If you've spent any time online looking for a good retro refrigerator for your kitchen, you've certainly noticed that they come at a premium price point, are difficult to order online, or both.
The three big brands that put out a nice full-size retro refrigerator will be Northstar (Elmira), Big Chill, and Smeg. They are pretty much at the top of the line for a retro fridge with regards to options for styles, colors, and sizes.
However, again, they're either relatively expensive (in the range of $2,000 and up), or not so easy to buy online.
In this article, I'll introduce you to three other affordable, easy-to-find options for retro refrigerators.
Three OTHER Retro Style Fridge Brands…
Enter three slightly lesser-known retro style fridge brands that don't often appear at the top of the searches: Chambers, Galanz, and (my most recent discovery) Unique.
(Jump ahead to see the three retro refrigerators below)
What you miss out on by going with one of these brands might just be made up for in price and availability.
Pros:
The upsides? Affordable prices for one. All coming in at under $1,000 these retro fridge models cost what you might normally spend on a regular refrigerator.
AND, unlike the “Big Three” brands I mention above, you can buy a Chambers or Galanz retro fridge at major outlets online (see links in the reviews below).
Cons:
Most notable is size. The largest retro style refrigerator these lesser-known companies make maxes out at about 12 cu. ft. (cubic feet) – just under the 14 cu. ft. that tends to be considered the bottom end for a “full-size” refrigerator.
(See “7 MORE Affordable Full-Size Retro Refrigerators“)
The other downside is color & style options. These companies only have a few models, and black or red are your main color choices. (A couple models come in a cool baby blue or an off-white “champagne.”)
If you're willing to trade off size and color options for affordability, style, and availability, these alternative retro refrigerator brands may be the way to go.
3 Affordable Retro Fridge Freezer Options
In looking for good options for a retro fridge-freezer, I considered both price and functionality.
For price, I set a limit of $1,000. While there were some solid options out there in the $1000~2000 price range, I decided that they were more than what the average refrigerator shopper might consider “affordable.”
For functionality, I wanted something that could potentially serve a kitchen, bar, or other type of entertainment room, and support meals for two or more people.
Size was also a factor here. I didn't want anything so small it might only be good fit for a single dorm room.
Following are 3 examples you might want to consider in your search of the best retro fridge freezers for your budget, listed from the largest to the smallest.
I've included links to company sites, manuals, and online shops so that you can do your own research before deciding to buy.*
Two *Almost* Full-Size Retro Refrigerators
As I mentioned above, the general standard for “Full-size” refrigerators tends to be about 14 cu. ft. (cubic feet) and larger, with certain dimensions.
These two retro refrigerators come a little bit under that size, but still offer the features you'd expect in a modern full sized refrigerator.
Galanz Retro Refrigerator (12 cu. ft.)
Company: Galanz
(Download Manual)
Price: $599.99~$999.99 Online
| Shop online at: |
The 12.0 cu. ft. Retro Top Mount Freezer Refrigerator is the latest – and largest – addition to the highly rated Galanz retro refrigerator line.
While maintaining the look and feel of the old days, this retro-style refrigerator still brings the modern features you'd expect from a fridge:
Features
A true top-mount freezer compartment with 2 door racks, and automatic defrost for a frost-free experience.
An in-the-door can rack for convenient storage and quick access to beverages.
4-full slide out adjustable glass shelves.
Bright interior lighting.
Spacious and clear fruit & vegetable crisper.
More Options
The Galanz 12.0 cu. ft. retro refrigerator also comes in black (model GLR12TBKER), and there's a slightly smaller model at 10 cu. ft.
Galanz retro refrigerators come in several other smaller sizes from 3.1 to 7.6 cu. ft. capacity. I feature one in the next category…
BONUS — Unique Retro Refrigerator (9 cu ft)
Company: Unique Appliances
(Download Manual)
9 cu. ft. Bottom Mount Retro Refrigerator
Price: $899~$979 Online
| Shop online at: | Home Depot Wayfair |
I call this a “bonus” entry because I discovered it after originally posting this article – bringing this list up to 4. I'm including it in this second position (rather than at the end of the article) to maintain the “size order” of the list.
Unique’s 9 cu/ft bottom-mount retro fridge-freezer and it's narrow footprint packs convenient storage options into a design that is both space and energy efficient.
Putting the fridge on top brings the food and drinks you need most within reach. The narrow width makes it easier to fit in more spaces within your home, cottage, bar, she-shed, or man-cave.
This model adds a 4-bottle wine shelf for people who like to entertain, or just enjoy an evening wind-down.
Features
4 adjustable glass shelves, and
4 full width adjustable door shelves allow for flexibility in personalizing your storage space
Adjustable 4 bottle wine rack for convenient and stable bottle storage.
Deep crisper drawer for all your fresh produce.
3 spacious freezer drawers provide ample storage space for your frozen items and reduces frost build-up.
Narrow 21.6″ width makes it an easy fit for any room in your home.
Options
Unique Appliances retro refrigerator (Model UGP-275L AC) comes in Black, White, and Red.
They also make a 7 cu/ft Bottom Mount Retro Refrigerator with similar features to this model and available in Light Green, and a 6 cu/ft Upright All-Freezer with a similar retro design.
As of this writing, Unique retro refrigerators are available exclusively at Home Depot.
Want to see more retro-fridges this size?
Click Here–> 7 full size retro refrigerators reviewed
A Not-So-Mini Retro Refrigerator
There are plenty of options out there for a “mini” retro refrigerator. But, if you're looking for a retro fridge that:
- Has a larger capacity (something that can hold a significant amount of food, and more than just drinks, potentially serving a kitchen)
- Yet still cool-looking
- AND affordable
… then you might want to consider this mid-range category.
At about 7 or 8 cubic feet, these mid-sized refrigerators may have only about half the capacity of a full size retro fridge, but it's still more than twice the capacity of a mini retro refrigerator.
Take a look at these two and see if either of them fit your needs:
Galanz Retro Refrigerator (7.6 cu. ft.)
Company: Galanz
(Download Manual)
7.6 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Freezer Refrigerator
Price: $298~$566 Online
| Shop online at: | Amazon Home Depot |
This Galanz retro refrigerator at 7.6 cu. ft. is a “best-seller” with hundreds of reviews online. Take a peek at them with the shopping links, above.
Like its larger siblings, above, it boasts a proper and separate freezer compartment, crisper drawer for produce, adjustable shelves, and door bins.
Features
A true top-mount freezer compartment with 1.6 cu.ft. and partially-automatic defrost.
Three full crystal door bins.
Three slide out adjustable glass shelves.
Bright interior lighting.
Separate clear fruit & vegetable crisper.
Options
The Galanz 7.6 cu. ft. retro refrigerator comes in both black and red models.
If for some reason you're looking for an even smaller retro fridge freezer, Galanz makes a number of smaller, rugged-looking, stumpier models.
Each has a separate freezer compartment with its own door, and they come in sizes of 4.6 cu ft, 4.0 cu ft, and 3.1 cu ft (the smallest of which also comes in a light blue color.)
Chambers Retro Refrigerator w/ Bottom Freezer (7 cu ft)
Company: Chambers
(Download Manual)
7.0 Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Price: $619~$749 Online
| Shop online at: | Appliances Connection Home Depot Wayfair |
This Chambers retro refrigerator (Model MRB192-07) is actually categorized under their “Fun Fridge” line, though it maintains the retro-style and flare of their “Retro Refrigerators” line.
Chambers' compact bottom configuration brings the refrigerated space you use the most off the floor, making it both easily accessible and energy efficient.
At at 22″ counter-depth, and 57″ height, it will fit under virtually every overhead cabinet.
Features
Two freezer drawers reduce frost build up.
LED lighting brightens up the interior.
Fruit and vegetable Crisper drawer.
Adjustable glass shelves, and even split door-shelves provide loads of adjustability.
Low noise compressor for quiet, non-intrusive operation.
The Antibacterial liner to help prevent odors.
One Year Parts and Labor Warranty.
Options
Chambers retro refrigerator MRB192-07 comes in 4 different colors: Frost White, Butter Cream, Light Blue, and Red Wine. (Price will vary with color, with the white and cream colors tending to be more expensive.)
Chambers also makes a larger “almost” full-size retro refrigerator at 12 cu.ft., but it's back up there in the $2,000 range, so I didn't list it here. If you're interested, you can check it out here.
Finding the Best Retro Fridge Freezer
A cool retro-style refrigerator can bring a cool or fun ambiance to a room. But you don't necessarily have to sacrifice affordability and functionality for this look.
Clearly, finding the best retro fridge-freezer is about finding a balance in price, size, and functionality in addition to that cool look.
I hope this article has provided some guidance in finding good retro refrigerators with which you can outfit your home, office, or fun-space.
Looking for more? Click Here–> New Refrigerators That Look Vintage
If you have any questions, or even suggestions or advice for other shoppers, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
~ Scott
Matt Taylor
Very cool retro refrigerators. The price isn’t bad on them either. Not sure if they are my style, but I will definitely let any of my friends know about them who may be in the market. Thanks for sharing!
Bill Sweeney
I think these refrigerators are perfect for single people or small families. I love the retro style; but, with a family our size, I don’t see it being a good fit for us. I wouldn’t mind putting one in my garage, or on our back deck
Foodie Find Home
We are currently in the market for a new fridge and picking out a retro one would have never been on my radar had it not been for this post. We actually live in a house that a retro fridge would look pretty cool in. Thanks!
Kendall
Love retro decor! How fun.
Monica
If I were to get a retro refrigerator I would prefer black with a top mount freezer. Unfortunately, they are just too smal.
the joyous living
these fridges look so cute but they also look very skinny. are they the same size as apartment fridges?
Scott
Hi, Joyous.
They are indeed a little on the skinny side, but that’s because I chose to review a few of the less expensive models. Despite the slender design, they still have a large capacity.
If you’re looking for something bigger, check out my post on full size retro refrigerators. You might also look up models from Big Chill and Elmira Stove Works.
I hope that helps! Thanks for stopping by.
~ Scott
Emily Fata
I’m such a sucker for the retro look! I love all of these refrigerators. I’d totally have one of them in my own home.
JoyDellaVita
I love retro refrigerators! When I was growing up, parents of a friend hat a pink SMEG and I would always ask to open it, as I though its so cool 😀
Heather
I’m obsessed with retro appliances! When we buy our home, I’m seriously considering getting some.
Brandy
This is so cool! I had no idea that you could actually buy retro fridges in such an affordable manner. I bet this is going to be really helpful for many people.
Terri Steffes
Absolutely gorgeous. I would find myself with any of those and be totally happy. Thanks for sharing these with us!
Dominique Brooks
These look very cool. As I just bought (waiting for delivery) a big stainless steel refrigerator, I would have trouble with the smaller size. Since these are retro-styled, are they energy rated like many of the fridges are? Or because they are smaller, they don’t use much energy? Thanks for sharing!
Scott
Hi, Dominique.
These are fully modern refrigerators—just with an antique refrigerator design. So, yes, they are energy rated just like other refrigerators you would buy today. The more expensive ones have better energy ratings than their cheaper counterparts.
I’ll have to add the energy ratings in the reviews for you. Thanks for the question! It will make my reviews a bit better.
~ Scott
Leslie L Denning
I have some 1950s Marx dollhouses, and these look like the little toys that are in the dollhouses. Except they are a little skinnier. These would look great in an older, historic house.
Farah Al Zadjaly
This has been soo helpful. I have been looking into these fridges for a while but couldn’t decide. This has made me think a lot better about the choices. THANNNNNNNNNNK YOU.
Lily
I never thought to buy a retro fridge but these are cute. It would be a fun and pretty novelty fridge.
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
Hhhhmmmm….I think I will settle for the “Galanz Retro Refrigerator (7.6 cu. ft.)”. It looks good to me.
Brianne
I love the style of these refrigerators. I’ve always been a fan of that retro vibe. The size is perfect for New York City living, too.
Amber Faust
These are so fun, we had one in our game room growing up. Now I want to do the same for my family!
Kendall Dickinson
SO cool. Love retro appliances.
Jas
These are really cool fridges. I’ve never really thought to buy a retro fridge, but they looks so cute!
Jessica Collazo
This fridge are adorable. My favorite one is the red. I love them. They will be perfect for a room with a bar or like a gazebo or something. I wouldn’t use them a kitchen appliance because they’re not that large but The red one is my favorite.
GiGi Eats
Retro fridges are great as novelty items but… I need me a HUGE fridge so I don’t think I would ever have one.
Elisha F
These are absolutely cute! I’d love to have a whole vintage collection.
Emman Damian
I love the color of The Galanz 12.0 cu. ft. retro refrigerator! So cool! I wish I have one right now.
suzy Stewart
The ones that say manual defrost brings back horrible memories.
Are these better than the old ones. I love the Unique look on the inside but it has manual defrost. The Galanz has frost free .
Thanks,
Scott
Hi, Suzy.
Yeah, manual-defrost freezers were not for the undisciplined nor the feint of heart… 😉
The main benefit of a manual defrost freezer is cost: they are cheaper to purchase, and cheaper to run.
An auto-defrost mechanism not only adds cost to the purchase price due to the extra components, but it consumes more energy as it turns on and off the heating coils during the automatic defrost cycling process.
Manual defrost allows for you to get a cool looking fridge at a better price.
Here are some tips* for keeping the frost out of your freezer for less frequent defrosting:
Good luck picking out your new Retro Fridge!
~ Scott
*Source: http://www.ahs.com
Maude E Bryeans
Do any of these refrigerators have ice makers?
Scott
Hi, Maude.
Sorry, none of these have ice makers built in. I’m guessing it’s about space and making them cost-effective.
But, if you need ice, you might want to look into these retro countertop ice makers to go with your retro kitchen.
~ Scott