Comments on: #1 choice for a retro refrigerator: Sub-Zero

By: Cory

Cory — Sun, 18 May 2008 02:17:22 +0000

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 : )

By: Madison

Madison — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:38:21 +0000

The Samsung 18.8 cubic foot bottom freezer is not only counter depth (not advertised as such but is) but also slightly rounded in the front like the F-P. Best of all (for me at least) it’s $899 at Best Buy. I’m buying one for the 1953 modern-ranch house I just bought in Dallas. Love your site!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7033934&type=product&id=1110265189915

By: hallie

hallie — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:38:09 +0000

I’ve aways wondered about the energy efficiency of those behemoths are they decent? They sure do look good - but I’ve always assumed they were the suvs of the kitchen.
anyway - you’ve got great taste.

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:03:25 +0000

What did you do with that vintage fridge, Pam? You could always use it somewhere in the house for storage. A fridge closet? I’ve seen it done.

By: Kitschy Kimberly

Kitschy Kimberly — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:14:20 +0000

How cute is that Smeg fridge?! I am just a sucker for anything retro and pink(or green or blue or yellow or…).

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:40:47 +0000

We got a fridge for our small kitchen that is just a bit smaller than the Fisher & Paykel. Ours is a Sears Kenmore! It still has the nice curves and a smooth finish; I don’t like the handles, but they get the job done. We’ve been very pleased with the fridge and it got good reviews on Consumer Reports.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04667952000P?vName=Appliances&cName=Refrigerators&sName=Top+Freezer+Refrigerators

If that link doesn’t work, here is the item number: Sears item# 04667952000 Mfr. model# 67952

By: Jane

Jane — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:51:26 +0000

I’m with you both on the Fisher & Paykel. It was the ONLY counter-depth stainless fridge that would fit our limited height: we couldn’t afford to lose the cabinet above.

This fridge has worked out so much better than we imagined! I worried about the limited capacity, but it turns out you actually use the space better (and don’t lose those leftovers in the back for a month), because everything is so accessible. And the finish matched our lovely original Thermidor wall oven.

It’s one of the best decisions we made.

Jane

By: madison sarah

madison sarah — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:52:40 +0000

actually here’s a better link that shows all the colors (even pink!)

http://smegusa.com/Catalogue/Fridges.aspx

By: madison sarah

madison sarah — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:50:11 +0000

Hi Pam,

I have the Fisher Paykel in my current (1916) house and like it a lot. The freezer on the bottom is great, especially with kids. The lines are so simple that it could work with a variety of kitchen styles.

For my new house (crossing my fingers), which has the original 1940s wood cabinets painted white, I am thinking about a colorful SMEG to spice things up. They’re small, but so is my kitchen. Check these out:

http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2007/08/smeg_fab28_refr.php

The colors are awesome!

Sarah