Over time, inventions become modified theoretically to make life easier for the general public. However, after a look at a vintage fridge from the 1960s, one may wonder why “they don’t make them like they used to.”?
Features of the Vintage Fridge
A TikTok user who goes by “The DustMan” runs a business restoring vintage fridges. Recently, he shared a video that has people talking about how the vintage fridge seemingly offers far more. More features than a fridge from today. First, each shelf pulls out and pivots, as well as adjusting up or down. Second, the vintage fridge features a vegetable crisper with a “lazy Susan.” It revolves 360 degrees, making produce far more accessible. Incredibly, the aforementioned features also make the vintage fridge so much easier to clean than those often found in kitchens today. Lastly, the 1963 vintage fridge was designed with a heated butter tray so that butter maintains freshness as well as easily spreads when needed.
Interestingly, he also posted a video showing numerous models of the vintage fridge over years, from the 1930’s through 1959.
Read More: 9 Things We Used To Do in The Kitchen That Just Don’t Happen Anymore
Antique vs. Vintage
Although vintage is a term referring to wine, it’s also used to describe things that were popular in the past—most of the time, the term vintage is used interchangeably with antique. However, there’s actually a slight difference between the two. For instance, in order for something to be an antique, it must be at least 100 years old. Alternatively, “vintage” refers to things that are just old. Unsurprisingly, vintage items make a comeback from time to time and have inspired people like “The Dustman” to create a business on the basis of restoring or refurbishing items like the vintage fridge.
@dustyoldstuff Won't find these in stores. #vintage #1960s #antique ♬ Blue Velvet – Bobby Vinton
Other Popular Items
Incredibly, all of the videos on his platform have thousands of views, with some even racking up more than 50 million views. While restoring an antique or vintage fridge is his primary focus for work, his TikTok is full of cool videos showing other vintage or antique items such as Christmas decor, lightbulbs, boardgames, kitchen tools, and luggage.
One great thing about his ability to restore things like the vintage fridge is that he preserves a piece of history. Although that may not appeal to everyone, there are numerous history lovers, fascinated by the past. Or those who feel a sense of joy being surrounded by the comfort or nostalgia of things of days gone by. Some other examples of vintage items that are highly sought-after include:
Sunburst clocks were first designed in 1949 by George Nelson Associates, and they were sold from the 1950’s-the 80’s.
Glass Bottles. As plastics became more popular, companies stopped producing things like soda and liquid medicine in glass bottles. However, in good condition, these bottles are highly prized today. Popular for their beautiful colors and patterns, they’re often used for decoration or as a vase.
Ladder-back chairs, dating back to the 1600s, were commonly used in England and in colonial America.
“The Dustman” has created a large fan base thanks to his incredible skill and passion for common household items that are no longer used today. Or, like the vintage fridge, are still used today but with a more modern design and different features than those of the past.
Sources
- “Nelson Sunburst Clock.” Herman Miller.
- “The Most Sought After and Bestselling Vintage Items.” Vintage News. Alexandra Dantzer February 7, 2019.
- “Antique vs. Vintage Wares: This is the Actual Difference.” Bob Vila. Deirdre Mundorf. March 22, 2022
- “Old-School Cool: Vintage Fridge from the ’60s Has Features We Wish Modern Fridges Did!” Inspire More. Marty Townsend January 30, 2024.