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15 Kitchen Gadgets from the Past That Hardly Anyone Uses Now

These once-popular kitchen tools used to be staples in American homes — now, they mostly collect dust or live in thrift stores.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 3 min read
15 Kitchen Gadgets from the Past That Hardly Anyone Uses Now
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

The kitchen of decades past was packed with unique gadgets that promised convenience. However, many just didn’t stand the test of time. Here are 15 vintage kitchen tools that have all but disappeared from modern countertops.

1. Hand-Crank Egg Beater

Schmeissnerro on Wikimedia Commons Schmeissnerro on Wikimedia Commons

Before electric mixers took over, this handheld tool whipped cream and eggs with a rotating crank. It required serious wrist power and coordination.

2. Butter Churn

Black Country Museums on Flickr Black Country Museums on Flickr

This heavy-duty device was once essential for making homemade butter from cream. Spinning that handle for hours was a labor of love.

3. Gelatin Molds

Thomas Brueckner on Flickr Thomas Brueckner on Flickr

Back in the ’50s and ’60s, molded Jell-O dishes were the height of culinary fashion. These decorative molds came in wild shapes and sizes.

4. Meat Grinder Clamp-On

Grannies Kitchen on Flickr Grannies Kitchen on Flickr

This manual grinder was attached to the edge of a counter and processed meat into sausage or burger form. It required elbow grease and patience.

5. Flour Sifter

Mikhail Nilov on Pexels Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

This crank or squeeze tool helped aerate flour for baking before modern pre-sifted options. It was messy and clunky but once considered essential.

6. Melon Baller

Alan Levine on Wikimedia Commons Alan Levine on Wikimedia Commons

Once used to create perfect fruit spheres for salads and desserts, this tiny scoop had a very specific purpose. Its novelty wore off as people opted for simpler prep.

7. Fondue Set

Jeffery Simpson on Flickr Jeffery Simpson on Flickr

This retro dinner-party centerpiece featured a heated pot and long skewers for dipping. Popular in the ’70s, it required setup, cleanup, and coordination.

8. Corn Cob Holders

Andrea Arden on Flickr Andrea Arden on Flickr

Designed to stab into the ends of hot corn, these plastic gadgets made summertime eating neater. They often came in fun shapes like tiny cobs or animals.

9. Electric Can Opener

Dwight Burdette on Wikimedia Commons Dwight Burdette on Wikimedia Commons

This bulky counter appliance once symbolized convenience. It opened cans at the push of a button, though not always cleanly.

10. Tomato Slicer

Alena Darmel on Pexels Alena Darmel on Pexels

This gadget had evenly spaced blades to slice tomatoes into perfect sections. It promised restaurant-style presentation but took up drawer space.

11. Popcorn Air Popper

Royalbroil on Wikimedia Commons Royalbroil on Wikimedia Commons

Before microwaves took over snack time, this electric device blasted hot air to pop kernels oil-free. It made a fun sound and required cleanup after every use.

12. Bread Box

Ella’s Kitchen Company Limited on Flickr Ella’s Kitchen Company Limited on Flickr

Once vital for keeping loaves fresh and critter-free, the bread box had a permanent spot on the counter. With modern packaging and fridges, it became redundant.

13. Citrus Reamer

Superbass on Wikmedia Commons Superbass on Wikmedia Commons

Before bottled juice and electric juicers, this handheld reamer was the go-to for squeezing lemons and limes. It worked, but it was messy and slow.

14. Pressure Cooker (Stovetop)

Cantons-de-l’Est on Wikimedia Commons Cantons-de-l’Est on Wikimedia Commons

Before the Instant Pot craze, these stovetop versions required close monitoring and could be intimidating. They worked well but felt risky to use.

Alpha on Flickr Alpha on Flickr

Used to shape fancy cookies with decorative tips, this device was a holiday favorite. While it produced beautiful results, setup and cleanup were tedious.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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