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The World Grows Smaller

November 4, 2015

                       Above photo of Seoul’s Changdeokgung Palace by Erinn Waldo

In preparation for LG’s debut of the TWIN Wash Laundry Pair – launched November 3 and available in the U.S. on December 20 – K+BB visited the company’s headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. There we learned about the surprising differences and similarities between the kitchen and bath industry across Asia and in the U.S.

Food Storage
Most of the big cities in the U.S. count every inch when it comes to kitchen design, and the Asian kitchen does the same. Space capacity and the ease of use are the most sought after qualities in both regions, though Asian cultures may use their refrigerators differently – such as with the kimchi refrigerator.


                                                 
Kimchi Refrigerator

The highly seasoned, fermented cabbage is the Korean equivalent to comfort food and varies among families. Eaten almost at every meal, kimchi usually needs to ferment at a stable temperature for at least a month. South Koreans accommodate this often by having an entirely separate refrigerator completely devoted to storing kimchi. The fridge holds compartments that can be set at specific temperatures, similar to wine storage. 



Energy Savings
With both regular and kimchi refrigerators, Asian cultures strive to conserve energy because of their higher energy costs. One way LG is answering that call is with the Dual Door-in-Door Refrigerator. Available on selected four-door, French-door models, the refrigerator offers an easily accessible compartment between the exterior and interior of the fridge for often-used items. By not opening up the interior of the fridge every time the door is opened, the cold air loss is reduced by up to 47 percent.

                           

                                       
Dual Door-in-Door Refrigerator



Different Looks
While stainless steel is all the rage in the U.S., South Koreans still consider the look to be more commercial than residential. Instead, they lean more toward white palettes or a bright color. Graphic designs are also still popular on appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. 

          

                                 
Kimchi Refigerator with Snowflake Design

Thinking of Us
Debuted in September and available for consumers this month, the LG Styler took the Asian consumer’s desire for convenience and cleanliness and converted it for the American business world. The system reduces wrinkles, sanitizes and removes odors using the power of steam.

                              

                                                                    
LG Styler

In addition to saving users a trip to the dry cleaner’s, the Styler is set to appear in places like offices, airports and hotels to quickly refresh travelers and business people. The system also has a Sports Equipment routine for sterilizing athletic wear, and the Soft Toy routine refreshes and dries stuffed toys.

Laundry Innovation for Everyone
The big news is still the launch of the TWIN Wash. Taking their ideas from consumers around the world, LG realized that everyone has a need to do two loads at once. People need separate washes for delicates, athletic wear, baby clothes or specialty clothing items, and having to wait to do those washes separately takes time. With a mini-washer in the pedestal below a washing machine, small loads can be washed simultaneously.

                  

                                                               
TWIN Wash

Since it is designed to fit in the space of a typical front-loading washing machine, no space is sacrificed. The pedestal washer can also be purchased separately and added to existing LG front-loading washing machines. In addition, LG’s HomeChat service allows users to check the status of their washing machine.

“The LG TWIN Wash is revolutionary because it offers a solution to the age-old problem of having to do separate loads of laundry, which is time consuming,” said Jo Seong-jin, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution Company. “Homeowners all over the U.S. will never have to plan their day around doing the laundry every again.”