'Untact Samgyeopsal' Craze... Homeplus Sees Increase in Sales of 'Fireless' Grill Pans

Happycall The Best IH Grill Pan Set.

원본보기 아이콘

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] The demand for grilling samgyeopsal (pork belly) at home has increased due to the home-cooked meal trend sparked by COVID-19. A new trend of 'untact (contactless) samgyeopsal' has also begun, where people open video conferencing apps on their smartphones and grill samgyeopsal at their own homes, creating an indirect dining-out atmosphere with friends.

Unlike in the past when portable burners fueled by butane gas were mainly used for grilling samgyeopsal at home, recently electric grills and induction-compatible grill pans that allow easy grilling without using open flames have gained popularity. These methods heat without flames, enabling safe cooking without generating harmful gases, which is driving increased demand.

According to Homeplus on the 2nd, sales of grill pans grew about 45% year-on-year from March last year to February this year. Sales of electric grills also increased by about 20%. Compared to the sales growth rate of portable gas stoves (1.2%) during the same period, this is a significant increase. Sales of electric ranges such as induction cooktops grew 23% last year and have increased 52% so far this year.

Along with the strong sales of home electric ranges, the variety of grill pans is also expanding. Homeplus is offering a special promotion until the 31st, its 24th anniversary, selling the 'Happycall The Best IH Grill Pan Set' at 40% off the regular price of 99,900 KRW for 59,000 KRW.

This product is a set consisting of a single-burner induction (electric range) and a grill pan compatible with induction, allowing easy grilling at the dining table. The electric range has a high output power of 2000W, which quickly raises the temperature due to its rapid heat acceleration, and the grill pan is designed with an internal slope and an oil drainage outlet to effectively drain fat during grilling.

SunTouch grill pans and 13 types of gas stoves are sold at a 20% discount during the promotion period. The 'SunTouch Cast Iron Induction Grill Plate (Black),' which can be used on induction cooktops and comes with an oil drainage outlet and oil tray, is sold at 22,300 KRW (regular price 27,900 KRW) during the event.

Additionally, various grill pans are discounted, including ▲Hae-sal-moon-i Double Grill Plate (with portable case) for 19,900 KRW (regular price 24,900 KRW) ▲Multi-Rotating Round Grill Plate for 11,900 KRW (regular price 14,900 KRW) ▲Egg Grill Plate for 14,300 KRW (regular price 17,900 KRW) ▲Wide Square Double Grill Plate for 22,300 KRW (regular price 27,900 KRW).

Portable gas stoves include ▲Tank Gas Stove for 13,500 KRW (regular price 16,900 KRW) ▲Windshield Gas Stove for 23,900 KRW (regular price 29,900 KRW) ▲Hurricane Gas Stove for 25,500 KRW (regular price 31,900 KRW).

The star of 'Samgyeopsal Day (March 3rd),' samgyeopsal itself, is also on sale. Until the 10th, My Homeplus members can automatically apply the Korea Agricultural Discount Coupon to purchase 'Ilpum Pork Domestic Samgyeopsal' and 'Neck Meat' at 1,360 KRW per 100g each (regular price 1,700 KRW).

Park Hye-young, a buyer for Homeplus Home Living Team, said, "The demand for enjoying grilling dishes conveniently at the dining table without using fire by using induction and dedicated grill pans at home has increased. In response to this demand, we planned a set product combining a single-burner induction and a dedicated grill pan and launched it at a 40% discount."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.