Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are set to collide with their respective dryers with top-tier energy efficiency ratings. They announced a battle of pride that is to come by launching their dryers with top-tier energy efficiency ratings on the same day. While Samsung Electronics is boasting a “lineup of the most dryers with top-tier energy efficiency ratings”, LG Electronics is emphasizing “true domestic steam”.
LG Electronics is going to launch 16kg “Tromm Dryer STEAM ThinQ” with a top-tier energy efficiency rating and TrueSteam technology on June 26th. (Reference: 1st page of the Electronic Times issued on June 19th)
As LG Electronics prepares to launch its STEAM ThinQ dryer, it has also established a competition against Samsung Electronics regarding dryers with top-tier energy efficiency ratings. As of now, Samsung Electronics is the only one that has top-tier dryers on the market.
STEAM ThinQ that is produced from Changwon Plant is the only dryer with top-tier energy efficiency rating on the market made in South Korea. It received a top-tier energy efficiency rating due to its improved key components such as high efficiency dual inverter compressor and dual inverter motor. Its annual energy cost is only $37 (44,000 KRW) based on its standard course. It provides various deodorization and sterilization features due to LG Electronics’ TrueSteam technology that boils water to 100°C. It is available in modern stainless, black stainless, and white colors and it is priced anywhere between $1,780 (2.14 million KRW) and $1,940 (2.34 million KRW).
“Our new Tromm Dryer with a differentiated steam feature and a top-tier energy efficiency will provide another level of value to our customers.” said Ryu Jae-cheol who is the head of LG Electronics H&A Business Division’s Living Appliance Business Department.
Samsung Electronics is going to launch 9kg dryer that earned a top-tier energy efficiency rating on June 26th. After launching South Korea’s first dryer with a top-tier energy efficiency rating back in March, its lineup of 16kg, 14kg, and 9kg dryers all earned top-tier energy efficiency ratings. Such feat is the only record in South Korea.
Samsung Electronics’ new 9kg dryer is applied with “AI quick drying” feature that has its eight sensors periodically measure temperature and humidity of the inside of a dryer and dries clothes under an optimal state. These sensors reduce unnecessary drying time resulting in an electric rate of $0.07 (88 KRW) per cycle and about a 20% save compared to other 9kg dryers. Drying time (Based on a quick drying cycle) is also reduced by 13 minutes to 63 minutes. The size of heat exchanger that is a key component of a dryer and the capacity of compressive chamber are 36% and 23% bigger than other 9kg dryers resulting in a better drying efficiency. The dryer is available in white and black colors and it is priced at $950 (1.149 million KRW) and $1,040 (1.249 million KRW) respectively.
“After launching South Korea’s first dryer with a top-tier energy efficiency rating, our dryers with smaller capacities also earned top-tier energy efficiency ratings.” said Lee Dal-lae who is the director of Samsung Electronics Home Appliances Division. “We are going to continue to introduce eco-friendly products that not only provide innovative washing and drying experiences but also contribute to energy efficiency.”
Dryer with a top-tier energy efficiency rating was one of issues that heat up the home appliances industry in the first half. As such dryer was recently included into the list of high efficiency home appliances that are subjected to a partial rebate by the South Korean Government, the industry was mostly interested on which company was going to put out such dryer. Samsung Electronics was able to grab the upper hand of the market by launching the industry’s first dryer with a top-tier energy efficiency rating and expanding the lineup while LG Electronics has set a counter fire by launching its own dryer with a top-tier energy efficiency rating.
The rebate project that started in March has drawn a huge popularity as the government already gave back $91.6 million (110.2 billion KRW) that corresponds to 73% of the total budget assigned for the project in just three months. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy put out a plan that will add $249 million (300 billion KRW) to the budget and is waiting for the plan to be processed by the National Assembly.
“Home appliances with top-tier energy efficiency ratings have drawn a huge popularity due to the government’s rebate project.” said a representative for the industry. “As dryer has been included into the rebate project, competitions for products with better energy efficiency will become even more fierce.”
Staff Reporter Kim, Yongju | kyj@etnews.com