New Refrigerators Launched Every Two Weeks
Significantly Enhanced Hygiene Management Features for Water Purifiers
[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Following Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics recently introduced a new refrigerator equipped with a water purifier, continuing the product competition in the first half of the year. In particular, Samsung Electronics attracted attention by releasing a related product for the first time in three years since discontinuing the ‘Sparkling Refrigerator’ in 2017.
According to the industry on the 16th, the two companies launched their 2020 models of ice water purifier refrigerators at two-week intervals.
The feature of Samsung Electronics’ ‘Double Door Water Purifier Refrigerator’ lies in the convenience of water purifier management. Until now, relatively inconvenient filter management has been simplified in the new product by allowing easy replacement with three built-in filters.
The filter performance has also been improved. The replacement period is set to be sufficient once a year. Using the Samsung SmartThings app’s Home Care Manager, users are notified when it is time to replace the filter. It secured the maximum water purification capacity of 2,300 liters for refrigerators with water purifiers.
This filter is the only one among water purifier refrigerators sold domestically to receive safety and performance certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). NSF is officially designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a drinking water and water purifier testing institution.
The water inlet cork part is made of stainless steel, making it easy to detach and clean. The refrigerator also applies ‘Micro Temperature Control’ technology and ‘Metal Cooling Door’ technology, minimizing temperature changes inside the refrigerator. It is available in two colors: ‘Natural’ with a metal silver tone and ‘Gentle Black Matte’ with a metal black tone. The retail price is 2.59 million KRW.
LG Electronics also introduced a refrigerator equipped with a water purifier as its first new refrigerator product of the year.
The newly released ‘LG DIOS Ice Water Purifier Refrigerator’ features enhanced hygiene management and a voice recognition open-door function.
For hygiene management, a three-stage safe water purification filter is applied. The first-stage filter removes seven types of heavy metals and organic chemicals remaining in the water, the second-stage filter eliminates bacteria such as E. coli, and the third-stage filter removes other harmful substances. It is equipped with the ‘UVnano’ function, which automatically sterilizes the water outlet with UV (ultraviolet) LED at 99.99% periodically.
LG Electronics explained that according to tests conducted by the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL), this product removes 99.99% of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the water. If users subscribe to the Care Solution service, a manager visits every three months to replace the filters. It also hygienically manages parts that are difficult for users to check alone, such as sterilizing water flow paths at high temperatures.
User convenience through voice recognition has also been enhanced. When a user says “Hi LG, open the refrigerator door” in front of the refrigerator, the door opens automatically. This is useful when both hands are holding food or dishes.
The refrigerator’s ice water purifier can also be controlled by voice. Saying commands like “Set cold water” or “Set ice cubes” will make the refrigerator adjust the functions accordingly. The capacity is 824 liters (L), and the retail price is 5.4 million KRW.
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