ApplianceAdvisor Appliance Report L G ELECTRONICS

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
When the Boiling Temperature of Water is Just Not Hot Enough
LG launches SteamWasher "the world's first washing system that incorporates steam technology".
LG Claim 1: Steam is used in a 20 minute wrinkle reduction cycle without water or detergent. Chuck your smelly wrinkly clothes into the washer and steam them flat and less smelly.
LG Claim 2: Steam is used during the wash cycle with water and detergent, creating a frothy bubbly media, like a Frappacino, washing your clothes just that much more efficiently.
Washer features 4.0 ft3 and a button popping 1320 RPM spin cycle. Controls feature multi-language menu driven LCD display.
Matching dryer comes with humidity sensors. Both units work with the optional Remote Monitoring System, so you, your spouse, or your domestic can scrub the grout, or rinse the baby daughter's poopy diapers, secure in the knowledge that there won't be 1 minute of inefficiency.
Washer MSRP of $1600, and Dryer of $1050 to $1200. Remote monitor goes for $100.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg11.jpg

2005 Electric Range Launch Finally hits the Scene in 2006
The one with the 5.6 ft3 blue interior oven.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg6.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg7.jpg

Short People Finally Have a Reason To Live
This new Tromm brand laundry feature is for consumers who want to stack their washer and dryer pair. The controls on the dryer which would be located at the top of the unit when sitting on the floor, can be instead placed on the bottom of the unit when sitting on top of the washer. Really, the photos tell the whole story.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg8.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg10.jpg

New and Improved TV Fridge
As if one TV in your fridge were not enough......LG figured more could only be better with the addition of 4" LCD to display the weather, recipes or digital photos. Certainly....display the photos on the 4" display......why would you want to see photos on the 15" display on the other door? On this subject we have been completely clear; buy fridges to refrigerate. If you need music, or cable or internet access in the kitchen, then buy those things. Don't buy the two things together. This is stupidity.

Panorama French Door Fridge w/ Ice Maker Option
The big problem with the French door configuration is the placement of the freezer and hence the ice making machinery at knee level. Not a terribly convenient location for fetching ice water in glass or pitcher. LG places the entire ice maker and ice storage sealed within the door. How did they bloody get ice making up there so far away from the freezer? How are they delivering the cold up there to the ice? Great question
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg3.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg5.jpg

Side by Side Fridge with In-Door Ice maker
This is the same technology used in the Panorama fridge, but we think we understand its function much better since it is physically located in the freezer side of the fridge. The feature moves the ice making and the ice storing out of the shelves and into the door. Nothing is free. The space you gain in the top shelf is lost in most of the depth of the other shelves.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2006Appliancephotos/2006lg2.jpg

2005 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
2005 is the year that LG ends decades of dabbling in the major appliance industry, never quite knowing what it wants to be when it grows up. This is the year LG proudly comes out of the closet, admitting to the world, admitting to itself, something well....hmmm something everyone already knew. LG is a juggernaut come to these shores to crush us.

LG Launches Company's First North American Cooking Range
Top: intuitive key pad, 6", 9" and (2) double element 9"/12" burners
Ovens: large electric oven with 5.6 ft3 capacity with a big viewing window confirmed by the photo below, 2 standard + 1 split oven racks, programmable favorite cooking modes, low profile convection system.
Choice of warming or storage drawer in the bottom.
Available Q1 2006 for MSRP of $1000 to $1300
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005LG3.jpg

LG Launches Company's First North American Dishwasher
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.
Available either fully integrated (with display in front and the controls on the top of the door) or semi-integrated (with display and controls on the front of the door). Both products feature a soil level sensor, upper or lower rack wash ONLY options, sanitary rinse, combined fan and condensation drying, and various rack adjustability features. MSRP of $700 to $1100
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005LG2.jpg

LG Panarama French Door Fridge with Option of External Water Dispenser
No ice...but you got water up the wazoo.
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/other stuff 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
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/lgstack2.jpg

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