Vittorio Bertazzoni The Founder of SMEG Fridge
In 1948 Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla, better known as SMEG, was founded by Vittorio Bertazzoni. When it comes to domestic kitchen appliances, SMEG is the largest manufacturer in the entire country of Italy. Today the SMEG headquarters can still be found only a short distance from Guastalla. The business has remained in the hands of the Bertazzoni family and is now overseen by Roberto Bertazzoni.
SMEG is most renowned for their FAB range, or retro style refrigerators. The designs were taken from the 1950′s and while most other refrigerator manufacturers make units that are predominantly black or white in color, a SMEG refrigerator can be found in colors such as lime green or pink. Not only does their choice of colors make them a leader in their industry, but they also produce other units that have distinct patterns. You can find refrigerators made by them that are striped in nature, or even replicas of things such as the British Union Jack symbol that you will find on one of their models. The curved corners are part of the retro look of these refrigerators as well, and with their expansion into other kitchen appliances SMEG has become widely known as the leader in the aesthetics and design of these appliances.
SMEG has expanded their retro style into the UK as covers for flueless gas fires, and internationally for their dishwashers and washing machines. They have also recently expanded their product line to washers and dryers, as well as induction hubs. An induction cooker cooks food by the use of induction heating. This type of cooking is more energy efficient than a traditional setup, and can also cook the food faster. While the pot stays hot, there is no electric heating coils to worry about burning yourself on, nor is there a flame that you can burn yourself with.
SMEG fridge has progressed greatly since Vittorio Bertazzoni first opened the doors in 1948. Their “Opera” range of cookers became a huge sales item for them, and much like their FAB range of refrigerators became known for their stylish appearance. Their products even appear on many cooking shows, sometimes with the SMEG badge and sometimes without, as well as movies and other television programs. You will even notice one of their refrigerator models in the movie V for Vendetta.
Vittorio Bertazzoni had revolutionized the manufacturing of refrigerators and gave people an alternative to the traditional choices. The style and designs provided by SMEG fridges made them a leader in their industry, and that tradition continues even until today.