Kitchen Appliances: Purchasing an Antique Appliance at an Estate Sale

Posted: April 20, 2023 in

Retro-inspired homes are making a comeback and seem to be here to stay. With DIY renovations becoming more popular as the months go on, vintage is cool once again. From bold, bright furniture and eclectic wallpapers to old-school finishes and decor, it’s only natural that homeowners are now taking their humble abodes to the next level—with antique appliances. In the search for unique pieces to complete the kitchen remodel, the best place to find vintage appliances to complement your design aesthetic is estate sales.

At Blue Moon Estate Sales, we honor all vintage enthusiasts by offering some of the most intricately designed and stunningly handcrafted appliances around. You never know what you might find at a Blue Moon Estate Sale, but we do know the possibilities are endless. Let’s take a closer look at antique appliances and everything you need to know before purchasing one.

Antique Appliances You May Find at an Estate Sale

Antique appliances bring a mid-century appeal to any kitchen—offering a unique style. When you attend a Blue Moon Estate Sale, you’ll likely discover all sorts of treasures to complete your renovation. Appliances that are classified as antique can range from 20 to 100 years old and encapsulate the retro vibes you’ve been searching for. There is a wide range of kitchen appliances you could find at an estate sale, but the most popular include:

Stoves
Refrigerators
Toasters
Ovens

Purchasing Checklist

Before purchasing an appliance, it’s important to do your due diligence. Because of the large differences between vintage appliances and current ones, asking questions and understanding the product you’re investing in is crucial. Thankfully, the professionals at Blue Moon Estate Sales will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that should be top of mind when purchasing a vintage appliance.

Be Mindful of Space

Vintage appliances can be quite large, so before attending an estate sale in search of a new-to-you kitchen appliance, be sure you have proper measurements for the designated area. We suggest bringing a tape measure with you to ensure the vintage appliance you’ve found will fit in your space, as exact dimensions are sometimes not known right away.

Make Sure All the Parts Are There & Working

Between 1959 and 1961, manufacturers shifted to building appliances with parts that needed replacement instead of repair. Essentially, once a manufacturer decided to stop making the part, the appliance became unrepairable. For this reason, we suggest doing a thorough inspection of the antique appliance you’ve discovered.

Plugging in a vintage refrigerator at least a day prior to purchasing to ensure it works is recommended, but at an estate sale, this isn’t necessarily possible. Instead, ask the Blue Moon professional when the appliance was used last and if there were any concerns. Additionally, be sure to find out if the original manual is available and if there are broken parts anywhere on the appliance.

Ask Questions

Asking questions is the key to any estate sale buying experience. Don’t be afraid to speak up in order to find out if this appliance is something that will work for you. A few questions you should keep in mind are:

When was the last time this appliance was used (if ever)?
Have there been any issues or concerns with the appliance?
Do you know when the appliance was made?

Caring for Your Antique Appliances

Congratulations! You’ve brought your antique appliance home, and you’re ready to incorporate it into your kitchen. First and foremost, please keep in mind that vintage appliances are very heavy (more than modern appliances), so it’s important to handle them with care. Before installing your appliance, you should have them inspected by a professional—especially before you start cooking. A certified antique appliance inspector will be able to check for leaks, frayed wires, electrical outlet exchanges, and so much more. This will not only keep your appliance running properly but ensure the safety of your home as well.

Keep in mind that the older the appliance, the more challenging it may be to source components if they need to be replaced. Do your research for specialty shops that can work on the specific model you’ve purchased to guarantee proper working order.

Cleaning the Appliance

Though it may seem like common sense, oftentimes, an antique appliance requires a bit more care in terms of cleaning. Use a mixture of soap and warm water to remove any dirt, grime, or debris from the appliance. For tough stains, you can use a 50/50 combination of baking soda and water—which is particularly effective for removing rust. Steel wool pads or fine sandpaper are also ideal for scrubbing areas where paint has chipped, or surfaces have been scratched. When in doubt, Easy-Off oven cleaner offers an effective cleaning solution for almost any appliance material.

For appliances that contain antique metal finishes, take a look at this in-depth guide to cleaning metal without damaging the appliance.

Discover Antique Appliances at a Blue Moon Estate Sale

At a Blue Moon Estate Sale, you never know what you’re going to discover. Each of our clients has unique taste and has held on to items for years, sometimes passed down from their great-grandparents, grandparents, and so on. From intricate quilts and furniture to modern-day art pieces and old-school appliances, you’ll surely find something to accentuate your personal style.

Don’t rush the process of finding the perfect antique appliance for your home. Instead, browse the market and attend a few of our organized estate sales to ensure you’ve found the ideal addition to your kitchen. With our on-point pricing strategies and exceptional level of organization, you’ll surely find exactly what you’ve been looking for without breaking the bank. Find an estate sale in your area today and start the hunt for your next antique kitchen appliance.

The Possibilities Are Endless at Blue Moon Estate Sales

Having provided residential and commercial liquidation services throughout the country, Blue Moon Estate Sales is committed to meeting all our clients’ needs. Whether you’re in search of the next treasure to call your own or looking to host an estate sale for yourself, we’re your trusted guides to successful shopping.