WMF Brand Guide · New Zealand

WMF Cookware & Cutlery NZ: The Complete Guide to WMF Pans, Pots and Cromargan® Cutlery

Everything you need to choose WMF in New Zealand: how Profi Resist, Ultimate, Fusiontec, Function 4, Gourmet Plus and Comfort Line differ, what Cromargan® and Cromargan protect® really are, and which WMF cutlery pattern suits your table.

By Michael Joyce Ltd, New Zealand family-owned kitchenware specialists since the 1950s · Updated 14 October 2026

WMF at a glance

WMF began in 1853 as Metallwarenfabrik Straub & Schweizer, a small metalware workshop in Geislingen an der Steige in southern Germany. A merger in 1880 created the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, the name behind the three letters. In 1927 WMF showed its first Cromargan® cookware at the Leipzig Trade Fair, registered the Cromargan® name in 1930 and launched Cromargan® cutlery in 1932. That stainless steel is still the backbone of the brand today. Read the full story on our WMF history page.

Why buy WMF from Michael Joyce?

• Specialists, not a marketplace. A New Zealand family business across three generations, supplying quality European kitchenware to Kiwi homes and retailers since the 1950s.
• Local warranty support. Michael Joyce handles WMF warranty claims in New Zealand and deals with the manufacturer for you. See Kitchenware Warranty NZ.
• Free NZ delivery and 14-day returns on eligible unused items. See Delivery and Returns.
• Talk to a person: 0800 222 021 or contact us online.

WMF Ultimate Profi Resist frying pans

WMF Ultimate Profi Resist is a stainless steel frying pan with a hardened ceramic non-stick coating protected by a raised stainless steel honeycomb. The honeycomb takes the wear from utensils and gives you the browning and searing of stainless steel, while the coating between the cells releases food easily. It suits delicate eggs and fish as well as high-heat searing.

Who it's for: cooks who want non-stick convenience without babying the pan, and anyone who has worn out a standard non-stick pan too quickly.

WMF Ultimate frying & serving pans

The WMF Ultimate pan uses an ultra-flat construction that removes unnecessary material between the heat source and the cooking surface, so it heats quickly and responds fast when you change the temperature. The low profile makes it easy to flip and serve straight from the pan, which suits steak, fish, vegetables and eggs. The serving-pan versions have two handles, so they go from stovetop to table.

WMF Fusiontec cookware

Fusiontec is WMF's own cookware material: a steel core with layers of natural minerals fused onto it at very high temperature, forming a single, inseparable material. WMF describes the surface as fusing 20 natural minerals into an extra-robust finish. The result heats quickly, holds heat exceptionally well and resists scratches, even from metal spatulas. Fusiontec is made in Germany and Michael Joyce lists it with a 30-year warranty.

Colours: Black, Platinum, Eucalyptus, Rose Quartz, Red (Passion Red), Yellow and Papaya, depending on the piece. Fusiontec comes as frying pans, stewpots, 28cm round roasters (6L, oven suitable) and 4-piece sets.

WMF Function 4 cookware

Function 4 is named after its lid: a glass lid with a silicone ring that you rotate to one of four positions for cooking, pouring and straining. You can drain pasta, rice or vegetables straight from the pot without a colander, pour sauces cleanly, or close it fully for low-water cooking. The pots also have an internal measuring scale, a wide pouring rim and WMF's TransTherm® base, which spreads and holds heat on every cooktop, including induction.

Versions: Function 4 Black pairs the lid with a black exterior; Function 4 Red adds colour; Function 4 Advanced is made from Cromargan® stainless steel with a pouring spout and a multifunction lid for low-water recipes, full pouring and straining.

WMF Gourmet Plus cookware

Gourmet Plus is WMF's professional-style stainless steel range: heavy-duty Cromargan® 18/10 with a matt finish, built to bring restaurant-quality results home. Hollow stainless steel handles reduce heat transfer, internal measuring scales save a jug, and the wide rim pours cleanly. The TransTherm® universal base suits all common cooktops, including induction, and the Gourmet Plus frying pan is ovenproof.

WMF Comfort Line cookware

Comfort Line is a classic, polished Cromargan® 18/10 stainless steel range with clean cylindrical shapes, glass lids and a TransTherm® base, suitable for induction, gas, electric and ceramic cooktops. It covers everyday cooking with genuine WMF quality at an approachable price, and looks at home in modern and traditional kitchens.

Other WMF stainless ranges at Michael Joyce include Diadem Plus, Astoria, Brillant, Quality One (Cool+ handles), Iconic, Ultimate Cool+ and the compact Mini set.

Which WMF range is right for you?

Still deciding? Our Cookware Buying Guide and Frying Pan Buying Guide go deeper.

WMF cutlery: a deep dive

WMF has made stainless steel cutlery since 1932, and it remains one of the most respected cutlery makers in the world. Every set is designed in Germany around three things you notice at the table: balance in the hand, a finish that stays bright, and patterns that last for decades so you can add pieces later.

WMF cutlery patterns by style

Choosing a set size

• 24-piece: four pieces for six people.
• 30-piece: a full five-piece setting for six people, the most popular choice.
• 60-piece: five-piece settings for twelve people.
• 66-piece: twelve settings plus serving pieces, for entertaining.

Need extras? Add single cutlery pieces, cutlery accessories, table service and steak knives. For little ones, see WMF children's cutlery.

Cromargan®, Cromargan protect® and PVD explained

Cromargan® 18/10 stainless steel

Cromargan® is WMF's name for its 18/10 stainless steel: roughly 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The name joins "crom" for its chromium content with "argan" for its silver-like look. It is rust-free, acid-resistant, taste-neutral and dishwasher safe, which is why WMF uses it for both cookware and cutlery. Cheaper 18/0 steel contains no nickel and generally does not hold its shine as well over the years.

Cromargan protect®

Developed by WMF in 2008, Cromargan protect® is a refined, highly scratch-resistant version of Cromargan®. The steel is heated to over 1,000°C in a vacuum furnace while nitrogen is introduced under pressure and embeds into the surface. Rapid cooling then gives a much harder surface. Polished pieces stay glossy and matt pieces stay matt, even with daily dishwasher use. WMF offers patterns such as Merit and Virginia in Cromargan protect®; check each product page for the finish of the set you choose.

PVD colour finishes

Gold, gunmetal and other coloured WMF cutlery uses PVD (physical vapour deposition), where a thin, hard coloured layer is bonded to the steel in a vacuum chamber. PVD pieces have their own care instructions, so follow the guidance on the product page.

Polished or matt?

Polished cutlery has a mirror shine but shows fine marks sooner. Brushed and matt finishes hide everyday scratches better. Our WMF Cutlery Buying Guide covers this in detail.

Caring for WMF cookware and cutlery

• Pans: preheat gently on medium heat, add a little oil, and wash by hand where recommended (Fusiontec and Profi Resist). Full guide: How to clean and look after your frying pans.
• Stainless steel pots: salt water only once it is boiling to avoid pitting, and remove rainbow heat tints with a little vinegar.
• Cutlery: rinse off food soon after eating, don't leave it soaking, unload the dishwasher promptly and keep the rinse aid and salt topped up.
• Knives: see our Knife Care & Sharpening Guide NZ and the WMF knife range.

WMF frequently asked questions

Is WMF a German brand?

Yes. WMF was founded in 1853 in Geislingen an der Steige, Germany, and is still headquartered there. Fusiontec cookware is made in Germany; check each product page for the country of manufacture of other ranges.

Who owns WMF?

WMF has been part of Groupe SEB since 2016. In New Zealand, WMF is sold by Michael Joyce Ltd online and through more than 70 stockists.

What is Cromargan®?

Cromargan® is WMF's trademarked 18/10 stainless steel (about 18% chromium, 10% nickel). It is rust-free, acid-resistant, taste-neutral and dishwasher safe. WMF has used it for cookware since 1927 and cutlery since 1932.

What is the difference between Cromargan® and Cromargan protect®?

Cromargan protect® is Cromargan® that has been surface-hardened with nitrogen at over 1,000°C in a vacuum furnace. It is far more scratch-resistant, so cutlery keeps its polished or matt finish for longer.

Is WMF cookware suitable for induction?

Yes. Ranges with WMF's TransTherm® universal base, including Function 4, Gourmet Plus and Comfort Line, work on induction, gas, electric and ceramic cooktops. Fusiontec and Ultimate Profi Resist are also suitable for all cooktops, including induction.

Can I use metal utensils on WMF Profi Resist pans?

Yes. The raised stainless steel honeycomb protects the ceramic non-stick coating, so metal utensils can be used. Fusiontec is also scratch-resistant enough for metal spatulas.

Is WMF Fusiontec non-stick?

Fusiontec is a fused mineral material on a steel core, designed for scratch resistance and outstanding heat retention rather than as a classic non-stick coating. Preheat it and cook with a little oil or butter for the best release and browning.

What does "Function 4" mean on WMF pots?

It refers to the lid, which rotates to four positions so you can cook, strain and pour without lifting it off or using a colander.

Are WMF pans oven safe?

WMF Ultimate Profi Resist pans are oven safe up to 250°C, the Gourmet Plus frying pan is ovenproof, and Fusiontec round roasters are made for the oven. Check the product page for other items and for lids and handles.

Is WMF cookware and cutlery dishwasher safe?

Cromargan® stainless steel cookware and cutlery is dishwasher safe. For Fusiontec and Profi Resist, the dishwasher is allowed but hand washing is recommended to keep them at their best.

Which WMF frying pan is best for steak?

For a hard sear, choose the WMF Steak Profi pan, the Ultimate Profi Resist or a Fusiontec frying pan, which holds heat when cold meat hits the surface.

How many people does a 30-piece WMF cutlery set serve?

A 30-piece set gives six people a five-piece setting. A 60-piece set serves twelve, and 66-piece sets add serving pieces.

Does WMF cutlery rust?

Cromargan® is rust-free stainless steel. Spots that look like rust usually come from food acids or deposits left by other items in the dishwasher. Rinse cutlery soon after use, don't leave it wet, and unload the dishwasher promptly.

What warranty does WMF have in New Zealand?

Warranty length depends on the range: Michael Joyce lists Fusiontec with a 30-year warranty and Ultimate Cool+ with a 20-year warranty. Michael Joyce handles all WMF warranty claims in New Zealand, in addition to your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. See Kitchenware Warranty NZ.

Where can I buy WMF in New Zealand?

Online at michaeljoyce.co.nz with free NZ delivery and 14-day returns, or through one of Michael Joyce's 70+ stockists around the country. Questions? Call 0800 222 021.

Product details are taken from WMF and Michael Joyce product information and were correct at the time of writing. Specifications can change, so always check the product page before you buy.