Breaking news on the retrosphere — GE is releasing a new “Artistry” line of appliances with retro styling. The line comes in two colors — black and white — with a focus on simplicity and attractive design. The line will be released in Fall of 2013, and is marketed towards young, first time homeowners who are looking for stylish and affordable kitchen appliances. The retro-contemporary design of the line ensures it will fit in a wide range of kitchen styles from modern to vintage. It is great to see new, affordable appliance options becoming available for those of us with an eye for retro style.
UPDATE: Alas, now discontinued.
Press release:
GE Unveils the First Line of Appliances Designed by a Millennial for Millennials
- Unique design focuses on simplicity, creating an entirely new aesthetic at an affordable price for first-time homebuyers, younger consumers
- GE Appliances has tripled investment in design over the last two years
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—June 26, 2013—(NYSE: GE)—With the introduction of the GE Artistry™ Series, GE’s designers focus on the needs of today’s generation of Millennials and their desire to uniquely express themselves. Created by a 27-year-old GE industrial designer with his own generation in mind, the Artistry Series provides first-time homebuyers with a distinctive and cool appearance at a price they can afford. This new line of stylishly sensible kitchen products includes five appliances: a gas range, electric range, bottom-freezer refrigerator, over-the-range microwave and top-control dishwasher.
Today’s Millennials comprise a significant number of first-time homebuyers; in fact, according to real estate brokerage company, Redfin, homebuyers in the 25- to-34-year-old age group make up the largest portion of homebuyers.
“These buyers are price conscious and design savvy, but also want appliances from a brand they trust,” said Lou Lenzi, director of GE’s Industrial Design Operation. “In today’s marketplace, affordable appliances tend to look the same; GE Artistry Series fills that void for consumers by offering unique-looking products not currently sold by other manufacturers.”
Designed to delight and disrupt at retail
Most appliances in this segment of the market have similar features that consumers use every day; the Artistry Series offers this, as well as a design aesthetic that will stand out in the home and on the retail floor.
“Investing in the design of these appliances was a top priority for our team,” said Lenzi. “We’ve tripled our design resources over the past two years, and after much research, Tomas DeLuna, industrial designer for GE Appliances’ Concept and Brand team, was tapped to lead the development of the Artistry Series. The look needed to be simple and approachable with very clean lines. DeLuna’s design sensibilities made him an ideal fit to lead the project.”
DeLuna took the opportunity to design for his own generation by focusing on touchpoints that mattered to him, in areas where consumers interact most with the product—handles, knobs and clocks. “Making the critical consumer touchpoints metallic, and set against either a pure, white gloss or black gloss finish, creates a look that is both familiar to our consumers, yet remains fresh and modern,” said DeLuna. “That’s what makes the GE Artistry Series special; the design is authentic and contemporary with a nod to the past not currently offered in the marketplace.”
The GE logo, visible as a badge on the appliances, also reflects this philosophy. The GE monogram with the words “General” and “Electric” recalls the product badges of the past, yet the juxtaposition of chrome and high-gloss color evokes the core, contemporary Artistry design principles.
Both the new dishwasher and refrigerator are ENERGY STAR®-qualified appliances. The bottom-freezer refrigerator costs $49 to operate annually.
The full GE Artistry Series will be available in September 2013. Estimated retail price of the full GE Artistry product suite is $2,416.*
*Retailers set their own prices. Estimated retail pricing per appliance is as follows: bottom-freezer refrigerator, $1,099; top-control dishwasher, $499; over-the-range microwave, $219; gas range and electric range, $599.
Pam adds: It is sooooo interesting to see how GE seems to go out of their way to avoid using the term “retro”. They say “contemporary with a nod to the past.” But this suite of kitchen appliances is so old skool looking — they used an old fashioned logo — appliance white (no stainless steel!) — chrome — and analog! It’s like they are afraid of getting tagged with the retro-moniker out of concern it will pigeonhole them. Oh well. I see a lot of readers going for the stove and fridge, in white, at these prices. However, if you want more sensuous curves — and color — Big Chill is still your likely best go-to.
See all our stories about REFRIGERATOR options here — and be sure to see the Fisher Paykel counter depth, which has similar lines and is counter-depth!
hipchickindc says
Does anybody have experience with Big Chill appliances? I am getting ready to re-do my 1895 brick Victorian and I’ve been drooling over the blue Big Chill appliances for a year. I have thus far avoided looking at reviews, but needing to start getting practical.
Jenny says
I have read mostly good things about Big Chill appliances, a company which is based in Colorado. I know their stoves (under the Big Chill façade) are made by Blue Star, which is an American company which makes their stoves in the US (Pennsylvania) with a pretty good reputation for reliability. I’m not sure who makes their refrigerators or dishwashers, though I’m sure someone does. I’m pretty sure all of their appliances are made in the US.
(In case you don’t know, Big Chill doesn’t make their own appliances; they only make the shells that go over the appliances they buy from appliance manufacturers.)
gsciencechick says
Our top-freezer Big Chil fridge is a Whirpool, energy star rated. We have had it three years. Whirlpools generally rate well.
gsciencechick says
And the dishwashers are Kitchenaid, or you can just buy the panel depending on your specs.
Kristy says
Bit of a late reply, but I’ve owned a Big Chill fridge for a couple of years now too (maybe 4?). Mine is also whirlpool and has been fine, despite several moves between houses.
I also have their front panel on a kitchenaid dishwasher – same age, and no problems there either.
I adore the look, though they were definitely pricey. I purchased before they released their stoves, so no advice there.
Jill says
I bought Big Chill appliances, stove and refrigerator. I have to double check, but I think 3 years ago. The refrigerator had a faulty gasket from the beginning, or maybe a faulty door? The range needed the igniter repaired last winter. I felt the customer service was not up to par for the price of these appliances. I can elaborate if anyone needs more info. Also, I had problems even finding a repairman for these appliances. I live in a medium sized Midwest city. Would I buy them again? No. The value isn’t there, IMO.
Orion says
Hi Jill,
Sorry to hear about your experience. We’re always looking to improve. I’d love to get your feedback if you have a few minutes.
Orion @ Big Chill
1-877-842-3269
Jill says
Will give you a call next week!
julie s says
I’m not crazy about the stove, but I LOVE that refrigerator!
Patty says
Is it me or are those grates on a slant? I recently spent a weekend looking at stoves and reading reviews and concluded current appliance quality is seriously lacking across all brands. Decided to keep my old stove a few more years when I read about electronics on stoves going out the first 2-3 years. Wonder about electronics on these models,
Jenny says
Yeah… that is one of the things that has me considering spending serious coin on a refurbished VINTAGE stove for my kitchen. The old stoves lasted FOREVER!
Katie says
I thought we’d moved away from controls on the front of the range for safety reasons. I agree they are pretty. But practical? I’m not so sure.
pam kueber says
Yes, I wondered about that, too….
Jenny says
Actually, the knobs are my biggest disappointment, too, but not for that reason; they just look clunky and inelegant (and inappropriate) for these “retro-lite” appliances. The knobs are the thing that Big Chill really got RIGHT about their retro stoves.
Lisa says
Actually, the front knobs are considerably safer as you do not reach over open flames, red hot electric element, frying pan hot oil, or steaming pot of water. The front controls are also handicap friendly as someone in a wheelchair or walker could easily access them. For kiddo safety, there are child knob locks that work well, although I’m pretty sure they will be the kind of knobs that have that feature where you have to push it in before you turn the knob. I just bought a 1953 stove with knobs on the front and will never go back to rear knobs. Sooooo much better.
duki says
Lisa, you are sooooo right….I couldn’t agree with you more!
Molly says
We’ll be putting a retro kitchen into our 40’s war box in the next couple years. I’m in love with the fridge & dishwasher, now they need a matching wall oven and stove top and I’ll be set!
Jenny says
I think that’s what I have. Never heard it called that; how is a “war box” defined?
Abigail Grotke says
Any idea at this point on specifications/sizes? I’m trying to replace a fridge that is a mere 65 3/4 high with a cabinet just above in my kitchen. Having a hard time finding a modern fridge that is that short. Wonder if these will be as tall as modern fridges? ISO stumpy fridge! A girl can dream….
Lisa9000 says
Abigail – I used the Lowes Hardware website to search and they have a feature that lets you select the refrigerators by height. Couldn’t find any in side by side, but there were several models available from Maytag and Samsung in the French Door and Bottom Freezer styles that look like they meet your height restrictions. Good luck!
Abigail Grotke says
Thanks for the tip, Lisa! Will check it out!
Di says
Great looks although I wish they would make the fridge with a top freezer instead/ hate the bottom freezers- no room in them
Diane in CO says
I’m in the market for a white stove but it has to be electric [unfortunately] for our 1959 WI summer house and it has to be 22″ wide!!! Do you think this GE line will have the smaller size?
Does anyone have knowledge of a 22″ electric white stove that looks fairly appropriate for a mid-modest knotty pine kitchen?
That size has me stumped. The stove we have now is almond, but since getting rid of the energy-hog harvest gold refrigerator and getting a white one, the stove should be replaced too.
Jenny says
Try eBay — but most of the 22″ vintage stoves I have seen on there are gas, not electric.
What a challenging design problem!!! Yikes.
Diane in CO says
Thank you, Jenny! But I’m looking for a NEW stove that just looks like it would blend in with the kitchen. Refrigerator is new, not vintage. There’s only so much one can do in the north woods, hehe, with limited availability.
But finding ANY 22″ stove is difficult. Thought someone here could steer me in the right direction…. i.e., know a brand which makes the narrower stove. I was wondering if this new GE line would feature a smaller one –?
Ashly says
Diane, probably not. 22″ stoves are rare to come by and I can’t think of any benefit a large manufacturer would have in making stylized versions. The demand just isn’t there.. I realize that you replaced your fridge and want an updated stove, but if it works.. why mess with it? You may want to consider having a professional repaint it. May I ask why you are opposed to a refurbished vintage stove? Vintage stoves are often workhorses and can potentially outlive any other appliance you purchase.
Diane in CO says
Ashly, that’s a good idea — to have an auto body shop paint it! I’ll definitely look in to that.
Wasn’t thinking about a vintage appliance because of limited places to look for one up on the peninsula. I’ve never bought on Craig’s List and when I think of a vintage stove I guess I think of all the old ones I’ve hauled out of houses and trashed – they were dirty and ugly. Could have hidden wiring problems too and hubby is not the handy type. 🙂 But I will pursue it when we get up there next week. Also need to re-measure to be sure of size.
The re-painting is a good option. Thanks for all your help!!
pam kueber says
These old stoves CAN be fixed, at least that was my experience. See Kitchens / Appliances category for story on 9 resources for help.
Julie Wood says
Hi. Unfortunately no. We are focused on a 30-inch platform. Thank you for the interest. –Julie Wood, GE Appliances
Diane in CO says
Thank you, Julie!
Jenny says
Sorry Diane, I just read “1959 house” and assumed you wanted vintage!
I think other commenters had the best ideas; get your current stove painted by an auto paint shop in white if it still works, or post on Craigslist to see if anyone has a working 22″ WHITE vintage stove. It’s amazing what people are hanging onto in their basements, garages, and barns — you just never know what you’ll find on Craigslist!
Diane in CO says
Jenny, thank you for all your input. I will definitely be checking out the local Craigslist options. Such good tips here – I really appreciate all your comments.
pam kueber says
Summit has 20″ and 24″ stoves – http://summitappliance.com/cooking
and look at this adorable top shelf! http://www.compactappliance.com/TS120W-TS120B-Premier-Top-Shelf-for-20%22-Ranges/TS120W,default,pd.html
pam kueber says
See Premier, too. But they have 20″ and 24″ also. I agree with the other commenter – if you really want 22″ work with the one you have!
Diane in CO says
Pam, you are the best! I’ve bookmarked Summit and Premier — Premier has some nice looking smaller version ranges. So helpful! Thank you!
(I had searched online before but these were new to me – great!)
Yes, may work with the existing stove. Will get a price for auto-body paint for sure.
pam kueber says
Rustoleum also has a special spray paint for appliances. Maybe that is worth a try. Please note: That unless you porcelain enamel (re)coat the stove, it will not look like the original finish, though.
pam kueber says
And — Hotpoint has a 20″ — http://products.geappliances.com/ApplProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=HPSPECPAGE&Sku=RGA820DEDWW#tab1_
I’m thinking there may be more… good luck.
Lisa says
Look at stoves by Summit — the “Summit Professional” comes in white and while not exactly retro-styled it is has a plain look that I think would go well with a retro kitchen. Summit stoves are not very expensive and I think they are also made in the USA!
pam kueber says
Yes, I’ve written about Summit before. They also have a nice looking, simple wall oven.
Dee says
You may be able to find a small, retro stove on http://www.tincantourists.com
Sometimes, they get pulled from vintage travel trailers that are getting renovated. I saw a great Princess stove on this website last month.
TerriLynn says
Shoot! I wish these had come out sooner! I just bought a new fridge for my mid century house. Guess I can now consider the dishwasher and MAYBE the range. Maybe I can just buy the replacement fridge handles and badge from GE parts and add to my new Frigidaire?
PAppel says
Pam,
I agree with your comment about if you want sexier retro, go look at Big Chill’s stove (actually all their appliances). However, Big Chill comes with a hefty price tag. I think slighlty over $2400 for the full suite of GE’s Aristry is more than reasonable. You could not touch the Big Chill stove alone for that amount.
Jenny says
Right! You could buy two complete GE artistry suites (two fridges, two stoves, two dishwashers) for about the same price as ONE Big Chill stove.
Kinda puts some perspective on things!
gsciencechick says
We have a Big Chill fridge and it IS fabulous, but it was pricey. I think this line is a wonderful option for retro kitchen fans. Thumbs up to GE for recognizing the niche market.