New Model with Enhanced Features Set for Release This Year
LG Electronics will release a follow-up model to its ice water purifier, which was launched last year, in the second half of this year.
LG Electronics' 'LG Electronics PuriCare Objet Collection Ice Water Purifier' launched in August last year. LG Electronics
According to industry sources on June 2, LG Electronics is developing a successor to the 'PuriCare Ice Water Purifier' with the goal of launching it within the year. After the product's release in August last year, LG Electronics reportedly began technical reviews for a new model at the end of the year as consumer complaints accumulated regarding insufficient ice production and lukewarm cold water temperatures.
As a latecomer in the industry, LG Electronics targeted the market by introducing the 'first ice freezer storage method in Korea.' While previously released ice water purifiers often stored ice at room temperature inside the device, resulting in soft and inconsistent ice, LG Electronics differentiated itself by adopting a freezer storage method that allows for the production of hard and uniform ice.
After the product launch, consumers repeatedly pointed out issues with certain functions, with complaints about 'insufficient ice production' being particularly common. On LG Electronics' website and online communities, it is not difficult to find complaints such as, "Even after waiting 24 hours, no ice is produced," or "After four months of installation, I receive free repair service (AS) about once a month due to ice-making errors."
An industry official explained, "Typical ice water purifiers have two independent compressors for cooling water and ice separately, but LG Electronics applied a technology where a single compressor handles cold water production, ice making, and temperature control for the ice storage compartment." The official added, "Even before the product's release, there were concerns in the industry that this would inevitably result in a significantly lower amount of ice that can be produced at one time."
An LG Electronics representative stated, "From October last year to January this year, we carried out five software updates, which not only improved ice-making speed but also added various convenience features such as a full ice indicator, process display during ice extraction, and enhanced LED button brightness." The representative added, "We will continue to strengthen the product's functions through consistent updates going forward."
The industry is closely watching the new product that LG Electronics is set to release. Because the product applies highly advanced technology, if the company succeeds in improving the product's completeness through refinements, it could move beyond its position as a latecomer and begin to have a significant impact on the market landscape.
Currently, the domestic ice water purifier market is relatively firmly held by Coway, SK Magic, Cuckoo Homesys, Kyowon Wells, and Chungho Nice. In April, Coway launched the 'Ice Water Purifier RO,' which specializes in removing harmful substances, signaling the start of a new level of technological competition. Last month, SK Magic also introduced the 'One Cork Plus Ice Water Purifier,' which allows users to select ice-making speed and ice size as desired. Kyowon Wells and Chungho Nice are also attracting consumers with their 'Ice One' and 'Ice Tree' ice water purifiers, respectively.
An industry official commented, "Although the water purifier market is already close to a red ocean, the ice water purifier segment is relatively more profitable and has greater growth potential, making it a promising field in the industry." The official added, "Given LG Electronics' strong brand recognition and trust built through its existing home appliances, there is a view that if the company succeeds in differentiating its new product, the market landscape could change."
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