Why do people like Smeg?

Why do people like Smeg?
The cream of the SMEG appliance crop — the Fab28 refrigerator that comes in many standout colors.Wayfair

For most cramped city dwellers, the fantasy of an open-plan kitchen exists only on TV, in homes reimagined by the likes of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Instead, those short on space tend to focus on appliances. Perhaps a SodaStream here, a stainless steel Kegerator there, a Sansaire sous vide behind the bar cart. But the crown jewel might be the ’50s-style SMEG refrigerator, a $2,000 commitment to having the finest ice box on the block.

Italian company SMEG, which stands for Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla, makes other kinds of refrigerators and kitchen appliances, too. But they found themselves design darlings when they brought their Fab28 model to the US in 2007. Just under 5-feet tall, the Fab28 has retro, rounded edges like a piece of Chiclet gum, and is made from high-gloss plastic enamel in colors like creamy mint green and navel orange. It features a simple interior — with a built-in metal wine rack — and a drawer-size freezer compartment.

It is, indeed, underwhelmingly impractical.

“That SMEG refrigerator is biased to European usage,” explains Riccardo Pearlman, owner of Newbury Kitchens and Bath in Back Bay. “People do their day-to-day shopping with two bags that they then carry home. In the US, we tend to load the car up. As Americans, we roll with large refrigerators, like creatures of comfort who want that big sofa.”

So while the KitchenAid stand mixer remains the staunch status symbol of domestic bliss, the SMEG refrigerator is the ornamental trophy of the childless chic. And like the popularity of the Mini Cooper, the novelty of SMEG’s European practically is more aesthetic than lifestyle-driven.

“We usually get requests about this brand from Millennial couples who move into the city,” Ekaterina Tsyganova of Casa Design Boston in the South End tells us via e-mail.

“Some of these clients ask about this brand because they look for small size refrigerators to save some space in their city apartments. Some are also international [clients] that are familiar with European brands and styles; they look for the specific retro look of SMEG products.”

And of course, the Fab28 — which comes in 10 colorways in addition to custom Dolce & Gabbana or flag-bearing prints — provides a break from the oppressive stainless steel of big box store appliances.

“[SMEG appliances] add a unique flair and pop of color to any kitchen,” says Wayfair appliance expert Ben Pugliares. Indeed!

Of course, the SMEG aesthetic can now be enjoyed in smaller, less consequential doses. SMEG offers toasters, electric kettles, and even their own version of the stand mixer at registry-acceptable prices. A larger two-door version of the refrigerator is also available, as is a dorm-friendly 28-inch mini version.

But still, it’s the Fab28 that endures.

“I don’t put a ton of those units in kitchens,” admits Pearlman. “But that’s largely driven by the fact that people, in my experience, capitulate toward something more pragmatic, so they look elsewhere in the kitchen to add that kind of ’50s style. But it also never surprises me when someone turns around and says, ‘Tiny fridge be damned.’ ”

Rachel Raczka can be reached at

280 listings

Smeg ECF01

 · includes 7 listings

The Smeg EC401 is an entry-level coffee machine with a thermoblock heating system that allows for more precise water temperature control.

Produces great coffee

Compact benchtop unit

Easy to keep clean

Can be fiddly to froth milk

Smeg 50's Style BCC02

Latest review: This machine fits asthetically with my other SMEG products on my benchtop. However I adjust the amount of coffee I want and it doesn't save it, when the machine turns off it goes back to what it was.

Smeg 50's Style KLF03

Smeg’s incredibly stylish collection of electric kettles are quieter and quicker than ever. Now featuring a 360° swivel base, a removable limescale filter and a 2,400 watt heating element for quick boiling.

Quiet

Looks stylish

Boils water quickly

Premium price

Heavy (1.3kg)

Lid top system is difficult to open

Smeg TRA90

A wide oven temperature range, 5 different gas hobs, and a vapour clean function make using the Smeg TRA90 to cook a variety of home meals a simple affair.

Cooks food evenly

Easy to clean

Finishes not hard-wearing

Smeg TSF02

 · includes 8 listings

Latest review: Love the colour and look of the toaster and toasts

Smeg Drip Coffee Machine DCF02

 · includes 7 listings

Latest review: This appliance looks cool in the kitchen next to its sibling kettle and toaster, but that is where the redeeming features end. It only stays on for one hour, only does 5 cups of coffee and

Smeg 50's Style BLF01

Latest review: Like others on here my blender jug is now leaking like a waterfall. Just over a year old and not used often so very disappointed especially at the price vs

Smeg DWA6314 Series

 · includes 6 listings

Latest review: I had issues as soon as days after the purchase. Have had the device serviced on 3 separate occasions (door latch broke, split hose, float device faulty & flooding). When it has worked (which to be

Latest review: I cannot fault Smeg’s after sales and customer support. They are quick to respond to emails, and follow through on their word. Overall, an exemplary company to deal with. Thank y

Smeg Hand Blender

Latest review: We got the retro stick blender package through our credit card reward points. The connection between the chopper lid and bowl stripped with 3 days so has become unusable. The rest of the tools are ok

Latest review: Had a couple of issues with water build up in the bottom of fridge but found out it was due to my laziness and not cleaning out the drain hole so no issues since doing this,love this

Smeg TSF01

 · includes 8 listings

Latest review: First, the good stuff: This toaster looks very stylish. It toasted evenly. Now the bad: It was expensive at around $300 but only lasted three years. It stopped popping up and you had to manually hold

Smeg SA34MX

Latest review: Unit purchased in mid-late 2020. Have not used the grill function. Works well as a microwave except that amount of condensation after every use is problematic and causes much frustration. Noted

Smeg SMF01

 · includes 7 listings

Latest review: Was recommended this machine by the salesperson told it was the best machine. In one year the first one smoke poured out. Second one now sounds like a meat grinder. Very disappointed. Not going third

Was replaced by...

Latest review: $8,000 Oven so many issues requiring attention ,contacted smeg numerous times to fix ,no assistance whatsoever happy to take your hard earned cash and bolt leaving you with a lemon of an oven. 1)

Smeg Portofino CPF9 Series

Latest review: The stove is great - the oven controls are a shocker! The Oven controls are over complicated, counter intuitive, very hard to learn and to use. Unless you have have lessons and use the oven daily so

Smeg Citrus Juicer CJF01

 · includes 6 listings

Latest review: I squeeze half grapefruits and oranges. The motor is weak and frequently overheats. In the last few weeks the shiny metallic covering of the juice spout has literally oxidized away exposing the

Smeg DOSPA6395X

Latest review: Hi This is my 4 new Smeg oven which had several different problems when first purchase approx 3 years ago.. The last oven was replaced in Sep 2020 because we noticed that after we did the pyrolytic

Smeg Dolce & Gabbana Kettle

Latest review: This is my second as first was replaced for same issue. It's cracking and the clear top layer is peeling. Waste of $900. Would not buy another D&G product

Smeg CIR93AXS3

Latest review: I purchased my brand new house in 2012 and it came a brand new Smeg CIR93AXS 90cm topmount gas cooktop and it has been nothing but trouble from the beggining! The auto ignition system works for some

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