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!
Craig Merrow says
Planning out my next house, and have been sporadically checking out appliances…none have really done anything for me from a styling standpoint until I came across these. All I can say is WOW! Love the no-nonsense styling! I agree with other posters about replacing the satin/stainless handles, knobs and trim with chrome…offer it as an option – and make sure it’s a quality finish, not cheap flash-chrome! An optional hood for the over-the-range microwave would be nice as well.
pam kueber says
I wonder if the handles etc. could simply be changed out with vintage. I don’t know about such things – whether there are industry standards that make them interchangeable. I will ask my GE contact!
Ashleigh says
I’ve seen them. I ran straight to them as soon as my they caught my eye. They were so very cheap feeling and looking, it really bummed me out. They may have a retro look, but they don’t have the heft of the real deal.
pam kueber says
In response to all these comments… I was in the Home Depot last week, so I looked at the Artistrys on display again. While I agree that the knobs on the stove feel plasticky, the rest of everything I thought was fine… I wonder if the knobs on the stove could be switched out…. ?
Jennifer says
I totally agree with Scott. The appeal of the vintage appliances is the chrome with the high gloss enamel. Smooth top is a nice option however I would also prefer the separate coil burners.
Scott says
I appreciate the effort and affordable custom colors would be quite an appealing hook (Seafoam Green, please) but two details kill it for me.
1. The stainless needs to be chrome. Even if it was an extra-cost option, it makes all the difference in the world.
2. I’m an electric range kind of guy but the smooth cooktop screams contemporary. I want old-fashioned separate “burners.”
Rose Marie says
I love these, but am spoiled by self cleaning ovens. Any plans to make an electric version with self cleaning oven? i will keep my fingers crossed/
Jan says
When are they coming to canada?
Michael Coyle says
Any idea if you can put the hood under the microwave?
Kennyt123 says
Got the electric range, refrigerator, and dishwasher–in black– and they look great and perform nicely. The range is perfectly basic. I didn’t know about the artistry range hood so I got a stainless Broan top of the line model since I needed a good recirculating range hood. The clock is the only thing on the backsplash–very basic and minimalistic–looks great. I just hated the pushbutton keypad on the old Kenmore stove that was replaced. I got the coolest timer on ThinkGeek.com. It looks like a hood ornament on a 1950’s car, in red.
Cindy Friday Beeman says
Waiting for the double oven and cooktop! My sister got the oven and likes it a lot.
Kelley says
I stumbled upon a GE Artistry range hood – it’s cute! Just ordered one. Could only find it at one major retailer online: AJ Madison. Model numbers are AV447FBS (black) and AV447FWS (white).