Vintage Appliances: Built to Last

I love vintage appliances. For years, I had hoped to find an O'Keefe and Merritt gas stove for my 1940's style cottage. When I moved here, the kitchen had a Magic Chef model from the 1960's. It was a reliable stove, but I still fantasized about finding a Wedgewood, or one of the other varieties that I loved.  I found the one I wanted several years ago in the Recycler. It was listed at $180.00, and it needed a new thermostat. I jumped on the opportunity and called the name listed.

The man who answered the phone told me that he could deliver it to my home, and that he wanted cash.  I asked him why he was selling it. He explained that he had just lost his job, and that he and his wife didn't have any money for groceries. This was their outside stove. They also had an outside refrigerator. Their inside appliances worked fine. He said had told his wife that they didn't need either for bbqing, and that they were going to have to sell the refrigerator, too. This was when the economy had just tanked, and many people were strapped for cash.

 He drove up in a brand new car, and I knew from his address that they lived in a recently built, expensive home in the highest priced area of town. I thought about the irony of it. Often people who look like they have a lot of money really don't. They have a high income,  and a lot of nice stuff. If they lose their job, however, things can quickly deteriorate. He was really nice, had wrapped the stove lovingly and carefully, and I was happy to help him. I was also ecstatic to finally have this treasure! I donated my old one to the Salvation Army. The man who picked it up told me that it would probably sell in one day. It was a nice feeling. I hoped it would go to a single mom, or to someone else in need. 

I was pleased with my good fortune. I found a repairman from Russia who brought the stove up to code, and replaced the thermostat for me. He took it from twelve pilot lights down to two. It now works beautifully. I absolutely love it, and get so many compliments on it. My mother bought herself a Viking, but after she saw photos of mine, she confided to me that she wished she had one, too. Her brand new stove kept breaking. The man who fixed mine told me that it would last forever. It's so well built. The inside of the drawers and doors are speckled. It's got such a period look.

The pink refrigerator I ordered from The Big Chill. It's a reproduction. I did a lot of research, and settled on their company. They use a Whirlpool model, and cover it with the old Frigidaire style. It's really a fun piece. It's been excellent, too. I haven't had any problems with it. They are very popular with celebrities who put them in the older homes in Hollywood Hills. I have the studio model, which is smaller than a standard size fridge.

My washer is a thirty year old Kenmore. My mother had one when we were growing up, and she raved about it. I got this and the dryer second hand, too. I think I paid $100.00 for the set. It is such a workhorse! I only do two loads of laundry a week. Most of the time I dry my clothes outside in the sun, on a clothesline. I might use the dryer a few times a year, if it is raining.

Many of the appliances people buy today only last about five years. They are also very expensive. I love my old ones. They are so reliable and dependable, and they fit into the style of my vintage cottage. Do you have any older appliances? How do you like yours?