Top 5 Best Retro Fridges to Totally

Transform Any Room

While they may have once been confined solely to the kitchen, the best retro fridges of today
combine a stunning vintage style with a modern-day practicality that makes them just as ideal
for games rooms, dormitories, and even the office.

Whether you’re turning back the clock with the 50s, 60s, or 70s theme for a room in your home,
or simply looking to add a classic touch to an otherwise contemporary space, these are the five
mini and full-size retro fridges that are perfect for the job.

Five Best Retro Fridges in 2020

Product

1. Smeg FAB32ULRD 50's-Style Refrigerator

2. Galanz GLR10 Retro-Look Refridgerator

3. Uber Appliance UB-XL1-RED Mini Fridge

4. Smeg FAB32URPK Retro-Style Pink Refrigerator

5. Frigidaire Retro Bar Fridge

1. Smeg Fab32ULRD Retro 50’s-Style Refrigerator

[amazon box="B0849KZ2ZM" style="light" title="Smeg Fab32 Retro Fridge" template="widget" ]

Founded in Italy back at the tail-end of the 1940s, Smeg have been building world-class kitchen
products for the past seven decades, so it's no wonder their range of FAB 50's-style retro
fridges are among the very best on the market.

Taking an authentic 50's aesthetic and adding just a touch of undeniable Italian charm, this 24",
freestanding fridge/freezer is guaranteed to become a focal point in any kitchen, even one that
already boasts a throwback theme.

Still, let's be honest, the Fab32 isn't the only attractive model on our list, so why exactly does it
deserve to take the coveted number one spot?

Simply put, it's because it combines this undeniable old-school cool with a level of practicality
that is perfectly suited to the modern family.
Within its 8.2 cubic feet of refrigerator space, you'll find three adjustable glass shelves, a
covered storage box, and fruit and vegetable container, as well as a handy bottle rack that's
perfect for wine aficionados.

At 3.43 cubic feet, the bottom freezer may be much smaller, but it does come with three
decently-sized freezing drawers, a second bottle rack, and an ice cube tray.

Elsewhere, you'll find two adjustable thermostats, a choice of seven different colors, and the
kind of unbeatable manufacturing quality upon which Smeg have built their enviable industry-
leading reputation.

2. Galanz GLR10 Retro-Look Refrigerator (10 CU FT)

[amazon box="B07R11HWBW" style="light" title="Galanz Retro-Look Refrigerator"
template="widget" ]

Galanz offer their gorgeous retro-look refrigerator in a variety of sizes, ranging from a small 2.5
cubic foot mini fridge all the way up to a large-scale 12 cubic foot option. Personally, we prefer
the 10 cubic foot model as it's the perfect size for apartment kitchens, dorm rooms, and man-
caves without being so excessively big that it dominates the space.

What's more, at only 125 lbs, it's also one of the lighter full-size refrigerators out there, so you
can move it around without any of the back-breaking efforts required by larger models.

Of course, as the old saying goes, size isn't everything, and this retro compact refrigerator has
much more going for it than its neat dimensions.

On the outside, the Galanz GLR10 Retro Refrigerator certainly looks the part, taking the curved
corners and rounded edges that are the hallmark of retro kitchen design and combining them
with long, metallic handles and a choice of three popular colors.

The red option is ideal for recreating the look and feel of a classic American diner, while the
baby blue model lends an alluring sense of 70s chic to any space. There's also a black version
that does a wonderful job of fusing retro and contemporary styles into one bold, beautiful
product.

Speaking of all things contemporary, despite the decidedly vintage aesthetic, Galanz retro fridge
is definitely designed for the modern age, using a low-energy R600 compressor and energy-
efficient lighting which, combined, consume no more than 292 Kilowatt Hours per year. All that
being said, it's fair to say that this is one of the most eco-friendly old-school fridges you're going
to find today.
Inside, you'll find adjustable shelves, a fruit and vegetable crisper drawer, and a freezer which,
though certainly on the small side, is large enough to fit an ice bucket and a decent amount of
groceries.

3. Uber Appliance UB-XL1-RED Mini Fridge

[amazon box="B07D3H32MP" style="light" title="Uber Appliance UB-XL1-RED Mini Fridge"
template="widget" ]

There are countless retro-look mini-fridges out there, and we gave a good number of them a
trial run for the sake of this guide, but there's something about the vintage charm of this cute,
nine-liter (0.31 cu ft) mini fridge that we found too irresistible not to share.

Out of the five available color choices, the glossy red finish with cream interior, slightly tinted
glass, and metallic latch handle is the most authentically old-school, though there's also a lot to
like about the cool navy blue, white, silver, and black versions too.

At just 8lbs and 16 inches, the Uber Appliance UB-XL1 Mini Fridge is one of the lightest and
most compact mini fridges out there and is designed to store 12 12-ounce soda cans. What's
more, it works just as well when plugged into the cigarette lighter in your car as it does in a
general AC outlet in your home. Together, all of this makes it our top recommendation if you're
looking for a retro mini fridge for your next road trip.

Be careful what you put in it, however. Functioning more like an electric cooler than an actual
refrigerator, the UB-XL1 cools to 32°F below ambient temperature. That's great for keeping your
drinks cool while on the road or in the office, but perhaps not so great for storing perishable food
for any length of time.

On the plus side, you can always flip the temperature around and use it to keep your lunch
warm, as the fridge also heats up to 150°F in the right setting.

The best part is that the electric cooler approach actually works in its favor, requiring zero
chemicals or refrigerants to keep your food and drink at the right temperature and thus proving a
popular choice for anyone concerned about their carbon footprint.

4. Smeg FAB32URPK Retro-Style Pink Refrigerator

[amazon box="B0849Z2R2M" style="light" title="Smeg FAB32URPK Retro-Style Pink

Refrigerator" template="widget" ]
Another popular pick from Smeg's Fab range of vintage fridge/freezer combos, this 24", 50's
style setup comes in a uber-cute pink, a welcome change from the retro reds and all-black
finishes that most products of this type tend to stick with.

Make no mistake about it, that stunning finish, those smooth curves, and the slim-line design all
make this an attractive addition to any kitchen area or chill-out space, but -as with all of the
products in today's guide- the Smeg FAB32URPK has more going on for it than just aesthetic
appeal.

Behind that adorable pink door lies ample room for 8.1 cubic feet of groceries, all of which can
be neatly organized using the three adjustable, covered fruit and vegetable compartment and in-
built wine rack. Meanwhile, the bottom freezer can safely hold 22 lbs/2.65 cubic feet of frozen
food with a thaw time of around 18 hours.

A great-looking alternative to our top-ranked FAB32ULRD, this slender yet powerful fridge once
again proves why Smeg remain so popular among fans of retro kitchen appliances.

5. Frigidaire Retro Bar Fridge

[amazon box="B019MQT6T8" style="light" title="Frigidaire Retro Bar Fridge" template="widget"]

So, you like the idea of a retro-style mini-fridge, but aren't quite as enchanted with our third-
place pick, the Uber Appliance UB-XL1, as we are?

No problem. This achingly-cool 1.6 cubic foot mini fridge from Frigidaire is a solid -and we do
mean *solid*- alternative.

Built to the brand's usual impeccable high standards, the fridge manages the rare feat of being
one of the sturdiest and most durable mini-fridges on the market while still being light and
compact enough to move around with ease.

Not that you'd necessarily want to take it on the road with you in the same way that you would
with other products of this type, No, you can tell just by looking at it that this smart, handsome
vintage fridge was purpose-built to take pride of place in your office, dorm, or games room, with
its box-like design, beguiling lipstick-red finish and chrome latch handle all guaranteed to make
it a talking point whenever you have guests over.

Inside, the fridge is nicely compartmentalized, with an in-built shelf attached to the door so that
you can store a few beverages while still having space left over to keep your lunch nice and
cool. There's also a small freezer compartment just large enough to host an ice tray, though
most reviewers claim that this isn't quite as functional as it first appears.
To make up for the disappointing freezer compartment, the Frigidaire retro fridge does come
with a handy bottle opener on the side, making it a great addition to a home bar area or simply
to keep those beers nice and cool while you're watching the big game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retro Fridges

Are Retro Fridges Environmentally Friendly

For the most part, yes. Although retro fridges tend to look as though they came straight out of
the fifties, sixties, and seventies, all that vintage design hides a very modern build, with all of the
energy-efficient features you’d expect from a contemporary fridge/freezer.

Of course, not all kitchen appliances are created equally. Some are obviously going to be more
environmentally friendly than others, so it always pays to do your research before you buy.

How Much Does a Retro Fridge Cost?

We hate to be the ones to say it, but this really is a "how much is a piece of string?" situation. As
a general rule, you could spend anywhere from $500 - $1,500 for a really good quality retro
fridge, while mini-fridges might set you back between $250 - $600.

Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule, and you might find that a budget of $2,000
bags you a really top-end model while even a hundred or so dollars could be enough to buy a
decent mini-fridge.

Which is the Best Retro Fridge to Buy?

We’ve given you our pick of the five very best retro fridges around right now, but which one
should you actually spend your hard-earned money on?

The honest answer is that it all depends on exactly what you’re buying a fridge for. If you’re
completely revamping your kitchen with a retro feel and need a family-sized appliance that’s
perfectly in keeping with the theme, then you simply can’t beat either of our two recommended
Smeg products.

While the Smeg FAB32ULRD earned first-place thanks to its perfect combination of a
gorgeously authentic retro design and a modern finish that’s well suited to the needs of today’s
families, the truth is that the slim-line Smeg FAB32URPK does the same job almost as well, and
may actually be a better option if you prefer its cute pink finish.
If you’re kitting out a games room, man-cave or similar chill-out space, then the Galanz GLR10
Retro-Look Refridgerator is a great pick, offering plenty of internal space without taking too
much room.

Finally, if you’re on the hunt for a travel-size mini-fridge with an abundance of old-school cool,
look no further than the Uber Appliance UB-XL1-RED Mini Fridge. One of the more unique-
looking products we’ve come across, it’s the perfect choice for loading into your Volkswagen
camper van and heading off on a long, summer road trip.