Smeg Appliances - a Famous Italian Brand

Smeg is a brand we have come to accept in the UK over the last 3 decades, but its history goes back much further than that. In fact Smeg is one of the oldest brands available on the market today, and stays true to its Italian roots.

The reason most of us know Smeg is because of its long standing range of multi-coloured American 50’s style fridge freezers. Smeg fridges have accounted for the majority of sales for them over the last 30 years around Europe and beyond.

In 1948, Vittoria Bertazzoni founded Smeg. The company was then, and still is now based near the town of Guastalla, in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy. The letters of the word Smeg stand for Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla metal enamelling factory in Guastalla, Reggio Emilia, and from conception the Smeg fridges became an instant hit. The design was even considered fashionable in Italy, which is obviously renowned for style and design flair.

Smeg is still under the control of the Bertazzoni family, and the company is currently run by Roberto Bertazzoni. Their trademark, "Tecnologia che arreda" translates as "Technology with Style" which is used as the header for their mission statement across the World. In fact, the brand travels very well and available in over 30 countries from France, Spain, the US and Australia.

The basic yet modern design of Smeg products give them a longevity not seen in other kitchen appliances from traditional brands. The classic and stylish looks have meant that they stay around much longer, and the fridge freezers are testament to this.

All Smeg products have many years of research behind them. The 15 year lifespan expected for the appliances comes through the in-house development, which is extensive considering the size of the company.

Smeg have recently launched a new range of flueless gas fires. Continuing the design ethos from the 50’s style refrigeration, these products are an extension to the Smeg range of designer appliances. They combine good looks with some very beneficial feature; no recess, chimney or flue required. Smeg’s flueless fires are designed to simply hang on any wall so the need for a chimney or hearth is no more. Flueless fires convert 100% of gas to heat reducing fuel costs, which contributes to a greener and friendly environment by utilising the latest in catalytic technology.
Other products in the Smeg line up include the Opera selection of range cookers and hobs, the ‘classic’ ovens and hobs and the Piano fridges, hobs and ovens. The Piano range are the top end of kitchen appliances and this is reflected in the price, but they are amongst the most stylish and beautiful appliances available today.
All Smeg models have a 2 years parts and labour guarantee, and there are currently (and more often than not) promotions running for a free 5 year warrant. This is usually on selected higher priced models, such as the new Smeg A4-6 120cm range cooker. It has a fish-burner on the hob which converts to a hot plate, and has twin 60cm ovens and 6 other gas burners.