I thought the Elmira stove looked like it was trying a little too hard to be 50s, like it came out a brand new 50s diner (if they put ranges in diners of course!). If I'd decided to go that route (and I did consider it) I think I'd have picked up an old Wedgewood or other relic and had it refurbished for a better looking stove (and probably less money). In my area there are many free or cheap old stoves available on craigslist . I've seen several from the 20s and 30s, but they tend to be pretty huge...

The Big Chill I haven't seen in person. I'd seriously look into a fridge that can be paneled. Not just paneled, but fully integrated, but that only works if you're doing a full remodel of course.

Others going for a retro look have found some of the AGA models to work well for them. Heritage makes some retro ranges as well.

I agree with Fori. The Elmira looks mostly 50's, but low end 50's.

I have a 1955 vintage range in my 1929 kitchen. Even though the stove is new for my kitchen, I think it looks great. If I could afford it, I might opt for a new range that has a vintage look, like AGA, LaCanache, LaCornu, etc. There are a bunch out there. I LOVE my 1955 stove, but it has a few drawbacks that a new range wouldn't have (pilots always on, so warm kitchen; poor insulation so outside of oven gets VERY hot and dangerous for children).

Smeg also makes a cute fridge (and adorable dishwasher). Refurbished vintage fridges are available (but have very, very small capacity). What could be more amazing that a vintage Foodorama?! Google "vintage appliances" and be ready to be entertained for at least a week! AGA makes a charming drawer refrigerator (in the style of their stoves), but that has very little capacity.

We couldn't afford a vintage fridge, and didn't really have room in the kitchen anyway (so no integrated big fridge). So we put our fridge in the garage. I'd rather walk to it, than mess up the look of my vintage kitchen!

:-)

Francy

thanks for the advice! I was really hoping to find a stove that is like AGA but made in USA-- or at least this continent! I may just give up and go with a pro look range like American Range and keep my working fridge from the 90s. The cabinenet will be classic american 1920s, but not the appliances. I have little kids so I'm uncertain about bringing in older appliances-- even if they are refurbished. I feel like such a wimp comparied to Francy-- trekking out ot the garage for the sake of an appropriate look in the kitchen!

Well, not only can you get refurbished vintage, you can get them completely retrofitted with modern guts, for about the same price as a fancy European or pro range. If you shop around you should be able to find a restorer who has a demonstrable record and warranty. On the other hand, unless you're doing a period piece movie, there's no need to be period specific. Houses have lifespans and it's perfectly okay to mix the new with the old. I've been doing a lot of shopping recently, and there are some kind of retro looking downscale ranges made by Maytag and Amana and the like. But I think they look retro just because they're old designs :)

My suggestions: Get the Aga if you're most concerned with looks, because you like it. If you're most concerned with made in North America, get the AR. If you're most concerned with how they cook, go to showrooms where you can try them out and fit your kitchen around the one that cooks best for you :)

Re fridges, you can also get one with custom panels fitted out to look like a proper icebox. That would certainly match the 20's decor! Or you can get an electric icebox. According to Wikianswers, Paula Deen's is a SubZero panelled by the same people, Roseland, who make the electric iceboxes. Both are American companies, and SubZero is one of the best fridges available :)

I wimped out on using a vintage gas range too. They are unbeatably gorgeous though! (Some states won't allow pilots to be replaced with electronic ignition for some reason.)

Another option is to get almost invisible appliances and just not worry about them being appropriate. The built-in fridges of course, and ceramic cooktops (induction or regular electric) in the same-color counter and it's like they're not even there...ovens are trickier, but they can be pretty low-key too.

Have you looked at a Chambers range? They are safer for families with kids - they have child locks and won't get hot like modern pro ranges because of their extensive insulation. They are so well insulated that you can cook with the gas off on retained heat. Some of the old promotional material I read boasted that you could make ice cream on the top of the range while cooking a roast.

They are also premium appliances - they originally cost around the equivalent of $4,000 to $4,500 in today's dollars. The griddle and broiler are on top, they have an excellent burner configuration, etc., etc. You can easily get parts for them (American made), they come in different colors, and they would fit in well with your 20s kitchen. You can find lots of info on the web about them.

It's not hard to find working Chambers ranges that don't need to be refurbished - craigslist. Mine had been happily plugging away since 1952 and while I might rechrome the top there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I would recommend, however, that you add a safety system shutdown valve - very easy to get from the antique stove places or a stove repairman can make one if he has any kind of training beyond replacing computer boards. Good luck!

Is there anyway to get an electric ignition on an old range? I love the look for my 1950s house, but I'm afraid of an old fashioned igniter. Also, are the old ranges always all gas?

There's electric ones too, S.R., and they're usually even cheaper than the gas. They can be spectacular looking, but I don't know about the performance.

Here is a link that I came upon on the web while searching for info on the reliability of SMEG retro refrigerators. The SMEG's are incredibly stylish, but people report a lot of issues.

Here is a link that might be useful: SMEG FAB28 reviews

The Chambers have pilot lights - you don't have to use a match everytime you cook. You can and should get a shut off valve for the oven. Kits are available online or a qualified repairman can do it.

I have seen very old coal/wood burning cook stoves that had modern day gas guts put inside them, but I wouldn't think it would be an inexpensive venture. The other question is do you have the time to cope with modern electronic igniter or other modern range reliability issues. Reading the forum reveals how challenging it is to just go out and get a stove that reliably does what it is advertised to do. That said, it is definitely a personal decision. Buying a modern or vintage range has its pluses or minuses.

You can easily find old electric ranges on craigslist. White ones, blue ones, teal ones, pink, etc. The 40's kind of looked deco, the 50's had the cadillac look and then the 60's had the squared modern edges. Some have deepwells, two ovens or warming ovens. Just search on "craigslist vintage electric stove" and a whole world of possibilities comes up. Would suggest sticking with brands that have good parts availability.

If going with gas, would still recommend sticking with a Chambers for the cooking abiity, features, easy parts availability, looks and resale. There are other attractive brands though like Western Holly, O'Keefe and Merritt, etc. Don't know how they cook.

And if you pick a vintage fridge from the 50's with a full freezer and no defrost the reliability is terrific and your produce stays fresher longer because of the humidity. In my experience the energy cost has also been lower than a modern energy star fridge. But then you have a slightly smaller freezer and have to defrost once or twice a year. Again, it's all a tradeoff and a personal decision. There are no rights and wrongs.

Have you seen this Heartland range? It gives a nod to vintage styling while building in all the modern bells and whistles.
Pamela

Here is a link that might be useful: Heartland Legend range