Highly functional products for around the house. Leifheit provides it all from step ladders to kitchen scales.
They're known for well-made, simple products that do the dirty work without any frills.
Their US online shop lets you choose from the categories Kitchen, Cleaning, Washing Care, Ladders and Soehnle 
(where you can get bathroom and kitchen scales).
We're eyeing them for a step ladder but are still comparison shopping..
I got a step ladder from Bed Bath and Beyond.
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&sku=10218314
It's great! I don't know how I ever lived without it before.
Some of Leifheit's stuff looks basic (in a good way) and retro -- and some, like the Porche Design series, are very up-to-date and still really practical. Take a look at the F.A. Porsche can opener and scissors.
Can opener
http://www.theconsumerlink.com/Leifheit/detail/TCL+23400/103
Scissors:
http://www.theconsumerlink.com/Leifheit/detail/TCL+23430/103
i have the step ladder pictured and while i like the fact that it folds up so skinny, it does not actually fold up the way the directions say it should, so that makes me a little nervous. basically, instead of using the lever to fold it, i have to flip it over upside down to fold it which makes it a little difficult...isn't that weird? i suppose it's better than it folding up too easily -- like when you're on it!
i shoudl have clarified -- i have the bed bath and beyond one pictured, not the leifheit.
Jamiebeth, I have that same problem with mine. It's weird and the one thing I'm not crazy about.
I think I have the leifheit and it folds up the way it's supposed to. I love it - it fits in the space between my fridge and the wall and I use it all the time (well I'm short).
I've had the Leifheit for about 5 years now, and it works just as advertised. I also keep it in between the fridge and wall, which is easy since it folds to about 1.5". It gets used quite a bit because I'm very short and can't reach the upper cabinets without it.
Jamiebeth: I have the Leifheit but I'm certain the issue is the same with my switch as with yours: If you pull the metal about 1/2" below the red piece that appears to be designed to be pushed, the step ladder folds closed effortlessly.
Their step ladders are the best. Pricey but worth every penny. I've had a couple other brands and Leifheit quality has surpassed them all...spend the extra money for extra years.
I love the Leifheit ladders so much I have 2 of them! The tall 6' one (we have 10' ceilings and wall of floor-to-ceiling bookcases) and the 2-step for reaching the top shelves in the kitchen. They are super light and super thin, but also super sturdy. Bought both at The Container Store on 6th Ave.
I have the leifheit. Before I saw it here, I didn't even know it was a hip thing. I bought it because it was the first step ladder I found in the shop. It folds very well by just pulling the red tab, it's sturdy and fits between the fridge and the wall, highly recommended. Just keep it away from your ever so curious toddler...
katie -- crazy, right?
chuck lechuck -- i'm trying to picture what you're talking about -- i'll try it out.
i cam ehere just look for the write -ups , im a Creative writer