LG Electronics Launches 'STEM' Ice Water Purifier Refrigerator with 'Drawer-Style Freezer and AI'

Ergonomic design reduces bending at the waist and knees
Voice guidance for customized food storage by ingredient

LG Electronics launched its new LG DIOS AI Object Collection STEM Ice Water Purifier Refrigerator on Oct. 26, featuring AI technology and drawer-style freezers for greater convenience.

STEM is LG Electronics' direct-water-line refrigerator brand, which makes ice using clean water supplied through a direct water line. It offers ice in various forms, including Craft Ice, cubed ice, and crushed ice.

The new model replaces the conventional bottom freezer, which opens with side-by-side doors, with a drawer-style design divided into middle and lower compartments. Its ergonomic design, based on analysis of the degree of bending at the waist and knees and of muscle use, allows users to see food at a glance from above and easily take it out when they open a drawer, reducing strain on the joints.

The middle compartment's Convertible Drawer lets users freely switch between freezing, refrigeration, and other storage modes. Through the LG ThinQ app, users can set 14 storage modes in total, including modes for baby food, meal kits, dairy products, wine, kimchi, meat, and fish. The lower compartment is designed exclusively for freezing and automatic ice production with an Auto Ice Maker.

AI features, combined with advanced core component technology, have also become more sophisticated. AI Fresh Care learns when and how often the refrigerator is used, including how frequently its doors are opened, and activates intensive cooling before meal preparation to keep food fresh. During periods of low use, AI Saving Mode optimizes compressor operation to improve energy efficiency.

AI Voice Recognition recommends and automatically sets the optimal storage location and mode when users say what food they want to store, for how long, and for what purpose. For example, if a user says, "I'm going to store beef," the refrigerator might respond: "If you plan to eat the beef within 2 to 3 days, try setting the meat mode in either the left or right Fresh Zone or in the Convertible Drawer. If you'd like to store it longer, try the meat soft-freezing mode. Which compartment would you like to set?" Users can also control appliances linked to the ThinQ app from the refrigerator.

Food storage performance has also been enhanced. The number of Fresh Zones, which support customized storage temperatures for different types of food, has increased from one to two. The UV Clean Deodorizing Filter+ and Pure Fresh Filter inhibit the growth of bacteria in the refrigerator's air and effectively eliminate odors. The refrigerator door also features Auto Closing, which automatically closes the door once it reaches a certain angle.

In terms of design, LG applied the popular Fit & Max design to make better use of space and enhance the overall look of the interior. Zero Clearance Hinge technology reduces the gap between the refrigerator and the wall, creating a clean, seamless look. The refrigerator can be installed with a gap of just 4 mm on each side and a minimum of 9 mm at the top, 40% less than before, for a refined built-in style.

The STEM also features a 6.8-inch display that lets users see key settings at a glance and operate the refrigerator easily with intuitive touch controls. Inside, the Light Gallery feature adds an elegant atmosphere with a soft glow reminiscent of gallery lighting.

With a STEM subscription, expert care helps keep the refrigerator hygienic and performing at its best. Product performance is inspected every three months, and the filter, direct water line, water outlet, door gaskets, and exterior are carefully maintained. In particular, every 36 months, experts clean dust and debris from the cooling fins and cooling fan in the refrigerator's rear machinery compartment, which is difficult for customers to maintain themselves.

"We will offer customers a differentiated experience in Korea's refrigerator market, led by our new Convertible Drawer model," said Kim Jaeil, head of LG Electronics' Kitchen Solution Business Division. "We will continue to strengthen the core performance of our products and introduce home appliances tailored to our customers' diverse lifestyles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.