Smeg vs Bertazzoni: Which Italian Range Brand Is Right for You?
Both Smeg and Bertazzoni are Italian heritage brands famous for making beautiful freestanding ranges that look as good as they perform. If you're considering an Italian-designed range to anchor your kitchen, here's how these two iconic brands compare.
Brand Background
Smeg was founded in 1948 in Guastalla, Italy. The brand is internationally known for its FAB refrigerators (the retro-styled rounded fridges popularised from the 1990s onwards) and its colourful retro-aesthetic ranges. Smeg has achieved a crossover position between functional appliance and design object.
Bertazzoni has been making ranges in Guastalla, Italy (coincidentally the same town as Smeg) since 1882, originally manufacturing wood-burning stoves. The brand's heritage is deeper in cooking appliance manufacturing and their current ranges emphasise professional-grade cooking performance alongside Italian design.
Design Philosophy
Smeg: Two clear design lines. The retro Smeg (soft curves, pastel colours, 1950s aesthetic — available in dozens of colours) and the more contemporary professional line (Victoria series — clean, serious, well-proportioned). The retro aesthetic is beloved but polarising: it looks extraordinary in the right kitchen and out of place in a sleek modern one.
Bertazzoni: More consistently professional in aesthetic — inspired by Italian professional kitchen equipment rather than domestic styling. Available in classic stainless and a range of colours (matte finishes in azure blue, burnt orange, yellow and others on some lines). The Master and Professional series have a commanding, restaurant-quality look.
Cooking Performance
Smeg: The Victoria series 90cm dual fuel (gas cooktop, electric oven) and the pyrolytic ranges are well-regarded performers with strong oven capacity and consistent temperatures. The retro line is more limited in features and oven capacity.
Bertazzoni: Places greater emphasis on burner output than Smeg's residential ranges. The Professional series 90cm models have high BTU brass burners and dual-ring wok burners. The range ovens use a thermo-cooling system that keeps the exterior cool. Bertazzoni claims their oven preheat times and temperature consistency are class-leading.
Price Comparison
| Category | Smeg (90cm) | Bertazzoni (90cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level gas | ~$3,500–$4,500 | ~$4,000–$5,000 |
| Dual fuel | ~$4,000–$5,500 | ~$4,500–$6,500 |
| Pyrolytic / premium | ~$5,000–$7,000 | ~$5,500–$8,000+ |
Who Should Choose Smeg?
- Those who love the retro aesthetic and want to make a design statement in a heritage, art deco or playful contemporary kitchen
- Buyers who want a range with a wide colour selection
- Those who want good cooking performance with strong brand recognition
Who Should Choose Bertazzoni?
- Serious home cooks who prioritise professional burner performance
- Those renovating high-end contemporary or farmhouse kitchens where a professional range aesthetic suits
- Buyers who want Italian heritage engineering with a more professional cooking focus
See Both Brands at Oceania Appliances
We carry Smeg and Bertazzoni ranges and can arrange viewing or demonstrations. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.