishwashers for the European market have been produced at its facility in Wrocław, Poland. The specific manufacturing origin of individual models can vary and is typically stated in the product’s documentation or on the product itself.
What is Samsung Bespoke?
Bespoke is Samsung’s premium design-led appliance range, launched in 2019. It allows consumers to customise fridge freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners with interchangeable door panels available in a range of colours and finishes including solid colours, glass, and stainless steel. The panels are designed to be replaceable, allowing the appearance of the appliance to be updated independently of the unit itself. Bespoke occupies the premium tier of Samsung’s appliance range.
What is Samsung SmartThings?
SmartThings is Samsung’s smart home connectivity platform, which links compatible Samsung appliances to a smartphone application. Through SmartThings, users can monitor appliance status, start and stop cycles remotely, receive notifications, and optimise energy use. SmartThings is also compatible with a range of third-party smart home devices and services, making it a broader smart home hub rather than a Samsung-only ecosystem.
How do I find out what a Samsung error code means?
Samsung appliances display error codes on their control panels when a fault is detected. These codes can be looked up in the appliance’s user manual, through Samsung’s support website at samsung.com/uk, or using our appliance error codes guide. Common Samsung error codes include 5E or SE (drainage fault), OE or 0E (overfilling), and DE (door error). For a specific Samsung model’s error code, the user manual is the most accurate reference.
Is Samsung a reliable appliance brand?
Samsung is one of the most widely owned appliance brands in the UK, and the company’s scale of operation and engineering investment supports consistent product quality across its range. As with any major appliance brand, individual model reliability varies and independent consumer review data, such as that published by Which?, provides useful comparative information for specific models under consideration. Samsung carries a standard UK manufacturer’s guarantee, and the company’s Smart Diagnosis feature can assist in resolving faults more efficiently than is possible with appliances that lack this capability.
Where can I get my Samsung appliance repaired in the UK?
For in-warranty Samsung appliances, contact Samsung’s UK customer service directly, as repairs under guarantee are carried out at no charge. For out-of-warranty appliances, Samsung’s own service team can attend at a cost, or independent national repair companies such as those listed in our national service providers guide also repair Samsung appliances. Samsung’s Smart Diagnosis feature can help pre-identify the fault before an engineer attends, which can speed up the repair process.
Content disclaimer: The information on this page was researched and written in April 2026 and was accurate at the time of publication. Company details, product ranges, revenue figures, technology claims, and market position data are subject to change. Whitegoods Help recommends verifying current product and service details directly with Samsung before making a purchase or booking a repair.
Sources: Samsung Electronics Wikipedia entry (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Electronics); Samsung Group Wikipedia entry (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung); Samsung UK home appliances website (samsung.com/uk/home-appliances); Samsung UK Newsroom (news.samsung.com/uk). All sources accessed April 2026.