refrigerator

It looks more like the wardrobe from a hotel room in the tropics than anything else, but this wooden exterior hides the La Cambusa Refrigerator, one of the most expensive you can get, priced at around $19,000 (£9795). The cabinets are handmade and are intended to help the high-tech unit - which can include coffee makers, ice machines or a "Micro Combi steam oven" built right into the door - blend into the room. Various colors and finishes are available for the wood and the cabinet can be made single, double or triple-wide.

Limited to only 2,000 units worldwide, the La Glaciere Refrigerator is one appliance that is worth getting ASAP if you like the idea of a very opulently decorated kitchen. The fridge is stunning, with an antiqued, solid French Oak casing and leather door seals. All of the fittings are made of solid brass and the unit will even arrive with personalized brass name plate, engraved with your name. Inside, the shelving and walls are made of satin-finished stainless steel. Price: £7,050 (approx. $13,300).

[via appliancist]

Fans of MINI Coopers should be jumping at the chance to get their hands one of these Smeg FAB28MCS refrigerators. The Italian company Smeg partnered with MINI to make these limited edition pieces, painted in a laser blue that matches one of the colors available on the 2007 MINI Cooper. It even has matching white stripes. Only 250 units will be produced - of the refrigerator, not the car - so it seems prudent to try to get one quickly if you want to coordinate your kitchen with your car.

Electrolux has officially launched a "War on White" appliances, hence the name of their WoW Screenfridges. The refrigerators are only concepts right now, but they have a graphic panel than extends across the whole front of the fridge. For added interest, not to mention luxury and convenience, the design is based on the basic refrigerator equipped with an LCD screen in the door. The company plans to extend the concept to a whole series of appliances, and the senior VP said "it has become clear that now more than ever, people want unique products that allow them to express their individuality through their choices."

We know we do.

[via Moco Loco]

As appealing as the Big Chill refrigerators are, the Heartland Appliances classic collection refrigerators provide a slightly more up-to-date look, while maintaining their retro styling. This Classic 36" Refrigerator ($4,825)has more than 20-cu. ft. of interior space, as well as separate dairy, vegetable and fruit drawers, sensitive temperature controls and a filtered water dispenser. Typically, the freezer component is mounted on the bottom and not the top of the unit, as it is pictured here. The cowl on top is optional.

There are a wide range of colors to choose from, as well as the option to have either silver or gold trim, so the fridge can be customized to suit your kitchen and your personal preferences.

In addition to the refrigerators, they offer a wire range of cooktops and ranges, all with a coordinating, old-fashioned feel. They even have a wood-burning stove, for anyone who wants their cooking to be as retro as their decor. In the kitchen above, you can see the 48-in gas range ($5,965) and the built-in double oven ($3,375).

The Swarovski-studded Eyecatcher refrigerators by Gorenje have been selling like hotcakes. Of course, since only five of them were made, it's not that surprising that these beauties went quickly. The most recent one sold for $110,000 to a Russian millionaire at a charity auction to help underprivileged children in Russia. Two others also sold to benefit charities, on in Bucharest and one in Slovenia. The fourth refrigerator was sold at Harrod's, presumably to a private owner, while the fifth and final fridge will be auctioned later this month in Belgrade.

It's surprising that no celebs snapped these up, but they might just be planning on picking up the less expensive model in the commercial line.

Giving a warm edge to the multitude of shining, modernist kitchen appliances is the newest offering from Jenn-Air: the Oiled Bronze line. The idea is to offer the sophistication and shine of a metallic finish with an injection of warmth to keep the kitchen feeling welcoming and friendly. The finish will be available on many, but not all, Jenn-Air products, including refrigerators, dishwashers ovens and cook tops, no doubt hitting the more lux lines before the down-market choices. The french door refrigerator is expected to retail for around $3,000.

[Image Detroit News]