Our history
A few key dates
Did you know?
In 1954, Marc Grégoire filed its patent for the first “non-stick pan”.
1956 The Tefal brand is born...
To revolutionize cooking!
At first, his invention seems to go unattended by the manufacturers of household equipment, so Marc Grégoire decides to set up his own workshop in Sarcelles (France) and establishes the Tefal company in 1956. His products are demonstrated by his wife Colette. It’s an instant success, with demonstrators and advertising posters promoting the revolutionary pan.
Did you know?
In its first year of operation, the workshop in Sarcelles produces 100 pans a day.
January 1961
"First Lady of the United States, first media buzz"
While Tefal begins exporting its pans to the USA, a remarkable turn of events occurs: a picture of Jackie Kennedy getting out of a notorious store in New York, captured with a Tefal pan in her hand, is published in the press. This unexpected shot gained important media coverage and prompted a considerable boost to the company's reputation around the globe.
February 1963
Get ready for Crep’Party!
Tefal comes up with a great idea: blending pancakes with “La Chandeleur”, a celebration fallen into disuse. A popular French talk-show host is invited to lead a giant pancake party. It’s an instant success with the public… In the following years, Tefal becomes a symbol of togetherness: pancake pans, cake moulds, waffle/sandwich makers, raclette and fondue machines, grills… On every product, the non-stick coating quality makes a real difference.
1968
The beginning of a new era
In 1968, SEB - soon to become Groupe SEB, the global benchmark for small household appliances - purchases Tefal’s company and its 5 European branches.
Did you know?
SEB uses Tefal’s expertise in coating for the Group’s products, such as the Durilium soleplate of Calor’s irons.
The 90's and 2000s
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Happiness starts at home
As the sense of well-being at home has become a major challenge for society, Tefal maximizes innovation beyond cookware: electric irons, kettles, scales, phones, childcare articles and even home automation!
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Simple, versatile, ingenious…
Make some room for Ingenio!
Tefal understands new consumer expectations for more practical, compact products. This is how our Ingenio range takes shape, with its clever removable handle system. A small revolution that required 5 years of Research & Development.
The 2000s
Perfect heat control
The new Thermo-Spot technology causes a small revolution in the world of cooking: a heat indicator built right into the center of the pan turns red once the ideal cooking temperature is reached. This innovation makes cooking so easy…
Did you know?
By launching Actifry in 2006, Tefal diversifies into healthy cooking thanks to its ingenious solution that prepares french fries and many other crispy, golden meals with just one spoon of oil.
And today?
Your new allies in the kitchen
Tefal continues to design ingenious solutions that ensure perfect results so you can finally focus on what really matters.
Discover also Optigrill™, the pleasure of food grilled to perfection