We all want our homes to be functional, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. This means that kitchen appliances are of the utmost importance! Superior brands have been rising to the surface over the years, leading to competitors such as Samsung and LG duking it out for consumer dollars. Here's a look at these two companies and what they have to offer for your kitchen, as well as a direct comparison of two similar appliance packages.
Neck and Neck to Modernity
If Samsung and LG seem uncannily similar in corporate strategies, and even company histories, there's a good reason for that. Both companies are rooted in South Korea and came from the same humble beginning manufacturing economy versions of American and Japanese electronics. As they both grew rapidly, they contributed South Korea's current reputation as a center for cutting edge technology.
Samsung's achievements have run the gamut from helicopters to CT scanners, televisions and smartphones, while LG produced South Korea's first washing machines and refrigerators (along with a myriad electronics). After making firm jumps into the global market for major home appliances, both companies brought long-honed skills in innovation, precision and ingenuity to the proverbial "kitchen table".
Let's Break Them Down
We'll take a look at two popular black stainless kitchen appliance packages offering the same four appliances, one set from Samsung and one from LG. Each 4-piece package comes with a refrigerator, range, microwave, and dishwasher.
Refrigerators
Both of these refrigerator units have generous capacity, but the LG offers more storage at 30 cubic feet versus the Samsung at 23 cubic feet.
Both have LED lights and the sleek black-stainless-steel coating with smudge-resistant finishes.
The LG model features the company's slim SpacePlus ice system and CustomChill door. Each of these units have striking door designs that really come down to personal preference. The LG "flex" design opens into handy compartments, essentially creating four "doors" that open accordion-style for increased accessibility and space.
The Samsung fridge opens into four doors as well, but has a Cool Select Plus feature that allows for switching the bottom-right freezer door into a refrigerator to customize your cooling needs.
Ranges
The LG and Samsung ranges have gas and smooth top electric stovetops respectively. Each has its advantages. The dedicated home cook will relish in the precise control in temperature the LG gas burners bring. The griddle option makes whipping up breakfast a delight. Meanwhile, on-the-go types will appreciate how the smooth top of the Samsung is a breeze to clean.
Each of these two slide-in ranges have time saving self-cleaning features, and the LG even steam cleans in 10 minutes using only water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.
Both offer enhanced convection systems, but the Samsung unit features dual-convection capability for super even baking.The Samsung is an electric smooth-top range with a 5.8 cubic-feet oven capacity, while the gas LG offers a roomier 6.3 cubic feet. Both have smart-oven lighting and locking doors. The Samsung stands out for its Perfect Cooking Probe, which monitors internal food temps and lets you know when meat is sufficiently cooked and ready to eat.
OTR Microwaves
These over-the-range microwave ovens are similar in many ways, including the 30-inch exterior size. However, a nod to larger inner capacity definitely goes to LG on this one, with 2.2 cubic feet compared to the Samsung microwave at just 1.8 cubic feet.
Samsung is on par with LG on sensor cooking options and 10 power levels, but Samsung leads with the environmentally friendly Eco Mode.
Both of these microwaves have good airflow and ventilation systems, and both are constructed with ceramic enamel interiors, making them easier to clean and resistant to bacteria build-up. For accessories, the LG comes with a handy bi-level cooking rack.
Dishwashers
These two dishwashers from Samsung and LG have three racks and fully integrated control styles. Although they share similar wash cycles, including quick, delicate, rinse-only and delay wash, each comes with its own additional features.
LG options include steam wash, variable spray pressure and condensate dry, while Samsung kicks things up a notch with StormWash, an optional setting that lets you "shower" off extra food debris. This allows you to bypass pre-rinsing in most cases.
The LG is slightly quieter with a noise level of 40 dBA, compared to Samsung's 44 dBA.
If you're technologically inclined, here's a big difference in these two units: This LG dishwasher is a "smart appliance," which allows you to control the unit via remotely using WiFi.
How to Choose
With these two companies trading off the number 1 and 2 spots for U.S. appliance sales in dollar volume over the past few years, how are everyday folks to know which gives the best value for their homes? The case laid out is relatively simple. As stated at the beginning, the two companies are almost equal in their commitment to quality, durability, and revolutionary design. Both of these appliance packages would be a fantastic addition to any home.
Lucille Gingras