Retro Fridge Freezers
Retro fridge freezers can add a lot of personality to your kitchen. They are popular in traditional kitchens, but be a fun addition to modern kitchens.
The integrated models are designed to fit inside your cupboards and won't take up floor space. Freestanding ones are taller and utilize the SpaceMax technology that allows the walls to be slimmer without compromising energy efficiency.
What are they?
Retro fridge freezers are a fantastic way to add personality and character into your kitchen. They're typically designed to resemble 50s-style refrigerators, and come in a variety of vibrant colors. They can be great for country kitchens, bringing an edgy look or bringing nostalgia to modern-day spaces.
The brand that best embodies the retro look is Smeg, which is known for its stunning fridge freezers with chrome trim and bright colors. Smeg fridge freezers are available in different sizes and styles, including small, tall, narrow and side by side.
Another brand that offers a variety of retro-style, vibrant fridges is Montpellier which offers both large and small models. This stylish Montpellier RF603N4RDUK retro fridge freezer is an excellent illustration of the type of model that will complement the majority of kitchen colour schemes. It has a generous capacity of 244 litres, which is equivalent to 13 bags of groceries, and also has a drawer to store salad greens. The inverter compressor is energy-efficient, and the "quick freeze" mode allows for fast ice making.
Big Chill also has a collection of retro refrigerators. Retropolitan is available in beach-blue as well as buttercup yellow and cherry red. It also comes in jadeite, green, lemonade, orange, pink and turquoise. If none of those vibrant hues appeal suitable for you You can always request one in a custom colour for an extra $400 fee.
There are also budget-friendly options such as this 210-litre retro fridge by Amica. Its blue-duck color will stand out in any kitchen. It also has an impressively spacious interior, with three safety glass shelves with two balconies on the doors and the salad crisper. It comes with an A+ rating for energy efficiency, a manual defrost refrigerator, and an auto defrost.
Swan and Servis are also manufacturers that have a great collection of retro fridge freezers. They offer a range of colors, however their most well-known models are in classic cream and chilli red. The first is a great choice if you're looking to match your refrigerator with other appliances that are red. The second adds elegance to any kitchen.
Why are they so popular?
The freezer in your fridge doesn't have to blend in. It can be a focal piece in your kitchen if you opt for retro-inspired designs. These models are reminiscent of refrigerators produced in the 1950s, and they're designed to be boldly colourful with distinct features such as the curved edges and large handles. These models are available in a range of bright colours including green, orange, blue and red.
Smeg is a market leader with a variety of styles and finishes. Their iconic revival fridges feature bold colours, including blue, red and orange and are targeted at those who appreciate nostalgic items as well as those who are keen on design. You can pick from a range of handles and finishes to design the perfect Smeg refrigerator to suit your personal style.
Another brand that provides an excellent range of retro refrigerators is Gorenje. Their stunning RF60309 is a prime instance of how these appliances combine traditional design and modern technology. This refrigerator is a stunning addition to any kitchen. It is equipped with an A+ energy rating.
Swan and Montpellier are two more brands that provide a wide selection of retro fridge freezers. These brands are available in a range of colours that range from classic cream to chilli, and come with larger capacities.
These fridges typically have glass safety shelves, a wine rack and a free-standing ice box. They also have anti-bacterial protection that helps to reduce the spread of germs. Many have dynamic cooling which ensures that the cold air is circulated throughout the fridge or freezer.
These refrigerators are more expensive than ultra-modern American and French Door models but they're generally less expensive than conventional white freezers for fridges. They also have a more 'feel' than some more modern appliances, featuring chunky handles and chrome trims across the two doors.
Baumatic has a retro refrigerator freezer that is priced affordably. The compact model is stunning royal blue, and has 246 litres of storage capacity. The fridge is rated as having a good energy rating and it self-defrosts. It also comes with an internal salad drawer as well as a wine rack.
What exactly do they do?
The retro fridge freezer isn't the typical appliance - it's a bold statement piece that adds a unique touch to any kitchen. Although they're generally smaller than modern American-style refrigerators this doesn't mean you can't use the storage space. Retro fridge freezers offer a variety of shelving options, including shorter shelves for butter sticks and taller ones for single-serve water bottles, smaller containers, and smaller drawers for produce. Certain models come with HarvestFresh Technology, which mimics the sun's natural 24-hour cycle of light and keeps fruits and vegetables fresher longer.
Consider the two-door Big Chill fridge if you want a retro-inspired fridge that's not overly expensive. Launched in the US by the uncle-and-nephew pair Thom Vernon and Orion Creamer The brand has swiftly become a celebrity favourite (Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are among its many fans). The Big Chill fridge is available in a variety of vibrant colors such as blue and cherry red and milkshake-white and black vinyl. It comes with a 12-cubic-foot storage space as well as a separate freezer.
This Hisense retro fridge/freezer model in Bordeaux is another budget option. It boasts 300L capacity as well as a 60/40 split of the refrigerator and freezer. The freezer and the fridge come with adjustable shelves, no frost technology, and inside LED lighting. It is Energy Star-certified and has a useful alarm that alerts you that the door was left open.
The RF60309 Retro refrigerator-freezer made by Gorenje is a stylish and functional choice. It is a combination of timeless design and 21st-century technology that will appeal to anyone who appreciates quality and desires their kitchen to become a focal point. The stunning RF60309 comes with three compartments for storing well-stacked frozen foods. It also comes with an ambient switch that allows it to function in temperatures as low -10degC. The model is available in a variety of other stunning colors.
Which is the top?
A vintage fridge freezer can make a a statement in your kitchen. They're generally less expensive than the more modern American or French Door models. If you purchase one with attractive extras such as ice and water dispensers will surely add value to your property too. It is important to select one that complements your kitchen and lifestyle. You can also pick models with built-in features to preserve your fresh food items as good as new for longer.
Heritage brands like Smeg and Swan offer a wide selection of colourful fridge freezers. If you're looking to go all-out with a large 1950s-style fridge then look no further than Big Chill which is famous for its refrigerators in the USA and now available in the UK. The most popular model from the brand has capacities of up to 680 litres, which is more than 40 shopping bags. It has a lot of storage space inside, including adjustable shelves and an ice-cream drawer. There are also two removable shelves within the freezer compartment. Reviews for this particular model are generally positive, with users praise the sleek design and ample storage space. A few people have complained about the quality of the finish however, and some claim that it takes a long time for the fridge to cool down after adding food items.
Amica is another brand with a long history that specialises in 1950s-style fridge freezers. This tall freestanding model is available in a striking duck egg blue and offers an impressive 234 litre fridge capacity and a freezer capacity of 96 litres, which is ideal for families with children. The interior is well-organized and includes four glass shelves that are safe and a salad drawer to store fresh greens and the chrome wine rack. The appliance is equipped with an A+ energy rating and an anti-frost system that can eliminate manual defrosting.
If you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly you'll be able to get it with a Liebherr fridge freezer. This 50/50 model comes with an instant cool feature that instantly chills your food items after you've added your groceries. It also has the option of a speed-freeze setting to rapidly freeze large quantities of leftovers. It's also easy to maintain with a clean and hygienic interior and LED lighting. Some reviewers online have reported that the refrigerator is delivered with dents, and that it doesn't always work as well as they would like.