vintage refrigerator w/porthole window?

[melissa]

My father in law swears there used to be a fridge made with a porthole window so you could see inside it without opening the door. This sounds incredible. I've tried to figure out what type of fridge he's talking about, but never had any luck. Have you ever heard of one of these?

 

[maytagbear]

Can't say for true vintage,

but I know in the 70s-80s, a commercial refrigeration company, Traulsen (sp?) had 120 volt refrigerators with full windows that were used in some "upper-end" residential kitchens, instead of Sub-Zero or similar. I don't think the company solicited the residential market, however.

These units were not particularly energy efficient, though, and that is probably why I haven't seen any new or renovated kitchens with them.

Lawrence/Maytagbear