History

• The earliest non-stick cookware was created in 1954 by Marc Gregoire, who invented the process of fusing polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) to aluminum cookware. Two years later, TeFal was founded to manufacture this cookware. In the early 1960s, French cooking became immensely popular with American homemakers. A photograph of a discerning lady purchasing a T-Fal pan at Macy's was published in a high society magazine in 1961. Within one month, T-Fal sales reached one million pieces per month. T-Fal introduced their first small appliances in the mid-1970s. Both the cookware and appliance lines have been updated and improved several times since their original release.
  
  

Features

• T-Fal's original claim to fame was the PTFE coating which makes their cookware non-stick, but they have continued to add other unique features to their products. The Thermospot is a visual indicator on the pans themselves which tells the cook when the pan has preheated. T-Fal was also the first to offer deep fryers which remained cool enough on the outside to touch safely. T-Fal's pressure cooker can be operated with one hand, while their Rondo food processor allows the cook to use the same work bowl to prepare, cook, serve and store their food.
  
  

Cookware

• T-Fal produces both non-stick and stainless steel cookware. The non-stick cookware is available in a hard anodized or enameled finish. There are several complete sets available, as well as single, specialty pieces, such as a grill pan and stock pot.
  T-Fal also manufactures stainless steel cookware. It lacks the non-stick finish T-Fal is best known for, but works with induction cooktops, which are popular throughout Europe. The stainless steel pieces are available in sets, with either aluminum or copper cores.
  
  

Appliances

• T-Fal offered their first sandwich maker in 1974. Soon, they added their "cool-touch" deep fryer, which continues to be a flagship product today. T-Fal also manufactures countertop ovens, toasters, pressure cookers, steam irons and food processors. In England, they are best known for their electric kettle, which was instantly successful when introduced. Most recently, T-Fal added the BeerTender to their appliance line. This countertop tap is specifically designed to work with small kegs of Heineken or Heineken Light beer.
  
  

Emerilware Appliances

• In addition to their own appliances, T-Fal offers a series of small appliances as part of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's "Emerilware" product line. The line includes a deep fryer, food processor, and steamer, as well as a bread and baguette maker, and a grill and panini maker. Building on their tradition of incorporating cook-friendly features, the Emerilware appliances include details such as multiple steaming compartments in the steamer, and the baguette option in the bread maker.