SMEG

The History of SMEG

SMEG was founded by Vittorio Bertazzoni from Guastalla in a town near Reggio Emilia in northern Italy, today its one of the world's leading home appliance manufacturers. The Bertazzoni family's entrepreneurial history began way back in the 19th century. Starting out as blacksmiths, the Bertazzonis soon branched out into metal enamelling. The very first Bertazzoni cookers were put on show at the World Expo held in Milan in 1906.

In 1948, in an era of economic growth and rapid urbanisation, Smeg was established as an enamelling plant working with metals. Today, the acronym of Smeg (Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla) continues to serve as a memory of the initial activity carried out by the company.

In an era of radical change in social structures, families, lifestyles and living patterns, Smeg were inspired to develop products designed to meet new technological demands and revolutionise home living. Domestic appliances quickly became seen as status symbols to be proud of, permanently changing lifestyle habits and making housework easier and less time consuming.

Smeg has a long history of technical innovation and product development. In the late 1950's, Smeg launched one of the earliest gas cookers complete with automatic switch-on, oven safety valve and cooking programmer/timer. In 1963, Smeg then introduced its' first dishwasher and laundry range and soon after produced a world first in 1970: a 60cm dishwasher with 14 place settings. The mid 1970's heralded the arrival of the very first built-in hobs and ovens and the establishment of partnerships with internationally renowned architects and designers. In the 1990's, Smeg added even more products to its various product lines, including sinks, hoods and coloured retro 50's refrigerators, which were soon to become iconic items all over the globe.

Why Buy Smeg From O’Gormans

O’Gormans Ltd is an independent family-owned business specializing in the retail of consumer electrical goods. We were established in Oxford in 1963 and pride ourselves in our excellent customer service. As we are only 7 miles from SMEG’s UK headquarters, we are able to obtain most appliances at short notice even if we do not have that particular appliance in stock.  We offer Free Delivery to England & Wales as well as a full installation service for Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and part of Northamptonshire.  We have stores  in Kidlington near Oxford and Bicester (A Short walk from Bicester Village Shopping Outlet) where are trained staff will be happy to explain the features and benefits of the different Kitchen appliances

Smeg Kitchens Appliance Specialist Oxfordshire