Storage for the retro refrigerator / freezer combinations: From 13 cu.ft … to 18.2 cu.ft … to 20.6 cu.ft … to 24.1 cu.ft.Some key factoids about size and capacity of Big Chill refrigerators: I also show the New Classic, if your aim is to channel iceboxes of the 19th century and early 20th Century. Nice.īig Chill has two different designs that speak to the postwar era - the Original, which has a 1940s into 1950s look … and the Retropolitan, which evokes the 1960s and 1970s. The lines are curvy and attractive, but not overwrought, not cartoonish. And deservedly so: I think that they have done a really nice job with the design of their appliances. Big Chill - two mid century fridge designs including one counter-depthīig Chill is, arguably, the biggest name among homeowners looking for a retro refrigerator. Sub-Zero Product and Accessories Sales GuideĪnd note re this approach: There are other companies that make refrigerators that take custom color panels.Exterior ice makers are not appropriate for a retro refrigerator until you get into… the 1970s, I’d say.įor more in information on Sub-Zero refrigerators: Really, I think you could go with any size and be retro-appropriate. Final note: Sub-Zeros come with ice makers inside. The image shown here is from a 1966 ad, and I would say that’s a 36″ wide refrigerator with small freezer on the bottom. Sizes typically used back in the day: I am sure the 42″ side-by-side has been around a long while.Use my instructions and be (with kindness and patience) insistent. Note, Sub-Zero’s website is not helpful in specifying “my” classic configuration. The place I ordered from had not taken an order like mine in years, but once I made myself clear, they understood - and got it right. Using the exact specification listed above, I used a 42″ side-by-side Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer in my kitchen, adding White Enamel panels for the front and for the sides. Sub-Zeros come in a lot of different sizes, and they are all counter-depth.Note, all Sub-Zeros are counter-depth, so they nestle right into your cabinetry for that fitted kitchen look so important in the post-war era. And, choose the “Full-Length Standard” handles - these tuck beneath the Panels.Choose the “Classic Louvered Insert” grille ala the photo on the right.Choose a “Panel Ready” design - buy the panels directly from Sub-Zero or have them custom made by your cabinet maker - the panels then will be “Framed” in metal like the photo to the right.The key to get the “authentic” retro version, though, is to specify it correctly That is: ![]() ![]() ![]() That’s because Sub-Zero is not an interpretation of mid century refrigerators - it actually has been around for decades. My first possibility for a retro-style refrigerator will likely surprise you, but barring buying vintage, it is hands down, the most authentic choice: Sub-Zero. Sub-Zero [or another retro-looking-enough refrigerator that takes a custom color panel)ġ.To make this a one-stop shopping guide, I worked hard to deep dive into the real contenders - so this is a long story, and one informed by writing about retro kitchens and appliances for 15 years. 10 serious options for a family-sized retro refrigerator in 2021 In all, I give you 7 of today’s best sources for a brand new retro refrigerator - family sized, not those small ones - along with three ideas to DIY your existing fridge into your retro dream. ![]() So, I did the research and created this roundup, as complete as I could make it. But this also means that if you’re in shopping mode, it can be hard to choose who makes the best retro refrigerator for your situation. Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021 these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.Ī retro refrigerator can be a centerpiece of your kitchen, and over the past few years as interest in mid century design has boomed, many more options have become available.
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