Samsung Electronics launched the ‘Bespoke Kimchi Plus’ in October. (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In a culinary landscape where innovation knows no bounds, the humble kimchi refrigerator has transcended its origins as a specialized storage unit for fermented cabbage to become a versatile, multi-functional appliance capable of accommodating a variety of ingredients.
Embracing this trend, the home appliance makers are introducing a series of kimchi refrigerators that emphasize multi-seasonal utility.
According to industry sources, Samsung Electronics launched the ‘Bespoke Kimchi Plus’ in October, a new product that features improved customized storage options.
The cutting-edge kimchi fridge boasts 23 customized storage modes, designed not only for kimchi but also for fruits, grains, wine, and more. A standout feature allows the internal temperature of individual compartments to be independently adjusted.
Addressing the inconvenience of having to adjust the temperature for the entire fridge when storing packaged kimchi or small quantities of ingredients, this new feature allows users to modify the temperature solely within the designated compartment.
Incorporating insulation technology to minimize external temperature fluctuations, this feature enables users to set the internal temperature higher than the external environment. It offers five modes for various culinary needs, including two settings for fermenting kimchi as well as thawing meat, ripening fruits, and fermenting dough.
Samsung is actively promoting the specialized features of the new fridges, exemplified by the company’s collaboration with renowned bakeries nationwide in the ‘Bespoke Bread Pilgrimage’ project.
Teaming up with bakeries such as Taegukdang, Napoleon, and Modern Alley Red Bean Bread, Samsung showcased recipes using the fermentation mode of the Bespoke Kimchi Plus. (Image courtesy of Cheil Worldwide)
Teaming up with bakeries such as Taegukdang, Napoleon, and Modern Alley Red Bean Bread, Samsung showcased recipes using the fermentation mode of the Bespoke Kimchi Plus.
During the promotional event, limited-edition baked goods were offered alongside displays of the Bespoke Kimchi Plus, along with Qooker ovens.
Not to be outdone, LG Electronics also strengthened the multi-purpose storage capabilities in its 2023 model, the ‘LG Dios Object Collection Kimchi Tok Tok,’ released in October.
This new product features a versatile partition wall that divides the upper section into left and right compartments and further separates the middle and lower sections, resulting in four independent compartments for use as a multi-functional refrigerator.
The multi-purpose storage modes include options for juices, carbonated beverages, sauces, milk, yogurt, beer, soju, apples, peaches, grapes, plums, leafy vegetables, and more—a total of 13 modes.
Utilizing the LG ThinQ app, users can optimize the temperature of each compartment. For instance, the left and right compartments can be designated for kimchi and beverages, while the middle and lower compartments can be utilized for vegetables and fruits, enhancing overall functionality.
LG Electronics also strengthened the multi-purpose storage capabilities in its 2023 model, the ‘LG Dios Object Collection Kimchi Tok Tok,’ released in October. (Image courtesy of LG Electronics)
The new model also features an LCD display, allowing users to instantly check and select modes for each compartment, improving convenience. The screen displays the status of settings such as ‘refrigeration,’ ‘freezing,’ ‘Kimchi Guard,’ ‘vegetables and fruits,’ ‘rice and grains,’ ‘meat and fish’ for each of the four compartments.
While kimchi consumption has steadily declined, with the average daily intake per South Korean dropping from 109.9g in 2010 to 88.3g in 2020, LG Electronics, analyzing customer data, found that many users utilize each compartment for various purposes beyond kimchi storage, aligning with their lifestyles.
“To accommodate diverse ingredients in a fresh and organized manner according to customers’ lifestyles, we have further enhanced the multi-purpose storage function of kimchi refrigerators,” the company said in a statement.
As kimchi refrigerators evolve to meet the demands of modern kitchens, these innovative appliances are poised to play a central role in shaping the culinary experiences of South Korean households.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
