12 Obsolete Appliances That Are Still in Someone’s Basement
These outdated home gadgets may be collecting dust, but they're far from forgotten.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Technology has evolved tremendously, but many households still harbor outdated appliances hidden away in basements. These relics of the past once served a purpose, but now, they sit unused, replaced by sleeker, smarter alternatives. This list reveals a dozen nostalgic devices that refuse to disappear completely.
1. VCR Players
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Once a staple of every living room, VCRs allowed families to record shows and watch rented tapes. Now, they’re eclipsed by streaming services and digital downloads.
2. Rotary Phones
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These heavy, dial-based phones were built like tanks and required patience to use. Smartphones have long replaced them, but their vintage charm keeps them around as conversation pieces or emergency backups.
3. Slide Projectors
Berthold Werner on Wikimedia Commons
Perfect for reliving family vacations, slide projectors clicked through photo reels in dimly lit rooms. Now replaced by digital photo frames and cloud storage, these devices often sit idle next to boxes of old slides.
4. Console TVs
George Arriola on Wikimedia Commons
These oversized wooden furniture-like televisions combined screen and cabinetry in one unit. Too heavy to move and too old to watch, they often remain in basements as makeshift tables or curiosities.
5. Manual Ice Crushers
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Before refrigerators came with built-in ice makers, manual crushers turned cubes into shards for cocktails and parties. Now considered a novelty, they’re rarely used but often found in old kitchen drawers or storage bins.
6. Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorders
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Used by audiophiles and professionals for high-quality recording, these machines delivered impressive sound. They’ve been overshadowed by compact and digital audio devices but still intrigue collectors.
7. Sewing Machines in Cabinets
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Sewing used to be a household skill, and machines were often built into sturdy wooden desks. While rarely used today, many basements still house these relics — sometimes still fully functional.
8. Deep Freezers with Hinged Lids
Antonio Mette on Wikimedia Commons
These massive freezers were once vital for storing bulk meats and frozen meals. Now, with more energy-efficient and compact options available, many older models sit unplugged but not discarded.
9. Popcorn Makers (Hot Air Type)
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These single-purpose gadgets blew hot air to pop kernels, offering a healthy alternative to microwave popcorn. With modern snack trends and air fryers taking over, they’re seldom used but still often stashed in a corner.
10. Analog Radios with Dials
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Tuning in required finesse and a good ear for static-free spots. They’ve mostly been swapped for digital radios or apps, but the old dials still spin in many basements.
11. Fondue Sets
Jeffery Simpson on Flickr
Once the life of 1970s dinner parties, fondue pots have mostly fallen out of fashion. Today, they sit in cupboards or boxes, waiting for a rare retro night to shine again.
12. Electric Knife Sharpeners
Pixabay
Once seen as a must-have kitchen gadget, these bulky sharpeners have been pushed aside for sleeker, manual options. Still, they persist in drawers and storage areas, clinging to usefulness.