Samsung Washer VRT – Is it Worth Buying? 6 Pros And Cons

The home appliance industry is a very competitive one. Whether it’s washing machines or microwaves, manufacturers are always innovating to get the upper hand against one another. A perfect example of such innovation is Samsung with its VRT washer technology.

VRT stands for Vibration Reduction Technology, a technology developed by Samsung to reduce vibrations in its washing machines. The technology consists of 36 stainless steel balls used to counterbalance the washer’s vibrations in accord with the vibration sensor, resulting in quieter washer operations. But this technology has also a negative side.

With VRT technology, Samsung washers should produce fewer vibrations which also leads to a reduction in noise.

As a result, you have more flexibility to place Samsung washers around your home without having to worry about excessive noise.

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into Samsung’s VRT so that you can understand what it’s all about. To give you a complete picture, we’ll also explore some of the common problems that owners experience with Samsung VRT washers.

What Is VRT Technology?

VRT refers to the innovative Vibration Reduction Technology that Samsung has developed for their washing machines. Thanks to this technology, washers operating at high speeds (such as during the spin cycle) will not generate as many vibrations as models without it.

Here’s how it works.

Washing machines are noisy by nature. That’s the result of the fundamental design of a washer, which consists of a spinning metal drum inside a metal housing.

When you use the washing machine, it’s vibrations cause a lot of noise, especially during the spin cycle when that drum turns at very high speeds (measured in RPMs).

Samsung’s VRT technology helps to reduce those vibrations. The tech consists of 36 stainless steel ball bearings that act as a counterbalance against the weight of the spinning load of laundry. 

So, as the drum spins even at its highest speeds, the VRT ensures that very few of those vibrations transfer to the ground or the environment outside of the washing machine.

That leads to even less noise being generated by the Samsung washing machine.

What Are Pros And Cons?

Samsung’s Vibration Reduction Technology offers a lot of benefits at first glance. Still, it also comes with its fair share of downsides as well.

To give you a more balanced view, here are the pros and cons of Samsung’s washer VRT.

What Are The Pros Of The Samsung Washer VRT?

Reduced Vibration and Noise

The first and most apparent benefit of the Samsung washer VRT is reduced vibration and noise. Washing machines are noisy by nature, so having an innovation aimed at addressing that core problem is an excellent thing to have.

More Flexibility To Place Washer (And Laundry Area!)

As mentioned previously, washing machines are noisy by nature. That’s why most people usually place their washer far away from bedrooms and other common areas. Some even put the washer all the way in the basement just to contain the noise!

But what happens when your washer has VRT and doesn’t make as much noise? That gives you much more flexibility and freedom of choice on where you can place that washer.

And wherever the washer goes, so does your entire laundry area. That’s right! Think of all the other places you’d prefer to build your laundry room.

All of that becomes possible when you have a quieter washer that doesn’t vibrate as much.

What Are The Cons Of The Samsung Washer VRT?

The Washer Slows Down If There’s Too Much Vibration

Part of the VRT includes the use of a vibration sensor. Suppose that sensor detects too much vibration coming from the washer.

In that case, it’ll slow down or even stop the washing cycle entirely. As you can see, even though the VRT reduces vibrations at the source with its 36 stainless steel ball bearings, it also takes it a step further by slowing down the washer if necessary.

That can be a problem if the washer is not level or the load inside is unbalanced.

You see, for the sake of reducing vibrations further, the washer might slow down your washing cycle.

That can be quite frustrating if you’re unable to finish even a single load of laundry.

Samsung VRT Washer Problems

Samsung VRT washers are still washers nonetheless, which means that they do experience common washer problems from time to time.

Here are a few problems you may come across with Samsung VRT washers, and a few tips on how to troubleshoot them.

Samsung VRT Washer Vibration Problems

Even with Vibration Reduction Technology, Samsung washers do sometimes experience vibration problems. There are a few possible causes for this, such as:

• The washer is uneven.
• There are inappropriate items in the drum.
• You didn’t remove the shipping bolts.
• A damper, spring, or ball bearing is faulty.

Let’s take a closer look at each possible reason.

The Washer Is Uneven Or On An Unstable Surface

No matter where you place your Samsung VRT washer, it’s crucial that the surface is even and stable.

A washer will vibrate excessively and make a lot of noise if, for example, the washer isn’t placed on even flooring. That’s why you’ll need to use a level to double-check that the washer is perfectly level.

If it’s not, you can try and adjust the levelling legs on the bottom of the washer until you get it perfectly level.

Also, be sure that the flooring underneath the washer is stable as well. Loose wooden panels, for example, can cause excessive noise even if the washer is barely vibrating on top of it.

There Are Inappropriate Items In The Drum

Sometimes, we just forget to empty the pockets of our clothes before we throw them in the washer. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!

If loud noises are coming from the washer and you suspect that this is the case, stop the washing cycle immediately and inspect each item of clothing.

Once you’ve done that, be sure to also check the inside of the washer drum to confirm that there aren’t any loose items rolling around in there.

Some everyday items you’ll find that can make lots of noise include coins, keys, and maybe even children’s toys.

Those items may seem harmless, but think about it: when you spin it in a metal drum at high speeds, of course, they’ll make lots of noise!

You Didn’t Remove The Shipping Bolts

Typically, front-loading washers come with shipping bolts attached to the back. These bolts are there to keep the washer safe during transportation.

Unfortunately, you or whoever installs the washer may forget to take those bolts out before using the machine.

When that happens, those bolts can end up generating loads of unnecessary vibrations and noise that could make for an unpleasant washing experience!

A Damper, Spring, Or Rear Ball Bearing Is Faulty

Samsung washers rely on a series of dampers, springs, and rear ball bearings to reduce vibrations. However, if any of those components are faulty or broken, that could lead to excessive vibrations and noise.

Broken parts like these must be replaced for you to enjoy a silent washer experience again.

Samsung VRT Washer Spin Problems

What happens if your Samsung VRT washer refuses to spin? Or, as mentioned previously, what happens when it turns too slowly?

Here are two possibilities to consider:

• The washer might be detecting too much vibration.
• The laundry load inside might be too heavy or uneven.

Let’s take a closer look.

The Washer Might Be Detecting Too Much Vibration

Remember how in the previous section, we saw the reasons that cause a Samsung washer to vibrate excessively? Well, here’s one of the side effects of that problem.

Inside a Samsung VRT washer is a vibration sensor. If that sensor detects too much vibration coming from the washer, it may slow the washer down to compensate for it.

As a result, you might face problems where the washer will spin too slowly, or it may not spin at all. The machine does that in order to keep the vibrations within an acceptable range.

The Laundry Load Inside Might Be Too Heavy Or Uneven

One of the great things about appliances these days is that they’re much smarter than they used to be. For example, a washer will know not to start the spin cycle if you’ve overloaded the drum with too many clothes.

That could potentially be damaging, so the Samsung washer will not spin at all.

Besides that, the washer may also have spinning problems if the load inside is uneven. If all your clothes are bundled too much on one side, that’s going to cause uneven spinning in the washer.

So, it’ll spin slowly or stop entirely until the load is evened out inside the washer.

Samsung VRT Washer Drain Problems

The operation of a washer depends on a few essential functions. The drum must fill up with water before it starts spinning, but at the end of it all, the washer needs to drain all the water out. That’s why one of the common problem areas with washers is when it comes to draining. 

Here are a few common causes for drain problems with Samsung VRT washers:

• The drain hose might be clogged.
• The drain pump filter might be clogged.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

The Drain Hose Might Be Clogged

Typically, washers drain themselves by pushing water out the drain hose. If that drain hose is clogged or kinked in any way, the water will not be able to flow out smoothly.

Check the full length of the drain hose inch by inch to make sure there’s nothing stuck inside and that the hose isn’t bent too much or kinked at all.

If possible, you could also remove the pipe carefully and wash it clean with a garden hose. That way you can confirm that there are no obstructions inside it.

The Pump Filter Might Be Clogged

Lastly, don’t forget that the washer itself has a pump filter somewhere along the way. Find the filter on your Samsung washer so you can remove it and clean it.

Typically, you’ll find lint, coins, and even small socks stuck in the filter. These small items build up over time and can take away the washer’s ability to drain itself completely.