Who We Are

For over seventy years Kaz' commitment to providing innovative, high-quality healthcare appliances has made it a world leader.

This longstanding tradition of supplying safe, reliable and high-quality products began in upstate New York in 1926 with Max Katzman's invention of the world's first electric vaporizer.

When an open-flame alcohol-burning croup kettle prescribed by his physician for treatment of his infant son exploded only Mr. Katzman's quick action prevented serious harm. It was clear to him that a safer appliance was needed and he designed and constructed the first electric vaporizer, founding the Kaz Company to produce and market his revolutionary advance.

The original vaporizer was constructed from a mayonnaise jar, carriage lamp, Victrola spring and carbon electrodes. Basic though this device was, it incorporated two important safety innovations: automatic shutoff and a safety lock which made it impossible to open the vaporizer without first disconnecting the electricity.

At the 1927 convention of the American Medical Association, Mr. Katzman's invention of this safe and effective appliance for vapor inhalation therapy was credited with saving over a thousand lives a year. Vapor Therapy is prescribed today by virtually 100% of America's physicians, particularly for croup and upper respiratory illness in infants and children. Kaz is the world's largest vaporizer/humidifier manufacturer and continues to be the most trusted name in the industry.

Kaz innovation and attention to detail continues to this date. Our exclusive patented design for electric vaporizers is the safest and most effective on the market. Kaz are the only cool mist humidifiers to feature an air-cleaning filter; the exclusive DynaFilter Air Cleaning Cartridge removes dust, pollen, odors and tobacco smoke from room air. Kaz humidifiers introduced the exclusive FillChannel©, which permits filling the units without removing the cover. The Kaz Personal Steam Inhaler is highly recommended by physicians. We introduced the advanced Kaz SmartHeat© electronic heating pads, incorporating safety and efficiency features found on no other pads. An extensive research and development program continues to produce important new products.

Kaz products are sold worldwide, providing important answers to the needs of the healthcare market. They are available in both 100-120 volt and 220-240 volt versions, with locally required electrical cords and multi-language packaging and instructions for use.

Kaz has always been a family enterprise. Lawrence Katzman, an electrical engineer and son of Max Katzman, joined Kaz in 1946, succeeded to the presidency of the Kaz companies in 1956 and continued as its President and Chief Executive Officer for 33 years. He is also known internationally as Kaz the Cartoonist, with cartoon collections published in 21 countries. The third generation, Lawrence Katzman's son Richard, served in various capacities with the company for twelve years and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in 1989, adding the CEO title in 1998.