The
New Appliance Report from
ApplianceAdvisor.com
LG ELECTRONICS
(aka Goldstar, aka Lucky Goldstar, aka
LG)
800-243-000
Korean appliance maker with ambitions of world domination
2006 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
-new TV fridge
-New French door fridge w/ ice maker
-Steam laundry, cleaning with less than 1 gallon. Steam cycle for refreshing
clothes, black unit (what is 11.9 gallons in my notes)
-New Range launch, wth 5.6 ft3. Electric blue interior
-New Laundry, with reversible controls
-Ice maker + storage side by side
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg2.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg3.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg5.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg6.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg7.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg8.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg10.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg11.jpg
2005 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
-2 models of electric ranges avail Q1 2006 for thermal and convection
-French door fridge with external water dispenser
-Dishwasher (fully integrated and semi-integrated) avail soon???? What did I
write here?
-Claims the quietest dishwasher with an intergrated disposer.
-holds up to 16 place settings. Stainless interior
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005LG2.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005LG3.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005LG5.jpg
2004 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
13" TV on the Refrigerator
Another (or is it the same) perfectly stupid idea from the people who brought
you the internet fridge. Why don't they bolt an electric toothbrush to their
next model, or better yet a combination kidney dialysis machine, TV and 20
cu ft side by side fridge. Not a bad idea, really: If on dialysis I'd like
to watch TV, while if watching TV, I'd like to have a fridge, while if I ate the
food held in a 20 cu ft fridge, I really bet that I'd want a dialysis machine.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/lgfridgeandtv1.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/lgfridgeandtv2.jpg
The 3 Door Fridge
LG and Maytag have both hit on this new configuration which combines some of the
advantages of a Side by Side with those of a Top Mount. The top
un-partitioned refrigerator cavity is accessed by 2 side swing doors, while the
freezer is a pull out drawer. Sealing the two doors to each other is the
weakness of this design, and it is our feeling that the LG solution of a compressed
gasket between the doors may fail over time because of friction. Hey, but what
do we know? Models available in 20.7 and 25 cu ft sizes, and feature ice
makers, hidden hinges, white, black, stainless steel and titanium-like finish at
an MSRP of $1600 to $1900.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/lgfridge3door1.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/lgfridge3door2.jpg
High Efficiency Side by Side
LG upgraded an existing 26 cu ft side by side with the addition of a Linear
Compressor which LG has claimed is the most energy efficient and quietest side
by side, with the caveat "among stand alone side by sides in the same
category". Also features digital display, Ice and water dispenser,
and built-in look hidden hinges. Available April 2004 with an MSRP of
$2300, a $400 - $900 premium over the dumb compressor version. Energy Star
estimates an energy usage of $47/year for the unit with the Linear Compressor,
and $52/year for the unit dumb compressor unit......
LG
link
If a Fridge and TV is a Good Idea How About........
How about a microwave with a radio for $109
Or a microwave with 6 cup coffee maker for $169
Both unit feature a round microwave cavity for cornerless cleanability.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/lgmicrowaveandcoffee.jpg
2003 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Competition Throws Mud, New Washer Removes Stains
LG launched their American sized front loader washers and dryers, and companies
are lining up to sue them for their efforts. Both Whirlpool and Fisher
& Paykel have filed suits concerning alleged patent infringements. The
allegedly infringing washer is 3.7 cu ft capacity and features automatic water
level adjustment, 19 hour delay wash, 4 compartment detergent/softener/bleach/otherstuff
dispenser, 1200 RPM spin, and uses 199kw and 12.9 gallons per wash. MSRP
of $900 - 1300.
Whirlpool claims: "The two Whirlpool patents protect wash and rinse cycles
in newer clothes washers, which deliver sharply higher energy and water savings
to customers. The unique wash step provides a series of recirculating sprays of
concentrated wash liquid onto laundry loads, while the innovative rinse step
performs a tumble motion as recirculating rinse sprays remove wash liquids."
Fisher & Paykel claims that the LG beltless DirectDrive System is
suspiciously similar to the F&P "Smart Drive" System.....and they
demand their day in court.
There is also a 7.3 cu ft dryer with stainless
drum, moisture sensor, priced at $700 - $900. Both units are available
January 2003.
In our opinion, F&P is carrying an Australasian grudge to North America,
while Whirlpool wants to cut LG's jugular before
they screw up Whirlpool's North America laundry market. Neither of these guys
seem interested in licensing fees.
http://www.lgappliances.com/laund_dryer.shtml
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/lgstack1.jpg
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Bottom Mount Refrigerators
LG added a 19.7 cu ft and 22.4 cu ft family of bottom mount refrigerators to
their line, each with optional tilt out freezer drawers. The 22.4 cu ft has the option of
an external water dispenser. We would love to try this unit
since we despise side by sides. Available May 2003. 19.7 cu ft MSRPs
at $700 - 1250, the 22.4 cu ft MSRPs at $800 - 1550. Add the water
dispenser and the MSRP rises to $1750 to 1850.
http://www.lgappliances.com/ref_bottom.shtml
Combination Microwave / Toaster
With the 6 month contractual delay past, LG can finally launch the Microwave /
Toaster that they already sell to Sears under the Kenmore brand.
Originally we thought this was was an unholy conglomeration, until the third time
I had to troop to the basement to reset the circuit breakers for having a
separate toaster and microwave on the same circuit. We can only hope that
LG has managed their power needs better than I have. The unit features a
0.9 cu ft, 900 Watt Microwave and an 800 Watt toaster. Available May 2003
priced $130 - $150.
http://www.lgappliances.com/mwo_cto.shtml
Why Twist When You Can Shuffle
This new LG OTR Microwave replaces the spinning of food with a left to right
movement allowing the cooking of rectangular dishes as large as
12"x15". (This is a better solution that the one offered by
Haier this year.) Features 1170 Watts, 1.9 cu ft. The venting
portion features a 4 speed 220 CFM blower and halogen lighting.
http://www.lgappliances.com/mwo_otr.shtml
See models: LMVM1945S LMVM1955S
2002 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
"Titanium Finish" non-Titanium Refrigerators
It was a little confusing for us too. LG claims that this surface holds magnets,
is corrosion free and fingerprint resistant. It is (for reasons beyond us) made
of a "proprietary blend of 11 layers of metals…..a combination of various
layers of pre-coated metals, embossed metals and vinyl coated metals". It
does not require any of the special cleaning agents required for stainless
steel.
Direct Drive Combo Washer/Dryer
LG claims that the direct drive system is quieter and more efficient (than other
combo systems we guess?) 15lb capacity. $1500 retail price. Comes with excessive
product warranty of 7 years for motor and 10 years for tub. Standard 24"
depth. 12" diameter door. Also includes child lockout, drain filter to
collect loose change, and some sort of self diagnose problem solving feature.
Door opens 180 degrees.
http://www.lgappliances.com/cgi-bin/product.cgi?id=45
OTR Microwave with built in digital
cookbook
First discussed in the 2001 report, the microwave's specs are frozen with 1000W,1.9 cu ft capacity with several high end bells and whistles plus it stores
60 recipes and cooking instructions. Retail priced at $700
http://www.lgappliances.com/cgi-bin/product.cgi?id=21
Puritanical Networked Appliances
LG said "A living network utilizes the refrigerator as the hub….linking the
internet microwave, internet washer and the refrigerator, thus allowing for
communication among the appliances."
Perhaps that communication could be something like
this:
Washer/Dryer Combo:
"Man,
help me down here, can't you do something for me, the
diapers, and the mud, for the love of Tide...day in and day out.... I just
want to see the sun, that's all.....it all started with such hope...I'm going to
have a lint fire and end it all, lint, lint.........."
Refrigerator:
"Your mental condition is the result of your depraved behavior and your
obvious use of witchcraft. To
wash and to dry together is to be engaged in a wickedness not sanctioned in any
right minded manual. I have directed the dishwasher to flood the basement,
to exorcize the house of your evil"
http://www.lgappliances.com/cgi-bin/product.cgi?id=6
2001 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
In 2001 LG claims to hold number 1 market share in Australia in home
appliances, but so doesn't Fisher-Paykel. LG is probably counting air
conditioners and vacuums, etc, etc.
Can We Just Settle on a Name And Move On?
The Korean electronics giant, Lucky Goldstar, aka Goldstar, will be
launching new microwaves, refrigerators, and washers using the new LG brand in
summer 2001. "LG Electronics aims to be major player in the US Home
Appliance Arena…."
http://www.lgeus.com/PressRelease/press_happ.asp#b
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2001Appliancephotos/LGboothphoto.jpg
More Internet Connected Appliances
Launches line of internet connected appliances to be available early 2002. A
refrigerator with touch screen, video phone, TV and music options and the
ability to email. An internet connected microwave that can download recipes from
the internet or allow consumers to order groceries from connected retailers. An
internet connected top load washer that allows the user to download new wash
programs. We cannot see the future, but I can predict that I will eat my hat if
any of these crazy devices sell. Is washing control technology evolving so
quickly that one must be forever connected to the net to keep up? Are people
going to order groceries on a 4" screen on their microwave? What if all
that stuff on the refrigerator breaks? Fuhgetabahtit. If there is a market for
internet access in the kitchen, it will be through a dedicated internet device
such as ICEBOX (see Icebox in this report). Many reasons have been given
for digitally connecting all appliances to the internet, but so far none are
compelling. The best ideas so far are appliance use tracking by the anally
retentive home owner (like Quicken for appliances), and appliance use tracking
by electric power companies offering better rates at night.
http://www.lgeus.com/PressRelease/press_happ.asp#a
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/Appliance/Frige/interfrige.asp
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/appliance/microoven/interwave.asp
New Dumb Microwave Feature
LG microwave using the True Cook Plus technology. Packaged food
manufacturers will print a True Cook code number on their packages. The consumer
will enter this number on the microwave. The microwave will cook the food
exactly as the food is designed to be cooked. This sounds kind-a-dumb. How
difficult is it to punch 3:00 minutes on a microwave? Some people we spoke to,
thought it would be great, but we think they were kind-a-dumb too. Available
June 2001. MSRP $149 to $169
http://www.lgeus.com/PressRelease/press_happ.asp#g
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/appliance/microoven/LMA-210WTCP.asp
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/appliance/microoven/LMA-140WTCP.asp
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/appliance/microoven/LMA-110WTCP.asp
Refrigerators with Improved Temperature Control
18 cu ft and 20 cu ft refrigerators with patented door cooling technology.
Instead of only venting cool air at the bottom back, these refrigerators also
vent through the door, resulting in faster cool downs (only 2.9 minutes to reach
the preset temperature after door closure, compared to 5 minutes for
conventional fridges) and more even temperatures throughout the box. LG claims
that this is the "First Refrigerator with Door-Cooling Technology".
Powered by a new linear compressor which reduces noise, saves energy, operates
without lubricants and with "any type of refrigerant". We were curious
if this "any type of refrigerant" feature allowed this refrigerator to
be sold in other countries and to be charged or re-charged with the worst global
warming refrigerants. We called but never got a response from LG.
http://www.lgeus.com/PressRelease/press_happ.asp#d
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/Appliance/Frige/LRTG2021.asp
Washer with Improved Efficiency
LG front load washer with beltless direct drive motor. Motor directly
connected to the drum without belts or pulleys for improved efficiency and
reliability and reduced vibration ("by as much as 60%"). LG claims
that "the capacity of the LG IntelloWasher DD is the world's largest for
home washing machines. It can handle more than 15 pounds of laundry" Is 15
pounds really the largest in the world? The Advisor doesn't think so. LG has
provided lots of improvement numbers: 38% less electricity, 17% less water, 32%
less fabric damage, 69% drop in tangling (?), 18% drop in noise. Also features
digital readout, child lock, and front access drain filter.
http://www.lgeus.com/PressRelease/press_happ.asp#f
Better than an Internet Connected Microwave
LG microwave with either
"Hundreds" of cooking recipes in memory.
http://www.lgeus.com/PressRelease/press_happ.asp#c
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/appliance/microoven/LMV-1915NVNST.asp
http://www.lgeus.com/Product/appliance/microoven/LMH-1517CV.asp
2000 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Nothing to report
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Revised: June 11, 2006
