space-saver and time-saver ever!” — ad
After our recent article about Chris’ kitchen, which spotlighted his restored GE Wonder Kitchen, I decided to pursue some true academic research into this wonderful design from mid century America. GE Wonder Kitchens were, “An internally plumbed and wired G-E ‘Kitchen Center’ combining an automatic dishwaher, range, Dispoall-equipped sink, and a washer dryer. All mounted under one stainless steel counter.” The basic unit was 9.5 feet long, I believe.
I went looking for more info and golly, what with the power of the Google, my most basic questions were answered fast. Right away, I found this June 27, 1955 advertisement from LIFE. This ad indicates that the first GE Wonder Kitchens are about to be launched. It features William Levitt, and says that these kitchen-laundry units will be installed in his development in Levittown, Pennsylvania. The ad proclaims:
In the words of one woman enthusiast, “It is the most magnificent, yet most sensible work-saver, space-saver and time-saver ever!”
After I found the 1955 ad online, I then went into my stash of vintage marketing materials, and super quick, located several ads for GE’s kitchen appliances from 1955. GE must really have been making a big push this particular year. In addition to spotlighting the Wonder Kitchen, they also were promoting other built-ins including their now-famous refrigerator that looks like a wall cabinet. The built-ins that were part of the Wonder Kitchen also could be purchased separately.
In fact, the Wonder Kitchen ad says: “… 55 out of every 100 women think G.E. makes the best home appliances.”
Also pretty groovy: See the GE 1955 color palette — Canary Yellow, Turquoise Green, Petal Pink, Cadet Blue and Woodtone Brown. Note — they are promoting to “mix and match” these colors. Indeed, we occasionally see two-tone kitchens in the wild. More so in ads, though. Methinks that most women were pretty conservative about getting too trendy with their purchases of this big ticket items.
… and, Cadet Blue — golly, I’ve never heard of that one before! Must be as rare to see today as Frigidaire’s short-lived 1960s Poppy Red.
Above, a GE Wonder Kitchen in the famous 1960 “Scarsdale time capsule house” that we showed here a few years ago. I am thinking: The Wonder Kitchen was high-end.
In a comment added to the story about Chris’ kitchen, reader Lori reminded us that she also has a GE Wonder Kitchen. And — she has a husband who is a professional — he rewired it, and she is using this daily!
Lori provided lots of detail, writing:
Hi There! Love the kitchen remodel. And the fact that another one of these rare GE kitchen centers has been saved. I was fortunate to pick up one of these kitchen centers about six years ago on EBAY. MIne’s in PINK and it’s still has the original paint. Pam was so kind to feature my entire kitchen on the site here last year titled Lori’s Whole Lotta Lovin’ Fun kitchen.
The date on my GE KITCHEN CENTER is Oct. 1956. I have the combo washer/dryer, dishwasher, stove and cleaner container compartment. My husband is an electrical engineer so he rewired the entire center and brought it up to code so that I could use it. I have the sliding doors for my center but when I put them on I couldn’t see my vintage figurine display so I opted to leave them off. Also I have in storage the matching stackable ovens. I have an original 1957 GE CALENDAR and the month of JULY features the GE KITCHEN CENTER. The bottom of the page reads: “GENERAL ELECTRIC KITCHEN CENTER. New, Deluxe Package Kitchen. Available in five, beautiful Mix or Match colors. Four time saving, work saving appliances, range, dishwasher, Disposall (copyrighted), and combination washer/dryer all under a seamless, long-lasting stainless steel counter. Many deluxe features – cabinettes, fluorescent lights, retractable cord center, custom radio, and cleaner container compartment – gives you more glamour…more utility…more beauty.” When I was looking for my GE KITCHEN CENTER I found some manuals for 1955, 1956 and 1957 so I’m not sure if those were the only years but I’m pretty sure that the first centers were either 1954 or 1955. And I know they didn’t have a long production run. They were designed to be used in a small space giving you all the appliances you need at your finger tips. So I’m thrilled to see another GE KITCHEN CENTER being reclaimed and displayed so beautifully! GREAT JOB!!
I am not sure when Cabinettes were added to the mix.
The GE Wonder Kitchen: pretty cool. Now you know.
Katrina Greenwell says
Hello I need assistance with my oven. It was made in the late 50’s or 60’s. I need help finding the serial number for the oven. If you could respond so I can try to figure it out it would be appreciated. Thank you so much it would be appreciated.
pam kueber says
Katrina, we don’t have the expertise to provide this kind of help. See our category Kitchens / Appliances for some stories on where you might be able to get help. Good luck.
David T says
I just purchased a condo with the GE all in one unit in the kitchen. I am looking at restoring the piece (it’s already in pretty good shape) but with some modern additions. My problem is that I don’t want the unit to simply work. My wife and I cook a ton and having a range and oven that heats evenly is important.
Has anyone updated an old unit to accept an induction or other modern took top? I’d also like to re-insulate the oven and add modern coils as well.
The goal is to have what looks like an original unit, but operates as well or better than anything you can purchase now. We are already re-wiring the existing outlets and extension cords so it has the modern conveniences, but still looks original.
Any or all advise is much appreciated!
pam kueber says
Hi David, See our Kitchen Help/Appliances category or FAQs/Appliances for tips on some resources that might be able to help you. Good luck — I’d love to find out how this adventure turns out for you!
melissa says
David, Did you have a wiring diagram that you used? Would you share it??
I would love to hear how your “modernized” wonder kitchen turned out. I’m trying to do something similar. My biggest concern is having modern refrigeration. In addition to the wall mount fridge I’m thinking of installing lower mini fridges & a mini freezer where the washing machine / laundry unit went. I’m trying to figure out what to use the burners for – built in blender? (I also have a 1941 Chambers stove – so I don’t need the burners.)
Any ideas are welcome! Thanks, Melissa
Pam Kueber says
Melissa, on rewiring issues and repair of old appliances, which involve safety and environmental concerns, please consult with properly licensed professionals.
Jane Palomo says
I have a 1955 Automatic Electric Kitchen Center with the
stainless steel top plus I also have the GE wall refrigerator-freezer
that still works and a stand up Westinghouse freezer all the
appliances are turquois and pink, Sure wish I could have them all
fixed or could sale them to remodel my kitchen. Parts sure are hard
to find, you would think GE would still have some or make them special order them
pam kueber says
You could try. Also see our FAQ on appliance fix tips
louis says
I have a complete GE wonder Kitchen it has working oven, stove, dishwasher, full refrigerator and freezer, counters and complete cabinets a whole kitchen with a laundry room sink and cabinet. I am looking for collectors who are interested in the complete package. if anyone is interested please reply
pam kueber says
louis — please take this over to our buy/sell Forum — https://retrorenovation.com/forums/
good luck
ann says
are these cabinets available for purchase?
if so where? I live in Texas
pam kueber says
This story is informational not about items for sale per se. To find one of Watch your local craigslist… and our Forum https://retrorenovation.com/forums/
Also start reading all of our stories about vintage steel kitchen cabinets — Kitchens/Steel Kitchens category
Good luck
steve c. says
I have one of these in my kitchen and the element went out in my oven and the range only has one working burner. any idea where to look for or purchase replacement parts? any help or suggestions would be wonderful!
Dee-Dee says
I also have a GE Wonder Kitchen with the built in stove top and oven. The only #’s I can find on mine is 1J247 & 1J248. My heating element went out and so did my thermostat. If anyone knows where I can locate a model # or if that is the model # or any information would help.
Jane Palomo says
the model number is J247G4M1
John says
I am looking for the model number of the GE wall mount oven unit from the mid 1950’s. Can any one help?
John
Lisa says
Can someone tell me what the sale value would be? I have one in pink that I would like to sell but do not know what price range is reasonable.
Frank says
In the process of refurbishing our unit. The color was turquoise and it may be the same as Ford’s 1955 Thunderbird Blue (aka Sky Haze Green color code M0359).
melinda white says
i just saw one in good shape in kellys island ohio. i was wondering what they cost? just curious