The Stylish But Not Very Practical Kitchen Appliance You Should Reconsider

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Fans of antique home decor may gravitate toward the kitschy vibes of vintage refrigerators — but if you're considering investing in one for your kitchen, you might want to think again. As cute and stylish as they look, vintage fridges are highly impractical for modern homes. There are few reasons why, but energy efficiency is a big one, particularly for fridges that were manufactured more than 20 years ago. 

Over time, older appliances become less efficient. Door seals can wear down; key parts can malfunction. And compared to newer Energy Star-certified fridges, which are designed to generate less heat, use less power, and be better insulated for optimal temperature control, old fridges consume about 35% more energy to run, according to the Department of Energy. That's bad news for your wallet and the environment.

Vintage fridges aren't a great option from a food safety standpoint, either. Older fridges often have problems cooling consistently, which could cause food to spoil prematurely (and potentially make you and your loved ones sick). As if that weren't worrisome enough, some vintage models contain materials we now know are toxic, like lead or asbestos. Freon, which is highly damaging to the ozone layer, was commonly used as the refrigerant. Don't get us wrong, there are plenty of charming vintage appliances that belong in your kitchen. But when it comes to shopping for the perfect refrigerator for your kitchen, practical aspects like safety and energy usage should take priority over aesthetic appeal.

Still aiming to create a retro style kitchen? Skip the vintage fridge, and purchase a vintage-inspired model instead. The luxury appliance brand SMEG sells many sleek fridges in bold colors and glossy finishes that invoke the design styles of decades past, minus the potential hazards of older models. Their products can be pricey, but if you're set on the vintage look, a high-quality, energy-efficient fridge in your desired aesthetic might be worth the investment. For more budget-friendly options, Wayfair also sells vintage-inspired fridges from a number of appliance brands, and you'll find products like the Galanz Retro Top Freezer Refrigerator at Home Depot and other brick-and-mortar retailers. Just be sure to balance your fridge with newer appliances and decor items — too many retro appliances could make your kitchen look dated.

And if you've already scored a vintage fridge, but you can't bring yourself to part ways with it? That's okay. Do your research to make sure that this specific model doesn't contain any toxic materials, and once you're in the clear, stick it in your basement or garage to store sodas or alcoholic beverages. This workaround won't improve your home energy costs. However, you'll still get to appreciate the aesthetic of a vintage fridge in your home without having to worry about whether it's keeping your food cold.