Best Retro Refrigerator: Vintage Looking Fridge Reviews

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I've put together a list of the best retro refrigerators. My top pick? The Galanz Retro Frost-Free Refrigerator.

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Our modern era of stainless steel fridges has its advantages, but it has left many of us feeling nostalgia for the vintage kitchens of the past, complete with Coca-Cola and Moon Pies.

Fortunately, retro-style refrigerators are making a comeback. These old-school appliances are designed with modern energy standards, so you can keep food cold in style without wasting energy.

I like the Galanz Retro Frost-Free Refrigerator because, in addition to having plenty of space and several beautiful color choices, it’s the only one with a freezer that’s completely frost-free.

But you may want a mini retro refrigerator, or have your heart set on a particular brand. There are plenty of things to consider.

Ready to find out which retro refrigerator is the–pardon the pun– coolest? Let’s get started.

Best Retro Refrigerator Reviews

Retro Refrigerator

Galanz Retro Frost-Free Refrigerator: Best Overall Retro Frost-Free Refrigerator

Dimensions: W: 24 inches (60 cm), H: 67 inches (170 cm) , D: 30 inches (75 cm)

Volume: 12 cubic feet (340 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 312 Kilowatt Hours

The Galanz Retro Frost-Free Refrigerator comes in a choice of four bold colors: retro red, blue, white, and black. While the largest option has a capacity of 12 cubic feet (340 liters), there are two smaller sizes available: 7.4 cubic feet (210 liters) and 10 cubic feet (283 liters).

This retro fridge uses a high-efficiency and low-energy consumption compressor, so it can cool food quickly with lower energy. And the leveling legs can adjust the feet to keep the fridge level on any surface.

The Galanz fridge comes with glass shelves and a removable slide-out glass shelf to organize your food. It also includes a can dispenser that can hold up to nine cans and two-gallon bottle door storage.

The adjustable temperature dial has five settings, so you can choose how cold you want your food to be. The temperature ranges from 32°-47°F (0°-8°C).

Galanz GLR12TRDEFR Refrigerator, Dual Door Fridge, Adjustable Electrical Thermostat Control with Top Mount Freezer Compartment, Retro Red, 12.0 Cu Ft

This frost-free model features a top freezer with a separate door. The double doors each have a handle with a retro look. The freezer compartment can be used to make ice cubes or for storing frozen foods. It does not include an ice cube tray, however.

One particularly nice feature is that the freezer is frost-free, meaning it uses technology to automatically defrost the freezer when the ice starts to build up. This means you don’t have to spend hours on a Saturday manually defrosting the freezer. Sweet!

Customers love the retro style and beautiful aesthetic of this fridge. They liked the compact design, as well. This unit is the perfect fit for apartments, garages, basements, and other small spaces.

They were overwhelmingly not a fan of handles. Even though they look metal, they’re actually plastic. A lot of customers were unpleasantly surprised by that.

There were also a lot of complaints regarding unresponsive customer service and damage done during shipping.

Even buyers with minor complaints, however, were mostly pleased with the value. This Galanz vintage-style refrigerator is one of the most affordable retro fridges on the list.

I would not recommend the Galanz as a primary fridge. It just doesn’t have the quality to withstand that kind of use. I would definitely consider this fridge, however, as an auxiliary fridge or as a bargain fridge for a smaller space.

Pros

  • Comes in four custom colors
  • Adjustable door shelves
  • Crystal crisper for veggies
  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Separate freezer compartment
  • Interior Light
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Handles are plastic
  • Shipping damage complaints
  • Reports of poor customer service

Smeg Retro-Style Fridge: Best Splurge Retro Fridge

Dimensions: W: 24 inches (60 cm), H: 60 inches (152 cm) , D: 30 inches (75 cm)

Volume: 9.2 cubic feet (261 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 230 Kilowatt Hours

Smeg is a well-known Italian company that manufactures small and large kitchen appliances. If you prefer a single-door retro-look fridge, look no further than this Smeg Retro Refrigerator. This refrigerator comes in a single color option: retro red.

Unlike the other models that have separate chambers for a top freezer and refrigerator, this Smeg has a freezer contained within the unit as a whole.

This partially frost-free fridge features automatic defrosting in the fridge portion. But the freezer drawers require manual defrosting.

The adjustable door shelves are made of glass and allow you to easily organize fresh food or beverages. And the interior light makes it easy to see at night.

Smeg FAB28 50's Retro Style Aesthetic Top Freezer Refrigerator with 9.92 Cu Total Capacity, Multiflow Cooling System, Adjustable Glass Shelves 24-Inches, Red Right Hand Hinge

While this unit takes up a decent amount of space, it’s surprisingly small on the inside. It has a capacity of 9.2 cu ft. but is almost as big as the Galanz, which has a capacity of 12 cu. ft. So it’s not the most space-efficient pick.

Customers really liked the retro look of this refrigerator. They were also pleased with the cooling performance. But many of them felt this retro fridge was overpriced for the quality.

Expect to pay a premium price for a Smeg retro fridge. This retro-style appliance is the most expensive on my list, earning its spot as a splurge pick.

Pros

  • Larger capacity
  • Adjustable door shelves
  • Cool retro-style look
  • Single door
  • Partially frost-free (fridge portion, not freezer)

Cons

  • Takes up a lot of space for the capacity
  • Expensive

Frigidaire Retro Refrigerator: Best Aesthetic Design

Dimensions: W: 24 inches (60 cm), H: 57 inches (145 cm), D: 23 inches (58 cm)

Volume: 7.5 cubic feet (212 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 20 Kilowatt Hours

Frigidaire is no stranger to refrigerators, possessing worldwide popularity for its kitchen appliances. This fridge is a blend of Frigidaire’s reputation for quality and retro-style flair.

This unit is available in three color options: black, cream, and red. The front features the retro Frigidaire logo in a clear nod to yesteryear. Frigidaire’s retro fridge is the perfect size to fit a small kitchen, garage, or bonus room.

On the inside are three adjustable, slide-out glass shelves, a transparent vegetable crisper, and four clear door shelves. The shelves are designed to contain any spills and prevent liquids from leaking to the shelves below.

The two front adjustable leveling legs and back-mounted castors allow for easy movement. And the flush-back design helps save space.

FRIGIDAIRE EFR756-BLACK EFR756, 2 Door Apartment Size Retro Refrigerator with Top Freezer, Chrome Handles, 7.5 cu ft, Black

The adjustable thermostat on the interior side is easy to control, and this unit also has an interior light.

The fridge portion has plenty of room, but the top freezer is small. Users had difficulties getting the temperature right and noticed a lot of ice buildup.

That being said, customers were happy with how cold the refrigerator kept food. They also liked how quiet this fridge is.

To avoid freezing items in the back of the fridge, I would recommend placing food near the front of the fridge, if possible.

As with most retro fridges on the list, the shipping and delivery process is lacking. While most people were pleased with the refrigerator itself, several did receive dented or scratched units.

The good news? You can snag a Frigidaire retro refrigerator at a very reasonable price. This was one of the most affordable fridges I researched.

Pros

  • Cute retro look in 3 colors
  • Adjustable temperature
  • Adjustable door shelves
  • Separate top freezer
  • Quiet and keeps food cold
  • Compact design but roomy fridge
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Temperature can be tricky
  • Freezer is small
  • Complaints of delivery damage

RCA Apartment Size Fridge: Best Bargain Apartment-Size Retro Fridge

Dimensions: W: 21.5 inches (55 cm), H: 57 inches (146 cm) , H: 23 inches (58 cm)

Volume: 7.5 cubic feet (212 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 5 Kilowatt Hours

This two-door RCA Apartment Size Retro Refrigerator is a work of art. The 7.5 cubic feet (212 liters) capacity offers enough space to hold beverages and fresh food. Its compact size is the perfect fit for a studio apartment, basement, or garage.

This retro refrigerator is available in three beautiful colors: red, blue, or black. The RCA features sharper edges than the rounded design of other retro fridges. But the bold color combined with the chrome look of the handles oozes a fun retro style.

This retro fridge features a top freezer with a separate door and handle. The product description claims the handles are reversible, but customers refuted this claim.

RCA RFR786-RED 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator with Freezer, 7.5 cu. ft, Retro Red

The RCA is a partially frost-free refrigerator. The fridge part has auto-defrost technology, but the top freezer requires manual defrosting.

Like with the other models, several customers received retro fridges with dents and scratches. Damage done during shipping was by far the most common complaint.

But as for the performance? Buyers were pleased with the RCA retro refrigerator. They said it ran beautifully and were able to fit a decent amount of food in both the refrigerator and freezer sections.

Customers liked how it keeps fresh food cold, and they liked the adjustable shelves. There is a slight learning curve on the temperature control, but things should go smoothly after figuring out the right temp.

Overall, this fridge is high-quality for an affordable price. If you want something larger than a mini at an accessible price point, this is a good balance.

Pros

  • Sleek design in 3 colors
  • Partially frost-free
  • Adjustable shelves
  • Top freezer, two doors
  • Good performance
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Complaints of dents & scratches
  • Not as much space

Comfee Solo Series Retro Refrigerator: Best Mini Retro Fridge

Dimensions: W: 17.3 inches (44 cm), H: 33 inches (84 cm) , D: 19.2 inches (49 cm)

Volume: 3.3 cubic feet (93 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 220 Kilowatt Hours

If you could ever describe a mini-fridge as cute, this retro refrigerator would earn the description. This Comfee Solo Series Retro Refrigerator comes in one of two colors-black or red.

With a volume of 3.3 cu. ft. (93 liters), this is the perfect size for a dorm, garage, or office space. This Comfee retro fridge uses R600a energy-efficient compressor to cool food more quickly.

The retro-design door features a plastic handle with a chrome finish. The door is designed to self-close if left within a 110° degree angle to prevent you from accidentally leaving open the door and wasting precious energy.

The interior is made from a food-grade HIPS material, which is supposed to keep fresh food longer. The interior can be rearranged to maximize space, and there is a place to store bottles in the door.

COMFEE 3.3 Cubic Feet Solo Series Retro Refrigerator Sleek Appearance HIPS Interior, Energy Saving, Adjustable Legs, Temperature Thermostat Dial, Removable Shelf, Perfect for Home/Dorm/Garage [Black]

The majority of buyers were fans of their Comfee retro fridges. They liked how quiet this retro fridge is, as well as the inclusion of a freezer and storage for cans or water bottles.

Most people used this Comfee for storing drinks, but some also stored food inside. The temperature control seemed to be slightly tricky. A couple of people said their freezer wouldn’t freeze, while others said even the top shelf was likely to freeze.

There are three temperature settings, so I recommend a bit of trial and error to figure out the best temperature for you.

Some people did complain about the cheap plastic handles. The handles aren’t interchangeable, and some customers received a fridge without a handle. That definitely seems to be an area of improvement.

On the whole, however, this was a solid buy for customers. They found the Comfee retro refrigerator to have good value as it’s quite affordable.

Pros

  • Cute retro design
  • Comes in two colors: black or red
  • Includes freezer drawers
  • Quiet
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Temperature control is tricky
  • Cheap handles

Kuppet Retro Mini-Fridge: Best Quiet Mini Fridge

Dimensions: W: 19.2 inches (49 cm), H: 35 inches (88 cm) , D: 18.4 inches (47 cm)

Volume: 3.2 cubic feet (91 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 153 Kilowatt Hours

Available in red, black, and blue, this Kuppet Mini Retro Refrigerator is great for a compact space. This convenient refrigerator has a capacity of 3.2 cu. ft. (91 liters), so it’s on the larger end of mini-fridges.

The removable glass shelves and adjustable door shelves make this retro refrigerator easy to organize and clean.

This Kuppet Retro Refrigerator has a top freezer with a separate door for frozen food. And the bottom fridge portion has a crisper tray to keep fresh food.

One reviewer was disappointed the door shelves weren’t deeper. They’re large enough to hold 2 stacked cans, but you can’t store a carton of milk in the door.

The adjustable temperature control has five settings that range from -0.4° to 32° F (-18-0°C) in the freezer drawers and 32°-50°F (0-10° C) in the fridge section.

This Kuppet has a small energy footprint, as well, meaning you can keep food cold while saving money on your energy bill.

Pros

  • Sturdy glass shelves
  • Adjustable temperature
  • Separate fridge and freezer chambers
  • Small energy footprint

Cons

  • No handles
  • Shallow door shelves

Insignia Retro Mini-Fridge: Best Splurge Mini Retro-Fridge

Dimensions: W: 18.9 inches (48 cm), H: 34 inches (85 cm) , D: 19.9 inches (51 cm)

Volume: 3.1 cubic feet (88 L)

Annual Energy Usage: unlisted

The Insignia Retro Fridge definitely has that vintage style. It comes in a creamy white, cool mint blue, or hot rod red color. The creamy white is one of the more unique color options compared with other retro refrigerators.

With a capacity of 3.1 cu. ft. (88 liters), it’s on the larger side for retro mini-fridges. The compact size makes it convenient for a dorm, basement, or office space.

This beautiful retro fridge has two doors with a bottom fridge and a top freezer. The bottom part has a vegetable crisper drawer for preserving fresh food like fruits and vegetables.

It also has two adjustable shelves to let you organize your food however you want. The door racks allow you to maximize space by placing bottles, soda cans, and more in the doors.

The separate freezer drawers have .9 cu. ft. (25 liters) of space for frozen entrees and snacks.

Adjust the temperature of your fridge anywhere between 32° – 50° F (0° – 10° C) to store food at the right temperature. And the ice tray and scoop mean you can make and store ice in the freezer with ease.

Customers love this sturdy Isignia retro refrigerator and the amount of food it stores. The door can actually hold bottles and drinks, which is not always the case.

The only downside I could find to this retro fridge? The price: It’s quite expensive for a mini. But if you want good quality, this one will provide that for you.

Pros

  • Includes ice cube tray and scoop
  • Separate top freezer
  • Adjustable shelves and door racks
  • Adjustable temperature control
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Expensive for a mini retro fridge

Frigidaire Retro Mini-Fridge: Best Mini Retro Refrigerator with Bottle Opener

Dimensions: W: 18 inches (46 cm), H: 18.5 inches (47 cm) , D: 16 inches (41 cm)

Volume: 1.6 cubic feet (45 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 5 Kilowatt Hours

For a compact mini retro refrigerator that packs a big punch, this Frigidaire Retro Refrigerator fits the bill. It comes with a neat lineup of custom colors: blue (more of a powder blue than aqua), red, black, pink, moonbeam, and coral.

The Frigidaire features two door compartment shelves that allow for easy storage of single cans as well as a 2-liter bottle.

It holds a surprisingly large amount of food, considering the small capacity. 1.35 cu. ft. (38 liters) fresh food compartment and .25 cu. ft. (7 liters) freezer compartment allows for additional storage of fresh food and frozen goods.

Frigidaire EFR176-BLUE 1.6 cu ft Blue Retro Fridge with Side Bottle Opener. for The Office, Dorm Room or Cabin

One unique feature of this retro fridge is the bottle opener on the side, a definite throwback sure to produce feelings of nostalgia. Combine that with the retro-style label on the front, and you’re ready to transport to the 1950s.

The reversible door allows for different placements. The door handles are plastic with a chrome finish.

So what did customers think? The majority raved about this small retro fridge. They loved the lighter weight and the amount of fresh food and drinks you could fit in this compact space.

They found this Frigidaire convenient for drinks, fruit, and snacks. They were pleased with the cooling performance and were able to get the temperature under control without too much trouble.

Some people were expecting an aqua or mint color for the blue option but were disappointed to get more of a powder blue. If you order the blue, just be aware of the color you’re actually getting.

Customers loved the look of the Frigidaire retro fridge, but some didn’t care for the cheap plastic handles. That’s a common complaint among other retro refrigerators, as well.

Several people did caution that the sides of the fridge get hot while running. I recommend placing this retro refrigerator in a space with extra room around the sides for safety.

And as always, some buyers had their retro refrigerators damaged and dented during shipping. This didn’t affect the performance, but obviously was a bit of an eyesore.

This retro mini fridge is right in line, price-wise, with other similar refrigerators.

Pros

  • Includes side bottle opener
  • Comes in several custom colors
  • Space-efficient
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Cheap plastic handle
  • Sides of the fridge get hot

Nostalgia Personal Cooling and Heating Mini-Fridge: Best Budget Mini Retro Refrigerator

Dimensions: W: 9.8 inches (25 cm), H: 10 inches (26 cm) , D: 7.1 inches (18 cm)

Volume: 1 cubic feet (28 L)

Annual Energy Usage: unlisted

This Nostalgia Mini Retro Refrigerator has a capacity of 1 cu. ft. (28 liters) and can hold up to size 12-oz. cans. It comes in five beautiful retro colors: aqua, black, white, yellow, and pink.

It has a portable design, with a carry handle so you can take it anywhere. It even has dual power cords so it can work at home or in the car.

This Nostalgia retro refrigerator features a unique heating and cooling capability. Chill drinks and beverages down to 45·F (7.2°C) or warm them up to 130°F (54°C), based on the ambient temperature.

Nostalgia RF6RRAQ Retro 6-Can Personal Cooling and Heating Mini Refrigerator with Carry Handle for Home Office, Car, Boat or Dorm Room-Includes AC/DC Power Cords,,1 cubic feet, Aqua

This retro fridge has a single slide-out shelf so you can make the most of the compact space to store food. It also automatically defrosts to make this model frost-free.

And to top it all off? This retro fridge features a nifty eraser board door that allows you to easily write a message or even draw a picture with a dry-erase marker. Fun!

Some buyers noticed condensation at the bottom, but most people raved about their Nostalgia retro fridges.

Several put them at the bedside to have cold drinks or keep medicine cold. Others used them to keep beauty products, like face masks, chilled. People liked the retro look, the bold colors, and the carrying handle.

I feel like a broken record (dented, perhaps?) at this point, but several customers received damaged packages. This seems to be a common problem with all retro refrigerators.

The Nostalgia, however, seems to have the most problems with broken handles. In fact, that was the top complaint. Otherwise, people were very happy with this tiny fridge.

The Nostalgia mini retro fridge’s price reflects its size, so it’s quite inexpensive.

Pros

  • Comes in 5 adorable colors
  • Highly portable
  • Works at home or in the car
  • Carry handle
  • Eraser board door
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Doesn’t include freezer
  • Reports of broken handle

Vintage Ice Makers

Vintage-style refrigerators might include a freezer, but they don’t come with ice makers. Instead of having to constantly fill up ice trays, you might consider getting a separate retro-style electric ice maker.

This convenient countertop appliance can save you energy and space while making delicious, chewy ice. Here are two of my favorite models:

Panaromia Retro Countertop Ice Maker

Dimensions: W: 8.9 inches (23 cm), H: 12.6 inches (32 cm) , D: 11.7 inches (30 cm)

Capacity: 0.05 cubic feet (1.5 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 105 Kilowatt Hours

This Panaromia Retro Countertop Ice Machine comes in a beautiful mint color and makes delicious, bullet-shaped ice cubes.

The Panaromia can make nine ice cubes every eight minutes, meaning you can have up to 28 pounds (12.7 kg) of ice each and every day. You have a choice between two sizes of ice. The smaller size is best for chewing and water, and the larger cubes are great for tall glasses.

The retro appliance is easy to use, too. Just add water, select the ice size, and let it do its thing. The LED light indicators will let you know when the ice tray is full or needs more water.

And if that’s not enough? This ice machine features an auto-cleaning function. Just activate the cleaning cycle to eliminate mineral scale buildup. Easy as pie!

The quiet running won’t disturb you or your friends while it makes ice. And the R600a refrigerant is energy efficient since it cools down faster.

Customers loved the quality and shape of the ice that the Panoramia produced. There were several “ice chewers” who said this was the perfect chewable ice.

They also enjoyed having a choice between two sizes of ice and the compact size of the appliance.

The biggest complaint was the door flap to scoop the ice into the bucket. Basically, several customers noticed that the mechanism that scoops the ice into the bin and lifts up to make new ice started catching and getting stuck. Over time, the machine would just stop working.

The good news is that most people were very pleased with Panoramia’s customer service. Quite a few customers said that the company sent them a replacement, hassle-free.

As far as the price? The Panoramia retro ice machine is right around the average for a countertop ice maker.

Pros

  • Beautiful retro-style look
  • Makes ice in just 8 minutes
  • Easy to use
  • Two size options for ice
  • Automatic cleaning function
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • Ice tends to melt quickly
  • Some makers malfunctioned

Galanz Retro Portable Countertop Ice Maker

Dimensions: W: 24 inches (60 cm), H: 67 inches (170 cm) , D: 30 inches (75 cm)

Capacity: 0.07 cubic feet (2.1 L)

Annual Energy Usage: 312 Kilowatt Hours

Next up on our list of vintage ice makers is the Galanz Retro Portable Countertop Ice Maker. A perfect complement to a retro refrigerator, this ice machine can make nine bullet-shaped pieces of ice in just 13 minutes.

The Galanz is designed in a retro red color. There are also silver and stainless steel colors, but they don’t have the retro look of the red color. It can make up to 26 pounds (11.8 kg) of ice in 24 hours.

Select between small and large sizes, depending on your glass size. Smaller cubes are great for water bottles & snacking, while larger cubes are perfect for taller glasses and tumblers.

Galanz Portable Countertop Electric Ice Maker Machine, 26 lbs in 24 Hours, 9 Bullet Shaped Cubes Ready in 9 Minutes, 2 Ice Sizes, Perfect for Parties & Home Bar, 2.1 L, Retro Red

This machine is easy to use. Simply add water and select the size of ice you want. The LED indicator lights will tell you when the ice is full or out of water.

The Galaz includes a removable basket and ice scoop for easy cleaning. And it also includes a drain plug to remove any unused water or melted ice.

When it comes to energy efficiency, this model is on par with the Panoramia. It uses R600a refrigerant to cool down quickly while using less energy.

Customers love the perfect, chewy ice that comes from this Galanz. They were pleased with the retro red color and the ease of use.

Several did say that it takes a while to fill up the ice bucket. And once that happens, the ice melts quickly. This doesn’t seem to be a “set it and forget” type of appliance.

For that reason, I would recommend this for someone who wants ice on occasion, but I wouldn’t recommend this as a primary ice maker if you want ice all day, every day.

Pros

  • Comes in a beautiful retro red
  • Includes removable basket and ice scoop
  • Choice between two sizes of ice
  • Easy to use
  • Chewy, bullet-shaped ice
  • Energy-efficient

Cons

  • Slow, better for small jobs
  • Ice tends to melt quickly

Retro Fridge Buying Guide

Your guide when buying retro fridge

Who Should Buy a Retro Fridge?

If you want a pop of color or are drawn to vintage-style appliances, go for it! I love the look of a retro refrigerator in an older kitchen or a brand new kitchen that wants an eclectic vibe.

Let’s face it– kitchen remodels can be exorbitantly expensive. Instead of switching out the older cabinets, flooring, countertops, and appliances, you can embrace the vintage look with a retro-style fridge!

Plus, they’re great for college students who need something to keep their iced coffee drinks cold while studying for exams. It can add some color and flair to dorm rooms, which can frankly be drab.

And if your office space needs a little personality and a place for your cold lunch? A vintage fridge would do the trick. Just be sure to choose a frost-free refrigerator so you don’t have to manually defrost it at the office. That’s not the way you want to spend your Friday afternoon!

What Size Retro-Style Fridge Should I Buy?

Size is one of the most important considerations when buying a retro refrigerator. Refrigerators come in a vast range of sizes, and they’re not exactly the easiest item to return if they don’t fit. So getting the size right is super important.

Typically, a standard house refrigerator has a capacity between 12 to 28 cubic feet (340-793 liters). I know, that’s a huge range, right? A good rule of thumb is to plan for 4 to 6 cubic feet per person (113 to 170 liters).

Of course, you also have to consider how much space you have. Measure the height, depth, and width of the space you plan to use. Be sure to include extra room for ventilation and for the door to open completely.

Most of the mini fridges can sit on the ground, or perhaps on a table or countertop, depending on the size. The apartment-sized retro refrigerators should sit on the floor, but they can go in kitchens, garages, offices, or apartments. The larger ones are best suited for the kitchen, however.

For a breakdown of standard dimensions and capacities, use the convenient chart below:

Fridge TypeStandard WidthStandard HeightStandard Depth
Top freezer28.75 inches to 32.75 inches 61.75 inches to 66.25 inches 28.75 inches to 34.5 inches 
Bottom freezer29.5 inches to 32.75 inches 67 to 70 inches 33.38 inches 
French door29.5 inches to 36 inches 68.5 inches to 70.23 inches 
29.38 inches to 34.38 inches 
Side-by-Side32.75 inches to 39.75 inches 65.88 inches to 71 .25 inches 29.75 inches to 31.25 inches 
Mini fridges17-19 inches20.5 to 43 inches18.88 to 20 inches

What Material/Handle Type Do I Need?

Most retro fridges come with a chrome-look handle. But most of the handles are not actually chrome. Many are some type of metal, while others are plastic. Obviously, metal handles are sturdier and more durable than plastic ones.

As far as the refrigerator itself, you’ll see a lot made of food-grade materials and plastic. The outside might be plastic or metal, depending on the quality. For most retro-style refrigerators, you’ll find glossy-finish plastic or food-grade materials in bright, bold colors.

Top or Bottom Freezer?

In general, retro fridges offer a separate top freezer or a set of freezer drawers within a single-door unit. There are a few brands that offer a bottom freezer, but none of those made my list.

Some mini retro refrigerators won’t have a separate freezer. They either have freezer drawers built-in or no freezer at all.

Freezer placement boils down to personal preference, but a top freezer is by far the most common for retro-style refrigerators.

What Colors Are Available?

Ah, the colors. Color might not influence functionality, but it certainly makes a bold impact on a room. And if you’re going to spend the money on a large appliance, why not buy one that also looks great?

Retro refrigerators are known for their bold, shiny colors. They add a fun, funky flair to any kitchen.

The iconic retro red is the most popular, but you’ll also see a lot of white, black, and light blue. Other colors include pink, cream, and yellow, although they’re less common.

Are Retro Refrigerators Environmentally Friendly?

Vintage-style appliances may not have the best reputation for being environmentally sound, but even retro refrigerators still have to meet industry standards.

Just because that retro fridge looks like a 1950s kitchen, doesn’t mean that it was made in the 1950s. Behind that retro facade lies all the modern technology that makes fridges energy-efficient.

Features like automatic defrost technology, use of R600a refrigerant and other measures are in place to help retro refrigerators conserve energy while getting the job done.

So yes, retro refrigerators are environmentally-friendly, or as much as kitchen appliances can be.

Does the Brand Matter?

Yes, the brand does matter, but not in the way you might think. There are several brands that make high-quality retro refrigerators, so it’s not always a strict matter of quality.

Where the brand matters, however, is in the service department. You see, damage from shipping is a common issue, not only with retro refrigerators but with kitchen appliances, in general.

Hopefully, that doesn’t happen to you. But if it does, you want a brand that has good customer service and parts that can be easily replaced. More reputable brands typically have faster response times.

Choosing a brand that has a presence in the country where you live will also be helpful in case you need them to ship you any replacement parts.

Best Retro Refrigerators: My Recommendation

I recommend the Galanz Retro Frost-Free Refrigerator. It has plenty of space, is frost-free, includes a freezer, and has good reviews. It also has that classic retro design and comes in several color choices.

If you want a mini fridge, however, I’d go with the Comfee Retro Mini Fridge. It’s one of the best mini retro refrigerators on the market, in my opinion.