Consumers Still Prefer Large Washers
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are squaring off over large-capacity artificial intelligence (AI)-based washing machines.
The two leading home appliance companies have introduced a 24-kg washing machine loaded with various functions nearly at the same time.
The battle between the two reminds consumers and market watchers of the fierce duel over large-capacity refrigerators in 2012, which finally led to a legal battle. The confrontation over refrigerators ended through an agreement between the two and the focus of the home electronics market shifted to small-capacity devices. But in the washer market, the two companies are squaring off again over large-capacity products.
“There is steady demand for large washing machines as consumers want to wash laundries at a time or big blankets at home," said an official of a home electronics company. “Consumers still prefer big washers."
In addition, both companies explain that consumers can do laundry more conveniently with AI-powered washers. An LG Tromm model which is dubbed an “artificial direct drive (DD)” washing machine detects the weight of clothes in its laundry box, uses big data to check the material of the clothes, and then selects an optimal motion to minimize damage to the fabric and starts washing. Samsung’s new Grande model also features an AI-customized laundry function that detects laundry weight and contamination and adjusts the amount of detergents and softeners and washing and rinsing time on its own.
Samsung and LG took into consideration the fact that many consumers purchase washing machines with dryers in developing new washers. LG Tromm is a home appliance management application that interlocks the washing machine with the dryer to automatically set the drying course after washing. Samsung Grande Washer includes an all-in-one control function that can operate a dryer with a washing machine control panel, and an AI course function that recommends an optimized drying course for laundry courses. Besides, in line with consumer's growing interest in cleanliness, the LG Tromm model features sterilization and the Samsung Grande model keep its washing tank clean.