LAS VEGAS, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Bolstering LG Electronics' leadership in the premium major appliance category, the company unveils its next-generation, full-kitchen series for consumers seeking high-end design as well as enhanced functionality at the 2007 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, May 8-10 (Booth C3713).

This premiere suite of innovative kitchen appliances incorporates high-end elegance and a rich set of features, all with free-standing flexibility. The series, epitomized by its luxury stainless-steel finish, includes:

-- The industry's first dual-convection electric range; -- A new dishwasher incorporating steam technology; -- An over-the-range microwave with unique pull-up door; and -- A first-of-its-kind French-door refrigerator with a vertical ice and water dispenser.

"Consumers demand both design and functionality from their appliances, and our new kitchen series integrates technology, powerful performance and style into the most-used room in the home," said John Herrington, president of LG Electronics USA, Inc., Digital Appliances. "The sophisticated look of this new series complements any kitchen and offers a compelling option for consumers."

NEW FRENCH-DOOR REFRIGERATOR

LG's introduction of its Panorama(TM) French-door refrigerator model with a unique, stylish vertical ice and water dispenser is another industry-first in the French-door refrigerator-freezer category. The dispenser measures 11-plus inches tall to accommodate extra-tall bottles, large pitchers and coffee pots. The refrigerator also has auto-closing doors, assisted by hydraulic hinges that ensure a solid seal. This model is available in a standard depth or counter depth for a built-in look.

LG was the first company to unveil a new technology in the three-door refrigerator category that placed the icemaker within the refrigerator door -- compared to most three-door models that place the icemaker in the freezer compartment located at the bottom of the unit. This configuration also allows consumers to take advantage of increased refrigeration space and the convenient storage capabilities of a bottom-mount freezer, in addition to the filtered ice and water access that side-by-side refrigerator owners have long enjoyed.

The LG Panorama refrigerator with vertical dispenser will be available in the second quarter of 2007 in a stainless steel finish at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3,399 for standard depth (Model: LFX25980) and $3,699 for counter depth (Model: LFX21980).

STEAM DISHWASHER

LG's innovative new dishwasher features an advanced stylish design with a fully-integrated LCD touch control panel. Unique to this model is a steam option which delivers enhanced cleaning performance as well as greater energy efficiency compared to traditional models.

For added versatility, the dishwasher also features a third rack, and an extra large stainless steel tub that can accommodate up to 14 place settings in a single load. At only 45 decibels, this dishwasher is among the quietest available with a built-in food disposer in the United States. Its "SteamDelicate cycle" protects fragile items such as stemware and china during the wash process.

The unit (Model: LDF9810) will be available in the third quarter of 2007 in a stainless steel finish at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,599.

NEW COOKING APPLIANCES

For 2007, LG is enhancing its line of cooking appliances to include a dual-convection electric range, all-new gas ranges and a unique microwave oven design.

An industry first, LG's Dual-Convection Free Standing Electric Range delivers superior cooking versatility by utilizing two convection fans, each surrounded by a heating element, that work in concert to provide more even baking and faster roasting of food. In addition, pre-heating times are improved up to 30 percent with the system. The Dual Convection Range (Model: LRE30955ST) will be available in the second quarter of 2007 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $2,099.

LG will also unveil a Gas Range as part of its new kitchen series. The unit combines a large 5.0 cubic-foot capacity oven with the functionality of convection. Its highly styled display and SmoothTouch(TM) controls give the unit a sophisticated look and feel that can update any kitchen. Its five burners, including one 16.5K BTU, enable any at-home-chef to effortlessly prepare a large meal for entertaining or a simple family dinner for four, while the warming drawer keeps food hot until it is served. Available in the second quarter of 2007, the LG Gas Range (Model: LRG30855ST) manufacturer's retail price is $1,999.

In addition to its new range models, LG has enhanced its portfolio of microwave ovens with an innovative, industry-first model that provides easy access to the oven cavity through a unique, pull-up door design, delivering added convenience without compromising capacity and stylish design.

Conventional microwave ovens have a door that swings open to the side, and consumers often have to hold the door open with one hand. With LG's new pull-up door design, the microwave door stays open, freeing up both hands for cooking.

The unit's extra-large 2.2 cubic-foot capacity can easily accommodate larger dishes. This over-the-range microwave oven also incorporates LG's Glide & Cook(TM) Plus system -- a unique sliding and turning system maximizes cooking and promotes even heat distribution. It features a blue interior to enhance its premium feel and complement LG's matching electric range.

The new LG microwave (Model: LMVM2277) will be available mid-2007 in a stainless steel finish at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $849.

ABOUT LG ELECTRONICS USA, INC.

Based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., LG Electronics USA, Inc., (LGEUS) is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $45-billion global force in consumer electronics and mobile communications. In the United States, LGEUS sells a wide range of digital display and digital media products, digital appliances and mobile phones under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit http://www.lgusa.com/.

CONTACT: Grace Lee of LG Electronics, Inc., +1-201-816-2981,
jjoo@lge.com; or Cathleen Cronin +1-212-880-5222,
cathleen.cronin@ogilvypr.com, for LG Electronics, Inc.

Web site: http://www.lgusa.com/