Smeg is a family-run company based in Guastalla in the province of Reggio Emilia. Founded in 1948 by Vittorio Bertazzoni, the company initially specialised in metalworking and enamelling, as its name suggests: an acronym for Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla. Production of household appliances began in the 1950s, and the company immediately distinguished itself for its ability to design and apply cutting-edge technology. For example, the world premiere of the first 60-centimetre dishwasher with a 45-place-setting capacity took place in 1970. Over the years, Smeg gradually added other kitchen appliances to its catalogue and began working with internationally renowned architects and designers, establishing the brand as a global leader. As a result, some products have become design icons while others are genuine works of art thanks to the winning combination of technology and aesthetics that characterise Smeg appliances. The numerous design awards received by Smeg products result from the company's advanced in-house design centre and cutting-edge production processes, entirely concentrated in Italy and subject to strict quality and conformity controls.
Smeg appliances. Integration of technology and style
According to the Smeg philosophy, household appliances are the stars of the kitchen, the heart of the home. Their unique aesthetics and design studied in every detail give Smeg products their distinctive look. Smeg appliances are designed to meet every style requirement from classic to contemporary with the highest functional, ergonomic and technological quality. The most iconic Smeg collection is the 1950s line, launched with the FAB freestanding refrigerator. Its rounded lines, pastels or bright shades, vintage handles in chrome-plated steel recalling a glorious past should not be misleading; the appliance also incorporates advanced technologies. The company produces different sized refrigerators with single or double doors, plus freezers, minibars, Sliding Door hoods and a range of small appliances, like blenders, juicers, toasters. The Smeg list of products goes on and on. Freestanding kitchens are one of Smeg's longest-standing trademark products. The company offers a range of vintage or retro-style models, like the Vittoria or Cortina kitchens, or versions inspired by a 1970s vibe like the Portofino kitchen. While they might resemble our grandmothers' kitchens, they conceal the best functions and performance standards, including integrated ovens and cooktops.
Smeg: small appliances and refrigerators as works of art
No other company in the world has interpreted purely functional and technological objects like household appliances in an artistic key. In the wake of the pop revival, Smeg created a series of special editions of the FAB refrigerator from the 1950s line. The doors were decorated with such images as the Italian flag, the Union Jack, graphics inspired by Piet Mondrian in the Fab Multicolor model or special finishes like blackboard paint, denim and the innovative "soft touch" matt colour paint. The 1950s line includes the Fiat 500 Design Collection, created in collaboration with Italia Independent, bringing together two Made-in-Italy leaders - Smeg and Fiat - to create a refrigerator encased in a Fiat 500 hood. Made from original Fiat moulds and entirely assembled by hand, it is perfect for exclusive settings or public places like lounge bars, restaurants or bars. Collaboration with fashion designers Dolce&Gabbana gave the world FAB28 art refrigerators, and Sicily Is My Love small appliances, including toasters, mixers, coffee machines, blenders and kettles covered in Sicily-inspired images, colours and motifs. Smeg also introduced an artistic touch to its cooktops. Thanks to its exclusive patented laminar burners, the Dolce Stil Novo range stands out for its efficiency and innovation. The burners' minimalist aesthetics, perfectly integrated with the top, leave room for a decorative touch with the special kit of artistic grills shaped with naturalistic motifs like leaves, fruit, birds or butterflies.