10 Things Everyone Used to Have in Their Kitchen—But Not Anymore
Many changes have been made to kitchens over the years. Many old kitchen tools have become less useful as new technologies and easier options emerge.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
The things we use in our kitchens have changed a lot over the years. Many things that were once thought to be necessary for cooking or storing food are now seen as old-fashioned and have been replaced by ones that work better or take up less room. In this article, 10 kitchen items that used to be in every home but aren’t used or thought of in years are discussed. Different cooking styles show how technology and changes in our way of life have changed how we cook and store food these days.
1. Bread Boxes
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Every home used to have a bread box, which was used to store bread and keep it fresh. Before plastic containers came along, these boxes helped keep the bread from getting bad too quickly. These days, most people keep their bread in the fridge or pantry, so bread boxes are not used often.
2. Manual Can Openers
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Before they became famous, manual can openers were a must-have in every kitchen. Although they required some work to use, these simple tools did the job well. However, as more pre-opened cans and modern cooking tools emerge, manual can openers are slowly going out of style.
3. Ice Cube Trays
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A long time ago, ice cube trays were a must-have for making ice at home. Most people now have automatic ice makers, but they can still be bought. Since most modern fridges have this useful function, ice cube trays are not needed as much.
4. Electric Knife Sharpeners
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People used to think electric knife sharpeners were a simple way to keep their cooking knives sharp and ready to use. But over time, whetstones and better knives have taken their place. These days, most people use more standard ways to sharpen their knives or get them sharpened by a professional.
5. Tupperware
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People still use plastic containers, but the ’70s and ’80s Tupperware names aren’t as popular as they used to be. The lids on these older types didn’t always fit as well and were more likely to warp over time. Many people today choose glass storage because they are safer and last longer.
6. Coffee Percolators
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In many homes, coffee percolators were the most popular way to make coffee. Drip coffee makers, single-serve pods, and French presses have made them less popular, but some people still swear by them. The percolator’s slow, repetitive way of making coffee is now seen as old-fashioned compared to faster, easier methods.
7. Paper Towels Holders
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People still use paper towels, but the paper towel holder that stands alone has lost its appeal in many homes. These holders aren’t seen as often these days because more people use reusable towels or just put paper towels on the table. This change has been sped up by the desire to cut down on waste and make rooms look cleaner.
8. Jello Molds
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In the 1950s and 1960s, Jello molds were a popular kitchen tool that were often used to make fancy, colorful desserts for family events. People no longer like these weird molds, and these days, cooking trends are more about making foods that are simple and good for you. These days, you only see Jello molds in collections of old goods.
9. Handheld Potato Mashers
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With the rise of electric mixers and food makers, people don’t use handheld potato mashers as much as they used to. Many people now like to use electric tools to mash potatoes because they make the texture smoother and faster. Some people still miss the old-fashioned mixer because they like making mashed potatoes the old-fashioned way.
10. Butter Dishes
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Butter dishes used to be in every home. They kept butter at room temperature so it was easy to spread. Since butter sticks come separately wrapped and butter trays are kept in the fridge, there is less need for a butter dish. Most of these small, pretty things have been replaced by more useful storage solutions.