Comments on: #1 choice for a retro refrigerator: Sub-Zero http://retrorenovation.com/2008/05/17/1-choice-for-a-retro-refrigerator-sub-zero/ Products and ideas to remodel your mid century home in authentic vintage style Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:16:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Paul http://retrorenovation.com/2008/05/17/1-choice-for-a-retro-refrigerator-sub-zero/comment-page-1/#comment-54906 Paul Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:43:04 +0000 http://retrorenovation.com/?p=2300#comment-54906 So true, Cory. Although my '47 Frigidaire has coils underneath, it's still quite well made and efficient. I defrost more regularly to keep it quick and easy. I was lucky enough to find a fridge in very nice unrestored shape, but I'd be more inclined to pay for vintage than one of the replicas. At that point, I think Pam's plan is better - go Sub-Zero, which can fit 1960ish and up, or "disappear" in a well-designed older space. So true, Cory. Although my ’47 Frigidaire has coils underneath, it’s still quite well made and efficient. I defrost more regularly to keep it quick and easy. I was lucky enough to find a fridge in very nice unrestored shape, but I’d be more inclined to pay for vintage than one of the replicas. At that point, I think Pam’s plan is better – go Sub-Zero, which can fit 1960ish and up, or “disappear” in a well-designed older space.

]]> By: Paul http://retrorenovation.com/2008/05/17/1-choice-for-a-retro-refrigerator-sub-zero/comment-page-1/#comment-54905 Paul Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:39:50 +0000 http://retrorenovation.com/?p=2300#comment-54905 Pam, I agree about the Sub-Zeros, but I disagree about vintage. I'm running a 1947 Frigidaire in my kitchen and it's a piece of cake to defrost. The key is to do it before it becomes very frosty. Once a month, turn the switch to defrost and go to bed. Food stays cold enough, but the frost melts away into the catch tray. Toughest part? Walking the tray to the sink! Don't let defrosting scare you away. The scale of the vintage fridge is perfect for older and smaller kitchens. After replacing the modern unit in my kitchen, I was amazed at how much more open the space felt. Pam, I agree about the Sub-Zeros, but I disagree about vintage. I’m running a 1947 Frigidaire in my kitchen and it’s a piece of cake to defrost. The key is to do it before it becomes very frosty. Once a month, turn the switch to defrost and go to bed. Food stays cold enough, but the frost melts away into the catch tray. Toughest part? Walking the tray to the sink!

Don’t let defrosting scare you away. The scale of the vintage fridge is perfect for older and smaller kitchens. After replacing the modern unit in my kitchen, I was amazed at how much more open the space felt.

]]> By: Cory http://retrorenovation.com/2008/05/17/1-choice-for-a-retro-refrigerator-sub-zero/comment-page-1/#comment-7634 Cory Sun, 18 May 2008 02:17:22 +0000 http://retrorenovation.com/?p=2300#comment-7634 Don't be scared of the older fridges, in fact a lot of "retro" enthusiasts are busy restoring and running 'em as we speak (I'm guilty of saving a couple gorgeous ones!). Sure, you have to defrost once or twice a year, but the energy you save by not running "frost-free" heating elements in the new models more than makes up for it. It was those crazy 60's when the insulation and fridge walls got thin, coils moved under the fridge to reduce depth (don't forget heat rises) and fans were added for circulation. That's where the "old fridges are energy hogs" stereotype comes from. Plus a few extra bucks a month is surely worth the looks : ) Don’t be scared of the older fridges, in fact a lot of “retro” enthusiasts are busy restoring and running ‘em as we speak (I’m guilty of saving a couple gorgeous ones!). Sure, you have to defrost once or twice a year, but the energy you save by not running “frost-free” heating elements in the new models more than makes up for it.

It was those crazy 60′s when the insulation and fridge walls got thin, coils moved under the fridge to reduce depth (don’t forget heat rises) and fans were added for circulation. That’s where the “old fridges are energy hogs” stereotype comes from.

Plus a few extra bucks a month is surely worth the looks : )

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