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As much as we love a modern kitchen appliance that’s cleverly disguised as a cabinet or drawer, there’s something about retro refrigerators that makes us want to display them rather than hide them. So, we took it upon ourselves to find the best ones on the market so anyone with an affinity for the simplicity and charm of bygone decades can enjoy a piece of the past.
Here’s the thing, though: An authentic vintage refrigerator from the 1950s is not a great idea. For starters, it likely won’t be safe (think fire hazards and toxic chemicals that are no longer used today). Secondly, appliances from half a century ago won’t work as well as the ones made today. With that in mind, the retro refrigerators on our list below are made brand-new but look like they could have been plucked from the set of Mad Men; it’s the best of both worlds. Plus, our list isn’t limited to classic, standard refrigerators. We’ve included everything from mini fridges that are compact enough to squeeze into even the smallest nooks to oversized kitchen fridges swathed with the Union Jack. Take your pick!
Keep reading for our ultimate guide to picking out the best one for you and your space, what to look for, and why we’d always advocate for brand-new appliances.
The thing about authentic retro fridges is that they are, unfortunately, horrible for the environment because they use so much energy and a lot of harmful materials to keep your food and drinks chilled and frozen. Retro-inspired fridges, on the other hand, are much more eco-conscious, making them good options for kitchens in need of some charisma. This one, from Unique Appliances, is Energy Star-certified, comes in seven colors, and is ADA-compliant. It's also finished in a smudge-resistant high gloss that makes it feel like it escaped from the 1950s (in the best way.) One reviewer says, "So happy with our classic refrigerator. I wish it was a little larger, but I sure know what I need when checking for my grocery list. It's just my husband and me and we live in a 100-year-old home! Very satisfied with product and delivery was excellent."
Technically, this beverage cooler is indeed a fridge, so we're throwing it on the list as the most affordable pick. Whether you use it to store soda, beer, or even skincare, you'll begin to rely on it because it's so cute and quite useful. One reviewer said, "I've had this mini fridge tucked under my PC desk. I use it mainly for makeup storage. It's just the right size. I can fit all my skincare products, makeup palettes, and even some brushes in there. The consistent temperature ensures that my makeup stays fresh and ready to use."
When we think of a retro-inspired refrigerator, Smeg definitely comes to mind. This one, the classic, if you will, comes in seven shades, including robin's egg blue, bright yellow, and mint green. Our personal favorite, however is the iconic Union Jack. Did we mention there's also a similar version, but instead of the British symbol, it's the American flag. This fridge is also made in Italy, so you already know it includes a wine rack. As is the case with most big-ticket goodies from Williams Sonoma, you can enjoy free white glove delivery to the room of your choice.
If you're wondering whether or not a kitchen appliance is actually retro, look at the corners. Pieces from the middle of the 20th century are often designed with clean, sharp lines and rounded corners to soften the look. This cherry red fridge has perfectly straight lines down pat, but the equally sharp corners offer a reassurance that this fridge is brand spanking new, which we'd consider a good thing because decades-old appliances rarely work well. One reviewer says, "I will say we are currently only a family of three, and this refrigerator is perfect for us. We are very organized, so there is more than enough space in this fridge."
This sleek retro-inspired Galanz fridge is a great budget-friendly option if you're looking to save without skimping on style. It comes in a bevy of bold colors, including black, blue, and red, but if you want something that feels a bit more classic, it's also available in white. And just like the real thing from the mid-20th century, the freezer is on top. The inside, however, is totally contemporary, with multiple adjustable shelves and a high-efficiency and low-energy consumption compressor. "I don't typically write reviews for my Amazon buys, but this item has exceeded my expectations for the price by far. We moved into our first home and the old fridge left behind was just not worth trying to salvage," One reviewer says. "Being somewhat cash-strapped and not ready to commit to a full-size replacement (especially others with this retro style), we stumbled upon this. I was skeptical at first, but the fridge is a perfectly manageable size for two people in terms of storage space, and the black retro look is great. Appearance has kept it's charm and still looks new six months on."
This refrigerator is a minimalist masterpiece complete with two full-width slide-out glass shelves, a full-width crisper, and a six-can dispenser for beer, juice, or anything else you drink on the regular. On the functional side of things, this find features an adjustable thermostat control, interior light, space-saving flat back design, and leveling legs. One of the five-star reviews says, "So we recently put a shade area off our pool deck. We live on a pleasure farm and went rustic. This fit perfect. Freezer has freeze pops for kids and adults then fridge has juice pouches water and adult beverages. It will come in for the winter as extra fridge during holidays! We love it"
While most retro fridges are on the smaller side, Big Chill offers a more standard (American) size option. This two-door top-freezer refrigerator is nearly double the size of the two-door Smeg at 20.5 cubic feet. It comes in an array of bold colors, and for an added $400 fee, you can choose from dozens of other custom colors. The best part? If you're not into the glossy finish, opt for a matte one.
Sometimes all you need is a mini-fridge, and we'd suggest this one, from Winia. It comes in five fun colors and two sizes to fit a variety of spaces and styles. Inside, it features bright LED lighting and adjustable glass shelves. You'll be surprised to learn how much you can fit in here. "The fridge came extremely quickly in a perfect condition, carefully packaged, and cute. I didn't adjust the temperature. I like a clear plastic shelf above the fresh produce drawer because I can see and remember what I have. Funny thing, I feel like I have more food now than when we had a 20 cu ft fridge," one reviewer says.
The great thing about ordering anything—especially a large appliance—from The Home Depot is that you can enlist a local pro to help with delivery and installation. Plus, the customer service from The Home Depot is pretty impeccable. Back to the fridge, though: It's Energy Star-certified, available in seven hues, and includes an adjustable thermostat. One reviewer says, "It's exactly what I wanted and more. It's just me, so there is plenty of room for my food in there. It doesn’t have all the fancy things you see in modern fridges, but this is so incredibly perfect that you wouldn’t miss any of it. I would highly recommend if you are looking to add a little flare to your kitchen and can afford to downsize the square footage."
Another mini fridge that makes the cut is this Frigidaire find. It's pretty basic, but it does everything you'll need, including keeping your goodies cold. It includes an easily removable and adjustable shelf, an adjustable thermostat, and a two-liter door basket. One of the nearly 8,000 five-star reviews says, "Never thought I'd love a fridge as much as this! I needed a new fridge for my office at work. It was delivered directly to my office by the Amazon driver. No dings or dents! It arrived within two days of ordering. If you like the color pink like me, treat yourself and get this cute retro fridge. It makes me smile every time I look at it."
It doesn't get more retro than Snoopy, who made his first appearance in 1950. Arguably the most famous cartoon pup paired with an iconic Smeg design makes for one stylish retro fridge. This one, which is perfectly compact, has an interior LED light, an adjustable thermostat, and a produce drawer.
If you're a fan of neutrals, this vintage-inspired find will easily blend into your kitchen—especially if it's a tight squeeze. With bright LED interior lighting, three safety glass shelves, a frost-free top fresh food area, and a bottom freezer, this is one of the best retro fridges on the market. Did we mention delivery is free?
Generally speaking, no. Older refrigerators operate differently than current models. For instance, fridges from a few decades ago employed gasses to cool down the inside, which may lead to accidental fires or poisoned food. In fact, such appliances can be so dangerous that the United States Department of Energy recommends replacing them every 12 or so years. What's more, the American Appliance Repair recommends putting your fridge through a maintenance check every three months. All of this goes to say that older fridges (10 or more years) are not the safest option. If you like to live life on the edge and are still considering snagging a vintage fridge for your home, know that it will be one of the most power-consuming things in your home.
Yes, vintage fridges can use up to five times more electricity than new, high-efficiency ones that are popular today. If you're in the market for a fridge that recalls an older era, you may want to opt for a contemporary one with an older look. That way, you can enjoy the design without any of the drawbacks of an actual vintage appliance. Plus, if you've ever had to deal with re-wiring a vintage light fixture for a new house, you already know how dangerous incorporating older pieces into a contemporary space is.
When it comes to picking out the best (and most affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture and appliances for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.
For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews and ratings and used her design eye to pick out the best retro fridges on the market right now for House Beautiful readers.
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