Demand for induction cookers, air conditioners soar amid heatwave

Paseco ‘Ultra-slim portable single-burner induction’ [Courtesy of Paseco]

Kitchen appliances that do not require open flames are gaining attention as the summer heat continues. This trend is attributed to the ease of cooking without special techniques and the increased tendency to eat at home rather than dining out due to high inflation.

According to South Korean e-commerce platform Gmarket, sales of induction cookers have surged by 118 percent in the past month compared to the previous month. The increase is mainly driven by the demand for portable, small-sized induction cookers rather than built-in large units.

Sales of electric cookers have also increased by 15 percent during this period.

“The convenience of using electric induction cookers over gas stoves is becoming increasingly popular as the heatwave continues,” a Gmarket official said.

Home appliances manufacturer Paseco recently launched an ultra-slim portable single-burner induction that is thin as a modern laptop and has been well received by consumers. With a powerful 2,100W output, it offers 10 levels of precise heat adjustment and is just 20 millimeters thick, allowing it to be stored like a plate in a drawer, a small gap, or under the sink when not in use.

Despite being a single burner, it can accommodate large pots with a maximum diameter of 28 centimeters. It is also favored by single-person households with limited kitchen or dining space, weighs a mere 2.2 kilograms and has a long cord.

Cuchen ‘5L Electric Air Fryer’ [Courtesy of Cuchen]

Air fryers that do not use fire are also popular. Cuchen introduced the 5L Electric Air Fryer with automatic recipes for 10 different dishes including fries, sweet potatoes, pork belly, and muffins in May 2024.

Users can select their desired menu on the touch panel and start cooking with the press of a button. It also features an automatic temperature reduction function after a set time, ensuring a crispy exterior and moist interior. The auto recipe menu allows additional adjustments to time and temperature based on personal preference. Once the adjustments are made, the fryer will remember these settings for future use.

Coozin, known for its soymilk maker, has recently upgraded its food stylers with a new smart cooking system that automatically measures the optimal temperature and cooking time based on ingredients, and applies cooking methods that enhance nutrient absorption.

Home appliances manufacturers are also actively targeting the air conditioner market as the extreme heatwave continues after the monsoon season.

According to the electronics industry on Monday, Samsung Electronics Co.’s air conditioners saw a 25 percent increase in sales in July 2024 compared to the same period during the previous year, with general wind-free air conditioners seeing a more than 10 percent increase.

Many consumers chose AI wind-free air conditioners due to the extreme heat, with 80 percent of the air conditioners sold in July wind-free models.

sales of home air conditioners with enhanced AI functions surged during the previous week by over 50 percent compared to the week before. The AI Save Mode is a notable feature, offering energy savings of up to 30 percent with customized power-saving based on the situation.

LG Electronics Inc.’s air conditioners are also selling like hotcakes. Sales of stand-alone AI air conditioners in January to May 2024 increased by more than 30 percent compared to the same period in 2023, while sales in June 2024 surged by over 80 percent.

The company has also launched Korea’s first ice water dispenser, the LG PuriCare Objet Collection Ice Water Dispenser, which keeps ice frozen. This new product features technology that allows the same compressor to generate cold water, make ice, and control the temperature to prevent the ice from melting.