13 Kitchen Appliances That Were in Every Home in the ’70s and ’80s

The kitchens of the ‘70s and ‘80s were a unique mix of innovation, questionable aesthetics, and sheer practicality. From avocado-green blenders to microwaves the size of a small car, these appliances defined home cooking for an entire generation. Let’s take a nostalgic tour through 13 kitchen must-haves that every household seemed to own back in the day.

1. Crock-Pot

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The king of slow cooking, the Crock-Pot made sure dinner was ready six to eight hours after you remembered to plug it in. It was a lifesaver for busy families, turning cheap cuts of meat into something vaguely edible. The signature brown-and-orange floral design made it blend right in with the ‘70s décor—whether that was a good thing is debatable. If your mom made chili in this, you knew it was going to last for days.

2. Popcorn Air Popper

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Before microwave popcorn took over, everyone had one of these loud, plastic contraptions that shot popcorn everywhere. It was healthier than the buttery stuff from the bag, though most people drowned it in melted margarine anyway. The clear top always got stained, and cleaning it was a nightmare. Still, watching those kernels dance around inside was half the fun.

3. Electric Can Opener

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For some reason, the ‘70s and ‘80s decided that opening a can by hand was too much effort. These bulky machines sat on countertops, humming loudly before dramatically piercing the can’s lid. They often came in colors like harvest gold or avocado green, ensuring they clashed with everything. If yours also had a built-in knife sharpener, you were fancy.  

4. Fondue Set

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Nothing said “classy dinner party” like dipping things into a bubbling pot of melted cheese or chocolate. Every household had a fondue set, even if they only used it once before shoving it into a cabinet forever. The tiny color-coded forks made everyone feel sophisticated while trying not to burn their fingers. The only downside? Double-dippers.

5. Countertop Microwave

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Early microwaves were massive, loud, and built like tanks, but they felt like futuristic magic. They took up half the counter, yet everyone was thrilled to heat leftovers in under two minutes. The buttons were chunky, the dials were confusing, and the interior light was strangely dim. If you had one of the first models, it probably still works today.

6. Electric Knife

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Because carving a turkey with a regular knife was apparently too much work, the electric knife was born. This loud, slightly terrifying gadget buzzed aggressively as it sawed through meat like a tiny chainsaw. It was usually stored in a drawer, only emerging on holidays to scare everyone. Was it necessary? Not really. Did everyone have one? Absolutely.

7. Waffle Iron

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Homemade waffles felt fancier than pancakes, even if they usually ended up sticking to the iron. The non-stick coating wore off quickly, ensuring that at least one waffle would be sacrificed to the waffle gods. Cleaning it was a pain, but the crispy, golden squares made it all worth it. If yours had a cord that barely reached the outlet, you were using it correctly.

8. Deep Fryer

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Before air fryers took over, deep fryers let you turn your kitchen into a greasy, delicious disaster zone. Frying meant dealing with hot oil splatters, a house that smelled like fast food for days, and questionable health choices. But homemade French fries, onion rings, and even deep-fried Twinkies made it all worth it. If your fryer had no built-in filter, your entire house forever smelled like fried chicken.

9. Toaster Oven

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This was the go-to appliance when you didn’t want to turn on the “real” oven but still needed something crispy. It somehow took longer than a regular toaster and left things either undercooked or burnt. The little crumb tray always got ignored until it was a fire hazard. Still, it was a lifesaver for reheating pizza without making it soggy.  

10. Ice Cream Maker

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In theory, making your own ice cream sounded amazing. In reality, these machines took forever, required too much ice and salt, and usually resulted in a soupy mess. The hand-crank versions were a workout, while the electric ones sounded like a lawnmower. Somehow, homemade ice cream still tasted better—probably because of all the effort involved.

11. Food Processor

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A blender’s bigger, louder, and more intimidating cousin, the food processor made chopping, shredding, and mixing easier—or at least more chaotic. It had multiple attachments, half of which got lost immediately. The safety lock never worked right, leading to occasional kitchen disasters. But when it worked, it made you feel like a professional chef.

12. Electric Percolator

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Before drip coffee makers took over, percolators ruled the kitchen. They made coffee by violently boiling water until it turned into something resembling a strong cup of Joe. The bubbling sound was oddly satisfying, and the coffee smell filled the entire house. If you grew up in the ‘70s or ‘80s, you definitely heard one gurgling away every morning.

13. Hot Dog Roller

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Yes, some people actually had these at home—turning their kitchens into mini gas stations. These machines slowly rolled hot dogs until they reached the perfect level of overcooked greatness. They were completely unnecessary, yet somehow irresistible. If your family had one, you probably had the best sleepovers.

• Tags:
• Nostalgia
• Kitchen
• retro
• Appliances