Look for a GE range. They were the top dog back then, very reliable and durable, easy to repair, and lots of parts still floating around to keep it cooking right along.

A Kitchenaid KDS 18, 19, or 20 will also compliment that cheerful kitchen. This dishwasher had it all back then...Powerful, reliable, durable, easy to service, great classic appearance, and parts still floating around.

A Radarange microwave would also suit that kitchen nicely.

I'm loving that aesthetic. I wouldn't change ....much.

Just m.o. from experience: Unless you have knowledge of servicing appliances or know someone, there are certain appliances it might be less headache to stick with something newer.

Stoves really haven't changed that much in 50 years, and they last because there are no moving parts and they have no water in them. "Updating" your stove to a retro harvest gold (or other color) WITH electronic ignition will probably be easier and there are more choices. It's also going to have more presence in the kitchen.

As was mentioned above about the microwave, another good idea that one will get noticed.

A retro 70s refrig would be 3rd on the list BUT it depends on what it is and how efficient it is. That late 90s Whirlpool looks good and will be reliable for you.

As for the dishwasher....they have technologically changed. They have moving parts and they have water inside so there is issues with reliability. A dishwasher is the most likely appliance to be found as replaced in older homes because of all the usage they typically get.  70s dishwashers also did not have the best reputation as back then they were still a "new" appliance for the home.

Finding a used one will be more difficult.

Finding a WORKING one will be even more difficult.

A novice keeping it working will find that a challenge which might take some of the fun out of the retro experience, if you know what I mean.

There is limited presence of a dishwasher: it's just a 24" base cabinet front. It's very easy to do what you've done to any dishwasher that is simply painting or applying a wrap on the door panel and it's probably the best choice for long term peace in your home and enjoyment of the aethetic.

If it were me, and keep in mind I know how to fix retro dishwashers, and I had a (nearly) completely retro kitchen like yours: I would look for a newer (past 10 years) dishwasher or even a new one. I'd look for something quiet, with 3rd rack, and all the newest options.
Then, I would get some harvest gold (or avocado, coffee, candy pink, or whatever retro color you want) contact paper or wrap and simply do the door.

You could even wrap your white microwave sides. It's affordable, easy, and you won't have headaches of service issues.

If you look at the archives, herein, it's not unusual to find people, such as yourself, who were enthusiastic to get "the real thing" and found a 40 y.o. dishwasher and had someone install it.... but now they have a problem. There's no warranty. It's difficult to find service people now who fix those old machines. You get the picture I hope.

Best of luck to you.

Hi Corbyn,

I don't think it would be that expensive to ship a dishwasher or a stove, but you would ideally want to arrange for shipping yourself as opposed to accepting the buyer's options.  There are certain shippers that members here use, and they are reasonably priced independent operations.  If you find something on line that's far away, make a post here and ask for shipping recommendations.

Meanwhile, yours is the epitome of Shirley Jones kitchens (see:  The Partridge Family reruns).  It's beyond refreshing to see a post from someone who wants to celebrate its design style rather than offer appliances they're junking due to a 2022 gut job.

South Holland

Des Plaines. anything else?

Caloric

Demotte Indiana Truly 70's vintage

Goshen IN

Tappan

dishwasher

I think that Whirlpool dishwasher would be perfect in your kitchen.  If it's old enough it may have extra panels for the front that are harvest gold or avocado.

The Caloric range appears to be in the best shape and IMO it's the best looking.  I like the sturdy burner grates on it.  All of the others have flimsy grates that will rattle.

If anyone can find the best retro appliances Kenny/Goatfarmer certainly can.

I love those buttons.

I had a rental property with one of these in it as a built-in.

I've heard they ....are kind of loud though.  They wash like they mean business.  lol.

I would get it just for the self advancing timer and all the buttons.

Where did the original poster go?

I was asking myself the same question.

An all-too-common occurrence here, but maybe it's just a busy weekend or she's out picking up items posted above.

Too bad it's not a real Caloric.  I guess the burner grates are the only good thing it has going for it.

Let us know of the outcome!

I think a lot depends on the make and how much use it has seen.  We had a huge TOL Panasonic that I got new in 1980 and used it until we moved in 2008.  Everything on it was still working perfectly.  That said, it's now 14 years later so even a 1987 that's still working has my Panasonic beat.  Modern ones can be found cheap for temporary replacement if the Radarange should develop problems. 

Sidebar:  I would happen by our former home occasionally after we sold it.  One day a few months after we moved, I saw the Panasonic at the curb.  I had sworn off collecting after going through a move so I just kept driving, but it made me sad.  I knew in my heart that it wasn't out there because it was broken.

Dan and John, you're making me nervous.  My current home has a GE OTR microwave.  I don't trust it, I don't like having my face a foot away from it when it's operating at the same time I'm using the cook top so I stay away from it, it's super annoying to have to open the door in order to get a look at contents of a pot on the back burner, and most of all, I'm holding my breath until it fails.

We bought another Panasonic inverter microwave when we moved (2008) and left the 1980 one behind.  It had a smooth touchpad, which I don't like, but it also had a round knob you could simply turn to set the time and push "Start."  The thing I liked most was the "Sensor Reheat" option.  One touch and it knew what to do.  The GE requires scrolling and selecting a few times before it will do anything, so I end up using the "Add 30 Seconds" button a lot.

The Panasonic went to a friend when we moved again in 2018 and is working fine in her kitchen.  I had the opportunity to use it on during the 2021 holiday season and I realized just how much I miss it.  My only complaint is that the selections I used most wore off even before we gave it away.

Oak Lawn