Restoration and Practical Use of Early Appliances
The GE Monitor top refrigerator is perhaps the most recognized of vintage refrigerators. Built on the principle of a French industrialist concept for a hermetically sealed refrigeration system, the first models available to the general public, for residential use, were introduced in 1927. General Electric committed $18 million dollars to the manufacturing of these units and another million dollars to advertise them to the public.
With a price tag of only $300, these first models were considered “the first affordable refrigeration units” for the average family. Many utility companies offered the GE Monitor Top refrigerator to their customers for as little as $10 a month, simply added to their monthly utility bill.
Although a few minor features were added along the way, such as enclosed condenser coils and slide out shelves, the basic design of the Monitor Top remained the same from 1927 until 1936. All of these models were cooled with one of two refrigerants used during this time, sulphur dioxide or methyl formate.The most popular model of the Monitor Top was the standard single door unit, offering the customer 5 to 7 cubic feet of food storage. In addition, GE did produce a larger two door and an even bigger three door unit.This particular refrigerator is in remarkable condition and has been mechanically restored.
