Tefal history

Our History

Tefal has come a long way from Marc Gregoire's first tests in the 1950s to today. In this journey, it has never stopped innovating and discovering new technologies to simplify your daily life and promote healthy living. We covered a long journey from the non-stick frying pan to a complete range of cookware and other household appliances like Vacuum Cleaner, Steam Iron and Garment steamer.

Come let's relive Key moments of Tefal's journey together!

1954

The Journey Begins with a Fishing Rod Stor

One day engineer Marc Gregoire challenged himself to create a fibreglass fishing rod in place of a typical bamboo one. In the process of creating the fishing rod accidentally, he discovered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which was a material with anti-adhesion properties. Further, he developed an innovative process through which he applied this material on an aluminium disc.

While discussing this new innovation with his wife Colette in front of a saucepan where she was boiling milk, suddenly an idea clicked him, 'why not use the newly discovered material for creating a non-stick base for cookware?' Further, he grilled a steak on that innovative material and surprisingly it came out without sticking and cleaning was also super easy. This gave birth to the first non-stick surface!

Marc Gregoire
Colette Gregoire

1956

Birth of Tefal

A complete revolution in the kitchen came with this new invention. But, it didn't attract the manufacturers of household items at that point in time. So, Marc Gregoire decided to manufacture his own stoves in a workshop in Sarcelles. That gave birth to Tefal as a company in 1956.

His wife Colette Gregoire demonstrated the products. Soon, through different demonstrators and advertising posters, Tefal was able to gradually reach people as the revolutionary stove.

1961

An important Milestone: One photo that made Tefal reach heights

In the history of Tefal, this was one of the important milestones when one photo created the path of success for Tefal. Just when Tefal began exporting to the United States, a dramatic coup occurred. A Photo of Jackie Kennedy, 1st Lady of the United States leaving a famous store in New York with a Tefal pan in hand got published in press. After this photo unexpectedly went around the media, Tefal was able to make its way across the world.

Jackie Kennedy
Pancakes

1963

An idea of introducing Candlemas in a new way with Tefal

Tefal introduces Candlemas, a French festival that is celebrated by eating Pancakes in a new way. A famous French presenter was invited on the day of Candlemas to animate a giant Pancake party in front of a radio station. The result was instant! Tefal was able to reach out to a vast population. In the coming years, it became popular as a brand for Crepe makers, Cake Molds, waffle crunches, raclette and fondues, barbecues, and grills. What was different in Tefal? Its superior quality of non-stick coating.

1968

The New Era: Goupe SEB acquired Tefal

Groupe SEB, an appliance company acquired Tefal and its 5 European subsidiaries in 1968, giving Tefal a new dimension.

appliance company

The 80s and 90s

An Era of Innovation

This was the era when Tefal moved beyond culinary items and multiplied its innovations in other small appliances like steam irons, vacuum cleaners and handheld garment steamers. Considering the expectations of the consumers looking for compact and functional appliances it continued its research and development process.

appliance company

Happiness begins at home

Because feeling good at home has become a major societal concern, Tefal multiplies innovations beyond culinary items: such as steam irons, vacuum cleaners, and even innovative handheld steamers.

non-stick cooking pan

Simple, versatile, ingenious

Tefal understands the new expectations of consumers who are looking for more functional and compact products. Thus born highly non-stick cooking pan. A revolution that required long time of Research and Development.

The 2000s

Introduction of Technology in Cooking

Tefal's continuous urge for innovation and its research and development process discovered an advanced technology that completely revolutionized the way of cooking. It introduced the Thermo-Signal technology, a temperature-sensitive indicator placed at the centre of the cookware which allowed perfect control of temperature while cooking on Tefal's Cookware.

temperature-sensitive indicator

And the Journey Continues...

Tefal's journey to innovate continues day after day. Today, Tefal is the No.1 cookware brand in the world along with that it's also a popular brand for many small household appliances. Its desire to introduce something new and advanced to simplify people's daily lives has allowed it to reach the hearts of people across the globe.

Tefal Floor Care

Today Tefal being the No.1 Cookware brand is also shining as the No.1 Floor Care brand in Greater Europe. With our exclusive models of Vacuum Cleaners specifically designed in France, we have become a global reference in floor care technology. Each model of our floor care products is crafted with precision to meet the diverse cleaning needs of people across the world. Our constant commitment to innovation and quality allowed us to bring exclusive design and technology that has set up benchmarks for effective and efficient floor care.

Tefal Linen Care

With more than 60 years of expertise in Linen care, Tefal has come a long way to become the No.1 ironing brand in Europe. Our patented invention of Durilium Airglide technology made a breakthrough in ironing and made Tefal's steam irons, the No.1 in the glide. Over three decades, we have been the experts in glideability offering efficient Linen care products like Steam irons and garment steamers. Our Linen care products are designed with advanced technology to ensure flawless results every time.

Tefal's Journey to offer Sustainable & Healthy Living to people Continues...

And the Journey Continues...

Tefal history

Tefal's journey to innovate continues day after day.
Today, Tefal is the No.1 cookware brand in the world along with that it's
also a popular brand for many small household appliances.
Its desire to introduce something new and advanced to simplify people's daily lives has allowed it to reach the hearts of people across the globe.

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