While Smeg may not be a household name, it’s sure been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years—and it’s not hard to see why. When you think of kitchen appliances, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not “style” or “glamor” or “elegance.” But Italy-based luxury brand Smeg is changing that.
The Smeg brand makes some of the most attractive yet functional kitchen appliances on the market today. That said, its numerous product lines and unique designs can make it a bit intimidating to dip your toes in the water. To help you out, we’ve put together this practical Smeg appliance buying guide and lined up some of the brand’s top products for you. Ready to find your dream fridge or espresso maker? Then let’s begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you got questions? We’ve got answers! Whether you’ve been eyeing the Smeg brand for a while now or never heard of it until today, the information below will help you make a more informed purchase from one of the top luxury appliance brands.
Are Smeg appliances worth it?
This really depends on your personal preferences and appliance needs.
If you would love to transform your kitchen into a 50s-esque haven using cute appliances that get the job done, then yes—Smeg appliances are absolutely worth it.
But if you’re looking for appliances with top-notch construction and mechanical features, you’ll want to consider purchasing from a more “traditional” brand. Smeg is known to prioritize appearance over functionality, so depending on which type of appliance you’re shopping for, you might end up with more of an aesthetic focal point than a practical everyday appliance.
What’s so special about Smeg?
Smeg produces appliances with three core things in mind:
- Aesthetics
- Function
- Sustainability
This Italian-based brand produces some of the most unique-looking appliances on the market today. Whether you want a retro 50s-style fridge to spice up your otherwise “blah” kitchen or a more typical-looking kettle to grace your counter, there’s a Smeg design to accommodate your personal tastes.
Smeg also places emphasis on making products that not only provide a refreshing aesthetic atmosphere, but also get the job done. While the company still has a little way to go on this point, it’s worth noting that no other company produces appliances with the same level of style and functionality as Smeg does.
Each Smeg appliance also has sustainability and eco-friendliness factored into its design, and the company implements several “green” policies in its manufacturing process. From energy-efficient fridges to a minimally invasive headquarters, Smeg is on the right path when it comes to limiting the environmental impact of its products and business—and it has been for years!
Is Smeg made in China?
The majority of Smeg appliances are made in Northern Italy, though the company has shifted the production of certain smaller products (like coffee makers) to China for financial reasons.
Is Smeg a luxury brand?
Yes, Smeg is considered a luxury brand. It produces home appliances that are unique in style, adequate in function, and eco-friendly. In addition, its appliances are designed by some of the greatest masterminds in the field (think Mario Bellini and Guido Canali). Of course, as with any luxury brand, you should be ready to dish out some serious cash if you’re considering a Smeg product for your home.
About the Smeg Brand
Now you know a little bit about what Smeg has to offer, but what should you know about the brand itself? Here are some quick facts:
- Year Founded: 1948
- Founder: Vittorio Bertazzoni
- Headquarters: Guastalla, Italy (located within Reggio Emilia province)
In addition to its headquarters in Guastalla, Smeg has four design and manufacturing plants in Northern Italy and several subsidiaries around the world. It even has two offices overseas: one in Hong Kong and another in Saudi Arabia.
Smeg believes in creating products that marry style with functionality. Its most popular designs are those in its iconic 50s Retro Style line, which consists of kitchen appliances that put one in mind of this not-so-long-ago decade. Chunky-style handles, prominent knobs, vivid colors…you get the idea.
Considering the brand’s host of world-renowned designers, it should come as no surprise that Smeg has won numerous awards since its inception. These include a Wallpaper Design Award in 2009 and a whopping three Good Design Awards (2010, 2012, and 2013)—though this doesn’t come close to mentioning all of Smeg’s achievements in the world of home appliance design.
Why Choose Smeg as Your Small Home Appliance Brand?
Let’s be honest: Smeg appliances are not for everyone. In addition to the initial expense, one has to consider the unique style and the “form over function” factor implemented in most of its products. Not everyone has thousands of dollars at the ready for a kitchen makeover, and (believe it or not) some people have no desire to turn their kitchen into an episode of I Love Lucy.
All of that said, why choose Smeg?
You should choose Smeg…
- …if you want a very stylish kitchen appliance (or several).
- …if you’re willing to spend extra money for truly exceptional design.
- …because Smeg is ahead of the game as far as combining aesthetics and functionality goes.
- …because Smeg incorporates a variety of “green” manufacturing and design protocols.
- …because Smeg products are energy-efficient.
- …because Smeg employs extensive quality control checks before releasing any product.
Throw in the brand’s numerous design awards and established luxury status, and you can see why Smeg has grown in popularity in recent years. Consider purchasing your first Smeg product today, and join the ranks of many a celebrity and interior design aficionado!
Tips for Choosing a Smeg Appliance for Your Home
So, you’ve decided to look more into this whole Smeg appliance thing. Great! Keeping in mind everything we’ve covered about the brand and its offerings so far, here are some tips to help you make the best possible purchase.
Set a budget
Luxury brands: Emptying wallets and bank accounts since the 1800s.
Jokes aside, you really should set a budget before beginning your Smeg appliance search. With product prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, your total amount due can add up pretty fast—especially if you want to purchase several matching appliances.
I recommend doing some research on the prices of different Smeg appliances, and then writing down the highest amount you’re willing to spend based on what you find.
Go in knowing what you want
Heed this warning: Once you start scrolling through Smeg appliances, you won’t want to stop. Before heading to their website, Amazon, or your local brick-and-mortar store, make sure you have a solid idea of what you intend to purchase.
Do you need a new coffee maker? Then make a beeline for the coffee maker section. A fridge? Then don’t stop to look at the toasters or ovens on your way there.
Pick a product line
While we’ve already touched on Smeg’s notorious 50s Retro Style line, you should be aware that Smeg has a few other product lines as well. These include:
- Piano Design: Steel and glass are used to provide bright and elegant kitchen appliances.
- Portofino: Bright, lively colors define this luxury range of lines and hoods.
- Linea: This line makes use of stainless steel and glass, combined with simplicity of design.
- Classic: Attractive stainless steel marries distinctive control knob and handle designs in this product line.
- Victoria: The simple, welcoming designs of the Victoria line evoke memories of familial warmth and time with loved ones.
Smeg has also teamed up with Dolce & Gabbana to create the Sicily is my love line. This line makes use of intricate, one-of-a-kind designs and patterns that pay homage to the culture and history of Southern Italy.
Whatever your preferred style or kitchen aesthetic, know that Smeg has just the thing to complete your vision!
Read reviews
Smeg hits the proverbial nail of aesthetic design right on the head—but not all of its products are created equally as far as practicality and user-friendliness are concerned. The best way to determine if a given Smeg product will suit your intended purposes is to read user reviews online. Many users have found that Smeg’s smaller appliances tend to be more functional over the long term than their larger appliances, so keep this in mind while planning your purchase.
Remember the basics
A coffee maker is a coffee maker. A fridge is a fridge.
While Smeg does wonders for the overall appearance of these products, they are what they are. They must follow the same rudimentary design principles as products from other brands.
Do your research on what makes a coffee maker or fridge “good,” and apply that knowledge to your Smeg appliance search.
(P.S.: We have plenty of useful, detailed buying guides. Feel free to check them out if you need some insight on your intended product!)
The Best Smeg Appliances
Have we gotten you itching for more info on Smeg products? Then you’re in luck! To give you a taste of what Smeg has to offer, we’ve outlined a few of the brand’s top kitchen appliances.
Smeg Classic 24-Inch 4-Burner Gas Range
The Classic 24-Inch 4-Burner Gas Range from Smeg is refined in its simplicity, boasting a stainless steel finish, compact build, and unique backsplash design. The burners are sealed and the ignition system operates on natural gas (though the unit can be modified to run on propane, if desired), and the burners are equipped with gas safety valves for peace of mind. The oven element features a triple glazed door to prevent overheating, a 2.8-cubic foot interior, and three modes of cooking: convection, broil, and defrost. When you purchase this product, you also receive:
- A baking tray
- Two chrome shelves
- A wok ring
- A moka ring
If you’re in the market for a beautiful gas range that’s built to last, look no further!
Smeg Classic 36-Inch Drop-In 5-Burner Gas Cooktop
Following the stainless steel trend is the Smeg Classic 36-Inch Drop-In 5-Burner Gas Cooktop. The cooktop features five burners, one of which is a double burner with 13,700 BTUs and a dual burner control. These burners are designed to heat up fast, and each one is equipped with cast iron grates, gas safety valves, and automatic electronic ignition. The unit runs on natural gas, but can be adapted to use propane. You’ll find all of your control knobs right on the side of the cooktop, a design feature which is not only appealing to the eye but also very convenient. With ample cooking room, a professional aesthetic appeal, and user-oriented design features, this is one of Smeg’s best-ever cooktops!
Smeg 30 3/4-Inch Drop-In 4-Burner Induction Cooktop
The 30 3/4-Inch Drop-In 4-Burner Induction Cooktop from Smeg features a black finish and a sleek, streamlined design that will make your time in the kitchen an absolute pleasure. The first thing you’ll notice is the lack of traditional burners and grates—this unit replaces this often clunky-looking feature with low-profile cooking zones. Each zone is controlled via a touch control slider that allows you to shift the heat level between nine different levels. Those who like to get creative in the kitchen or have a lot of mouths to feed will appreciate the unit’s “bridge” feature, which allows you to heat larger pans across two different heat zones.
Most importantly, this cooktop was created with safety in mind: its automatic shutoff feature, lock function, and residual heat indicators ensure a safe and worry-free cooking experience every time.
Smeg 1.5 Cu. Ft. Right Hinge Retro Style Compact Refrigerator
Here’s one of those “retro” fridges we were talking about!
The Smeg 1.5 Cu. Ft. Right Hinge Retro Style Compact Refrigerator is the mini fridge of your dreams. While its bold red exterior and adorably chunky design are sure to catch any visitor’s eye, this fridge is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. The door and interior provide two shelves’ worth of storage each; the interior shelves are constructed of glass and are completely adjustable so you can arrange things just how you like them. Interior lighting makes it easy to view your fridge’s contents, while its auto-defrost function makes cleaning a breeze. And the cherry on top? You get an ice cube tray with your purchase!
Retro Style Top Freezer Energy Star
Now, imagine the fridge you just saw. But this time it’s full-size and covered from head to toe with the US flag. That, friend, is the Smeg 50’s Retro Style 24” Top Freezer Energy Start 9.92 cu. ft. Refrigerator. This unit features fruit and veggie drawers, a temperature control function, even air distribution, and a special temperature zone for meat, fish, and other perishables. Its freezer is located up top and provides a decent 0.92 cubic feet of storage space. Throw in its LED lighting and you have an all-around magnificent fridge. (And what better way to show your patriotism and love for ‘Merica?)
Smeg SOU330X1 Classic Aesthetic 30-Inch Stainless Steel Electric Multifunction Wall Oven
As part of Smeg’s Classic line, the 30-Inch Built-In Single Electric Multifunction Wall Oven features a stunning stainless-steel construction and distinctive bar handle design that are sure to take your breath away. But underneath the proverbial hood is even more impressive! With ten cook functions, an 8- to 12-minute preheat time, a self-cleaning function, and user-friendly touchpad controls, this oven was clearly designed with practicality in mind. As for safety, you’ll appreciate this oven’s end-of-cooking alarm, auto shutoff feature, safe-to-touch surfaces, and kid-proof control lock—four fewer things you need to worry about! Included with your purchase is a baking tray, two wire racks, a meat probe, and a telescopic guide. Pricy? Yes. Totally worth it? We think so!
Smeg 24-Inch Wall Mount Vent Hood – Stainless
The Smeg 24-Inch Wall Mount Vent Hood is everything a vent hood should be:
- This hood has four fan speeds, with the max. speed being 600 CFM.
- You can operate this unit either recirculating or vented.
- Whichever speed setting you have on, know that the fans will be super-quiet.
- Easy to Clean. The hood comes with three dishwasher-safe grease filters.
You’ll also appreciate its thermal protection feature, bright halogen lights, and user-friendly controls. Oh, and forget everything you know about how vent hoods should look—this one is simply elegant, dressed from head to toe in quality stainless steel. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better vent hood anywhere on the market.
Smeg Classic 30-Inch Built-In Double Electric Multifunction Wall Oven
Remember the 30-inch single multifunction wall oven we talked about a little bit ago? Now image that times two, and you have the Smeg Classic 30-Inch Built-In Double Electric Multifunction Wall Oven! This double oven has all the same features as the single oven (ten cooking modes, safe-to-touch surfaces, etc.), but includes two areas for baking instead of one. In addition, your purchase will include double the accessories: two baking trays, six racks, two telescopic guides, and two meat probes. And all this at less than double the cost! If you’re looking for a classy double oven at a steal of a price, then you’ve just found it.
50s Retro Style Bottom Freezer
It’s another Retro fridge! If you liked the concept of the previous one we covered but aren’t too sure about the head-to-toe flag thing, I think you’ll love this one. The gorgeous 50s Retro Style 24” Bottom Freezer 12.8 cu. ft. Energy Star Refrigerator from Smeg features the same basic design, but is available in a range of cute solid colors: black, red, white, pink, pastel green, pastel blue, cream, and orange. Its stunning aesthetic appeal aside, this fridge means business. With even air distribution, a designated controlled temperature zone, fruit and veggie drawers, and user-friendly controls, this unit is well-equipped to keep your food cool and fresh. You’ll also appreciate its “door ajar alarm,” which lets you know if the door isn’t completely shut. What’s not to love?
SMEG Portofino ft. Freestanding Gas Range
A gas range doesn’t get more adorable than the Smeg Portofino 30” 3.6 cu ft. Freestanding Gas Range—I mean, just look at it. It’s a high-functioning gas range encapsulated by clean lines, a smooth exterior, and a pleasant pop of color…all of which serve the auxiliary function of turning your kitchen into the focal point of your home. This range offers three cooking modes (including a broiler function), two racks, an easy-to-use touch display, and no-hassle control knobs. You can also rest assured that your little ones won’t burn their little hands if their curiosity gets the best of them: the doors on the range are safe to touch during use, due to their air-cooled and triple-glazed design. It’s cute and it gets the job done. What more could you ask for?
50’s Retro Style 43 dBA Fully Integrated Dishwasher
Fridges aren’t the only thing getting the Retro makeover—take a look at the Smeg 50’s Retro Style 24” 43 dBA Fully Integrated Dishwasher! Available in a handful of attractive colors (black, white, cream, red, and pastel blue) and featuring the same 50s-esque styling of other appliances in this line, this dishwasher will add just the flair to your kitchen you’re looking for. Better still, it allows for ten different wash cycles (including those for china and crystal), has thirteen place settings, and is Energy Star compliant. For a sophisticated dishwasher with all the bells and whistles, you needn’t look any further.
SMEG Classic French Door 22 cu. ft. Refrigerator with Ice Maker
Classic yet uniquely modern: Meet the Smeg Classic 36” French Door 22 cu. ft. Refrigerator with Ice Maker. This fridge features two French-style doors in addition to a top drawer and bottom drawer (the latter of which can be used as either part of the fridge or as a freezer). The interior is adorned with several shelves, two veggie drawers, and two bottle shelves to provide ample space for all your food and beverage goods. Meanwhile, its LED lights, ice maker, and automatic defrost make this fridge a joy to use night or day. Have kids? Then you’ll appreciate the no-smudge stainless-steel finish on this unit (fingerprints on fridge = not pretty), as well as the door lock feature and “door ajar alarm.” Everything a quality fridge should be, and then some.
SMEG 50’s Retro Style Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
If you thought nothing was more beautiful than your first cup of coffee in the morning, one look at this espresso machine might just change your mind. Featuring a sleek, compact design and crafted of stainless-steel, chrome plating, and plastic, this unit is available in four pleasant colors: black, white, cream, and red. It uses Thermoblock heating to produce a delightfully steaming cup of joe in the morning, and you can use this machine with both powdered coffee and pods. In addition to all the typical trappings of an espresso machine, the Smeg 50’s Retro Style Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine comes with a removable drip tray and a passive cup warmer for your convenience. In a world that runs on coffee, we need more espresso machines like this one!
SMEG Pasta Roller and Cutter Set
Are you jumping on the DIY train and getting ready to start making your own pasta? Experts agree that a pasta roller/pasta cutter machine is the best way to get consistently wonderful results—but why get any pasta machine when you could get one that looks good, too? Enters the Smeg Pasta Roller and Cutter Set. Constructed of durable chrome steel and boasting a bold red finish, this set is exactly what you need to spice up your kitchen. The set includes three attachments as well as a cleaning brush, and it can cut your pasta to 2mm. Say hello to gorgeous functionality, and enjoy your homemade pasta for us!
SMEG 4 Slice Long Slot 50s Retro Style Toaster
The toaster: Perhaps the most underrecognized and underrated kitchen appliance. But no longer! This 4 Slice Long Slot 50s Retro Style Toaster from Smeg gives the toaster the spotlight it deserves. Its powder-coated steel body and chrome base are complemented by a delightful pop of color (of which there are seven to choose from!), while its long slot design, user-friendly controls, and removable crumb tray make toasting and cleanup a breeze. Best of all, its six browning levels ensure you can always get your toast “just so”—no more settling for less than you deserve. Purchase this toaster from Smeg and show the world that toasters have made a comeback.
Conclusion
While Smeg appliances aren’t for everyone (or every kitchen), we think it’s worth exploring the vast range of stylish and functional items this international luxury brand has to offer. We hope this article gave you a good idea of what to expect from Smeg and its lineup of kitchen appliances—even better if we helped you find your next kitchen remodel theme (50s, anyone?) or new countertop conversation starter. Until next time, happy shopping and good luck with your search!
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