Samsung Adds Fridge, Washer To Major Appliance Line

By Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 5/5/2008

NEW YORK — Samsung Electronics is adding an extra-large-capacity French door refrigerator and steam washer to its white-goods line.

The products were showcased here last month at a CE and majap line show for the media, in lieu of appearing at K/BIS (the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show).

At 29 cubic feet, the French door fridge is 16 percent larger than its predecessor while still occupying the same footprint. Samsung says the model has the largest storage capacity of any refrigerator in a three-door configuration, and gained the extra 4 cubic feet through the use of high-rate urethane insulation technology, which reduced the thickness of the refrigerator walls from 2.04 inches to 1.38 inches.

"Samsung is always looking for ways to help meet the needs of our consumers — our super-capacity French door refrigerator is just another example of this," said James Politeski, home appliance sales and marketing VP. "This new line offers consumers much more interior room so they will be able to find their items quicker and easier."

Available next month in stainless platinum, stainless steel, and black and white finishes, the fridge is illuminated inside by a new, brighter LED array, and also sports a blue LED light and new café-look design for the water and ice dispenser. The unit also features Samsung's signature "Twin Cooling Plus" system that cools the main body of the refrigerator and the freezer sections separately, ensuring that odors from the compartments do not mix. The manufacturer's suggested retail is $2,900 for the stainless-steel finish.

Meanwhile, the company has added a new top-of-the-line pair to its front-load laundry platform. The 448 line features a 4.5-cubic-foot-capacity steam washer with vibration-reduction technology that significantly reduces shaking and noise, allowing for placement near living areas or on second floors.

The anti-vibration feature, which was introduced at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show last year, will now be offered on each of Samsung's front-load washers.

Offered in stainless platinum, metallic copper and white, and available with optional pedestals or stacking kits for added convenience, the 448 front loader will be available in June at a suggested retail of $1,500.