Antique Way

About Antique Stoves and Refrigerators Asked Questions

Q. Are these old refrigerators energy efficient?

Yes. During the restoration process, the entire refrigerator is dismantled. All of the old insulation and electrical wiring is removed and discarded. The empty box is then sand blasted, hand sanded, primed and repainted with 6 coats of solvent based enamel paint (your choice of color).

Upon reassembly, the refrigerator receives a new blanket of insulation, new electrical wiring and a new door gasket. The mechanical system is overhauled or replaced with a new system, then calibrated and fine tuned to optimum efficiency. Once the refrigerator is completely reassembled, it is turned on and operated on a test pattern for 5 to 7 days. The average run time of a completely restored refrigerator is 10 to 12 minutes every hour.

Because these do not have defrost heater assemblies or condenser and evaporator fan systems, they do not require the additional electricity of today¡¯s more modern units. The key to their efficiency is the new insulation and a good solid door gasket seal. By keeping the cold air in, the operating time is reduced.

Q. How does Classified Advertising work on AntiqueAppliances.com?

AntiqueAppliances.com offers a classified advertising forum for antique appliances of all kinds. Our new forum allows you to place your own text ads automatically. "For Sale" ads run for 90 days and cost $40 and includes a posting of a color thumbnail photograph of your appliance that is provided to us by e-mail and posted separately.

At the end of 90 days, you have the option to renew your advertisement. If you do not renew your advertisement, it will be removed. "Wanted" advertisements cost $10 and are posted for 90 days at a time under the same criteria as items listed "For Sale".

Q. How old is my vintage appliance and what is it worth?

All vintage appliances have an "as is" value, a cost to restore and a value after a complete restoration as a functional vintage appliance. In order for us to "value" your appliance, please supply us with the manufacturers name and city (if known), at least two photographs of the appliance (refrigerators must include an interior and an exterior photo).

Also, please supply us with any and all numbers that you can locate on the appliance (i.e. model numbers, serial numbers, catalog numbers, style numbers, etc.) You can send the pictures to us by e-mail at appraisals@antiqueappliances.com, or at the mailing address below along with your printed form found on the link provided below.

Responding to the large number of requests we receive for appraisals every day is now requiring a good portion of our time and attention each day. Because of this we are charging a fee of $40.00 for this service. If you prefer to regular mail, we have provided a printable form on our Appraisals page for your convenience.

To acquire an appraisal of your antique appliance and receive our quickest response, please visit our Appraisals page. Our appraisal service is available online via the tab on the website with payment accepted through Paypal. There is also a little more information there regarding the process of appraising these specialty antiques. We have provided a form for your convenience in providing the required information to us electronically.

Q. I have an old GE refrigerator, on legs with the motor on top. How old is this refrigerator, and what is it worth?

This is the classic GE Monitor Top refrigerator. GE first introduced this model for residential use in 1927. The Monitor Top was considered the standard in the industry and was one of the most popular and most affordable means of electrified refrigeration from 1927 through 1937. Monitor Tops used SO2 (sulfur dioxide) or Methal Formate for their refrigerant. Monitor Top refrigerators were so well built, that literally hundreds of them are still in service today, many have never had need for a service repair.

This is a real testimony to the quality and integrity that these units were produced with. Most of these models had a single door, however, there were limited productions of double and triple door models. Single door models are typically worth $150 to $400 in their "as is', unrestored condition, models having been completely restored can sell for $3400 to $3900. The rarer double and triple door models are worth considerably more depending on condition.