where it all began

The story of zyliss begins in Switzerland with inventor Karl Zysset. A passionate problem solver with a talent for practical engineering, he believed that everyday kitchen tasks could be made simpler with clever tools.

In 1948, he created his first breakthrough invention: the susi garlic press. Inspired by the mechanics of a bicycle brake, the clever lever design made pressing garlic faster, cleaner, and free from smelly fingers. What began as a simple idea soon became a kitchen essential and the foundation of a brand built on ingenuity and functionality.

evolution of the susi garlic press

the cleverly swiss brand from day one 

As demand for the new invention grew, Karl Zysset founded zyliss in 1951 in Lyss, Switzerland, establishing a dedicated base for production and innovation. Over the decades, the company expanded its product range and introduced several inventions that changed food preparation worldwide.

1953

zick zick - the original food chopper 

Introduced in 1953, the zick zick chopper — also known as the blitzhacker (“lightning-fast chopper”) — quickly became one of our most famous creations.

Designed to solve a universal kitchen problem, it made chopping onions faster, safer and tear-free.

With its distinctive hand-powered motion and characteristic “zick zick” sound, it made preparing vegetables and herbs easier than ever before.

Over time it became a true icon, trusted in kitchens worldwide. Today it is reimagined and refined, while staying true to the unmistakable “zick zick” experience.

the iconic zick zick ad

The tool quickly became a household favorite and is immortalized in zyliss’ iconic “zick zick zyliss” TV ad from 1969. Following a flood in the archive, the original film was long believed to be lost. Just in time for the 75th anniversary, it was rediscovered and carefully restored. Now, this piece of zyliss history lives on, connecting the past and present in a way that feels as fresh and fun as it did decades ago.

shop the zick zick 3

the iconic zick zick ad

The tool quickly became a household favorite and is immortalized in zyliss’ iconic “zick zick zyliss” TV ad from 1969. Following a flood in the archive, the original film was long believed to be lost. Just in time for the 75th anniversary, it was rediscovered and carefully restored. Now, this piece of zyliss history lives on, connecting the past and present in a way that feels as fresh and fun as it did decades ago.

shop the zick zick 3

1978

the salad spinner - a fresh idea 

In 1978, zyliss introduced the salad spinner - a centrifugal washing and drying device that would soon become a kitchen essential.

With a simple spinning motion, lettuce and herbs could be washed and dried in seconds, making fresh salads easier to prepare than ever before.

The invention brought convenience and efficiency to everyday cooking, making washing greens and salads an easy and joyful task in the kitchen.

Our salad spinners have evolved with time and remain a core part of the zyliss product range today.

global expansion

Through the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, zyliss continued to grow into a global kitchenware brand, with products available in over 50 countries worldwide. The company also operated under international management in the United Kingdom and the United States for a few years. While iconic inventions remain at the heart of the brand, the zyliss portfolio has expanded over the decades to support every stage of food preparation.

a brand that keeps evolving

In recent years, zyliss has returned to its Swiss roots, with the brand, product and design teams based in Switzerland. In 2023, zyliss entered a new chapter, introducing a refined brand identity rooted in its rich heritage and timeless design, expressed through the signature Beluga Grey color, and a renewed commitment to more sustainable solutions. 

From peelers and graters to cookware and utensils, every product reflects the same principles as the original inventions: precision, quality, and durability. As we celebrate 75 years of innovation, we continue to combine Swiss craftsmanship with clever design and forward-thinking ideas. Proving that great tools, like great ideas, stand the test of time.