Skip to main content

Time machine brings Smeg's retro-style yet tech-filled Portofino range back from the 1950s

smeg launches portofino range kbis 2017 dsc 0491
Jenny McGrath/Digital Trends
With a dash of vintage style and a heavy dose of modern technology, Italian appliance manufacturer Smeg debuted a prototyped version of its new Portofino Range at this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Florida. Checking at 36 inch wide and (soon to be) available in seven different colors — olive green, red, white, stainless steel, black, and yellow — Smeg’s Portofino is a classic appliance-lover’s dream. Prior to KBIS, the range nabbed the Good Design Award at the Chicago Athenaeum — which is Chicago’s museum of architecture and design.

Though Smeg has consistently made a name for itself delivering retro-inspired appliance collections, the Portofino exudes 1950’s style in every way. From its classic color schemes to the actual construction of the range, Smeg left no vintage stone unturned. As mentioned above, however, the Portofino comes packed to the gills with modern range technology that assures owners that, while it looks like something more than six decades old, it certainly doesn’t perform like it.

Jenny McGrath/Digital Trends
Jenny McGrath/Digital Trends

“We are so excited to once again exhibit a wide range of appliances at an event as important as KBIS. We’re especially thrilled to introduce our brand new Portofino range, which just received the Good Design Award at the Chicago Athenaeum, and is inspired by the hues of the famous Ligurian village,” said Smeg CEO, Vittorio Bertazzoni.

Featuring an ultra-rapid dual burner (which boasts 18,000 BTUs), triple fan convection, a soft close door, and a brand new isothermic cavity, Smeg’s Portofino slides into KBIS as one attractive appliance. Though it’s not entirely known when the company plans on making the range available for purchase, its appearance at the annual appliance show bodes well for its eventual entry into the home goods market.

Pricewise, Smeg plans on selling the colored Portofinos at $3,999 while the stainless steel version is expected to retail for $3,499. If it’s an I Love Lucy-era range you yearn for — built with 21st-century tech — look no further than Smeg’s signature Portofino range.

Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit and Blinds Collection join the Matter lineup
The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit being installed.

Eve is a prominent name in the smart home world, with the company responsible for a variety of devices covering everything from smart plugs and security cameras to smart light switches and motion sensors. Its catalog is growing even more enticing today, with the Eve Blinds Collection and MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit gaining Matter support.

The MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit will likely appeal to more customers, as it costs just $200 and works with most existing setups. Installation is as simple as removing your shades, placing the MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit through the roller rod, then reinstalling the unit on your windows. Blinds with a roller between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches are compatible with the upgrade kit.

Read more
Philips Hue lights have a rare discount, but there’s a catch
A TV with ambient backlighting from Philips Hue.

One of the cool things about Philips Hue lighting is how much freedom it gives you over creating the perfect ambiance in your home. One of the cool things about buying Philips Hue products over at Best Buy right now is how much freedom Best Buy is giving you over what you buy to save money. Right now, when you buy two or more select Philips Hue smart lighting product in Best Buy's offer builder, you can save 15%. Tap the button below to start building your own bundle and see all of the products available. While they don't include the best smart light bulbs that Philips produces, you'll be amazed by the versatility of the lightstrips. Or keep reading for an overview of some of the top picks from the bundle.

What you should purchase from the Philips Hue offer builder
The place to start with this deal is the and the if you don't already have them. These are the devices that take your movies, music, and games and syncs them to your lights.

Read more
Samsung’s futuristic Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum is $400 off
The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum cleaning the floor.

For families who need a lot of help in keeping their floors spotless, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is an investment that you'll want to make. It's pretty expensive at its original price of $1,300, but a $400 discount from Samsung pulls it down to $900. It's still not cheap, but this futuristic robot vacuum could be the only device that you need to keep dirt, debris, and pet hair away from your sight. You're going to have to complete your purchase for it as soon as possible though, as there's no telling when the offer expires.

Why you should buy the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum
The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ checks all the boxes in the features that are recommended by our guide on how to choose a robot vacuum. It's equipped with powerful sensors and object recognition technology that allows it to avoid furniture when it's cleaning your floors, while LiDAR technology allows it to create accurate maps of the rooms in your home so that it can properly navigate and clean more efficiently. The robot vacuum also features a five-layer filtration system that allows it to release clean air, and when it's done, it goes back to its Clean Station where it empties its contents.

Read more