LG appliance technologies, explained simply
Direct Drive, AI DD, TurboWash 360, ezDispense, Dual Inverter, DoorCooling+, InstaView... LG has a name for every idea. Some genuinely change the life or lifespan of the appliance, others are small extras. Here is what each one does, appliance by appliance, and our verdict on each.
- Direct Drive : belt-free motor, part covered by a 10-year warranty
- AI DD : the drum adapts to the laundry
- DoorCooling+ and Linear Cooling : more stable cooling
- InstaView : see inside the fridge without opening it
Why so many names?
LG groups its technologies under the name 'AI Core-Tech': the motor, the compressor and the intelligence that controls them. On this page, we sort them by appliance, with our verdict: essential, useful or secondary. The 'up to' figures are those announced by LG, measured under specific conditions: in real life, everything depends on how you use it.
The heart of the appliances: motor and compressors
Direct Drive, Inverter Direct Drive and AI DD
On a conventional washing machine, the motor turns the drum via a belt. At LG, the motor is fixed directly onto the drum shaft. No more belt that stretches or snaps, fewer moving parts, less vibration and quieter operation. LG has used this principle since the late 1990s.
- Inverter Direct Drive : the basic version, found on entry-level ranges.
- 6 Motion Direct Drive : the motor can perform six different movements (agitation, rocking, rubbing...), chosen according to the programme, much like hand washing.
- AI DD : the machine assesses the weight and the delicacy of the laundry, then selects the most suitable movements. Delicate items are agitated more gently, sturdy items more vigorously.
Our verdict : essential. It is LG's number one selling point, and the motor part is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Smart Inverter and Linear Inverter
In fridges, the compressor is the part that works hardest. A compressor Inverter doesn't switch on full blast and then stop: it runs continuously, faster or slower as needed. The result: more stable temperature, less noise and less electricity.
- Smart Inverter : the variable-speed compressor found in most LG fridges.
- Linear Inverter : a compressor whose piston moves in a straight line, without a connecting rod. Less friction, fewer moving parts, even less vibration. It is found in some American-style and high-end multi-door models.
Our verdict : essential. LG Benelux covers the compressor part for 10 years in both cases.
Dual Inverter (tumble dryer)
The compressor of the heat pump in high-end tumble dryers and WashTowers, twin-cylinder and variable-speed. It allows faster drying at low temperatures. Our verdict : useful, and the part is covered for 10 years.
Laundry technologies
TurboWash 360
Nozzles spray water and detergent from several angles, directly onto the laundry. Washing is quicker: a full cycle in 39 minutes according to LG. Our verdict : useful for busy families.
Steam: the steam
Steam is injected into the drum. It is used for hygiene (Allergy Care programme, against dust mites according to LG) and to reduce creases. Our verdict : useful for allergy sufferers, baby clothes and anyone who hates ironing.
ezDispense
Two tanks, for detergent and fabric softener, filled for several weeks at a time. The machine doses automatically according to the weight of the laundry. No more overdosing, which wastes detergent and clogs the machine. Our verdict : very handy day to day.
Drying: heat pump, Sensor Dry and self-cleaning condenser
- Heat pump : air circulates in a closed loop, and the water from the laundry is collected in a tank. It is the most energy-efficient technology. All LG tumble dryers in our range have it.
- Sensor Dry : moisture sensors stop drying at the right moment, instead of after a fixed time.
- Self-cleaning condenser : on high-end models, the condenser is rinsed automatically. Less maintenance, stable performance over time. Entry-level models don't have this: you have to clean it yourself.
- Dual Dry : on 18 kg tumble dryers, a combination of heat and movement to dry large loads.
Smart Pairing
A connected LG washing machine tells the connected tumble dryer which drying programme to use. Both must be compatible and linked to the ThinQ app. Our verdict : useful, provided both appliances have Wi-Fi.
WashTower
A washing machine and a heat pump tumble dryer stacked at the factory in a single column, with a single control panel in the middle, at eye level. Our verdict : a smart choice for saving floor space without sacrificing drying.
Cooling technologies
Linear Cooling
Cooling is finely controlled to keep the temperature very stable. Food dries out less and keeps for longer. Our verdict : useful, especially for fruit, vegetables and meat.
DoorCooling and DoorCooling+
A cold air vent at the front sends cold air towards the door. The door shelves, where milk and sauces are kept, are as cold as the back of the fridge, and the temperature recovers quickly after the door is opened. Our verdict : handy day to day.
Total No Frost
A fan circulates the cold air and prevents frost from forming. No more manual defrosting. Our verdict : essential for comfort.
InstaView
Part of the door is a tinted glass panel. Knock twice on it: the interior lights up and you can see what is in the door without opening it. Fewer openings mean less cold air lost. Our verdict : a real comfort, and the effect is always impressive.
Door-in-Door
A small door within the large one, giving access to drinks and everyday items without opening the whole compartment. Our verdict : handy in a household where the fridge is opened constantly.
UVnano and dispenser
On some models with a water dispenser, a UV light regularly sanitises the spout, the part you drink from. Ice cube and crushed ice dispensers often require a water connection. Our verdict : secondary, but reassuring.
In the kitchen: AirFry
The LG WS5D7230S oven in our catalogue offers a function AirFry : a very hot air circulation that makes crispy chips or vegetables with little fat, like an air fryer, but in a 72-litre oven. Our verdict : useful if you don't already have an air fryer.
LG ThinQ: the app
ThinQ is LG's free app, for Android and iPhone. It needs Wi-Fi where the appliance is located. What it offers:
- Remote control : starting, monitoring or pausing a cycle.
- Downloadable programmes : cycles adapted to specific fabrics.
- Energy monitoring : the appliance's energy consumption.
- Smart Diagnosis : if something goes wrong, the phone reads the appliance's status and suggests a solution, or helps the LG service prepare the repair.
- Alerts : end of cycle, fridge door left open.
Check for Wi-Fi before buying if connectivity matters to you: at LG, entry-level models and some American-style fridges don't have it. And for a washer-dryer pair, choose two appliances compatible with Smart Pairing: it's the only way to benefit from automatic drying programme selection.
The LG glossary at a glance
| Name | Device | What it does | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Drive | Washing machine | Motor fixed to the drum, no belt | Essential |
| AI DD | Washing machine | Movements adapted to load weight and fabric | Useful |
| 6 Motion | Washing machine | Six drum movements | Useful |
| TurboWash 360 | Washing machine | Full wash in 39 minutes | Useful |
| Steam | Washing machine | Steam for hygiene and creases | Useful |
| ezDispense | Washing machine | Automatic detergent dosing | Very useful |
| Dual Inverter | Tumble dryer | Dual-cylinder heat pump compressor | Useful |
| Self-cleaning condenser | Tumble dryer | Automatic condenser rinsing | Useful |
| Smart Pairing | Laundry | The dryer selects its programme | Useful with Wi-Fi |
| Smart / Linear Inverter | Refrigeration | Variable-speed compressor | Essential |
| Linear Cooling | Refrigeration | Very stable temperature | Useful |
| DoorCooling+ | Refrigeration | Cold air directed to the door | Useful |
| Total No Frost | Refrigeration | No frost | Essential |
| InstaView | Refrigeration | Window that lights up with a knock | Useful |
| Door-in-Door | Refrigeration | Small door within the big door | Useful |
| UVnano | Refrigeration | Sanitises the dispenser nozzle | Secondary |
| ThinQ | All | App, Smart Diagnosis | Useful |
Nimestore team's opinion, to be adapted to your needs. The performance figures are those announced by LG.
These technologies in store
Washing machine LG F84N15WHS€390.00
Washing machine LG F14R15WHS€599.00
Washing machine LG F94R35WHSA€637.00
Washing machine LG F14X56WHST€655.00
Tumble Dryer LG RH8P12WH€1,312.00
Washer-dryer LG F214WT8PB€2,073.00
Fridge Freezer LG GBF3102DPY€680.00
LG GBBSJ20DPY Fridge-Freezer€673.00
American & multi-door fridge freezer LG GSXV80PZLE€1,448.00
American & multi-door fridge freezer LG GSXE80PYBD€1,650.00
American-style & multi-door fridge freezer LG GMG860EPBE€2,365.00To see these technologies model by model, read our pages LG laundry and LG cooling. To choose, our LG buying guide helps you according to your household and budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is LG's Direct Drive?
A motor mounted directly on the washing machine drum, with no belt or pulley. There are fewer parts that wear out, less vibration and less noise. LG Benelux guarantees the motor part for 10 years.
What does AI DD do?
The washing machine assesses the weight and delicacy of the laundry, then chooses the most suitable drum movements, to wash better and better protect garments. LG applies it on certain programmes, such as Cottons or Mixed.
What is TurboWash 360?
Nozzles spray water and detergent at several angles into the drum. Washing is faster: a full cycle can be completed in 39 minutes.
Is a Linear compressor better than a Smart Inverter?
Both are variable-speed compressors, quiet and economical. The Linear has a piston that moves in a straight line, with less friction. LG guarantees both for 10 years for the part.
Does InstaView really save energy?
A little: by seeing inside without opening the door, you open it less often and for shorter periods, so less cold air escapes. It's mainly everyday convenience.
What is the LG ThinQ app for?
To control the appliance remotely, download programmes, monitor energy consumption and, above all, use Smart Diagnosis, which helps you understand a fault.
Come and see the appliances in person
At our Temploux shop, we open the doors and compare drums and finishes. Or ask our expert sales adviser online, right now.
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