Smeg (appliances)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Smeg is Italy's largest manufacturer of domestic kitchen appliances in private ownership .[citation needed]
SMEG was founded by Vittorio Bertazzoni in 1948 as Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla (metal enamelling factory in the village of Guastalla, Reggio Emilia). The company is still in the hands of the Bertazzoni family, currently under the direct control of Roberto Bertazzoni. Its headquarters remain a short distance from Guastalla.
[edit] FAB Appliances
They are best known for their 1950s-style "retro" refrigerators (the FAB range) that have curved corners and come in a variety of non-traditional colors (for example pastel blue, lime green and pink) and patterns (including striped and Union Jack versions). The FAB range has now extended to cover dishwashers, washing machines and even (in the UK) flueless gas fires.
More recently they have expanded their product range to include induction hobs, integrated washing machines and washer dryers. In addition, they scored a hit with sales on the “Opera” range of freestanding range cookers, such as the A1, which has almost become a style icon, much like the famed FAB28 fridge and its derivatives. These products, along with style-led design in other areas, has led to SMEG being regarded as leading the industry in design and aesthetics.
[edit] In the Media
SMEG's status has become almost iconic and is much seen on both the large and small screen. FAB fridges and fridge freezers can be seen in V for Vendetta and Eastenders and even Wallace and Grommit have a 'SMUG'! Jamie Oliver regularly cooks on an A2 "Opera" range cooker; indeed SMEG appliances are regularly seen on cooking programmes in general.
Smeg recently released a limited edition Mini version of the flagship FAB28 fridge. Other enthusiast models include their Union Jack and English Rose versions.
Smeg also sell products to third parties, such as dishwashers to MFI which are in turn sold under the Diplomat brand name.
