Have you ever felt frustrated by people’s insistence on interior design television shows that all kitchens must be white and bright? Do all of those white appliances make you think of a hospital? The heart of the home should not feel sterile. Clean and welcoming, yes; ready for surgery, not so much.

One way to tone down the sterile factor and up the personality is to add colorful appliances. The pastel refrigerators bring us back to memories of Grandma’s cooking and simpler times. They are bright, fun, and will not look like anything in your neighbor’s kitchen. 

Whether you consider yourself a hipster, rockabilly, or just a vintage-goods lover, this list of retro refrigerators should have something that appeals to you. Here’s to keeping kitchens cozy and charming.

1. Galanz GLR12TRDEFR Retro Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Low energy consumption
• Double door design
• High efficiency

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 12 cubic feet
• Weight: 140 pounds
• Dimensions: 23.74 x 29.45 x 66.93 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

This stunner belies all the modern bells and whistles, offering a thermostat and energy efficiency. Things that look old do not have to embrace old technology, and this is proof positive.

This refrigerator sports a sleek exterior in five different colors and offers excellent technical performance. Enthusiastic reviewers are pleased by the flashy design features. The functionality has been key though: What good is a fridge if it doesn’t keep a consistent temperature?

Some reviewers were troubled by the lackluster customer support services, which is something to consider for a long-term, big-ticket item like a kitchen appliance. The refrigerator’s dimensions are 23.74 x 29.45 x 66.93 inches. It weighs 140 pounds. If efficiency and budget are at the top of your wishlist, this Galanz model is an excellent choice.

View Galanz GLR12TRDEFR Retro Refrigerator on Amazon

2. Galanz GLR33MGNR10 Retro Compact Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Nice and compact size
• Large storage space
• Convenient glass shelves

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 3.3 cubic feet
• Weight: 46.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 17.6 x 21.02 x 35.4 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

This refrigerator is more of a compact, younger sister of the first model. While it only offers one door, it certainly makes up for that in charming design and a size ideal for tight kitchens, dorms, apartments, and even second homes.

It’s a small model with all the color options and functionality, a true rarity for scaled-down models. Many reviewers are particularly impressed by the smaller dimensions and the ways they can fit this refrigerator into their space, especially as a secondary fridge in various rooms, including studios, garages, and kids’ rooms.

If you opt for this one, make sure you’re handy or you know someone who is. There are a few reviewers who complained that the handle is difficult to install. That is something to remember for buyers who are not confident in their assembly skills.

For those wondering if this model will fit in their room, the refrigerator’s dimensions are 17.6 x 21.02 x 35.4 inches. It weighs 46.3 pounds. If you’re looking for a compact but charming option, this fridge might be for you. It can make healthy snacks and chilled water look even more appealing.

View Galanz GLR33MGNR10 Retro Compact Refrigerator on Amazon

3. COOLLIFE Mini Retro Refrigerator

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Top Features:

• Dual door configuration
• Easy to adjust
• Low noise

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 115 volts
• Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet
• Weight: 53 pounds
• Dimensions: 19.1 x 19.9 x 33.5 inches
• Warranty: 30 days

A classy little number with a two-door configuration in a petite package, this mini-fridge is an ideal pick for a buyer looking for something classic but on a smaller scale. The two doors allow frozen items to stay extra cool and for the lower area to keep a cool, but not freezing, atmosphere. It is a small detail that can matter a lot to those looking to keep ice trays filled or popsicles solid.

This fridge is adorable and even offers adjustable shelves that help consumers fit their items of all sizes. Reviewers adore this fridge, and they are particularly impressed by the virtually non-existent noise levels. It is simple and does what it promises.

One small drawback is the lack of color options; there are only two. Unfortunately, this is common for appliances in general, but especially for the smaller versions. The refrigerator’s dimensions are 19.1 x 19.9 x 33.5 inches. It weighs 53 pounds.

This refrigerator outperforms many of its smaller counterparts, and it is quiet to boot. As a result, it could be ideal for student housing, especially since it does not make gurgling noises that might disturb sleep.

View COOLLIFE Mini Retro Refrigerator on Amazon

4. FRIGIDAIRE EFR756-RED Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Adjustable shelves
• Convenient storage bin
• Sleek color selection

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 110 volts
• Capacity: 7 cubic feet
• Weight: 90 pounds
• Dimensions: 22.75 x 22.75 x 58 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

It’s classic, candy apple red, and engineered for performance, and it’s a refrigerator?! This Frigidaire option reflects the styling of classic cars with its brilliant paint job and smooth lines, and a well-trusted manufacturer makes the fridge.

It comes in three unique, glossy colors. There are removable glass shelves to customize storage to the consumer’s needs, and it even offers bins. It has all the benefits of a standard refrigerator with some mid-century sass.

Enthusiastic reviewers raved about the style of this refrigerator. Many talked about how many compliments they got on the style.

The chief concern viewers brought up was that the appliance sometimes arrived dented. Thus, this fridge may not be quite as strong as its car-like appearance would lead you to believe, despite its good looks. The refrigerator’s dimensions are 22.75 x 22.75 x 58 inches, and it weighs 90 pounds.

View FRIGIDAIRE EFR756-RED Refrigerator on Amazon

5. Frigidaire EFR840-RED Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Side bottle cap opener
• Glass shelves
• Compact size

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet
• Weight: 59.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 19 x 20.5 x 35.5 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

There is nothing that says mid-century kitchen quite like a chrome bottle opener. This fridge brings you back to childhood memories of homemade root beer, cream soda, and ginger ale. This Frigidaire option is a miniature of the last choice. This petite model would be a retro addition to any garage, lake house, or man cave for keeping refreshments chilled.

This miniature packs all the good looks of its full-sized model with some of its charming features, including the chrome handles.

Most reviewers are impressed by the design and performance of the fridge. It does a decent job keeping items cool, making it ideal for dispensing cold beverages. However, with less temperature control, this may not be the model for those looking to set a Jell-O mold.

Like the larger model, some reviewers had gripes about dents in their fridge, while others stated the fridge arrived in great condition. The dimensions are 19 x 20.5 x 35.5 inches, and it weighs 59.9 pounds.

If you’re missing root beer floats or Grandma’s banana cream pie, this cheerful little fridge might offer just the trick. 

View Frigidaire EFR840-RED Refrigerator on Amazon

6. Smeg FAB32 50’s Retro Style Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Multi cooling system
• Bottom freezer
• Bottle storage shelf

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 9 cubic feet
• Weight: 230 pounds
• Dimensions: 30.25 x 24 x 77.5 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

Smeg is a not-so-well-kept design secret. The likes of Dolce and Gabbana collaborated with this appliance brand. It is a sleek and fashionable brand that takes the notion and color palette of the 1950s and 1960s and combines it with a modern twist. Plus, they run like a dream. The designer makes everything from toasters and kettles right up to ranges and refrigerators. 

If appliances could be supermodels, this fridge would be one, and the steep price tag reflects that. It’s a beautifully made refrigerator that comes in various bold and pastel shades, including bright white, orange, and even a Barbie-like pink. 

There is a bottom freezer, allowing easy access to the fridge. The fridge even has a bottle storage shelf to chill that bottle of bubbly for a special occasion or random Tuesday night. This pretty machine has substance and functionality in addition to its coveted good looks.

Although, it is worth mentioning that it can be an expensive machine to repair. As for dimensions, it is 30.25 x 24 x 77.5 inches and weighs 230 pounds.

If you’re a design nerd, this would be a good model for you. It is beautiful, simple, and the perfect nod to mid-century style without seeming like a set piece.

View Smeg FAB32 50’s Retro Style Refrigerator on Amazon

7. RCA RFR786-RED Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Spill-proof shelves
• Fruit and veg crisper bin
• Bright incandescent light

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 7.5 cubic feet
• Weight: 69.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 55 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

Luuuuccccy, I’m home! Much like the beloved red-head Lucille Ball, this piece packs a nostalgic punch. This brand makes a fridge just like in the good old days and for a modest price. So, would it be wrong to match your sports car to your garage fridge (a.k.a. the beer fridge)?

This refrigerator has crisper bins, glass shelves, and easily controlled temperature modes. In addition, you can choose from three different colors—all the modern convenience with a healthy dose of charm.

Many reviewers are impressed by the size of this 7.5-cubic feet fridge. Unfortunately, many retro fridges, including some of those on this list, tend to have retro (diminutive) statures. This fridge feels at home in a contemporary kitchen, filling alcoves built to house the refrigerator, and it provides all the space one needs to feed a large family.

A few reviewers complained that the product they received had some dents and scratches. The marks seem to be a common complaint across the board. Buyers should be aware and consider shilling for improved shipping services and delivery. The refrigerator’s dimensions are 23 x 23 x 55 inches. It weighs 69.9 pounds.

If you’re looking for modern bells and whistles and a fridge big enough for a family of five, this is just the ticket. 

View RCA RFR786-RED Refrigerator on Amazon

8. WINIA WFR028RCNR Retro Compact Refrigerator

Top Features:

• LED lighting
• Stainless wire door bin
• Energy saving

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 2.8 cubic feet
• Weight: 48.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 21.6 x 19.3 x 28.3 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

This fridge has three colors to choose from, including a beautiful champagne color if you want your fridge to fade into your design background. Even better, you can customize which side of the refrigerator you want your hinges to be on — the left or the right. 

With an Energy Star certification, this fridge operates quietly and has a door ajar alarm that will alert you if someone accidentally doesn’t close the door all the way. This fridge measures 76 x 23 x 26 inches and weighs 160 pounds, which means it won’t be sliding all over your kitchen floor when someone yanks on it hard to open it if they starving.  

Reviewers loved the fridge, saying it has way more storage than they expected and that they’ve received a lot of compliments on it from guests.

View WINIA WFR028RCNR Retro Compact Refrigerator on Amazon

9. Smeg 50s Retro Style 12.8-Cubic Foot Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Full-sized for families
• High efficiency
• Multiple colors

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 8.5 cubic feet
• Weight: 211 pounds
• Dimensions: 78” H x 24” W x 31” D
• Warranty: N/A

For those who have long outgrown mini or compact refrigerators, this SMEG 1950s retro-style fridge is a full-size option. It boasts 12.8 cubic feet of space, and it’s Energy Star certified.

The freezer is on the bottom, and it has electronic temperature control. If you accidentally leave the door ajar, an alarm will go off, saving your food from spoiling. As for appearance, it’s designed to go with any kitchen, coming in several different color selections. 

You’ll get all the space and features of a modern refrigerator while getting the retro appearance you love so much. You’ll look like you’re living in the 1950s, while still benefiting from all the modern advancements we’ve had since then. 

View Smeg 50s Retro Style 12.8-Cubic Foot Refrigerator on Wayfair

10. Retro iio 12-Cubic-Foot Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Adjustable shelves
• Multiflow 360-degree technology
• Temperature and door alarms

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 110 volts
• Capacity: 8.5 cubic feet
• Weight: 160.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 76.38” H x 23.62” W x 26.34” D
• Warranty: N/A

Another retro refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom, this iio 12-cubic-foot refrigerator has that old-time look with all the features you want. You get the choice of whether the hinge will go on the left or right side of the refrigerator so it will work on any wall space you have. 

It has retro chrome handles and a lock to ensure your door doesn’t inadvertently stay open when you think you’ve closed it. The fridge has bright LED lighting, temperature and door alarms, adjustable shelves, Energy Star certification, and Multiflow 360-degree technology designed to circulate cool air everywhere. This slim superstar will work well in a kitchen, basement, cabin, she-shed, or garage.

View Retro iio 12-Cubic-Foot Refrigerator on Wayfair

11. SMEG Retro British Flag 9.92-Cubic-Foot Refrigerator

Top Features:

• Unique, eye-catching design
• Slim profile for smaller rooms
• Multiflow system for superior air distribution

Technical Details:

• Voltage: 120 volts
• Capacity: 9 cubic feet
• Weight: 156 pounds
• Dimensions: 60” H x 23.66” W x 30” D
• Warranty: N/A

This bold refrigerator won’t work in every space. But if you have an English-themed home bar, garage, basement, or she-shed, this British flag refrigerator can be a show-stopping design piece. You’re sure to get lots of compliments and comments from guests who admire this retro stunner.

Like some of the others on this list, this SMEG refrigerator is Energy Star certified. The freezer is on the top of this beauty, and it has electronic temperature control so you can set it anywhere between 28 and 37 degrees. 

View SMEG Retro British Flag 9.92-Cubic-Foot Refrigerator on Wayfair

Play it Cool

Retro Fridges, like vintage cars, offer a nostalgic character and bright, sometimes eccentric colors that just don’t get used anymore. So, if bringing some personality into your space is what you have in mind, this is a good fix. They cannot make your pies and gravy taste as good as Grandma’s, but they can certainly remind you of her every time you grab a snack. 

The retro fridge can be fun and fabulous and might be worth spending a few extra bucks for years of enjoyment.

Retro Refrigerators Comparison Table

Product name	Voltage	Capacity	Weight	Dimensions	Warranty
Galanz GLR12TRDEFR	120 volts	12 cubic feet	140 pounds	23.74 x 29.45 x 66.93 inches	1 year
Galanz GLR33MGNR10	120 volts	3.3 cubic feet	46.3 pounds	17.6 x 21.02 x 35.4 inches	1 year
COOLLIFE Mini	115 volts	3.2 cubic feet	53 pounds	19.1 x 19.9 x 33.5 inches	30 days
FRIGIDAIRE EFR756	110 volts	7 cubic feet	90 pounds	22.75 x 22.75 x 58 inches	1 year
Frigidaire EFR840	120 volts	3.2 cubic feet	59.9 pounds	19 x 20.5 x 35.5 inches	1 year
Smeg FAB32	120 volts	9 cubic feet	230 pounds	30.25 x 24 x 77.5 inches	1 year
RCA RFR786	120 volts	7.5 cubic feet	69.9 pounds	23 x 23 x 55 inches	1 year
WINIA WFR028RCNR	120 volts	2.8 cubic feet	48.5 pounds	21.6 x 19.3 x 28.3 inches	1 year
Smeg 50s Retro Style 12.8-Cubic Foot Refrigerator	120 volts	8.5 cubic feet	211 pounds	78” H x 24” W x 31” D	N/A
Retro iio 12-Cubic-Foot Refrigerator	110 volts	8.5 cubic feet	160.1 pounds	76.38” H x 23.62” W x 26.34” D	N/A
SMEG Retro British Flag 9.92-Cubic-Foot Refrigerator	120 volts	9 cubic feet	156 pounds	60” H x 23.66” W x 30” D	N/A

Retro Refrigerators FAQs