See-through home appliances gain traction in Korea

CUCHEN ‘Glass Air Fryer’

Products catering to the growing demand from consumers who want a clear view of the inner workings are gaining traction in South Korea’s home appliance and lifestyle goods market.

According to sources from the country’s home appliance industry on Thursday, CUCHEN Co. a local premium kitchen appliance company, recently introduced the ‘Glass Air Fryer,’ a product that satisfies consumers’ wish to check the status of food while using the appliance.

Air fryers, which combine the advantages of ovens and microwaves, have gained significant attention from consumers in the country, but early models, particularly basket-type air fryers, had the drawback of not allowing users to see inside.

In response, CUCHEN developed a ‘glass basket’ model allowing users to see the cooking process from the outside without having to remove the basket. The heat-resistant glass basket is also dishwasher-friendly, enhancing the product’s convenience.

Instant Brands, a small appliance brand under U.S. kitchenware products maker Corelle Brands, LLC, also released the ‘Instant Cold Brewer’ in October, which also uses heat-resistant glass material in its exterior. This product shortens the cold brew process, which typically takes an average of 18 to 24 hours, to just 20 minutes, allowing users to make iced tea by steeping tea leaves.

Hurom Co. introduced the ‘Ultrasonic Food Ingredient Washer,’ equipped with a triple cleaning system consisting of ultrasonic cleaning, hydroxyl ion electrolysis, and water pump circulation cleaning, to effectively remove minute residues of harmful substances in food ingredients that are difficult to wash with water or surface cleaning alone. “The interior is made of stainless steel, and the washer lid is made of glass, allowing users to see the cleaning process,” a Hurom official explained.

Household goods companies are also rushing to introduce transparent storage containers. LocknLock Co. launched ‘Top Class,’ an airtight container with a transparent Tritan lid. The body is made of safe heat-resistant glass material that can withstand temperatures from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius.

COMMAX Co. introduced the ‘Eco Clear Storage Container,’ which uses a new material that combines the transparency of glass with the unbreakable characteristics of plastic.