Pam Kueber - March 20, 2019, Updated: August 28, 2021
Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
In my recent guide to buying a retro refrigerator,buying vintage was tip #6. That prompted me to look through lots of stories in our archives and put together this roundup of 12 vintage refrigerators. Spanning 1934 to the mid-1970s, these vintage refrigerators are marvelous, wacky, classic, or rare — chosen to taste some of the coolest kitchen appliances that American had to offer. Above: the incredible GE Refrigeration Center.
GE Refrigeration Center:
This amazing kitchen appliance has a wall-hung refrigerator and freezer on top and presumably, a refrigerator and freezer drawers on the bottom. In between are the famous GE Cabinettes. The GE Refrigeration Center is #1 on my list as the most amazing refrigerator ever. Yet, still, 13 years into blogging, I’ve still have not seen or heard of one in the wild. Sigh.
GE 1955 Wall Refrigerator:
We have seen many “magnificent” GE Wall Refrigerator-Freezers, although none that I recall still in working order. Bueller? Bueller? This remarkable refrigerator — which presents like a set of kitchen wall cabinets — was introduced in 1955. I will presume it pre-dated the GE Refrigeration Unit, although I don’t know for sure.More photos and images about this GE wall fridge here.
Revco Built-in Refrigerators:
Revco made built-in refrigerator and freezer units that I’m sure were pretty high-end brand. In the photo above, the refrigerator and freezer are shown with St. Charles Steel Kitchen cabinets, the creme de la creme. I have a complete catalog of Revco refrigerators from 1956 – so fun to ogle!
The 1953 Kelvinator Foodarama:
Fun fact: The Kelvinator Foodarama gets a shout-out in the big profile of the blog in the New York Times in 2011. I also heard Mrs. Maisel mention it in Season 1! Same diner scene where you can spot Wilsonart Betty laminateon the tables!
Are we having fun yet? I am! Above: Greg and Tammy’s 1953 Kelvinator Foodarama, which Greg had painted safety red. They purchased it from its original owner, and I’m thinking it was in original working condition. See more great photos of the Kelvinator Foodarama — including its amazing interior features here.
- Fun fact: The Kelvinator Foodarama gets a shout-out in the big profile of the blog in the New York Times in 2011. I also heard Mrs. Maisel mention it in Season 1! Same diner scene where you can spot Wilsonart Betty laminateon the tables!
1957 Philco Refrigerator:
I selected this 1957 Philco refrigerator for this story not because it was unusual — but because it was prototypical. I bet GE sold millions of these. This basic size, scale, and design also were common among other market leaders — like Amy’s Westinghouse, just below. Reader Will submitted it in our 2012 uploader and reported that it still works great:
My 1957 Philco Refrigerator and 1950 Frigidaire that are my daily drivers in my kitchen. – Will
A 1941 Westinghouse Refrigerator in Continuous Operation for 76 years:
Indeed, these old refrigerators are work horses. Above, that’sAmy’s 1941 Westinghouse refrigerator, which has been in constant operation in the same family since it was purchased.At the time the story was published, that was 76 years and going strong!
1964 GE Americana Refrigerator Freezer:
By 1964, GE was giving us a somewhat less ambitious version of their earlier Refrigeration Center. This one is called the GE Americana Refrigerator Freezer, and we have lots of photos and the paperwork, too. This beauty has an ingenious built-in counter area that lights up, and there’s an easy-access electric plug, too — handy!
1967 Limited Edition Sears Coldspot Designed by Sundberg Ferar:
The 1967 limited edition Sears Coldspot designed by Sundberg Ferar seems pretty rare. It even came with an inscribed nameplate for the buyer. Flora was one lucky lady!This photo of the Sundberg Ferar design came from reader 52PostnBeam via a 2012 uploader.
1970s Poppy Red Frigidaire Refrigerator:
Ya gotta love the ’70s. Avocado green and harvest gold appliances were rocking American kitchens big-time. On the other hand, this poppy red color on refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers was pretty rare — chosen by truly adventurous decorators.I think.
1938 Hotpoint Refrigerator:
Now, dialing back in time, here’s what the inside of refrigerators looked in the 1930s. Simple. Functional. Beautiful. Solid.This one is Alli’s, also from our uploader.
1934 White Seal Ice Box:
Finally, I couldn’t resist: Chutti’s gone old school — or at least, for collecting purposes — with her 1934 White Seal Ice Box.
Want to see more rare vintage kitchen appliances:
- 14 rare vintage kitchen sinks spotted in years of blogging
