Zyliss History

a legacy of swiss innovation

For over 70 years, Zyliss has been at the heart of kitchens worldwide, transforming everyday cooking with clever, innovative tools. But our story begins in Switzerland with one man: Karl Zysset. A true pioneer, Karl combined technical expertise with a passion for problem-solving, creating kitchen gadgets that make cooking easy and fun. From the world’s first cast aluminum garlic press to iconic inventions like the zick zick food chopper, his legacy of innovation lives on.

the man behind the brand: karl zysset

Born in 1907 in Lyss, Switzerland, Karl Zysset was a craftsman at heart. Trained as a cabinetmaker, he later turned his love for mechanics into a career—first in motorcycling, then in bicycle repairs. During the Second World War, he supplied the Swiss Army with vulcanized bicycle tires, but his inventive mind was always at work.
After the war, in 1948, Karl had his breakthrough: a revolutionary kitchen tool inspired by the mechanics of a bicycle brake. By 1951, he had fully committed to innovation, founding Zyliss—a name derived from Zysset and his hometown, Lyss.

game-changing kitchen inventions

These groundbreaking products cemented Zyliss' reputation as a leader in kitchen innovation, setting the stage for decades of clever design

1948

susi garlic press

Inspired by bicycle brakes, Karl developed the first cast aluminum garlic press. Unlike anything before it, this simple yet powerful tool made crushing garlic effortless—without smelly fingers! It quickly became a must-have and remains one of the most beloved garlic presses worldwide.

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1953

zick zick food chopper

Originally designed for tear-free onion chopping, this tool revolutionized food prep. Its catchy "Zick-Zick-Zyliss" TV spot made it a household name, selling over 17 million units in the 1970s alone.

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1978

salad spinner

Karl’s innovative design allowed users to wash and dry greens in one simple motion—a feature that has become a kitchen essential.

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reinventing kitchen tools for over 70 years

Between 1956 and 1973, Karl Zysset registered over 20 patents, continually refining and enhancing kitchen tools through Swiss engineering. Iconic products like the Zyliss Drum Grater became household classics, celebrated for their exceptional durability and robust construction.

Zyliss' commitment to intelligent design, ease of use, and long-lasting performance continues to this day. From 2005 to 2017, the brand earned more than 10 prestigious Red Dot Design Awards. Most recently, the Zyliss 5-Piece Utensil Set received The Eco Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2024 and was recognised by Ethical Style at Ambiente 2025.

In 2024, Swiss Post honoured the iconic Zyliss Susi 3 garlic press with a special stamp, as part of a tribute series celebrating “Swiss Inventions.”

our legacy, our future

Zyliss consistently evolves while upholding Karl Zysset's foundational values of functionality, durability, and kitchen enjoyment. As we innovate, we stay committed to our Swiss heritage, embodying precision, quality, and robustness—the hallmarks of Switzerland. Our products not only reflect these enduring traits but also our dedication to progressive design and innovation.