When most people think of retro kitchen appliances, the name Smeg comes to mind. The Italian company has made a name for itself in recent years through its range of bright, colourful, retro-style fridges. Based on 50s designs, their FAB range in particular has become extremely popular with the union jack design a particularly famous model. Thankfully, though, the retro styling and bold colours are not substitutes for function.

Take the Smeg FAB28RCS fridge as an example of a retro kitchen appliance that covers both form and function well. This model comes in a Colour Stripe design, taking 50s colours and putting a modern twist on them. It also features a retro casing and handle design. However, the appliance also has an A+ energy efficiency class rating, has a freezing capacity of 2kg/24h and an automatic defrost function. You may pay a little more for the retro design, but you do not need to worry about your Smeg fridge’s performance.

Of course, Smeg do not just manufacture fridges and freezers.

They do a large variety of retro kitchen appliances, including dishwashers and washing machines. Although the range of colours is not as wide as it is for their refrigeration range, Smeg can offer you almost a full compliment of retro appliances to give your kitchen a unique look. When it comes to finding a retro-style oven to fit in with the rest of your retro kitchen appliances, you may be facing a bit of a struggle. Smeg does not offer ovens or cookers in the same range as their retro fridges and dishwashers, and most companies do not cater for that style as much as Smeg does. However, if you are willing to look a little further, Britannia may have what you are looking for.

Britannia’s limited edition Couture range is difficult to find these days, but if you can get hold of the Cubism model, then your retro kitchen may be complete.

You will have to pay around £5,000 for this model, but if you are willing to part with that amount of money then the red and black pattern of the Cubism model may be for you. If you are looking for something slightly cheaper, however, Falcon offer their 1092 Deluxe range cooker in a number of retro colours, including 50s cream and 70s lime green. This retro kitchen appliance also features single-handed ignition for easier hob use and six gas hobs on top of five heavy-duty shelves.

The cooker is extremely spacious and stylish and retails at about £4,000. So if you are determined to give your kitchen that retro look, you have plenty of options. From outrageously stylish Smeg FAB appliances to more reserved and fashionable appliances from companies like Falcon and Britannia cookers, there are plenty of retro appliances to suit your need. However, be warned: if you do want the style, you will have to pay a few hundred, and possibly even a few thousand pounds more than you would if you chose a traditional appliance.