JEDDAH, 20 February 2007 — LG Electronics yesterday unveiled its most unique invention yet — the combined steam washer and dryer, which is claimed to transform the home laundry process.
“This is the latest advancement in eco-friendly steam technology,” Shon Kim, LG’s senior manager, said during a media demonstration at its office here.
“With the touch of a button, the combined steam washer and dryer seamlessly automates the entire laundering process and integrates a condensing dryer in one single unit,” he said. “It incorporates innovative and intuitive technologies, providing a simple, convenient and more hygienic way for consumers to wash and dry clothes.”
While the traditional high heat washing processes waste energy in heating up the water and the drum, the latest technology enables utilizing steam for an improved washing performance with “just a fraction of the energy.”
“While this cutting edge development has proven to be a hit overseas including the United States and Australia where it was introduced recently, the much anticipated extension of the existing washer-dryer range is ideal for the Saudi market and also for those elsewhere in the Middle East and Africa,” Kim said. He estimated the size of the Saudi market for washers at 300,000 units.
Emphasizing that the new technology reduces the consumption of power by 50 percent and water by 25 percent compared with the conventional one, he said that with consumers struggling to find time, the new steam technology reduced creases in garments and thereby decreased the need for ironing.
LG has added various colors to a traditionally white home appliance product. The range is available in a white matte finish, striking black and pink, all with a silver trim depending on the model.
Convenience, space saving, less humidity and noise, and direct drive feature the new technology, which with the hot steam “dissolves all the allergen and sterilizes mites, bacteria and mold up to 100 percent.” The new technology has been certified by British Allergy Foundation as one that contributes toward allergy care.
The new range of washers are retailed from SR4,299 to SR4,599, Kim added.
