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???
Holy Moley… we have that fridge!!! It took me 4 years of negotiating… 1987-91, to acquire it. Then I put it in a kitchen I’d just painted tomato soup and cream colors and it was so big in white that it overwhelmed the room so a friend who did faux finishes for big bank walls and such like came over and we painted it to look like cave painting in Lascaux, except more like an outy instead of an inny if you will. NOT KIDDING! I have carried that fridge up and down loft stairs in Old City, Philadelphia. It is now in our rear shed. I swear I will take pics to send in! Never thought I’d see another.
Wow! That fridge is EPIC. Love the breakfast bar, how cool/amazing/gorgeous is that?
ELS LAETHEMsays
simply WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW !!!!!!!!!!!
Carolesays
Fabulous fridge!!
Marcia Hronsays
What a fabulous job of restoration!!! Hat’s off to you!!! Thank you for including the “before and after” photos. What awesome design . . . the Kelvinator Foodarama is truly a full-service appliance. It’s style is deserving of restoration.
It has a BACON drawer!!! I’ve died and gone to appliance heaven. LOVE.
Janicesays
I am soooo jealous!!!! What an amazing refrigerator and what an amazing job you guys did restoring it!!!!! I would love that so much – I would invite company over just to show them my fridge.
Todd Kimmell says
Holy Moley… we have that fridge!!! It took me 4 years of negotiating… 1987-91, to acquire it. Then I put it in a kitchen I’d just painted tomato soup and cream colors and it was so big in white that it overwhelmed the room so a friend who did faux finishes for big bank walls and such like came over and we painted it to look like cave painting in Lascaux, except more like an outy instead of an inny if you will. NOT KIDDING! I have carried that fridge up and down loft stairs in Old City, Philadelphia. It is now in our rear shed. I swear I will take pics to send in! Never thought I’d see another.
Todd Kimmell says
Forgive… I should have started that overly excited rant with cheering Greg & Tammy’s amazing results. You are remarkable!
Solveig says
Wow! That fridge is EPIC. Love the breakfast bar, how cool/amazing/gorgeous is that?
ELS LAETHEM says
simply WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW !!!!!!!!!!!
Carole says
Fabulous fridge!!
Marcia Hron says
What a fabulous job of restoration!!! Hat’s off to you!!! Thank you for including the “before and after” photos. What awesome design . . . the Kelvinator Foodarama is truly a full-service appliance. It’s style is deserving of restoration.
denise says
pretty darn fabulous.
JKaye says
Thanks for the great old commercial, Pam. I think Brini Maxwell has watched it a time or two for inspiration.
Laura Stangland says
That is truly gorgeous! I’m so jealous!
Colleen says
It has a BACON drawer!!! I’ve died and gone to appliance heaven. LOVE.
Janice says
I am soooo jealous!!!! What an amazing refrigerator and what an amazing job you guys did restoring it!!!!! I would love that so much – I would invite company over just to show them my fridge.