We find the Samsung SilverCare WF337AA front-loading washer to be a unique product and an exciting departure from the usual front-loader. Equipped with a small bar of silver, this washing machine has the ability to thoroughly remove odor-causing bacteria that other machines can't touch. By selecting SilverCare, you add a trace amount of bacteria-killing silver to the wash cycle. The result is laundry that loses those sometimes lingering sweaty and mildew-like smells. And the good news is that this silver needs replacement only about once every 10 years at a cost of $50-$75.

Any concerns we have with the use of silver in this machine are environmental, and thus far, none of them seem to warrant much attention. Microscopic amounts of silver appear to have little effect on humans or the water supply. They do, however, have the added benefit of allowing us to sanitize laundry without the use of harsh bleaches or even hot water.

Looking beyond the silver, we find the Samsung WF337AA to be an exceptionally well-featured washer. It has a generous 3.8-cubic-foot capacity, 12 versatile cycles, an automatic temperature control and easy-to-navigate electronic controls. Even better, it offers Samsung's now renowned Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) that makes this model ideal for upstairs installations as well as at ground level.

There's very little not to like about this model and the good news is that few complaints about reliability have surfaced since this technology entered the marketplace in 2006. We're so impressed with Samsung's WF337AA and its performance thus far that we heartily recommend it and award it our coveted Best Buy designation.


Pros: Silver adds impressive odor-removing capability to this versatile machine
Cons: Machine is premium priced and will require a replacement silver bar at some point

Warranty
1 year, full; 2 years, controls