Vintage fridges to go with your vintage stoves?

[mross_pitt]

Any safety concerns with an old fridge?
Assuming the wires are not rotted or weren't chewed/smashed etc.


I have a 1952 oven an would like an old fridge but not sure that I trust one that I don't know where it's been. At least with an oven you're typically nearby while it's operating.


Retro style fridges are way too expensive and "restored" versions look to be $10000 or more...why? other than because they can be/

[stotz]

I am a new member of this blog and I love the old vintage kitchens I see on the site. I want to find a home for my 1950's vintage Philco V Handle. It is completely unrestored and in amazing condition! It is the perfect fridge for any vintage house.
Enjoy!

[eclecticcottage]

Any safety concerns with an old fridge?
Assuming the wires are not rotted or weren't chewed/smashed etc.


I have a 1952 oven an would like an old fridge but not sure that I trust one that I don't know where it's been. At least with an oven you're typically nearby while it's operating.


Retro style fridges are way too expensive and "restored" versions look to be $10000 or more...why? other than because they can be/

I thought about it, but I really don't think so. There wasn't much to them, just a compressor and the light. I was m,ore confident in an old fridge than an old electric stove. But I really couldn't explain why...When we bought the stove, I specifically looked for one that was still in use/working. I am thinking I'll want to find a similar fridge, even if it's been hanging out in the garage or basement. I passed on a pretty cool Kelvinator because he was asking a little more than we wanted to spend ($400) but it was still in the garage. You could possibly find an electrician to look it over if you wanted to though.

As for the restored ones...mostly because they can, but also because of the work that goes into it-the tear down, replace work items, remove paint, repaint, etc. However there's not an ice cube's chance that I'd pay anywhere near that for a fridge. Nothing against those that will/can, but for that kind of money, I can get a LOT of work done on the Cottage!

That Norge is still calling me-and it's $50 or b/o. Probably could pick it up for @ $30. Not including gas, I could have a stove and fridge for less than $100! Now that's what I'm talkin' about. Totally within the parameters we set for the Cottage budget and theme wise (low budget reno).

[eclecticcottage]

Well, we never did go check out that Norge, although I still love the look of it! We just picked up (well, made the deal for, have to pick up next week) a Philco with the Dairy Bar/in door storage for $50. Needs paint (light surface rust on the top) but seems to be in good shape otherwise. We'll get it prettied up and switch out our current fridge and that one for a bit to be sure it's all good before selling the one we have in the kitchen now. Aside from the microwave and bread maker that I can't hide, we will be rocking the vintage theme big time in the kitchen! I picked up a 4C Kitchenaid, a Silex blender and a juiceomat. Got a matchsafe too, so the matches for the oven are right there.

[pqtex]

I ran across this website the other day. Look what this guy does to make his modern refrigerator look like a vintage one. I'd consider doing this to mine, but I have the water/ice dispenser in the door. http://oldhouseguy.com/icebox.php I believe he sells an e-book for the instructions, but his photos on his web page give a good idea of how it's done. I like the way it looks.

[eclecticcottage]

That is pretty cool, the photo of the one in white that rotates between the original and the after is better looking than his, imo. The only problem is, you have to use a modern fridge as the base, and in my experiance, they just don't last as long. Our current fridge is maybe 6-7 years old and makes a crazy knocking sound when the motor is running. Our dog used to bark every time it came on, lol. I have no idea why, but never bothered with it since it works and we always planned to replace it anyway. the big advantage I guess, is the space. We had a 1920's era kitchen at our Old House and had to buy smaller fridges (never considered a vintage fridge there, went through 2 in 15 years) so I'm used to it thoug-although I have been enjoying the bigger one at the Cottage. I think the smaller one will look better in the smaller space though, and not seem so bulky.

[eclecticcottage]

Change of plans, sort of. We are still getting the Philco, but it will either go into the garage or get fixed up and sold. Because we just brought home a Norge Customatic like the one I posted earlier! Seriously...LOVE this fridge! We do need to fix the back shelf clips on the left side though.

[theOldHouseGuy]

Wow I love looking at these photos. It is very important to have vintage appliances in your kitchen. When you approach an older home you are setting your mind up for an older interior. You see a beautiful period parlor and then go into the kitchen and you get a shock seeing modern appliances. What I did was convert my modern refrigerator into an antique appearing Ice Box. I actually published an ebook showing how.

Check out my site http://www.oldhouseguy.com
The refrigerator to icebox conversion link is in the left column. Photos of my kitchen - stove - ice box are on the "My Restoration" page.

It's funny how much refrigerator space people need today. The old refrigerators and iceboxes were so small yet large enough for large families.
Ken

[eclecticcottage]

These are the seller's pics of the Philco we're picking up next week. It's a cute little fridge...but the Norge still kicks it's butt with the wicked cool handles! It will be nice to clean it up and get it looking good again, even if it ends up living in the garage...