Were stainless steel freestanding kitchen ranges made back in the 1950s or 1960s? I didn’t think so, until I heard from a few readers via my recent story, Were stainless steel appliances use in vintage midcentury kitchens? Sarah was one of them — and provided this photo of her parents’ glorious 1956 Hotpoint range. Gorgeous — and I’d guess, very rare.
Sarah wrote:
Hotpoint. 1956. The original dishwasher was also stainless. The fridge, washer, and dryer had already been replaced by the time we moved in. The house also has lovely original stainless wall-mounted clocks that work as timed thermostat controls.
The stove is from my folks’ house outside of Chicago. This photo was taken right after my dad got the stove back from having it completely refurbished. (Bonus–check out the original green snowflake wall tile in the background!)
In a comment, Justin showed us another range similar to Sarah’s:
Hotpoint had a free-standing range in Stainless/Brushed chrome. It was from either 1955 or 1956.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/31667232@N07/34369220156/in/dateposted-public/
In a comment, Phil also showed us this:
A few brands also offered brushed chrome drop-in ranges, not free standing ones but close. Here’s a 1969 Frigidaire Compact 30 that I have.
https://flic.kr/p/ronD1W
Pretty cool, huh!
Debbie in Portland says
Original green snowflake wall tile? We need to see the rest of that kitchen!
Lynne says
I was looking through a House & Garden Feb. 1960 last night. There was an ad for Revco Built In Refrigeration. It stated: ” Only Revco offers choice of finish: stainless steel, copper-glo, matching wood and 25 decorator colors”. So, there ya go. Stainless was out there, but I don’t think it was very popular. I mean why stainless when you have 25 decorator colors to choose from??
Dave says
Wow! This is such a fine example of well done design. Note the finer lines of the trim, edging, and scale.. This range I would have in my home, but not any of the stainless on the market today in which is in your face bad design and color. Thanks for a great website. Dave
Dan O. says
I’m pretty sure that giving any serious thought to attractive design went out the window along with domestic manufacturing. For a long time it’s been all about making things as cheaply as possible, and it really shows.
Then some smarty pants got the idea that if crappy consumer-grade appliances were designed to emulate restaurant equipment this would lead to them being perceived as being higher in quality (anything but). Fabricating this false perception is justification for a more expensive appliance which leads to higher profit$$.
Mark says
Hotpoint made stainless fridges as well. I’ve seen two set next to each other ‘built in’. Very good looking.
Nikki says
Wowzer!! Wish these were available today!!
Paige says
We’ve got a Hotpoint stainless steel cooktop, all the knobs & outlets look just like Sarah’s parents stove! The original Hotpoint Customline cookbook came with our house, I’ll have to go find it & see if there are any more models!
Melinda says
The stove is nice, but that tile is a thing of beauty.
Robin, WA says
I noticed the tile too. Fab!!
Jay says
Wow! Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. Pam, you can say for certain now, with proof, yes they exist when readers say stainless appliances are not mid century.
Ecfinn says
I h*** [edited] stainless steel but I like this. But this appears far shinier than stainless steel today. Almost like chrome. Fabulous.
Allen says
These are beautiful! You can definitely tell by looking the metallurgy is quite more advanced than what is offered today. If stainless appliances could be offered with a fraction of the style these have I’d be more inclined to consider them. Thanks for the updates Pam. I hope your Mahalo lounge is coming together well and you have a big update coming for us!
Pam Kueber says
It’s coming along… but slowly…