LG Electronics to Expand 'Dios Gwangpa Oven' That Finds the Optimal Cooking Method

LG Electronics is expanding its 'Dios Microwave Oven' product line that helps find the optimal cooking method. The models are introducing a new 39L capacity product (model name: ML39PTW).

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] LG Electronics announced on the 27th that it is expanding its ‘Dios Microwave Oven’ product line that finds the optimal cooking method.

Following the introduction of the AI Cook function in the 32-liter microwave oven last year, LG Electronics applied the same function to the new 39-liter model (model name: ML39PTW) released on the 28th. Due to positive feedback from customers who have used AI Cook, the company is increasing the number of products with this feature.

Customers can use the AI Cook function by linking a microwave oven equipped with Wi-Fi and the LG ThinQ app on their smartphones. When the barcode of a ready meal is scanned with a smartphone, the microwave oven automatically finds the optimal cooking method.

For example, when a customer scans the barcode on the packaging of a Pulmuone Foods ready meal with the ThinQ app’s camera and presses the ‘Send to Oven’ button on the smartphone screen, information such as cooking time and temperature is sent from the cloud server to the Dios microwave oven. Then, by placing the ready meal in the microwave oven and pressing the start button, the microwave oven automatically cooks the meal.

Currently, there are a total of 30 types of Pulmuone Foods ready meals compatible with AI Cook, which can also be purchased from the store in the LG ThinQ app. LG Electronics plans to increase the number of ready meals compatible with AI Cook.

The new product inherits the excellent ease of use of the existing Dios microwave oven. The microwave dual heater, which uses light as a heat source and blows hot air from multiple directions, cooks food evenly.

According to experiments conducted by the research team of Professor Sooyong Lee from the Department of Food Engineering at Sejong University, thin-skinned dumplings and burritos cooked with the Dios microwave oven (model name: ML32PW) were about three times and two times crispier, respectively, compared to those cooked with the LG Dios microwave. Additionally, they were browned 13% and 8.8% more, enhancing the texture.

Moreover, the microwave oven has the functions of seven cooking appliances: oven, air fryer, grill, microwave, fermenter, and more. Customers only need this one product, eliminating the need to purchase other cooking appliances and allowing more efficient use of kitchen space.

The microwave oven’s antibacterial Easy Clean coating is also an advantage. The inner walls of the microwave oven are coated densely to prevent oil stains from penetrating, helping to remove stains and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. According to tests by the US testing agency SGS-IBR Laboratories, this coating material prevented the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by 99.99%.

The new product is available in five colors including Black Stainless, Stainless, and White, with prices ranging from 409,000 KRW to 559,000 KRW depending on the color.

Yoon Kyung-seok, Vice President and Head of the Kitchen Appliance Division at LG Electronics H&A Business Division, said, “We will ensure that more customers can experience the Dios microwave oven with AI Cook functionality.”