Vintage stoves will always have a very special place in my heart, because the first story I ever wrote about homes was about vintage stoves, for the (now defunct) Ann Arbor News in 1995. My neighbor Dave had salvaged a 1940s Magic Chef from his grandmother’s barn and sent it to Macy’s Texas Stove Works for restoration. My story was about why folks were starting to treasure vintage stoves — and where you could buy them. Hey, even then, 17 years ago (gulp) I was all about the where-to-get-the-stuff and where-to-get-it-restored. Do you think that after all this time I ended up right where I should be — writing this blog? I think so! Last uploader, when readers shared 234 pictures of their vintage small appliances, readers also asked to share their vintage large appliances. Above: A photo that came in early from reader JoAnn. Pretty!
This uploader is now closed — check out the 208 photos that readers submitted — they’re pretty darn amazing!
Tips to view slide show: Click on first image… it will enlarge and you can also read my captions… move forward or back via arrows below the photo… you can start or stop at any image:
Want to buy a vintage stove? See this story – 26 places to buy restored vintage stoves. Or, do you want help finding parts, service or advice to fix old stoves and appliances? See this popular story (click photo to get there):
joan says
Pam;
I so enjoyed looking at every one of those pictures. Such workmanship, chrome and color. Hard to believe that they are still running full tilt when we are already on our 3rd washer and dryer set. First set bought in 1984. Why don’t we demand better…
Joan
Susie O. says
Justin – I am so envious of your GE Americana! It’s exactly like my grandmother’s (see pics above) that I grew up using. I’ll find one someday!
Everyone’s pictures are great. Aren’t old appliances just beautiful???! I wish I had the space and money to start a collection!
April says
Justin, what great pieces you have!
You know I need to have that turquoise washer/dryer set 😉
Justin says
I love the set too much to part with. I’ve had them for several years now. A good friend of mine had them and gave them to me. I’ve had to do some minor repair to both of them, but they work great. I just recently picked up a set just like them, but in coppertone brown instead. That set needs some work to get going again.These were the top of the line for Kenmore in 1963. They are Lady Kenmore.
TappanTrailerTami says
Justin – FAB washers and dryers you have!!! And to whomever posted the *to die for* Western Holly double porthole stove, you are SO lucky! That is one of my all time favorites….love the Western Holly porthole wall ovens too!
pam kueber says
T3, sorry, I do not get in the middle of email exchanges. Idea: Connect via craigslist or Friend each other on FB on Google Plus.
Dan says
I have had a Tappan Fabulous 400 Gas version, and loved it. Unfortunately, the oven element gave out, and I couldn’t find another one.
I was surprised, however, by how much my gas bill went down and how much cooler it was in the kitchen when those four (I think) pilot lights went away.
I have two Flairs, one hooked up in the basement and another in storage, and while I love the Flairs, their burners can be temperamental and needy. Just like me 😉
My neighbor has a Hotpoint Hallmark, which was their version of the Flair. It’s a great stove, with fun lighting effects.
I like my Frigidaire wall oven/ Kitchenaid gas cooktop combo the best. The burners have ignition, so there’s no need for pilots, and you simply cannot beat the GM-era Frigidaire ovens when it comes to holding a constant temperature and even heat circulation.
Janet in GA says
Jeff’s ’49 Kenmore is interesting. Does it have electric grids for cooking instead of the typical electric coils?
Cara says
Everyone is making me jealous with their fab vintage appliances! I’m having fun with my circa 1970 harvest gold fridge, stove and sink
but my dream for my kitchen is to go back further in time with either a monitor top or a fridge with aqua on/inside of it. I also need to exchange my husband with one who will agree with me.
Janet in CT says
Cara, love it! My husband let me put a wallpaper border up in the bedroom that had dolls on it, but he absolutely draws the line with pink appliances so white or turquoise will have to do for me.
Ann-Marie Meyers says
I almost bought a house in Fort Worth simply because of the gorgeous Chambers gas stove in the kitchen, working, of course, with all accessories. Good thing I didn’t. Apparently, there were some major structural problems with the house surrounding the stove and they had to pull it off the market for six months while they were repaired.
Ann-Marie Meyers says
My 1962 split level in Wisconsin with vintage appliances is sadly to be on the market soon, so I am back in my 1986 home in Texas, trying to give it a late ’60’s early ’70’s flair.
Do you know how hard it is to find refrigerators of that era? Man. I think harvest gold appliances self destructed after 20 years.
I predict a comeback soon, only they won’t call it harvest gold. They will have a much more trendy name for the hipsters, and, of course, I won’t be able to afford them.
Janet in CT says
Ann-Marie, too bad you are in Texas and I am in Connecticut. One of my dearest friends is replacing her seventies Harvest Gold GE fridge and stove that came with her house in the eighties. She is single, no kids, no pets, so they are in great shape and still running fine!
Ann-Marie Meyers says
Janet, if I had a truck I would so drive to Connecticut to get it! I have friends and family there, so I could visit. Unfortunately, I don’t think it would fit in my Not Yet Classic 2005 Sebring convertible.
GregM says
Question for whoever posted picture #15 (1963 electric Philco oven): Where did you get those dishtowels? They’re wonderful!
April says
ditto on the dish towels. crazy cute
Eartha Kitsch says
In case they don’t see your question, I believe those are from Crash Pad Designs:
http://www.crashpaddesigns.com/kitchen.html
April says
Thanks so much Eartha!