A Guide To The Best Retro Fridges in 2023

By Nick Evans •  Updated: 01/16/20 •  8 min read

The retro fridge is gaining popularity and with good reason. They have a simple and sleek look. If you’re in the market for the best vintage refrigerator, we’ve got you covered. 

What you’ll learn in this guide: 

  • What is a “retro” fridge?
  • The average cost of an old-school fridge?
  • What to look for before making a purchase?
  • My recommended spots to buy a retro fridge

If you are ready to buy a retro fridge, here are the top picks from our research. Right off the bat, the Antarctic Star is our top pick.

best retro fridge

Top Pick
Antarctic Star
$179.99


Pros:
  • Energy efficiency
  • Ease of Use
  • Quiet
Cons:
  • A slightly small freezer compartment
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 12:25 pm GMT

The Best Retro Fridges at a Glance

  • Antarctic Star
  • Antarctic Star
    $179.99
    From Amazon

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    05/29/2023 12:25 pm GMT
  • Frigidaire
  • Frigidaire
    $196.22
    From Amazon

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    05/29/2023 10:58 am GMT
  • Galanz Retro Refrigerator
  • Galanz Retro Refrigerator
    $579.99
    Check Price

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    05/29/2023 10:17 am GMT
  • KUPPET
  • KUPPET
    From Amazon

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

  • Daewoo
  • Daewoo
    From Amazon

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Top Pick
Antarctic Star
$179.99


Pros:
  • Energy efficiency
  • Ease of Use
  • Quiet
Cons:
  • A slightly small freezer compartment
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 12:25 pm GMT

What Is A Retro Fridge?

A retro refrigerator is a fridge with a 1950’s look but with all the functionalities of a modern fridge. It is characterized by authentic chrome trim and a stamped metal body.

On average, a retro fridge has a total capacity of 20.9 cubic feet: 6.4 cu. Ft. of freezer capacity and 14.5 cu. Ft. of refrigerator capacity. If you want to get a modern interior with a touch of the ‘50s, this is the perfect appliance for your home.

It comes in all types of styles and sizes; hence, you can rest assured that you will find one that suits your kitchen.

How to Pick a Classic Looking Refrigerator?

Retro-styled kitchens use shiny chrome, bold colors, checkered floors, jadeite green, sunny yellow, and vivid patterns, and a classic looking refrigerator isn’t far from this. Here’s how to spot a retro fridge.

Color

Retro refrigerators sport different colors, including avocado greens, harvest gold, sky blues, and bold reds. Many people seek out these colors when looking to buy a classic looking refrigerator as they bring bright flair to a kitchen.

Shape

A retro fridge appears more rounded than the modern fridge.

Ice Makers

Modern ice makers have water dispensers, and automatic defrosters and icemakers. Retro refrigerators, on the other hand, lack automatic defrosters and icemakers in their freezers.

Size

Compared to most modern refrigerators, retro fridges offer less refrigeration space as they have a slightly compact interior.

Some refrigerator manufacturers have modern models that have retro looks. These models combine the capabilities and advantages of modern refrigerators while offering the aesthetics of a 1950’s kitchen appliance.

What to Look for in a Vintage Refrigerator?

Purchasing a vintage fridge is a big decision. However, the moment you start your online shopping or entre a store, you will have endless decision points to consider – from features and configurations to sizes and more. Here’s what you should look for when buying a vintage refrigerator.

Size

Find an appropriately-sized fridge. Note that bigger refrigerators consume more energy. 16 – 20 cubic feet models are more energy-efficient than their larger counterparts.

Top-Mounted Freezer

Vintage refrigerators come in different configurations, including side-by-side, bottom freezer, and top freezer. Most top-freezer models consume less energy than a 100-watt bulb. It would be a great idea to go for a top-freezer, vintage fridge for your kitchen.

Fit

Some kitchen appliances like dishwashers and stoves are made to fit standard-size niches and openings in your cabinetry. Most refrigerators, however, aren’t designed to fit specific spaces.

Hence, you have to find one with the right height, width, and depth. Your vintage fridge should leave an allowance of at least an inch on the sides and at the back for sufficient ventilation and easy installation.

Also, ensure that it fits through the doorways and hallways leading to your kitchen.

Energy Certification Sticker

Check for EnergyGuide, Energy Star, or any other energy certification stickers to compare the annual operating costs of the vintage fridges you’re considering. Getting an energy-efficient refrigerator will allow you to save some money in the long run.

Spare Parts

Foreign-made appliance parts can be costly and hard to get. If you’re buying a fridge made in another country, it’s best to check with your vendor to see if the parts of the refrigerator are locally and readily available.

Where to Buy a Retro Fridge?

Refrigerators are not cheap. Hence, you need to find a reliable and trustworthy vendor. Your vendor should offer you great customer service, a variety of retro fridges to pick from, return policies, warranty coverage, and budget-friendly prices.

Be sure to consider all of your buying options when shopping for a refrigerator. Some of the best places to purchase a retro fridge include online retailers and big retail chains.

If you’re not sure where to look, you can begin your search on Amazon.com.

Best Retro Refrigerators Reviewed

Top Pick: Antarctic Star Compact Mini Fridge

Top Pick
Antarctic Star
$179.99


Pros:
  • Energy efficiency
  • Ease of Use
  • Quiet
Cons:
  • A slightly small freezer compartment
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 12:25 pm GMT

This 3.2 cubic feet refrigerator is a personal favorite. It’s designed with a sleek exterior accentuated with polished handles.

It is perfect for homes, workshops, garages, small office spaces, dorm rooms, and furniture.

The refrigerator sports removable glass shelves that allow you to organize your food and drinks. It also has a drawer you can use to separate vegetables and fruits.

With an energy-efficient freezer compartment and a great double door design, this fridge offers you enough space to make ice cubes and store frozen foods. Its door gives you a good spot to store canned beverages.

Pros

Cons

Frigidaire Retro Bar Refrigerator

Best Budget Pick
Frigidaire
$196.22


Pros:
  • Includes a complimentary ice cube tray
  • Plenty of storage space for beverages
  • Comes with built-in bottle opener
Cons:
  • Slightly loud humming noises
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 10:58 am GMT

This retro fridge opens to the right. It is installed with a practical bottle opener to its left-hand side. 

It features two adjustable, slide-out shelves that you can remove or leave in place to arrange your food however you want. Also, its inner door comes with four racks for beverage storage.

This 3.2 cu. Ft.  refrigerator is perfect for homes and offices. You can use it to refrigerate your favorite beverages and open them easily when you remove them from the fridge.

We like its beautiful red finish, accent wings at the bottom, and vintage lettering.

Pros

Cons

Galanz – Retro Look Refrigerator

Best High End
Galanz Retro Refrigerator
$579.99


Pros:
  • High-quality handles and shelves
  • Bright interior
  • Intuitive temperature controls
Cons:
  • Somewhat susceptible to denting
Check Price
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 10:17 am GMT

This beautiful refrigerator boasts of elegant styling and a premium gloss finish. It offers modern features while maintaining the feel and look of the good old days.

Its features include an interior light bulb, an adjustable mechanical thermostat control, a retro door handle, and a reversible door.

Plus, it has an Energy Star certification. It is an energy-efficient appliance you should have in your kitchen or workplace if you wish to save on your power bills.

Pros

Cons

KUPPET Retro Mini Fridge Compact Refrigerator

Also Great
KUPPET


Pros:
  • The door shelf easily holds 2-3 stacked cans
  • The cooler keeps the food cool without freezing anything
  • Shelves are strong and steady enough to hold heavy condiments and food items
Cons:
  • Slight noise when the chilling process is activated
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Available in blue, red, and black, this fridge is perfect for home kitchens and semi-enclosed garages. It is strong and easily holds up to rough conditions that would otherwise dent up the doors and corners of other comparable refrigerators.

It comes with rubber edges that offer air-tight refrigeration capabilities, keeping out any warm air.

The temperatures inside this KUPPET retro mini fridge do not fluctuate either. With the temperature adjustment controls, you can determine how cool you want the refrigerator to be, and it will chill down your food items to your desired level.

Pros

Cons

Daewoo FR-044RCNM Retro Compact Refrigerator

Also Great
Daewoo


Pros:
  • Freezes ice in a cooler box
  • Frost free freezer
  • Sturdy
Cons:
  • Makes a slight rattling noise
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Last but not least, we have this super stylish refrigerator from Daewoo. It comes in 5 color options: cream beige, mint, city blue, white, and red – all of which are perfect for an office.

Beyond looks, this 4.4 cu. Ft. refrigerator offers great functionality and features.

Some of its features include a wire bin, a tabletop design, a two-liter bottle rack, a fresh food drawer, and LED lighting. Additionally, it has an open design.

You can remove the bottom racks and the bottom drawer or leave them in, depending on how you wish to organize your fridge.

The fridge is Energy Star certified.

Pros

Cons

Everything We Recommend

Top Pick
Antarctic Star
$179.99


Pros:
  • Energy efficiency
  • Ease of Use
  • Quiet
Cons:
  • A slightly small freezer compartment
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 12:25 pm GMT
Best Budget Pick
Frigidaire
$196.22


Pros:
  • Includes a complimentary ice cube tray
  • Plenty of storage space for beverages
  • Comes with built-in bottle opener
Cons:
  • Slightly loud humming noises
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 10:58 am GMT
Best High End
Galanz Retro Refrigerator
$579.99


Pros:
  • High-quality handles and shelves
  • Bright interior
  • Intuitive temperature controls
Cons:
  • Somewhat susceptible to denting
Check Price
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
05/29/2023 10:17 am GMT
Also Great
KUPPET


Pros:
  • The door shelf easily holds 2-3 stacked cans
  • The cooler keeps the food cool without freezing anything
  • Shelves are strong and steady enough to hold heavy condiments and food items
Cons:
  • Slight noise when the chilling process is activated
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Also Great
Daewoo


Pros:
  • Freezes ice in a cooler box
  • Frost free freezer
  • Sturdy
Cons:
  • Makes a slight rattling noise
From Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts on the Best Retro Fridge

Hopefully, this review article has opened your eyes to the many options you have when shopping for a good retro fridge. Now you know how to find and pick a classic looking refrigerator and shop in the right places.

If you’re stuck on what choice to make, you may want to go with the Antarctic Star Compact Mini Fridge – my favorite retro fridge on the list.

It offers you the perfect mix of modern refrigeration functionalities and a conspicuous 1950’s look.

What’s more, it’s an energy-efficient appliance offering you adequate storage space for your beverages and food items.

We hope you find a retro refrigerator that suits your taste, budget, and space. If you have any questions please contact us.

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