From the 1920s to the 1950s, vintage refrigerator advertisements were vibrant, creative and captivating – with promises of ice-cold beverages, stylish designs and reliable technology. These retro ads show us a different world – one that was full of optimism and faith in the power of technology. Jump in and take a look at this fascinating era of refrigerator advertising to gain insights about the culture and expectations of the time. Enjoy!

Vintage Refrigerator Advertisements

1920’s – 1950’s

“Quicker freezing of Ice and Desserts” “Now possible with the Frigidaire Cold Control – an exclusive General Motors development”. 1920 vintage ad.

Source: Etsy –AmericanCenturyShop

“Economical, Quality Refrigeration”. 1933 Frigidaire advertisement.

Source: Etsy – VintageAdReserve

“4 Refrigerators in 1” – 1933 Kelvinator advertisement.

About: Kelvinator was founded on September 18, 1914, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, by engineer Nathaniel B. Wales who introduced his idea for a practical electric refrigeration unit for the home. In 1925, the Kelvinator Corporation produced the industry’s first self-contained electric home refrigerator (Source).

Source: Etsy – PlentifulPages

“Stay Silent – Lasts Longer!” – SERVEL The GAS Refrigerator. 1940s vintage ad.

NOTE: In 1998 the “Consumer Product Safety Commission” in the United States issued a statement saying “Government safety experts continue to warn consumers to stop using Servel gas refrigerators manufactured between 1933 and 1957 due to the risk of carbon monoxide leakage in deadly quantities” (Source).

I guess it’s all that GAS that keeps it silent…oops.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

“International Harvester Presents..The Defender Household Refrigerator for Farm or City Home”. 1946 advertisement.

Source: Archive.org

“See all you get in this brand-new Frigidaire Refrigerator” – 1948 Frigidaire ad.

Source: Etsy – VintageAdReserve

“It’s first in food space – Refrigerated from Top-To-Bottom!”. 1948 Kelvinator vintage ad.

Source: Etsy – PlentifulPages

“Out in front with everything- New Hotpoint for ’50. World’s Most Convenient Refrigerator!”.

This ad is from the July, 1950 McCall’s magazine. I love the Blue & Green colours and the typography.

About: Hotpoint was formed in 1911 in California and entered the British market in 1920. It is well known for its refrigerators and washing machines. The company, including sister brands Creda and Indesit, at one time produced the largest amount of kitchen appliances in the United Kingdom. The headquarters was in Woodston, Peterborough with about 1,500 people based there making fridges and freezers. The refrigeration plant closed in 2008 (Source).

Source: Etsy – PlentifulPages

1952 advertisement for Rotafrig – Revolving Shelves in your fridge. “Everything at your fingertips”.

I have to say…this would be helpful. Waste of space but helpful.

Source: Archive.org

“Pick a Color from the Rainbow!” “Door handles Color-Keyed to your Kitchen! Exclusive in International Harvester Refrigerators”. -1950s ad.

HOW FUN! Also it appears that the company is trying to make “Femineered” a catchy phrase (It’s seen on multiple ads).

Source: Flickr

The cool factor keeps coming from International Harvester..Decorator Refrigerator ad, 1953.

Only takes 7 mins and 1 3/4 of yards of fabric to personalize your fridge.

What one would you pick for the front of your fridge?

Source: Design is Fine

“Put Kelvinator in your plan for happy ever after” – 1952 vintage ad.

Source: Archive.org

“Big, new shelves swing all the way out in today’s new General Electric Refrigerator-Freezers”. 1959 vintage ad.

I love the Pyrex that makes an apperance in the bottom left of the ad.

Further Reading: The Vintage Advertising of a 100 year old Brand-Pyrex

Source: Etsy – RelicEclectic

Vintage Refrigerator Commericals

1956 Frigidaire Refrigerator Cold Pantry Commercial (video link).

Kelvinator Refrigerators 1957 commerical (video link).

I hope you enjoyed my latest vintage advertising post. It’s always a blast to step back into time and see what was popular in home decor & appliances. Please share in the comments section below, what your favourite was.

Further Reading:

• Vintage Advertising 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
• Vintage Home Decor Posts (Archived Blog Posts)

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.