A 90-year-old Electrolux fridge, built in the 1930s and owned by an elderly couple in Gloucestershire, has outlasted modern appliances during recent UK heatwaves, making it a candidate for Britain's oldest working fridge.
Family Heirloom Since 1949
The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, have had the fridge in their family since 1949, just after World War Two. They purchased it second-hand for £49, equivalent to around £2,200 today. The fridge stands just 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall, with limited capacity—unable to hold more than two stacked Coke bottles.
Outperforming Modern Fridges
During the 2021 heatwave, the couple's newer fridge-freezer failed and needed replacement, but the 1930s unit kept running. In the 2026 hot spell, when many supermarket fridges stopped due to record-breaking temperatures above 32°C, the old fridge continued to cool food and drink in their garage in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. Adam Kerry, a salesman at John Kerry & Sons, noted: 'They were relying on it while their fridge and freezer were broken, probably due to the heat.'
Surpassing Royal Claims
The fridge also outdoes the Royal Family. In 2021, King Charles suggested his 67-year-old Frigidaire at the Castle of Mey in Scotland was the oldest functioning fridge, but this Electrolux is older by more than two decades.
Durability and Workmanship
Adam Kerry, 24, attributed the fridge's longevity to its 'quality' and workmanship. Business owner Jonathan Kerry confirmed after a recent visit that the appliance is 'still going strong.' The owners described it as 'an old workhorse' deserving a long service medal. They added: 'We use it at Christmas for extra space or for storing apples in the summer. It's been very well behaved.'
Limited Capacity but Reliable
The retro fridge features a clipped metal latch but is tiny by modern standards. Kerry explained: 'It doesn't keep things chilled as you might expect today. It doesn't have the same energy efficiency. The fridge is tiny. You couldn't buy anything that size today. It's definitely not big enough for the weekly shop.'
Family Legacy
The couple adopted the fridge and took it with them to Sussex for 40 years before returning to Gloucestershire in 2006. They concluded: 'It's a family heirloom. We will hopefully pass it down.' The fridge remains a testament to early 20th-century engineering, still serving its purpose nearly a century after it was built.
