Samsung-LG Dryer War, "No Steam Required" vs "Steam Premium"

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, which bisects Korean dryer market, voiced conflicting opinions over the "steam" sterilization method. While LG Electronics emphasized the excellence of the "true steam," Samsung Electronics has been shooting at the dryer, saying it does not need a steam method. Last year, the two companies, which were strongly involved in the controversy over the dryer, predicted a match between the two prosecutors.

According to industry sources on the 22nd, Samsung Electronics put the phrase "air sterilization+" in the official advertisement of the 'Grande AI' dryer TV that was recently introduced. He emphasized his company's air sterilization function. It explained that this function is certified by Intertek whic is an international certification agency, and is equipped with a function that removes 99.9% of E. coli, green bacteria, and yellow phytosis and exterminates house dust mites 100%.

It is believed to be aimed at the "truth team" function of LG Electronics' dryer. LG Electronics applied steam to dryers for the first time this year.

LG Electronics applied its patented technology called "100 Degree True steam," which is also used in styler and others, to its new product "Trom Dryer Steam ThinQ." It also introduced that it has been certified for its function of removing 99.99% yellow phytosis, green bacteria, and pulmonary interstitial bacteria, as well as smell of cloth. LG Electronics puts the True steam at the forefront of its differentiated "premium drying method," which is effective not only in simple sterilization but also in deodorization and wrinkle relief.

LG 'Trom Dryer Steam ThinQ'/Provided Photos

In response, Samsung Electronics explained that the Grande AI, which keeps the temperature inside the drying container below 60 degrees Celsius, dries the laundry without damage with high-speed drying.

This is because capacity of compressor and heat exchanger, which are major components, has been increased to maximum. It has gained energy efficiency by increasing the amount of refrigerant and widening the passageways through which the wind passes, reducing the drying time. And this is why AI is the only Korean dryer to receive the first grade in energy efficiency from the Korea Energy Management Corporation, Samsung Electronics introduced.

However, premium dryer products that have been released in overseas markets where dryers such as the U.S. have become essential appliances often borrowed the steam method. Most manufacturers, including "dryer strong" Whirlpool, do. Even Samsung Electronics sells steam-mounted dryers. In October last year, Samsung Electronics also introduced that its dryer, which has a steam function that reduces cloth wear and wrinkles, was selected as the best product in the U.S. and Europe.

In response, a Samsung Electronics official said, "The dryer in the U.S. market is a gas-type clothing dryer. "We sprayed steam to cool it down or remove naturally occurring static electricity because drying it with gas method will cause high heat inside," he said. "We didn't put it in because the steam was particularly good at sterilization." He added, "We are not considering launching dryers with steam functions in the domestic market."

Samsung Grande AI dryer, washing machine/photos courtesy of Samsung Electronics Co., which was launched in January.

The dryer market is enjoying unexpected specials as the concept of hygiene caused by the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is highlighted. According to both companies, sales of the Samsung Grande AI dryer exceeded 30,000 units in about two months after its launch. It is a sales increase of nearly 60 percent on-year. LG Tromm Dryer Steam ThinQ also fared well, with its sales ratio reaching half of all LG Dryers in just three weeks after its launch.

"Considering that the COVID-19 suffered a production setback in February, both companies have recorded encouraging dryer sales this year," a market research company official said. "Since last year, the two-river structure has been in full swing in the Korean dryer market." "This year, competition between Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, which have their strengths such as steam and air sterilization, will become fiercer."