Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are locked in fierce competition to dominate the all-in-one washer-dryer market.
Samsung Electronics turned heads on Feb. 23 with the announcement of the ‘Bespoke AI Combo,’ set to hit shelves on the 24th. This innovative product combines a 25kg drum washing machine with a 15kg inverter heat pump dryer, offering superior drying performance thanks to its high-efficiency heat pump. With the ability to dry a load equivalent to 17 shirts in just 99 minutes, it outshines traditional condenser dryers by saving up to 60% of drying time.
Samsung Electronics highlighted that the product’s compact design reduces installation space by 40%, and the user-friendly ‘AI Hub’ touchscreen display provides seamless device integration and multimedia access. The newly introduced AI Hub features a 7-inch full-touch LCD panel, which is nine-times larger than the previous screen. It allows monitoring and control of other connected appliances via SmartThings.
Meanwhile, LG Electronics launched their ‘Signature All-in-One Washer-Dryer,’ featuring a 25kg washer and a 13kg dryer combined into a single unit on 22nd. The product also includes a Mini Wash compartment with a 4kg capacity, catering to delicate items such as garments, underwear, and baby clothes.
LG Electronics emphasized that their product is the first all-in-one washer-dryer in South Korea to employ a heat pump system. They achieved this feat by developing a dedicated inverter heat pump drying module and integrating the country’s first On-Device AI chip (DQ-C) into the machine. This advanced technology ensures uniform distribution of laundry during dehydration, reducing vibration and noise.
The 7-inch LCD screen on the front panel allows for easy control of all functions, while features like the ‘Smart Touch Door’ add further convenience, enabling users to open the door with a light touch or voice command. Through the LG ThinQ application, users can conveniently schedule drying cycles and ensure their laundry is ready when they return home.
The rivalry between Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics in the all-in-one washer-dryer market began last year. Both companies introduced their new all-in-one washer-dryer products simultaneously at IFA 2023 in September. They also went head-to-head at CES 2024 in January. The retail price of Samsung Electronics’ latest release is 3,999,000 won. LG Electronics offers a premium line product, hence its relatively higher price (6,900,000 won). LG Electronics plans to launch a conventional washer-dryer product called the ‘LG Tromm Objet Collection WashCombo’ in April.
