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!
Julia says
I was told by our local Home Depot that they will coming out with a larger fridge in this line, due in January 2014. GE, is that correct? I purchased the Stove, dishwasher and microwave today, at Home Depot with energy efficient coupon and veteran’s discount…So, under $1300 for all three, including installation fees and we got the 5 year warranty on Dishwasher only. Can’t wait till they are installed!
Kelley says
We’re about to order some up some Artistry too and would have been interested in a slightly larger fridge. Called GE today to check – they said no new releases are scheduled for Artistry. There are a bunch of fridges in the pipeline in that new flat gray color they call slate. Nothing new for the Artistry line yet.
Josie says
I like seeing an affordable fridge that looks nice, even if it’s not *perfect.*
I think the only option for retro here in Oz is a 3,500 dollar (NOT A TYPO) Smeg and that makes me very grumpy indeed. I would take the GE even if after a couple years I rolled its little white-sugar-cube self down to be painted at a car shop.
And I would really like an Energy Star rated fridge. 🙁
kate says
Those of you who have seen them – do they have that pebbly texture on the sides? Would you say they look more plastic-y or like the vintage metal/enamel? They’re not in stores near me until after Home Depot’s sale is over at the end of the month. Thanks!
Cathy says
Just got mine Wed. They are pebbly on the sides, personally I think they look more vintage metal than plastic-y. I have to say installing the ice maker was AWFUL!! Don’t know if anyone else had a problem? The instructions for the ice maker don’t match the letter on the back of the fridge. Had to call GE (twice) even then it excluded the flow valve installation instruction (which is not pre installed). AND the ice bucket that comes with the ice maker does not fit under it. And there is no way to adjust the shelves. Luckily the fridge came with an ice bucket that fits, but it’s considerably smaller. The fridge works great thus far and is very quiet.
kate says
Thank you Cathy!
Kate says
We had the same problem! The correct manual is not included with the icemaker. Here’s the link to the right one-
http://products.geappliances.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher?RequestType=PDF&Name=49-60554.pdf
Kate says
Starting on page 62.
brett_x says
So.. I saw them. There’s one miss in my opinion. I had thought they were going with chrome, but instead went with “safe” stainless steel handles. I have a 1955 Canary Yellow GE oven that would go well with a fridge with chrome handles. I’m waiting for the Stainless era to move along into history. Hopefully next year’s model in this line will be a bit more bold and ditch the stainless.
Wait. What am I saying- chrome handles – Bold ? How about a nice Canary yellow? Bring it back.
Jenny says
Brett_x, I agree with you — they missed on the handles. Wish you could buy a replacement handle; I would pay $100 extra to have a sleek, retro chrome handle on that stove.
MiaModern says
We just bought the fridge, dishwasher and electric range in white this afternoon! Spent less on the suite than a Big Chill so now I can put more money into funky countertops and cabinets for my 1955 Cliff May! Thanks for posting this. I was so close to going to Ikea!
lynda says
Home Depot in the Maryland area has the black electric range, fridge and microwave nicely displayed as you walk into the appliance area. The nice sales person told me the display had been up for 3 days and had gotten a lot of interest. We bought the fridge, range, and microwave for daughter and son-in-law. Home Depot had the first shipment from GE and the other stores will follow. They are in warehouse and ready to deliver now. Kids will get the new items on Saturday. Also, Home Depot is running a special. We were able to get $200 off the listed prices for the 3 pieces. Also, local utility company offers a rebate on fridge. The appliances are not high end, but look very nice. We bought the black, since that is what the kids wanted.
Kelley m says
We just purchased these site unseen!! Arriving in our 70s home October 9th! We are first time homebuyers and 27 years old so I guess they achieved their goal! Hope to write a review soon after – I’m an interior designer and in love with these!! The ice maker add on cost was 89$ FYI 🙂 we only purchased the fridge and dishwasher but it is going to fit in so well!!
Cathy says
Ours are due to be delivered the 9th, I am excited! Amazon has the ice maker for $72 with free shipping, mine is due to arrive Friday. I am getting the fridge, gas range, and dishwasher. Home Depot had them 10% off a week after I ordered, and I was able to get the difference in a gift card we used for the kitchen reno 🙂
Audrey says
I just got back from checking out appliances….there is much to say about this line. Simple, clean, nastalgic, exactly what I was looking for, although the oven is not self cleaning…bummer, but I have never used a self cleaning oven so It is not that much of an inconvience……
Amy Harvey says
“though” = “through” :O)
Amy Harvey says
I found out yesterday (by speaking with the appliance expert at Home Depot) that, indeed, the “Artistry” line of GE appliance is available (at the store? not sure) but at least Home Depot online… NOW! Though, at least In my neck of the woods, they are back ordered though October 9th. Just an FYI for those interested ~ Amy
Amy Harvey says
Do you yet know the exact date when this line will become available at Lowes/Home Depot? I have put off redoing my kitchen waiting for them!! Thank you!