The 12 Best Retro Refrigerators in 2024: Shop Our Top Picks
Pros
- Smudge-resistant finish
- Includes a wine rack
- ADA-compliant
Cons
- Expert installation from $149.99
The thing about authentic retro fridges is that they are, unfortunately, horrible for the environment because they use so much energy and a lot of harmful materials to keep your food and drinks chilled and frozen. Retro-inspired fridges, on the other hand, are much more eco-conscious, making them good options for kitchens in need of some charisma. This one, from Unique Appliances, is Energy Star-certified, comes in seven colors, and is ADA-compliant. It’s also finished in a smudge-resistant high gloss that makes it feel like it escaped from the 1950s (in the best way.) One reviewer says, “So happy with our classic refrigerator. I wish it was a little larger, but I sure know what I need when checking for my grocery list. It’s just my husband and me and we live in a 100-year-old home! Very satisfied with product and delivery was excellent.”
| Dimensions | 21.6″ W x 24.2″ D x 63.8″ H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 7 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Most Authentic
Smeg Full Size Refrigerator
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Customizable handle location
- White glove delivery included
Cons
- Expensive
When we think of a retro-inspired refrigerator, Smeg definitely comes to mind. This one, the classic, if you will, comes in seven shades, including robin’s egg blue, bright yellow, and mint green. Our personal favorite, however is the iconic Union Jack. Did we mention there’s also a similar version, but instead of the British symbol, it’s the American flag. This fridge is also made in Italy, so you already know it includes a wine rack. As is the case with most big-ticket goodies from Williams Sonoma, you can enjoy free white glove delivery to the room of your choice.
| Dimensions | 23.66″ W x 30.25″ D x 60.25″ H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 9.2 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Most Affordable
Galanz Black Retro Look Refrigerator
Pros
- Available in multuple colors
- Adjustable shelves
- High-efficiency and low-energy consumption compressor
Cons
- Not ideal for more than two people
This sleek retro-inspired Galanz fridge is a great budget-friendly option if you’re looking to save without skimping on style. It comes in a bevy of bold colors, including black, blue, and red, but if you want something that feels a bit more classic, it’s also available in white. And just like the real thing from the mid-20th century, the freezer is on top. The inside, however, is totally contemporary, with multiple adjustable shelves and a high-efficiency and low-energy consumption compressor. “I don’t typically write reviews for my Amazon buys, but this item has exceeded my expectations for the price by far. We moved into our first home and the old fridge left behind was just not worth trying to salvage,” One reviewer says. “Being somewhat cash-strapped and not ready to commit to a full-size replacement (especially others with this retro style), we stumbled upon this. I was skeptical at first, but the fridge is a perfectly manageable size for two people in terms of storage space, and the black retro look is great. Appearance has kept it’s charm and still looks new six months on.”
| Dimensions | 23.74″ W x 29.45″ D x 66.93″ H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 12 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Most Minimalist
Commercial Cool True Freezer and Fridge
Pros
- Includes two slide-out shelves, a full-width crisper, and a six-can dispenser
- Space-saving flat back design, and leveling legs.
- Affordable
Cons
- Available in only three colors
This refrigerator is a minimalist masterpiece complete with two full-width slide-out glass shelves, a full-width crisper, and a six-can dispenser for beer, juice, or anything else you drink on the regular. On the functional side of things, this find features an adjustable thermostat control, interior light, space-saving flat back design, and leveling legs. One of the five-star reviews says, “So we recently put a shade area off our pool deck. We live on a pleasure farm and went rustic. This fit perfect. Freezer has freeze pops for kids and adults then fridge has juice pouches water and adult beverages. It will come in for the winter as extra fridge during holidays! We love it”
| Dimensions | 20.3″ D x 19.3″ W x 42.9″ H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 4.5 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | No |
Are Vintage Fridges Safe?
Generally speaking, no. Older refrigerators operate differently than current models. For instance, fridges from a few decades ago employed gasses to cool down the inside, which may lead to accidental fires or poisoned food. In fact, such appliances can be so dangerous that the United States Department of Energy recommends replacing them every 12 or so years. What’s more, the American Appliance Repair recommends putting your fridge through a maintenance check every three months. All of this goes to say that older fridges (10 or more years) are not the safest option. If you like to live life on the edge and are still considering snagging a vintage fridge for your home, know that it will be one of the most power-consuming things in your home.
Do Vintage Fridges Use a Lot of Electricity?
Yes, vintage fridges can use up to five times more electricity than new, high-efficiency ones that are popular today. If you’re in the market for a fridge that recalls an older era, you may want to opt for a contemporary one with an older look. That way, you can enjoy the design without any of the drawbacks of an actual vintage appliance. Plus, if you’ve ever had to deal with re-wiring a vintage light fixture for a new house, you already know how dangerous incorporating older pieces into a contemporary space is.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to picking out the best (and most affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture and appliances for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy. Not to mention, she’s been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.
For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews and ratings and used her design eye to pick out the best retro fridges on the market right now for House Beautiful readers.
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