About us

About us

FRITEL is a Belgian brand with strong foundations and a rich history. It was founded in 1991 by Jos van Ratingen within NV van RATINGEN, a company that has been a well-established and reliable player in the electrical retail sector since 1974. Thanks to years of experience and the reliable distribution of quality products, FRITEL has grown into a brand you can trust.

With its own department for research, development and engineering, complemented by thorough testing and quality control, FRITEL launched its first deep fryers. The brand quickly put itself on the map and grew into a market leader and trendsetter in the deep-frying market. Innovations such as the Click® System, Turbo SF® System, Acc® System, Covering® System and FryTastic®, together with various patents and unique models, have since set the standard in the sector.

Since the entry of Cindy van Ratingen (second generation) at the end of 1998, FRITEL has experienced strong expansion. The range was further extended, always with a clear focus on ease of use, ease of maintenance, multifunctionality and real added value for the market and the consumer.

Today: a complete and well-thought-out range

As of 2026, the FRITEL range comprises a broad and coherent offering within:

  • Deep frying: with or without oil
  • Baking: waffle makers, grills, table grills, teppanyaki
  • Snacking: hot air fryers or airfryers
  • Cooking: slicers, blenders, juicers, rice and pasta cookers, dehydrators
  • Fun cooking: fondue, raclette and grill appliances
  • Outdoor: electric barbecues, charcoal and electric barbecues

In 2020, FRITEL introduced The Mulch, an innovative concept focused on waste reduction. The system keeps waste clean, dry and odourless until the next collection. A smart solution for a changing world with more apartments, separate waste collection, stricter sorting rules and paid waste by weight. The concept offers a solution to annoying problems everyone faces in this context, such as inconvenience, fruit flies, leaking waste bags and mould. The Mulch is therefore practical, future-oriented and aligned with today’s rapidly evolving society.

How and where we work

NV van RATINGEN operates from its Belgian home base in Hasselt, Limburg, and proudly carries those roots. With a team of 25 highly motivated employees, all activities are centralised and managed under one roof:

  • Research, development & engineering
  • Purchasing and product management
  • Sales, sales advice and support
  • Marketing (offline & online)
  • Quality control & testing
  • Logistics and warehousing
  • Customer service and after-sales service
  • Accounting, financial management and reporting

In short: from first idea to after-sales, fully managed in-house.

Our added value

  • All activities centralised in Hasselt
  • A A–Z assortment in small kitchen appliances and air treatment
  • Continuous stock of the full range
  • Delivery in the Benelux within 24–48 hours
  • Own external sales team with more than 10,000 hybrid customer contacts per year
  • Annual training sessions for sales teams
  • Internal customer service and after-sales service
  • Full availability of spare parts for the own range
  • Own service workshop with direct support and case follow-up
  • Online platform with all product information: datasheets, BOM lists, photos, videos and press material
  • Emotional, inspiring marketing that supports both customer and consumer in daily life
  • Thanks to our scale: fast switching, fast decision-making and rapid response to trends and opportunities

Sustainability as a foundation

In our processes, supplier relationships, material use and business philosophy, sustainability and regeneration are central. Through conscious choices, we aim to actively contribute to a better environment and to overall well-being.

Mission Statement

Mission

FRITEL aims to be an inspiring and innovative reference brand in small domestic appliances throughout Europe. With respect for people, environment and society, FRITEL develops solutions that genuinely improve everyday life.

Our approach

FRITEL is a trendsetter with foresight. We actively think along with the consumer and translate new needs and life stages into smart, sustainable and accessible products.

Our solutions grow along with the life of the user: from Starter to Family, Chef and Profi. Ease of use, ease of maintenance and multifunctionality are the common thread, from the first concept to the finished product.

In this way, FRITEL helps consumers every day to cook, bake, snack and enjoy together more easily, more pleasantly and better.

Our values

  • Multifunctionality: one appliance, multiple solutions
  • Innovation: thinking ahead and translating trends into concrete added value
  • Design: functional, timeless and fitting in every kitchen
  • Communication & inspiration: clear, human and activating
  • Value for money: durable quality that delivers
  • Solution-oriented: we solve real problems
  • User-friendliness: intuitive to use, easy to maintain
  • Customer service: committed support, also after purchase
  • People, environment & society: conscious choices with impact
  • Partnerships: building long-term relationships, not transactions

Sustainability

Conscious entrepreneurship, every day anew

Every day, FRITEL works towards a better existence for everyone. True to our mission, we inspire people culinairily and develop solutions that make everyday cooking easier. Always with respect for people, environment and society, not as an afterthought, but as a foundation.

Sustainability at FRITEL is not a project, but a continuous evolution. In recent years, we have made tangible progress throughout our entire chain: from well-being in the workplace and improved working conditions at suppliers, to long-term partnerships, solar energy and a strong reduction of waste streams.

In the future as well, we remain committed to taking targeted action and further increasing our impact, including through the Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

Download our Sustainability Report here!

 

A sustainable kitchen, without compromises

Sustainable does not have to be more expensive. With smart FRITEL solutions, you save energy, time and costs, without compromising on comfort or safety.

From the development phase onwards, energy efficiency and safety are central to our appliances. We even go one step further: FRITEL actively measures the energy consumption of its appliances and compares this with alternative cooking methods. In this way, we make sustainability measurable and concrete.

In addition, we encourage:

  • cooking with seasonal products
  • processing leftovers
  • zero-waste applications in the kitchen

Together, we reduce waste and save money, a win-win for people and nature.

 

Repair is standard: in-house repair service

FRITEL appliances are designed for a long service life. Is there still a defect? Then you can rely on our own in-house repair service, staffed by skilled specialists.

Thanks to a large stock of spare parts in our own warehouse, we repair quickly and efficiently. Because at FRITEL, the principle applies: “Why throw away when you can repair?”

Proper maintenance and correct use naturally remain crucial. That is why we recommend following the user manual and using our cleaning products. This way, you can enjoy your appliance for many years.

 

Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

From pioneer to laureate

Since 2022, FRITEL has been a Pioneer within the Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship. Under the guidance of Voka Limburg, we actively work on concrete sustainability actions, aligned with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our three-year trajectory was successfully completed, resulting in the UNITAR certificate in 2025. After completing all action points, we obtained the certificate of Sustainable Entrepreneur and continue to grow towards Master in Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

We do this consciously. Because sustainable entrepreneurship at FRITEL is not a marketing term, but a daily commitment, driven by expertise, impactful choices and a clear long-term vision. Sustainable entrepreneurship at FRITEL is not a marketing story, but a daily commitment with a clear long-term vision.

 

Inspiration & tips on sustainability

On our blog, we share insights, tips and stories that make sustainability tangible.

  • Smart saving in the kitchen with the right appliances
  • In-house repair: moving away from the throwaway mentality
  • The kitchen of tomorrow: circular design with a long service life
  • Plastic-free cooking without sacrificing comfort
  • Smarter kitchen waste management (your nose will thank you)
  • Ergonomic and sustainable working for greater well-being in the workplace
  • PFAS-free and circular: WaffleTastic® as the new standard
  • Multifunctionality as the sustainable secret of our waffle makers

 

Sustainability is in the design

FRITEL believes that sustainability starts with smart design. Our waffle makers with interchangeable baking plates are a perfect example: one appliance, countless applications, fewer raw materials, lower CO₂ emissions and less electronic waste.

Innovation, multifunctionality and compatibility between generations of appliances ensure that products last longer and remain relevant.

FRITEL chooses consciously.
For today. For tomorrow. For everyone.

Also have a look at our blog pages

Sustainable partnerships: stronger together at FRITEL

Sustainable partnerships: stronger together at FRITEL

Sustainability

At FRITEL, we don’t believe in quick collaborations or short-term thinking. What truly moves us forward are sustainable partnerships. Relationships that grow over time, are built on trust, and in which we strengthen one another.

Be smart and save energy with the right FRITEL appliances

Be smart and save energy with the right FRITEL appliances

Sustainability
Save money

Did you know that you can easily save energy just by choosing the right appliance? At FRITEL, we believe that smart choices lead to lower energy consumption and more comfort – for the planet and your wallet. That’s why we’re happy to share practical tips to help you save energy in the kitchen.

Enjoy FRITEL’s in-house repair service

Enjoy FRITEL’s in-house repair service

Sustainability

Imagine your favorite waffle maker stops working. Throwaway mentality? Not here. FRITEL does things differently: repair is our default. Because: “Why throw it away if you can repair it?” At FRITEL, sustainability becomes tangible.

FRITEL is building the kitchen of tomorrow

FRITEL is building the kitchen of tomorrow

Sustainability

Do you also dream of appliances that are beautiful, practical, and sustainable? At FRITEL, we believe that good design is only complete when it embraces circular thinking. No unnecessary raw materials, but a long product lifespan and a minimal ecological footprint.

Cooking without plastic? Now that’s haute cuisine!

Cooking without plastic? Now that’s haute cuisine!

Sustainability

May Plastic Free is the perfect moment to take a fresh look at your kitchen. Because let’s be honest, where do we find plastic most often? That’s right, in the kitchen! From packaging to disposable containers, plastic is everywhere. But what if we told you that you don’t have to sacrifice style or convenience to go plastic-free in your kitchen? And that FRITEL can help you with that?

What no one tells you about kitchen waste

What no one tells you about kitchen waste

Sustainability

Hey you! Yes, you who just tossed your carrot peels, coffee grounds and apple cores in the bin like they never existed. We need to talk. Not because you’re doing anything wrong… but because you could do so much better. And smarter.

Working Comfortably and in style

Working Comfortably and in style

Sustainability

A healthy start begins at your desk. At FRITEL, we care about well-being in the workplace. Following our 2024 ergonomics session, we kicked off the year with concrete actions. The result? Brand-new ergonomic office chairs and sit-stand desks, offering more comfort, flexibility, and smiling colleagues.

Sustainable Working for a Better Future

Sustainable Working for a Better Future

Sustainability

At FRITEL, it's about more than just top-quality products; we believe in a healthy, sustainable workplace and a greener future. That’s why we invest not only in environmental innovations but also in the well-being of our employees.

WaffleTastic®, PFAS-free and 100% sustainable

WaffleTastic®, PFAS-free and 100% sustainable

Sustainability
WaffleTastic®

Combining sustainability with innovation, the WaffleTastic® sets new standards for eco-friendly kitchenware. The appliance is made entirely of recyclable materials and comes in eco-packaging. The baking trays are PFAS-free and have a high-quality ceramic coating. Moreover, the baking plates of the previous generation of combi waffle makers are fully compatible with this new model.