fridge freezers retro add a retro feel to modern kitchens as well as strikingly quirky to traditional kitchens. They are available in a broad range of colours and designs.
This tall model by Bush is available in red or black. Its capacity for use is a wholesome 281 litres and includes a salad drawer that is geared towards greens, as well as four shelves of safety glass, and a chrome wine rack.
Smeg
The word Smeg (pronounced SMEG) brings to mind images of an Italian vacation, sipping negronis on a terrazza that is adorned with fine cheese and stone fruit. While this dream vacation is unlikely to be real, the high-end appliance brand could bring the Italian flair to your kitchen at just a little less than the cost of a trip to Sicily. Smeg's modern and vibrant colors and designs can add a unique look to any room.
The company was founded in the 1940s by Emilian Guastalla Metallurgical Enamelling Works which began manufacturing enameled steel household appliances. In the 1960s, the company's popularity grew with the introduction of "Elisabeth", a gas cooker, and the "Niagara", a dishwasher with a bigger capacity for washing. In the same time Smeg began to produce ovens and built-in hobs. Franco Maria Ricci is one of Italy's most celebrated graphic designers and publishers. He designed the famous Smeg Logo which features burners from gas stoves and round knobs on ovens.
The company's success grew throughout the 1970s with a broad assortment of electrical appliances, including microwave ovens, washing machines, and refrigerators. In 1984, Guido Canali designed the Classic collection for Smeg. It was a slim collection that had simple lines and essential volumes. The timeless design of this collection was exhibited at MoMA.
Since the beginning, Smeg has forged ahead with innovative technologies and creative collaborations. The company launched a line of appliances dubbed 'Vitality' which provides healthy cooking and preservation techniques, such as sous vide vacuum drawers and blast chillers. The brand also introduced the 'Connect' technology, which lets users control appliances via tablets or smartphones.
Smeg's fridge freezers are no exception to its retro-inspired design, with models available in a variety vibrant colours. The Hisense Bordeaux Red model, for instance, will add a splash of color to any kitchen. This fridge-freezer has enough space to hold all your groceries. It has a generous 210 litre capacity and 60/40 split. Its features include the salad drawer, which is designed to accommodate fresh greens as well as four shelves that are adjustable. The interior of the freezer compartment is constructed of stainless steel and comes with chrome handles. It also has an anti-frost function. It is covered by a two-year guarantee for parts and labour.
Swan
Swan offers stylish retro-inspired kitchen equipment at a lower price than comparable designs. Its fridge freezer is an attention-grabber with a striking red finish and chrome handles. The fridge freezer is designed to accommodate lots of groceries and food items, the 300 litre capacity has 60/40 split so you can store plenty of leftovers and frozen meals. It also has adjustable shelves and a no-frost system and an internal LED lighting.
The freezer section prioritizes fresh food over snacks. There's plenty of space for everything, from bags frozen vegetables to ice cream. The fridge's side also has a salad drawer that keeps your greens fresh, and plenty of room for drinks thanks to the extra-large door shelf.
Although it's not as sleek as some of the other models we've reviewed in our round-up, this Swan fridge freezer offers a classic design that will suit a wide range of kitchen styles. It's ideal for kitchens with wooden cabinets, or for those who want to add a retro flair to their modern kitchen. It's also easy to clean, too!
Big Chill
Big Chill, launched in the US in 2003, was created by the uncle and nephew team Thom Vernon, who wanted a fridge that made a statement and didn't remain hidden behind cabinets. The team chose to emulate the 1950s style with metal bodies that were stamped, chrome trim and pivoting handles. The result is a freestanding fridge that's become a celeb favourite with Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively among its fans.
The fridge freezers from this brand are available with a range of vibrant colors. You can also pick a custom colour for an additional $400. The Big Chill model we tested was a deep Bordeaux Red, and it's an absolute attention-grabbing piece. The freezer and fridge are separated by a partition, with the freezer sitting at the top, which will help you prioritize frozen food items if you're prone to shopping impulsively.
The wine rack that is integrated as well as four shelves that can be adjusted are included. Despite its retro exterior, the Big Chill fridge freezer has an edgy A+ energy efficiency class as well as automated defrost.
The Big Chill fridge isn't small, either: It comes in the size of 20.5 cubic feet of space that's more than double that of the two-door Smeg model. It's available in a range of vibrant colors, and many more are available for a small fee.
The Big Chill is seen in several Ben 10 episodes including Deep, Greetings from Techadon and Tabloid Trouble. It battled the Ultimate Aggregor and also frozen some Zarcovian Soldiers, then switched into Goop to save Piscciss Volanns. It also was seen in Above and Beyond where it was fighting the undead Kraab.
Gorenje
The Gorenje brand is a Slovenian producer of household appliances, established in 1950. The products are produced at the central facility in Velenje and other locations across Slovenia, Serbia, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. The company initially specialized in ceramics and kitchen and bathroom furniture, and by the 1970s it was expanding into appliances such as ovens and refrigerators. It also makes washers, ovens, and dishwashers. Its product portfolio includes telecommunications devices as well as television sets.
The FAB50 is the largest retro fridge freezer ever created by Gorenje. It stands at six feet tall and provides 19.3 cubic feet of space in both the refrigerator and freezer. This Energy Star-certified refrigerator features adjustable shelves, LED lighting, a no frost system as well as a sound warning that alerts you when the door is left open. Chrome handles make this refrigerator have a sleek look.
Despite a few reviews that have complained about the FAB50's inconsistent cooling, its users generally give it high marks. The Gorenje refrigerator freezer comes in a variety of colors including robin egg blue and pastel green and is a perfect choice for any kitchen that has a an old-fashioned style.
The Hisense RB390N4RRDUK is a different option for a vintage fridge. It comes in stunning Bordeaux color, with sleek chrome handles. It is a huge capacity of 300L and a 60/40 split that allows for plenty of space to store frozen goods. This Hisense fridge freezer is Energy Star-certified, and its LED lighting and no-frost technology makes it easy to keep your food fresh.
Gorenje has 83 subsidiary companies, of which 59 are located outside of Slovenia. The company produces a broad assortment of household appliances as well as ceramics. It also provides services in the areas of ecology, energy, and trade. Its brands are available in more than 90 countries, with the majority in Europe. The company has a strong partnership with Swarovski, and collaborates with Italian design firm Pininfarina. It also is a sponsor of the Slovenian Nordic Ski Teams as well as the Gorenje Handball Club. It is an active member of the European Household Goods Manufacturers' Association and has a corporate social responsibility program.