Breaking news on the retrosphere — GE is releasing a new “Artistry” line of appliances with retro styling. The line comes in two colors — black and white — with a focus on simplicity and attractive design. The line will be released in Fall of 2013, and is marketed towards young, first time homeowners who are looking for stylish and affordable kitchen appliances. The retro-contemporary design of the line ensures it will fit in a wide range of kitchen styles from modern to vintage. It is great to see new, affordable appliance options becoming available for those of us with an eye for retro style.
UPDATE: Alas, now discontinued.
Press release:
GE Unveils the First Line of Appliances Designed by a Millennial for Millennials
- Unique design focuses on simplicity, creating an entirely new aesthetic at an affordable price for first-time homebuyers, younger consumers
- GE Appliances has tripled investment in design over the last two years
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—June 26, 2013—(NYSE: GE)—With the introduction of the GE Artistry™ Series, GE’s designers focus on the needs of today’s generation of Millennials and their desire to uniquely express themselves. Created by a 27-year-old GE industrial designer with his own generation in mind, the Artistry Series provides first-time homebuyers with a distinctive and cool appearance at a price they can afford. This new line of stylishly sensible kitchen products includes five appliances: a gas range, electric range, bottom-freezer refrigerator, over-the-range microwave and top-control dishwasher.
Today’s Millennials comprise a significant number of first-time homebuyers; in fact, according to real estate brokerage company, Redfin, homebuyers in the 25- to-34-year-old age group make up the largest portion of homebuyers.
“These buyers are price conscious and design savvy, but also want appliances from a brand they trust,” said Lou Lenzi, director of GE’s Industrial Design Operation. “In today’s marketplace, affordable appliances tend to look the same; GE Artistry Series fills that void for consumers by offering unique-looking products not currently sold by other manufacturers.”
Designed to delight and disrupt at retail
Most appliances in this segment of the market have similar features that consumers use every day; the Artistry Series offers this, as well as a design aesthetic that will stand out in the home and on the retail floor.
“Investing in the design of these appliances was a top priority for our team,” said Lenzi. “We’ve tripled our design resources over the past two years, and after much research, Tomas DeLuna, industrial designer for GE Appliances’ Concept and Brand team, was tapped to lead the development of the Artistry Series. The look needed to be simple and approachable with very clean lines. DeLuna’s design sensibilities made him an ideal fit to lead the project.”
DeLuna took the opportunity to design for his own generation by focusing on touchpoints that mattered to him, in areas where consumers interact most with the product—handles, knobs and clocks. “Making the critical consumer touchpoints metallic, and set against either a pure, white gloss or black gloss finish, creates a look that is both familiar to our consumers, yet remains fresh and modern,” said DeLuna. “That’s what makes the GE Artistry Series special; the design is authentic and contemporary with a nod to the past not currently offered in the marketplace.”
The GE logo, visible as a badge on the appliances, also reflects this philosophy. The GE monogram with the words “General” and “Electric” recalls the product badges of the past, yet the juxtaposition of chrome and high-gloss color evokes the core, contemporary Artistry design principles.
Both the new dishwasher and refrigerator are ENERGY STAR®-qualified appliances. The bottom-freezer refrigerator costs $49 to operate annually.
The full GE Artistry Series will be available in September 2013. Estimated retail price of the full GE Artistry product suite is $2,416.*
*Retailers set their own prices. Estimated retail pricing per appliance is as follows: bottom-freezer refrigerator, $1,099; top-control dishwasher, $499; over-the-range microwave, $219; gas range and electric range, $599.
Pam adds: It is sooooo interesting to see how GE seems to go out of their way to avoid using the term “retro”. They say “contemporary with a nod to the past.” But this suite of kitchen appliances is so old skool looking — they used an old fashioned logo — appliance white (no stainless steel!) — chrome — and analog! It’s like they are afraid of getting tagged with the retro-moniker out of concern it will pigeonhole them. Oh well. I see a lot of readers going for the stove and fridge, in white, at these prices. However, if you want more sensuous curves — and color — Big Chill is still your likely best go-to.
See all our stories about REFRIGERATOR options here — and be sure to see the Fisher Paykel counter depth, which has similar lines and is counter-depth!
Carole says
I’m in my third home, and wouldn’t mind having that fridge. I’ve reached a point in life where I can’t bring myself to spend a lot on appliances that don’t last more than 5-6 years anyway. That comes from personal experience (2 stoves and 3 dishwashers inside of 12 years), and info. given to me by three different repairmen.
I’m in an age group who remembers quality appliances that lasted for nearly 20 years. Makes it tough. Most appliances have a outward brand name, but the electronics and other parts are generally made by one parent company (usually Whirlpool).
I’ve always dreamed of a Smeg or Big Chill fridge, but honestly I’d be afraid to spend that kind of money.
I now buy the most affordable, good looking appliances that fits the spaces I have without doing a major overall to my kitchen. lol
I think these will be popular among more than first time home owners. I have only ever had white appliances, but I do wish these came in a few more color options. Maybe some day, if they sell well. 🙂
Carole says
Btw, thanks for sharing this. It won’t be too long before I’m in the market for a fridge and this opens up another style option. 🙂
Shara says
Ok so now I’m mad I just purchased a new GE dishwasher for about the same price as the retro one and I would have much rather had the retro one.
Jamie D. says
These are wonderful! And FINALLY a retro look at an affordable price point.
My dishwasher is on its last legs and we’ve been shopping around, but I may hold out and wait for this release…and possibly get the matching fridge. I hate my current early-90s side-by-side fridge…the freezer is so narrow and awkwardly configurated. This entire suite would be perfect. As much as I love Big Chill, there’s no way I could ever afford it.
This line is ideal for those of us who are mid century modest!
BlueJay says
While these look cool, I remain skeptical as to their durability and quality. The nice thing about vintage appliances is that they were designed well, but were also made to last. We just purchased a GE fridge to replace a 20 year old Whirlpool and I can tell already that we’ll be replacing the fridge again in 10 years tops.
Jackie says
To the GE folks reading this: Will the interior/features of the dishwasher be the same as Model # GDT550HGDBB? The exterior is very similar, with minor edits, so I’m wondering if I can “preview” this model to see if it fits my needs.
Julie Wood says
Hi Jackie. Here are some of the features on our new dishwasher. You can compare to other GE dishwashers on our website. Thank you. –Julie Wood
GE Artistry™ Series Dishwasher with Top Controls
-GE’s most advanced wash system
-Piranha™ Hard Food Disposer with Removable Filter
– Steam PreWash – Loosens tough soils before any cycle virtually eliminating the need for soaking or pre-rinsing dishes
-Sanitize option (NSF Residential) – High-temperature rinse sanitizes and reduces 99.99% of bacteria found on dishes
-2/4/8-Hour Delay Start – Wash dishes at your convenience
-54 dBA with status light on door – A dishwasher this quiet has a multi-colored status light to let you know it is running
-Dedicated silverware jets – Highly pressurized spray jets target the silverware area for improved cleaning
-Cabinet Depth Installation – Enjoy an attractive, flush appearance that complements your kitchen and blends in with cabinetry
-AutoSense cycle – Automatically adjusts to soil level to maximize energy savings and ensure clean dishes
-3 Pressurized, Full-Coverage Wash Arms – Expect exceptionally clean and table-ready dishes with powerful wash arms that deliver 65% more wash power to the top and bottom racks compared to previous GE models* (*Delivered separately to the upper and lower racks)
-Gray interior
-4-Pass Wash and Dry Element – Items come out consistently clean and dry with the help of this element, which evenly heats water for washing and air for drying
-Audible end-of-cycle signal –
-ENERGY STAR® qualified/CEE qualified
-51 dBA with status light on door – A dishwasher this quiet has a status light to let you know it is running
Jackie says
Great info, Julie. Thanks.
One last question–will this one have the lidded silverware baskets at the front of the rack? Honestly that’s the one feature that owners of current GE dishwashers seem to dislike because it seems to block water from getting to the detergent.
zumpie says
What’s interesting is that when my appliances (1916 bungalow, but with an updated kitchen) died a couple of years ago I went with this line from Frigidaire because it offered a similar retro modern feel and affordable price point. I did “silver mist” over black or white and the handles are black, but it really works in my kitchen, which now has a sort of 1940s feel to it.
http://www.classappliance.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/appliances/frig-grp2_0.jpg
In this case, I think the curved handles play big into it, though the clock is digital
pam kueber says
Thanks for the tip, zumpie!
Lisa says
For GE: Can we get a shot of the inside of the fridge? That would be helpful to see the interior layout. Thanks, GE
Julie Wood says
Yes. Go to our pressroom via the link below and look at the images on the far right side of the page. There is a photo of the refrigerator’s interior.
http://pressroom.geappliances.com/news/ge-unveils-first-line-of-appliances-designed-by-a-millennial-for-millennials
Thanks. –Julie Wood, GE Appliances
Chris McDaniels says
Love this set! GE had the right idea gearing this toward younger homebuyers. Many of us love retro styles and have tight budgets. I can understand why they didn’t put a wall oven and cooktop into this line. Those are premium options, and any basic cooktop would work well with this set anyway. I’ve been planning out my kitchen remodel. I’m not going for authentic retro, but rather retro-inspired. It works well with my lifestyle. I’ll be getting this suite for my “retro-lite” kitchen.
pam kueber says
Yes: Retro-lite. That actually describes much of what’s popular in “contemporary” kitchens today. There’s not much new under the sun.
Robert at Live Better Electrically says
If there was a double wall oven and and a counter top stove in this line I would be all over it. I will just have to settle for that dishwasher I suppose. I’d consider the fridge too if my 40’s GE ever passes away.
Yarmouth Cindy says
Analog clock and dial temperature controls —heart, be still!