If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen appliances and you love that 1950s inspired, retro vibe, you may well have browsed Smeg’s range of offerings.
There’s no denying that from the fridges to the kettles and everything in between, the brand produces some highly attractive products that many interiors enthusiasts would lust after.
What you’re also likely to notice though is that the brand certainly doesn’t come cheap.
The price tags can be eye-watering, and you might be left wondering ‘why is Smeg so expensive?’.
Before we dive into the reasons why, it might be useful to take a look at the pricing, and exactly how much you can expect to pay for Smeg appliances in comparison to similar products on the market.
Let’s start with the famous retro style fridge freezer.
As of January 2022, the cream fridge freezer is available on Amazon for a rather whopping £1,702.
In comparison, an aesthetically similar product is available from Montpellier, with an RRP of £299.99.
You could buy 5 Montpellier fridge freezers for the price of a Smeg, and still have a few hundred quid in change!
It’s a similar story for smaller appliances.
Smeg’s two-slice toaster will set you back £129.
But a toaster from Morpilot with a similar design has an RRP of £34.99.
That means that the Smeg option comes in at more than 3 times the price.
The bottom line here is really obvious… Smeg products will cost you significantly more than most other brands available on the market, and if you want to deck your kitchen out with these gadgets and appliances, you’re going to need a generous budget!
But for what reason?
Do you really get what you pay for?
Is it worth paying the extra?
And why exactly is Smeg so expensive?
Here are the five reasons why…
1. Smeg is known and respected as a luxury brand
Smeg has a very longstanding reputation as a supplier of premium and luxury kitchen appliances.
Whilst some brands might spring to mind when you’re thinking about grabbing a bargain or saving a bit of cash, Smeg quite simply isn’t one of these.
It appeals to those who place value in having what they perceive to be the very best, and it’s often associated with opulence and a more luxury lifestyle.
Smeg is a great example of premium branding at play, and ultimately it’s about what exactly you want from your kitchen appliances.
If you simply want something that will give you a slice of hot toast every morning, then it’s unlikely that you’d consider buying a Smeg product.
On the other hand, if you enjoy entertaining guests at your home and the kitchen often acts as a focal point, you may like to equip your benches with high end products like Smeg. High earners who want to demonstrate their status and wealth are much more likely to buy premium.
2. You’re paying a premium for design and aesthetics
Design is arguably the biggest and most important reason why Smeg is expensive.
The brand is synonymous with a premium aesthetic, and is the go-to choice for those who favour well designed products, particularly those with a love for retro and vintage inspired items.
Some would even describe Smeg appliances as being more like art work than just functional kitchen products. Famous designers have worked in collaboration with Smeg to ensure this value is kept at the very forefront of their operations.
You can browse through the collection of Smeg aesthetics to dive deeper into the collections that are available, though a few highlights include:
- The ‘Piano Design‘. This collection was created with Renzo Piano, who’s often considered to be one of the finest architects in the world. You’ll no doubt be familiar with his work, which includes The Shard in London. The range with Smeg includes ovens and hobs that are finished with high polished stainless steel, to create a kitchen that exudes exclusivity
- The ‘50s Style‘. This range is the one that many people think of when they hear the name Smeg, and it’s characterised by vibrant colours and smooth design. Think retro style fridges, toasters, kettles, mixers, and whisks. Whether you’re a keen chef or a home baker, you’re likely to find what you need in this range to meet your everyday needs in terms of appliances and accessories
- The ‘Linea Range‘. This one is the most contemporary of all the Smeg offerings, and is simple, balanced, and minimal. As you might have guessed from the name, it’s all about that ‘line’, and achieving a super sleek finish. Utilising the very latest technology, this range will appeal to those who appreciate the scientific aspect of cooking a great meal, and offers everything from a faster after-work dinner to a healthy, steamed meal without any fuss
Some people are passionate about high end cars. Others feel the same about designer handbags. And for some, it’s really important to have kitchen products that are designed and built with style in mind!
3. Smeg occasionally collaborates with other premium brands
Smeg often teams up with other luxury brands, often also with Italian origins, to create unique and highly sought after product lines.
For example, you might be familiar with Smeg’s work with fashion powerhouse Dolce and Gabbana.
The Sicily Is My Love collection includes toasters, kettles, citrus juicers, and blenders, and the kettle from the range typically retails at around £499.
At the time of writing, it was also completely sold out online! Despite high prices that many people would balk at, there’s still high demand for the items. It’s clear that collaboration with another premium brand further raises the appeal and means that some are happy to pay more.
Similarly, Smeg has famously collaborated with Italian car manufacturer Fiat. The range includes a Fiat 500 drinks fridge that comes with working headlights and retails at over £10,000.
4. Products are often made in Italy
Many of Smeg’s larger products, including fridge freezers, are manufactured in their factories in Northern Italy.
This fact adds extra pizazz for the brand, and increases the perceived value of the products in question.
Interestingly, many of the smaller items such as toasters and kettles are routinely manufactured in China, though they still benefit from the elevated brand status that comes from some lines being built in Italy.
5. The brand has been established for over 70 years
Smeg was founded in 1948 by Vittorio Bertazzoni in Guastalla, a town near Reggio Emilia, and started life as a family metalling and enamelling business.
The first cooking appliances were created by the brand in the 1950s, and in 1956, Smeg brought to market the cutting edge ‘Elisabeth’, one of the very first gas cookers with automatic ignition and a safety valve.
This longstanding and rich history is one of the reasons why Smeg is so expensive. So many people are familiar with the brand and its reputation, and they know that they aren’t taking a chance on a new business that hasn’t yet proved its credentials.
It may even be the case that your parents or your grandparents were lovers of Smeg products, and this kind of emotional attachment often increases the perceived value of an item.
Are Smeg appliances worth the money?
We’ve already established that if you’re thinking about purchasing Smeg appliances, you’re going to be paying a premium! It’s not a brand that’s compatible with a tight budget, and you’ll be paying higher prices compared to many other brands.
Ultimately, it’s a personal decision when it comes to whether Smeg is worth the money.
If you have sufficient disposable income and it’s important to you to own high end kitchen appliances, then for you it may well be worth the cost.
Many people though would rather spend money on different things.
How can you save money on Smeg appliances?
If you have decided that you want to buy Smeg, then given the cost, it makes sense to think about how you could potentially make some savings.
Here are some ideas to explore…
- Consider buying second hand via sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. You may save around 50% on used appliances
- Sell your old appliances first – this way, you’ll have a pot of cash to put towards your purchase
- Search for coupon codes for relevant retailers, or buy during key sale seasons such as Black Friday and January
- Ask retailers if they have a display model that you may be able to purchase at a discounted price
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I discovered a Granite saucepan, in a second-hand store, and its the best cooking utensil I own after 62 years. Made in Italy. And it has a wooden handle. I its so great i show it to everyone. lol