14 Obsolete Kitchen Gadgets That Were Once Must-Haves
These 14 kitchen gadgets were once common in households but are now no longer useful or needed.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Kitchen tools have changed over time as cooking habits and technology have improved. Many items that were once used every day have become unnecessary. This list explains why these 14 old gadgets are no longer found in modern kitchens.
1. Hand-Crank Egg Beater
Taplin’s; Dover Stamping Company on Wikimedia Commons
This tool was used to beat eggs, mix batters, or whip cream by turning a handle. It worked well but required physical effort and time. Electric mixers are now faster and easier to use. Most people no longer keep manual egg beaters in their kitchen.
2. Butter Churn
Nick Birse on Wikimedia Commons
Butter churns were used to turn cream into butter at home. The process took a long time and needed steady hand work. Today, butter is sold in stores at low cost and in many varieties. Very few households make their own butter now.
3. Jelly Molds
George H. Alexander on Wikimedia Commons
Jelly molds were used to shape gelatin into different forms for serving. These dishes were once popular at family meals and parties. Today, gelatin desserts are not as common, and people prefer simple bowls or cups. As a result, jelly molds are rarely used anymore.
4. Sifter with Hand Crank
Shliphmash on Wikimedia Commons
This gadget helped remove lumps from flour and made it finer for baking. It had a mesh screen and a handle that turned metal blades. Most modern flour is already pre-sifted. Many home bakers now skip this step or use a basic sieve.
5. Meat Grinder (Manual)
Anfuehrer on Wikimedia Commons
Manual meat grinders were used to grind meat at home by turning a handle. They were heavy and had to be clamped onto a counter. Ground meat is now easy to buy in different cuts and sizes. Most people find store-bought meat more convenient.
6. Ice Pick
Joe Haupt on Wikimedia Commons
Before ice makers, people stored large ice blocks in iceboxes. Ice picks were used to break the blocks into smaller pieces. Refrigerators now produce ice automatically in cubes or crushed form. Ice picks are rarely needed in modern homes.
7. Toaster Fork
cogdogblog on Wikimedia Commons
This was a metal fork used to toast bread over a stove flame. It needed close attention to avoid burning the bread or getting burned. Electric toasters are now safer and more consistent. The toaster fork has mostly disappeared from kitchens.
8. Corn Cutter and Creamer
Pengo on Wikimedia Commons
This tool helped cut corn off the cob and scrape out the pulp. It was used to make homemade creamed corn. Many people now use canned or frozen corn instead. This tool is no longer used by most home cooks.
9. Jell-O Cutter
Yonzheng456 on Wikimedia Commons
Jell-O cutters shaped gelatin into small decorative pieces. These were popular for parties and children’s snacks. Today, people use fewer shaped gelatin treats and choose faster dessert options. These cutters are often stored away or thrown out.
10. Cake Breaker
Nigel Jones on Wikimedia Commons
A cake breaker was made with thin wires to cut soft cakes cleanly. It was useful for cakes like angel food that could collapse under a knife. Now, most people use serrated knives for this job. The cake breaker is no longer used much.
11. Toast Rack
Creator:Roberts, Cadman and Co. on Wikimedia Commons
Toast racks were designed to hold slices of toast upright, ensuring they remained crisp. They were used during sit-down breakfasts or afternoon teas. Today, toast is often served and eaten quickly without extra tools. The rack is no longer needed in most homes.
12. Metal Ice Cube Trays
Forest and Kim Starr on Wikimedia Commons
These trays were made of aluminum and had a lever to release ice. They could be hard to open and often made loud noises. Plastic trays and built-in ice makers are easier and quieter. Most people do not use metal trays anymore.
13. Can Punch/Church Key
Steveprutz on Wikimedia Commons
This tool made holes in the top of cans before pull tabs existed. It was often used to open juice or beer cans. Most modern cans now open with tabs or twist tops. This tool is now used only in rare cases.
14. Rotary Phone Timer
Daria Nepriakhina epicantus on Wikimedia Commons
This was a mechanical timer used in kitchens to time cooking. It had a dial you turned and a loud ring at the end. Phones, smart speakers, and digital ovens now include built-in timers. Rotary timers are mostly kept as old household items.