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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”:

Kelvinator Foodarama before restoration

The Kelvinator Foodarama “after”:

Kelvinator Foodarama side by side refrigerator after restoration oh my goodness it's gorgeous

Inside “before:

interior of kelvinator food a rama

Inside “after”

Inside of a vintage Kelvinator foodarama after restoration

Close up of what’s for breakfast:

foodarama breakfast bar
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.
 
egg compartment of a vintage kelvinator foodarama
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!
metal drawer bins of a vintage kelvinator foodarama refrigerator
Glass juice holders for a Kelvinator Food-A-Rama refrigerator
vintage glass juice containers
Kelvinator logo
 
Am attaching more interior pics. Please include the one with our 14-year old, Shane. He would be thrilled!
 
boy with kelvinator food a rama
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???

More Retro Renovation Foodarama trivia: The Foodarama gets a call out in the big New York Times story all about our blog! 🙂

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Comments

  1. Tamela says

    We just got our foodarama and want to know did you do the paint job or bring it to a professional car shop we are wondering if we should do it our not.

    • Greg says

      Just saw your comment. I did the paint work myself, but as stated in previous post, I used to do that work professionally. You can do it with no experience, but the equipment (compressors, spray guns & materials) are expensive & this work can be dangerous without proper PPE. Please post again if you have questions & I will try & help.

  2. Pam says

    OMG!!!! I’ve died and gone to heaven! This is – OMG!!! – beautiful! Just up my alley. You folks deserve a huge THUMBS UP! Thank you for sharing!!!

  4. Susan McDonald says

    Never heard of this refrigerator. I want one too! Would love to see the 8 designer colors! Thanks for sharing the story and commercial. Love the Safety Red color! Wow – love all the details in this!

  5. Wanda O"Shea says

    Just today I purchased the refrigerator only, single door; (with freezer box in top…
    Self same model as yours with all the bells and whistles inside the door. I am absolutely thrilled with mine, and just love to death yours. Wasn’t even aware they were making side by sides back then. Of course I’m in Australia, that may answer that. You guys chose the perfect color too!!

    • Greg says

      Congratulations Wanda! Those are very cool! (Pun intended!) From my checking around, Kelvinator was big in Australia too.

  6. Heather says

    Hi-
    I’m not sure anyone is still using this blog, but I am looking for a Kelvinator Foodarama. I live in NY but am willing to travel or ship. Would love to own one of these for our kitchen! Please let me know if anyone knows of any for sale. Thanks!

    • Greg says

      Heather,

      They are out there, keep your eyes open. We looked about 6 months before we found ours. There were several reasonably priced ones that turned up after Pam featured ours. There is one on Ebay, but it’s big money.

      Good luck! 🙂

      • Heather says

        Thanks for the advice, Greg. I guess we will have to be patient- they certainly seem like they are worth the wait! Hope you are still enjoying yours:)