Samsung unveils front-load washer with extra door

Published : Aug 31, 2015 - 17:58 Updated : Aug 31, 2015 - 17:58

Samsung Electronics on Monday released a new front-load washing machine with an extra door that allows users to put in additional laundry in the middle of a wash cycle.

The new model, dubbed the Bubble Shot Add Wash, comes as Samsung has been enjoying a sales momentum with its new top-load washer, the Active Wash, that is fitted with a built-in sink for soaking or prewashing.

Models pose with Samsung Electronics’ front-loading washing machine, called the Bubble Shot Add Wash, at the firm’s head office in Seoul on Monday. (Samsung)

The Korean tech giant said it would take on rivals, including LG Electronics, the world’s No. 1 top washer maker by sales, with new products that solve common inconveniences found in existing products.

The Add Wash allows users to stop the washer in the middle of the laundry process and put in additional piles through the extra small door. Until now it had not been possible in existing front-load washers due to safety issues.

“The Add Wash is in line with Samsung’s efforts to eliminate inconveniences that most people had with their existing laundry machines,” said Park Byeong-dae, executive vice president of Samsung’s home appliances business unit.

The price of the washer starts from $1,433 for the model with a load capacity of 17 kilograms to $2,109 for a 21-kilogram load capacity.

Meanwhile, the Active Wash, Samsung’s flagship top-load washing machine, has sold 75,000 units since its release in February.

Yoon Book-keun, the chief of Samsung’s consumer electronics business unit, forecast earlier this year that the tech firm would sell 15 million units of washing machines this year with the Active Wash making up 20 percent of the sales, or 3 million units.

By Kim Young-won(wone0102@heraldcorp.com)