Greg and Tammy’s 1953 Kelvinator Foodarama — before, after & inside — 10 pics
pam kueber - Updated: October 28, 2021
Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
The Kelvinator Foodarama “before”:
The Kelvinator Foodarama “after”:
Inside “before:
Inside “after”
Close up of what’s for breakfast:
After seeing Greg and Tammy’s fabulous retro red farm house kitchen remodel, there was call to see more of the Kelvinator Foodarama refrigerator. I had been planning it — already had the “before” shot of the behemoth before Greg repainted it with auto body “safety red.” But then Greg sent more photos and Oh My Gosh, look at this refrigerator. I had no idea. It is gorgeous inside. I waaaaaant that Breakfast Bar. I ask Greg what is the model year and he writes:
Pam I think it’s a 1953 model. It was very complete when we got it, Breakfast bar, juice containers, 4 of 6 original ice trays, banana bin. The only major thing missing was the saran wrap holder. The refrigerator trays roll out, the metal freezer shelves actually have the cooling tubes attached; it will freeze ice cubes in 20 minutes.
The original owner from Altoona, Pa, a lady named Belle, took great care of this classic. We consider ourselves caretakers of this fabulous Kelvinator Foodarama!
Am attaching more interior pics. Please include the one with our 14-year old, Shane. He would be thrilled!
Tks!
Well, tks, to you, Greg!
Patrick C. and Helen S., what do you think?: Is the Foodarama more elusive – hence desirable — than a built-in Revco???
I think you must be a genius to be able to restore that beautiful refrigerator. I am amazed. (and…you have a very handsome son!)
Interesting how short the refrigerator is. Belle from Altoona must have been a meticulous homemaker!
DeeBeesays
My husband is going to flip his lid when he sees this! My lid has already been flipped. Perhaps you could send someone over to clean up the head-flipping mess.
So inspiring! Great job!
BlueJaysays
All of the new shiny technology have nothing on this! Show me a fridge built today that has a chrome-clad ‘Breakfast bar’, built-in juice containers, a saran wrap holder, and miscellaneous compartments for butter and cheese. What an awesome fridge!
Paulasays
Shhhh you’re making my new fridge jealous.
Karen Ehlerssays
I was instantly taken with the fridge! I even re-posted the pic to my FB page.
But I have to wonder why Kelvinator stopped making the FoodaRama? Any busy home today would love one.
natashasays
This is gorgous! One day I hope to own a rad retro fridge like this one!
Sigh!! Gotta love the dancing lady in the commercial – so perfectly 1950’s! The fridge, sorry… Foodarama is amazing, it’s a shame the modern ones are so well thought out. What a great piece of living history, thanks for sharing.
Holy cow! Seeing the “before” and “after” is just nuts! What a difference and what an amazing job you did with this fridge. You don’t often think about a fridge being beautiful, but this one is truly gorgeous.
OH! I LOVE that fridge! Especially the breakfast bar! SOOO cool! Thanks for being the new caretakers of this awesome fridge Greg & Tammy! (and for sharing all the pics with us!
lynda says
I think you must be a genius to be able to restore that beautiful refrigerator. I am amazed. (and…you have a very handsome son!)
Interesting how short the refrigerator is. Belle from Altoona must have been a meticulous homemaker!
DeeBee says
My husband is going to flip his lid when he sees this! My lid has already been flipped. Perhaps you could send someone over to clean up the head-flipping mess.
So inspiring! Great job!
BlueJay says
All of the new shiny technology have nothing on this! Show me a fridge built today that has a chrome-clad ‘Breakfast bar’, built-in juice containers, a saran wrap holder, and miscellaneous compartments for butter and cheese. What an awesome fridge!
Paula says
Shhhh you’re making my new fridge jealous.
Karen Ehlers says
I was instantly taken with the fridge! I even re-posted the pic to my FB page.
But I have to wonder why Kelvinator stopped making the FoodaRama? Any busy home today would love one.
natasha says
This is gorgous! One day I hope to own a rad retro fridge like this one!
Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares says
My heart stopped and my husband had to resuscitate me.
(Hi, Shane!)
Sarah V says
Sigh!! Gotta love the dancing lady in the commercial – so perfectly 1950’s! The fridge, sorry… Foodarama is amazing, it’s a shame the modern ones are so well thought out. What a great piece of living history, thanks for sharing.
Jenny A. says
Holy cow! Seeing the “before” and “after” is just nuts! What a difference and what an amazing job you did with this fridge. You don’t often think about a fridge being beautiful, but this one is truly gorgeous.
Kate says
OH! I LOVE that fridge! Especially the breakfast bar! SOOO cool! Thanks for being the new caretakers of this awesome fridge Greg & Tammy! (and for sharing all the pics with us!