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Previously, lovers of antique and vintage style often had to make compromises in their homes when it came to the kitchen. Oftentimes historic homes that their owners were trying to lovingly restore to period perfection. Because appliances have to clean, cook and keep cool, taking an authentic piece that doesn't actually function and plunking it into a working kitchen is not an option for most folks.

At the other end of the spectrum, taking a functioning-but-modern-looking appliance and shoehorning the chrome and plastic in amongst carefully selected cabinetry, colors, finishes and hardware that recall a specific era is a serious letdown. Thankfully, the love affair with historic styles has grown enough in recent years to herd manufacturers to design new appliances with the latest modern conveniences, but with appropriate, period attire. So, what are these new technologies in old clothes? What is the (new) old stove?


Previously, lovers of antique and vintage style often had to make compromises in their homes when it came to the kitchen. Oftentimes historic homes that their owners were trying to lovingly restore to period perfection. Because appliances have to clean, cook and keep cool, taking an authentic piece that doesn't actually function and plunking it into a working kitchen is not an option for most folks.

At the other end of the spectrum, taking a functioning-but-modern-looking appliance and shoehorning the chrome and plastic in amongst carefully selected cabinetry, colors, finishes and hardware that recall a specific era is a serious letdown. Thankfully, the love affair with historic styles has grown enough in recent years to herd manufacturers to design new appliances with the latest modern conveniences, but with appropriate, period attire. So, what are these new technologies in old clothes? What is the (new) old stove?

Elmira Stoveworks produces appliances with both retro and antique accents. Its '50s-inspired Northstar ranges (starting at $4,000) adroitly balance style and substance, and the modern cook need not worry if it can handle eggs or eggplant. It comes in an array of standard colors, plus some very fetching ones, like the robin's egg blue (shown), flamingo pink (it's actually paler, more of a'50s diner pink), mint green (unfortunately named, it's more like a deco green), buttercup yellow and candy red (very appropriately named). Prior to Elmira Stoveworks' offerings, choices were few.

You might have seen Heartland Appliances' products in the kitchens of Wisteria Lane. More than one desperate housewife has them (the ladies seem to favor Heartland's Metro and Legacy lines). If any of the ladies wanted a Victorian- or Edwardian-era kitchen, Heartland could still oblige them. The company's classic line looks fabulous, just what you'd see in a turn-of-the-century kitchen. Only better. These ranges come in gas, electric, dual-fuel, and wood-burning options. Yes, a real, brand-new, antique-styled wood-burning oven.

The Aga was invented by a blind, Swedish Nobel Prize-winning physicist named D. Gustav Dalen. Dalen was recuperating at home after his eyesight-losing accident, and he could not help but notice that his wife's cooking duties left her exhausted. He set about making a ow-heat-emitting range that cooked food more efficiently. His efforts were a success, and the Aga was first introduced in Britain in 1929, where it has been popular ever since.

Enamelled, cast-iron Aga stoves have been a main staple in Europe for some time now. They are so prized that old models with decades of use are regularly refurbished and sold for thousands of dollars. The Aga uses a different way of cooking. It's always on -- there are no switches or dials (instead of "it's always on," the company likes to say "it looks after itself"). The structure is incredilby efficient at storing heat and maintaining consistent temperatures and the gentle heat is what loyal Aga users say gives Aga-prepared food its moist and natural flavor. These ranges work with gas, oil or electic fuel and even sport warming ovens.




Where can I find this?

http://www.elmirastoveworks.com/
http://www.heartlandappliances.com/
http://www.aga-ranges.com/