In 1929, Vorwerk had already made a name for itself in motor engineering, manufacturing drives for gramophones. But with the advent of the radio, sales faltered. New approaches were needed: why not use the gramophone’s reliable motor for household cleaning as well? The first Kobold/Folletto vacuum cleaner, the Model 30, was born and swiftly conquered German households—thanks in no small part to direct sales, which presented the benefits of this little helper right in customers’ homes.

August’s son, Werner Mittelsten Scheid, returned from the United States with a revolutionary idea: direct sales. It was a stroke of luck at just the right time, as retailers were struggling to explain the advantages of the new Kobold handheld vacuum cleaner. Personal product demonstrations at customers' homes proved to be much more successful. By 1935, 100,000 devices had already been sold directly.

A true all-rounder: the Kobold/Folletto 53

In two respects, the Kobold/Folletto 53 was a real highlight. Launched in the early 1950s, it was the first model in green and white, later featured the first electric carpet brush (ET1), and became an (almost) do-it-all device with clever attachments. In addition to vacuuming, it could limewash walls, kindle a fire in the fireplace, or dry boots and hair.

With the VK118, Kobold/Folletto received not only a technical update in 1977, but also a new face. 

A more modern design, combined with the matching electric brush and an innovative filter system, brought fresh momentum and hygiene to floor care.

In 1997, Kobold/Folletto set new standards in design and technology with the VK130. The fabric bag was replaced by a cleanly contoured plastic housing. Motor protection, HEPA and, for the first time, odour filters ensured 99.9% purified air and earned the TÜV allergy-friendly seal—a real relief in everyday life.

The Kobold/Folletto VK150 made its debut in white — smaller, lighter and more powerful thanks to an innovative, completely maintenance-free motor. Brand new: the 2-in-1 wet and dry cleaning attachment. It vacuums and mops at the same time — in a single step.

The VK200 is considered the most energy-efficient model in the Kobold range to date.

Yes, it exists: a cordless vacuum cleaner from Vorwerk. With its slim form, the Kobold/Folletto VB100 picks up the design line of the “Original Kobold”. With the right attachments, it becomes a versatile cordless professional — and goes on to collect a string of awards in the following years.

The Kobold/Folletto VK7 is both a superstar and, if desired, a true team player! The compact and powerful cordless handheld vacuum cleaner is the heart of the VK7 modular cleaning system and a true professional. It can be flexibly combined with various attachments and nozzles: it handles almost any cleaning task with ease — vacuum-mopping included.

The Kobold/Folletto VM7 is joining the range. It’s the perfect cordless handheld vacuum cleaner for a quick clean, whether at home or on the go.