Are appliances really flimsier than they used to be? A TikTok creator is fueling that debate with a 72-year-old Westinghouse refrigerator that still runs.
Here's what to know
A video by The DustMan (@dustyoldstuff) focuses on a 1950s-era Westinghouse refrigerator that, they say, has "never been restored, never been worked on."
According to the creator, the refrigerator is 72 years old, and the "general consensus is it's probably gonna outlive us all."
@dustyoldstuff they'll just keep going & going & going. #vintage #refrigerator #westinghouse #1950s ♬ original sound - The DustMan
While showing viewers what they describe as the original Westinghouse dual compressor, the creator flips the refrigerator over to reveal the underside and says, "Yes, it does work."
The creator argues that the machine's longevity may come in part from how it manages heat. They point to its elongated fins and cooling built into the housing to "help get rid of the heat out of the windings," calling that "part of the reason why they lasted as long as they did."
When inspecting an older refrigerator, the creator looks underneath for rust, which they say can signal moisture problems or wet insulation developing "from the inside out."
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More background
The clip taps into a familiar frustration for shoppers: the sense that many household products are no longer built to last.
One surviving refrigerator does not prove that every vintage appliance is better than every modern one. But the creator points to visible design choices they believe were meant to preserve the machine over time.
Buying secondhand can offer more than collector appeal. Thrifting can save money on everyday essentials, from kitchenware to furniture, while also creating opportunities to uncover rare or valuable pieces at steep discounts.
Condition matters just as much as age. The creator's process focuses on checking for rust, moisture, and signs of previous repair work before deciding whether an older item is truly worth keeping.
What can be done?
Internal rust is a clue the creator pays close attention to, saying it can show whether "the insulation inside is wet or not."
Beyond vintage finds, shopping at thrift stores provides an effective way to lower expenses while extending the life cycle of pre-owned goods.
In this case, the creator's verdict was simple: "This one, solid as a rock. I'm pleasantly surprised at the condition of this."
Where can I learn more?
That 72-year-old Westinghouse raises a fair question: What helps a fridge last? These stories explore maintenance habits and common mistakes that can affect how long a refrigerator lasts and how much it costs to run.
• A homeowner with a new GE fridge sought advice on lasting 10 years or 30 through basic maintenance.
• A technician says to clean these coils regularly to keep a refrigerator running longer and cheaper.
• An appliance expert warns that common fridge mistakes can quietly shorten lifespan and raise costs.
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