A Brand Built on Engineering and Innovation

For over 100 years, Rowenta has set the standard for precision, performance, and design for  small domestic appliances. From our earliest days in Germany to our global reputation today, the company has remained committed to technological innovation and premium craftsmanship. This journey through Rowenta history reveals how the brand became a symbol of trust in home care, inspiring generations of customers to expect more from their everyday tools.

1. Rowenta Brand Origins: German Engineering Meets Everyday Design (1909 Onward)

The full name of the company traces back to Robert Weintraud, who founded Rowenta in 1909 in Offenbach, Germany. The name “Rowenta” comes from an acronym of his own, and his vision was simple yet ambitious: merge German engineering with products designed for daily life.

In its earliest years, Rowenta produced office supplies, lamps, and even toasters—laying the groundwork for the wide range of products the company offers today. Even then, the emphasis was on reliability, attention to detail, and enduring performance.

2. Key Innovations That Defined the Company: What Is Rowenta?

Over the decades, Rowenta has been a pioneer in technological innovation for garment care. Our milestones include:

  • 1949: Introduced the first thermostat-controlled iron, offering precise fabric care.
  • 1957: The launch of our first steam iron—changing the way people approached ironing at home.
  • Later developments such as the Microsteam soleplate for precise steam diffusion, and Eco Intelligence systems for improved efficiency without sacrificing performance.

These innovations weren’t simply about keeping up—they were about leading the way. Many of the same technologies can still be found in today’s steam stations and garment steamers, available in our garment care collection.

3. From Germany to France: A Brand with European Heritage

The company’s growth continued when Rowenta became part of Groupe SEB, a move that strengthened its presence in France and across Europe. This merger brought together the German engineering precision envisioned by Robert Weintraud and the French passion for style, performance, and refinement.

This cultural fusion explains why Rowenta products are not only technically advanced but also beautifully designed—appealing to those who value both form and function in home care.

4. A Legacy of Awards, and Customer Trust

More than industry accolades, our true pride lies in the trust placed in Rowenta by millions of households worldwide.

Through customer service and dedicated repair support, we’ve built relationships that last far beyond a purchase—reinforcing our commitment to quality small household appliances that stand the test of time.

5. Today's focus : Innovative and Sustainability 

Today, as part of Groupe SEB, Rowenta invests heavily in research and development to keep innovating for the modern home. From advanced steam technology to eco-friendly design, our focus remains on solving real-life needs while reducing environmental impact.

This commitment can be seen in features like Eco Intelligence steam settings that save energy, and in packaging choices that minimize waste—proving that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Why Choose Rowenta ? More Than a Brand — A Century of Trust

Choosing Rowenta means choosing over 100 years of engineering excellence, innovation, and care. From our origins under Robert Weintraud to our place today within Groupe SEB, every product we create carries a legacy of craftsmanship and reliability.

Whether you need a steam iron, your first vacuum cleeaner, or any of our wide range of products in home care, you’re investing in tools designed to last.

Be part of the next chapter in Rowenta history—where innovation meets tradition, and excellence is always in the details.

A laundry room featuring an ironing board with a steam station, and a vacuum.A laundry room featuring an ironing board with a steam station, and a vacuum.