They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach...and it doesn't hurt when Nigella Lawson is the one doing the cooking. The British celeb cook was also kind enough to steer us over to checking out an absolutely stunning line of refrigerators from Meneghini that are self described as the "ultimate", and description we're not apt to disagree with upon inspecting the rest of their line...
Meneghini refrigerators and freezers are best described as Italian Antique Modern in aesthetics, with brass handles and hinges, glass shelving, and various other pleasing details like portholes and clawfoot legs to distinguish themselves from their utilitarian counterparts. Definitely not dowdy, but a very sophisticated and decor friendly fridge with finishes available in aged cherry wood and walnut, Lebanese cedar, mahogany, pine and chestnut finish that would compliment either a traditional or modern kitchen. Lacquered wood versions are offered in a dizzying 500 satin colour finishes, as well as white for those of you who don't like to rock the boat.
We're set upon purchasing a Mia fridge/freezer in yellow when our lottery boat comes to harbour and we can fathom spending $10k on a fridge. At that cost, we'd consider it the start of a family heirloom to pass along to generations; at least the design is worthy of the designation.
The Meneghini refrigerators were originally inspired by “La Ghiacciaia” (Italian for “Icebox”), with the interior mechanics designed and manufactured by Liebherr, a premium German refrigerator manufacturer. It's akin to purchasing an Italian styled Ferrari with an Audi engine inside!
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Beautiful, but OUCH, that price!
I just found the Nigella Express tv series through a youtube account and immediately fell in love with the refrigerator. I've been waffling about whether or not to post a question about where to find information about it.
Once again, AT saves the day!
I love them! However, I prefer living simply, and something like this will never fit in my budget.
Since, at least for me, the inside is not anything special, how about having a custom made "box" of some sort to put the fridge in.... Woud cost only a fraction and would last forever, as you could replace the fridge.
These are beautiful boxes (though some of the examples are HUGE), but can refrigerators really be heirloom pieces? I hope the insides are as high-quality as the outsides.
That 3-door model w/ portholes is over $36,000!
When compared to a side-by side Sub-Zero Fridge and Freezer combo plus with a built-in Miele coffee machine and water-purifier and having a custom cabinet locally built to house the entire setup - You could get by with the same functionality and all top-drawer appliances for about 1/2 the price!
bepsf: obviously this line of luxury refrigerators does not revolve around the idea of functionality (nor around affordability). It's simply a ridiculously luxury priced item, no way around it. They're still beautiful.
I mean people pay a ridiculous amount for fashion items you could have copied/sewn down in Chinatown for a fraction of the cost...that doesn't mean the people who can afford it will do this. But you have a good point...perhaps seeing something like this will: 1) inspire someone to build a more affordable DIY knockoff, or 2) motivate other manufacturers to follow suit with lower cost versions in time. Luxury can often lead the way, it just might take awhile.
It's a step in the right direction, I think. It would be nice to be able to buy a refrigerator that would look ok in the dining or other room. There is no reason really why a refrigerator has to resemble a car or airplane.
ok, really, people...step back for a minute, take take a good look, & forget the price tag. Close your eyes.
Open them......
WOW! I'm in Pier One.... These are some of the ugliest Refrigerators I've ever seen. The small plain ones are nice and have nice old-fashioned hardware, but the portholes, they screams kitsch. As soon as the novelty wears off (maybe after the 60th guest opens your fridge to look for their coat) you will wish you hadn't bought it.
Oh also, it doesn't count as an heirloom if your kids have to fight over who doesn't get.
Haaaa Schwartzn..re: guests and coats...oooh, to have a raspberry refrigerator though!!!
I like the blue center one toward the bottom that looks like an ice chest.
And obviously, I can't afford it. But it's nice to know someone out there is pushing the envelope on kitchen appliances. I often feel forced to sacrifice functionality for older fashioned aesthetics, because I really don't care for all the plastic that's built into more modern versions of toasters, refrigerators, ovens, blenders...
I say, at least if Meneghini is making these now, someone may be making a more affordable version of it by the time I'm old enough to be equipping my forever kitchen. Or a girl can dream anyway.
Now that flat screens are the norm, why not buy one of those old "Chinese" cabinets used to hide TVs and turn it into a fridge? Would cost only, say, $10K :-)
Seriously, Italian designed electronics and heirlooms is an oxymoron.
I, for one, LOVE these and will put one in my dream kitchen (assuming I ever have it).
I have to agree with Schwartzn here. All, except for the ones that look like classic iceboxes in the third pic, are incredibly kitschy. Talk about over the top! Do we really want refrigerators that scream 'nautical theme'? I would rather go with discreet refrigerator drawers any day.
I want one with the portholes. Pretty sure the massive size is only right for somebody like my sister though, who wants to have nine kids. And could, of course, never ever afford a thirty thousand dollar fridge.
They're beautiful, though.
Nice episode once again! Thanks a lot!