I visited Smeg’s Italian HQ and saw their archive of limited edition appliances – these are 3 discontinued cult classics I wish they’d bring back

by Furnishly | May 20, 2026 | Design Inspiration

The Smeg name has been synonymous with stylish kitchen appliances for many years now in the UK, but in Italy, the brand’s heritage and influence stretch back much further.

That’s something I learned first-hand last week on a trip to Smeg’s incredibly impressive HQ, based in northern Italy, where I got access to a treasure trove of trademark pastel kitchen appliances.

As Ideal Home’s Kitchen Appliances Editor (and owner of a beloved Smeg toaster and kettle set), the part of the tour I most enjoyed was glimpsing all of the now-discontinued or limited edition pieces from Smeg’s collection – many of which are now extremely rare.

Latest Videos From

As well as Smeg bean-to-cup machines and even air fryers in a palette of gorgeous colours, these were the Smeg appliances from the HQ that I was totally enchanted by on my trip – and I think you will be too!

1. A Barbie pink hidden dishwasher

Image 1 of 2

I’m usually so busy reviewing small appliances that I don’t have time to appreciate all of the wonderful large versions out there, but there was one thing on my tour of Smeg HQ that caught my eye immediately.

This Barbie pink waist-height appliance is masquerading as a fridge with its retro door, lettering and handle but behind the facade you’ll find a compact washing machine and sink set up that would complete any quirky pink kitchen scheme.

If the Barbie dream house was fitted with a washing machine, this would most certainly be it.

First released in 2006, this washing machine has become a cult collector’s item – and for good reason. If your home isn’t big enough for a utility room, you have to get inventive with hiding your washing machine instead and this compact buy solves that problem in real style.

The inside of the outer door also has two hidden storage compartments, so there’s even more of an incentive with this machine if you love things being neatly tucked away.

As Smeg moved away from large freestanding appliances to focus on built-in units and those kettles, toasters and coffee machines that we all know and love, they stopped making this popular pink machine. But luckily they kept the much-loved colourway, so if you do want to add a pop of pink these are the Smeg buys we’ve tried you can buy it in.

2. Smeg x Fiat 500 drinks fridge

Next up is a true centrepiece, one that you can find in Smeg’s HQ in Italy and London, that I’m sure will make you do a double take. The Smeg x Fiat 500 Drinks Fridge features the front half of a 50s version of this classic Italian car.

But underneath the bonnet, rather than finding an engine, you’ll find a swish mini fridge that is more than capable of holding enough drinks to throw a fabulous party.

This very pricey design collaboration between these two Italian powerhouses was never a mainstream commercial product sold to consumers, but it still holds a huge charm when you see it in person.

It’s not just Smeg HQ where you can find one of these fridges, although they are exceptionally rare. So if you do spot one out in the wild, you can impressive everyone with your knowledge of this cult classic design piece.

3. Snoopy & Disney special editions

One corner of Smeg’s Italian showroom is dedicated to the brand’s best known creation: the iconic single door retro 50s style fridge. And while I was perusing all of the styles and colours, I noticed two very different versions.

The first was a fridge with Disney’s very recognisable Mickey Mouse plastered across it, closely placed near another that featured character Snoopy, from the American cartoon strip Peanuts.

So what’s the story behind these cartoon-inspired fridges? The Disney collection came first, released in 2018, and saw the creation of 90 Mickey Mouse inspired fridges – one to celebrate every year since Mickey’s inception. It was a huge hit with customers, and the extremely low number of fridges made mean this is a big time collector’s item.

Following in the footsteps of Mickey’s success, Snoopy’s mini fridge was released in 2020 (and then re-released in 2022) and uses the backdrop of the Smeg fridge door as a cartoonist’s easel. If you were to find either of these fridges in the wild these days, they would definitely fetch a pretty penny.

It wasn’t just the archive that I got a glimpse of at Smeg’s HQ – I was also wowed by the brand’s new and wonderfully sleek Isola range, which features induction hobs and cooker hoods.

Combining old cult classics and new cutting edge appliances, it seems there’s so much more from Smeg still to come and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next!

Lidl is selling the coveted Ninja Creami for £159 – but I’ve found two places where you can snap it up even cheaper

by Furnishly | May 20, 2026 | Design Inspiration

This week, the coveted Ninja Creami is landing in Lidl’s middle aisle, but before you rush off to your local store, I’ve found the summer must-have appliance cheaper at both Amazon and John Lewis.

Landing in stores on Sunday (24 May), Lidl will be stocking the much-loved Ninja Creami (which we’ve reviewed) for a limited time. And it couldn’t have come at a better time, as the UK expects a heat wave to hit over the weekend.

If you haven’t already discovered the joy of making your own ice cream at home, I’d say it’s time to get to know it. But as always, if you plan to head to Lidl, you’d better be quick, as when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Latest Videos From

Lidl is undoubtedly known for its middle-aisle bargains, which range from the weird to the wonderful and everything in between. Most recently, their chic Lidl sun lounger, which looks like it came straight from the grounds of a posh hotel, made a bid to be the best sun lounger you could buy this summer.

Now, the budget supermarket is welcoming The Ninja Creami, and it’s perfect if you’re looking to whip up healthier ice-creams this summer. The Ninja Creami was first reviewed by our Digital Editor,Rebecca Knight, back in 2023. Impressed, she even commented in the review that friends and family had to stage a ‘mini-intervention’ to stop her from raving about the appliance.

Producing creamy homemade ice-creams, sorbets, smoothie bowls and milkshakes, this sleek appliance went viral after its launch. It looks more like a blender compared to a traditional ice-cream maker and works completely differently, requiring you to freeze your mixture before churning. Plus, with an abundance of ‘healthy’ protein-packed recipes on social media, it became a quick favourite with the health-obsessed, too.

The Creami usually retails for around £199.99, and Lidl is selling it for £159. However, it’s also on sale for even less than that right now at Amazon and John Lewis.

So, on this occasion, Lidl is to be beaten on price. Because of this, if you’re looking to snap up the Ninja Creami, I’d suggest buying now while it is on sale, as these are the best prices I can find.

Or, if you’d like something a little brighter, you should consider opting for the pastel Ninja Creami’s, which provide a sure way to add a splash of colour to your kitchen ideas. These Creamis are not on sale, costing £199.99 at Ninja. Right now, the stunning Spiced Lemon Meringue and Sugared Blueberry Apricot are available.

Alternatively, here are a few more affordable ice-cream makers.

In this instance, we say don’t head to Lidl – snap up the Ninja Creami while it is on sale at Amazon and John Lewis.