“… Yes… we’re obsessed… but in positive way…”
This video is INSANE! This couple, Robert and Fred, have collected $40,000 worth of vintage appliances — a total of 400 appliances — including vintage Mixmasters, Hoover vacuums, Constellations, toasters. And, they have like 26 washers and dryers in their 1,200 basement alone. They now never use a washing machine made after 1965. These are our kind of people! Thanks to reader Amanda for the tip! Click on through to watch –>
- Are you interested in vintage appliances? Be sure to check out this story I wrote about 9 Online Resources for Parts, Service an Advice to Fix Old Stoves and Other Vintage Appliances. It incorporates tips from readers received over the past several year.
- Also see: 26 Places to Buy Restored Vintage Stoves.
tammyCA says
I started watching this new show when it started and in between the very creepy obsessions (the blow up dolls in particular really creep me out) there are some cool ones like these guys. Who cares if they are obsessive, they enjoy rescuing old appliances from the landfills and restoring them…and, they have a very cool vintage decor.
The other episode I liked was the girl who lives a 1950s lifestyle…but, had to laugh when she put plastic bags over her vintage shoes because she didn’t have ’50s snow boots. I remember as a kid wearing Wonder bread bags over shoes. 🙂
Linda says
I also was bitten by the old days bug. About 16 years ago I saw a 1950’s pink Rubbermaid dishpan that I just had to have. I then went on a quest to find anything pink from that era. OMG just to mention a few I have 5 pink GE ranges, a mint pink double drain board sink I bought off ebay for $3,000, a wall refrigerator,deep freezer,dishwasher,refrigerator,mixers,blenders,poly-flex plastic I could go on and on. I had put everything in storage for the one day for us to build our dream home. Well that didnt happen. I was Trauma nurse for the past 26 years, and on one faitfull night I was watching the news and saw the story about John Ritter dying. It was so sad. My husband 42 years old went to take our lad Zack out for a walk. I went to bed. The next thing I knew he woke me up and was in distress. I called 911. My husband suffered an aortic dissection just like John Ritter did. He died in the rescue, but they were able to save him. He had an aortic dissection also. How ironic. Everything I have is in storage and has been there ever since. I have 2 girls that will someday get the pleasure to use all my treasures.
Justin says
I have not had the pleasure to have met Robert or Fred as of yet, but his site is one that I visit every day right before visiting this site.(only because I’ve known about it longer than this site.) I have met some nice people from the club and seen some beautiful machines. I am into the vintage appliances like they are, but have no where near the amount that they do. I originally started with the old tube style radios and then moved into the tvs. Mainly 50’s, but have some older and some newer into the 60s. My Fridge is from 49 stove from 41, dishwasher from 55, and then my prized washer and dryer are a 1963 Lady Kenmore set in Turquoise. The house was redone to reflect this era to include pink toilet and sink. Black and white tile countertop and backsplash in the kitchen. All the appliances we have in our home work and are used on a daily basis.
Michael says
What an awesome “obsession”– I wish they were my neighbours! Next time my partner gives me a hard time about my own obsession with vintage Christmas decor, I’ll just sit him down and show him this video. Thanks, Pam!
Cathleen says
Well, thankfully they are neat-freak hoarders! LOL Maybe they could open their house up as a sort of appliance museum and charge a fee! 🙂
Barb S. says
Wow! Their house is EEEE-maculate! I’ll have to have that dishwasher one day. And how many of us would trade in our energy saving front-loaders for one of those vintage washing machines? Me, please!
Deb says
This is such a cool story. I have a toaster question for Robert and Fred. I was just at a real estate open house of a time capsule home. It had an Iron-A-Way toaster built into the wall. Have you ever seen one? Maybe you own one. I found one image online, but no information. Thanks for your help.
Lisa says
I watched this the other night and fell in love with the collectors. This couple did a wonderful job designing their home and making their collection easily accessable for use and enjoyment.
Think about it. They collect appliances. Appliances are big. Yet they have managed to create uncluttered displays which are a pleasure to look at.
J D Log says
Wow love the video and website great to see you guys use them as well. I use all my 50’s stuff as well but one of the few modern items I still have is a washing machine but this is making me really think lol
Chris says
side note. . makes me feel better about my obsession with vintage cook books!! loooooooove them! They could use of my cookbooks to find a recipe and use all their kitchen appliances to make it!