16 Household Devices From the ’70s That Disappeared

The 1970s saw a surge in home gadgets that promised a new way of life with ease and a hint of cutting-edge technology. The kitchen was no exception, being a testing ground for innovative gadgets that promised to ease cooking, entertaining, and preparation. There was the electric carving knife, popcorn makers, yogurt makers, trash compactors, among others. It is clear that these gadgets performed a single function exceptionally well; however, over the years, the pace of change in technology and the way we live has rendered these gadgets obsolete. The microwave, a multi-functional device, has replaced most of these gadgets that once dominated our kitchens.

1. Electric Can Opener with Knife Sharpener

In the 1970s, many home kitchens featured electric can openers with built-in knife sharpeners. These appliances may have looked clunky compared to modern gadgets, but they marked a new age in home convenience. Home wives often place them near the stove or the toaster, so they are always at hand. Opening canned vegetables, soup, or fruit was almost effortless. There was no need to turn a small metal device by hand; instead, the device clamped onto the lid and rotated the can on its own. A gentle buzzing filled the air as the blade ran along the rim. Once the cutting was done, a magnet lifted the lid safely without any chance of spillage or cutting. Families enjoyed the neat design that kept everything at a safe distance.

2. Countertop Trash Compactor

The countertop trash compactor was a fixture in many progressive-thinking homes in the 1970s. The appliance was a solution to a simple but annoying problem: the mountains of trash from canned goods and other packaged foods that seemed to fill the trash can too quickly. Instead of balloons of trash, the compactor compressed everything into tight, dense blocks. It just sat there like a short cabinet, and there was a heavy plate inside. You’d put your garbage in there, shut the door, and press a button. The machine would slowly and steadily press down, compacting your loose garbage into a dense mass that took up much less space. The appliance was a vision of the future in many people’s kitchens.

3. Electric Bread Slicer

In the 1970s, people still baked or bought a lot of bread to eat. The electric bread slicer was a useful tool for that. It simply kept the freshly baked bread organized as it went from a solid loaf to sliced bread. Typically, it sat next to the toaster or the bread box. It looked like a little tray with parallel blades or a small machine with a blade that sliced the bread. After the bread had been baked or bought, it went into the machine. The machine was turned on, and the blades glided through the bread. The slices were neat and uniform. This machine saved time. The slices were no longer uneven like they were when the bread had been sliced by hand. However, the electric bread slicer is no longer found in most homes.

4. Electric Hot Dog Cooker

In the 1970s, a bright, cheerful electric hot dog cooker was a novelty that many people wanted for their kitchens. It was a simple-looking appliance that brought a lot of excitement for families who enjoyed hot dogs as a snack. Most electric hot dog cookers could hold several hot dogs vertically and cook them by heating the rods from the inside. Some even came with spikes for the buns. Once plugged in, the rods cooked the hot dogs slowly while a small puff of steam came out. The buns were placed on the spikes and cooked as well. The kids were amazed by the sight of hot dogs floating in the air while being cooked. The electric hot dog cooker was a fun and convenient appliance for many families.

5. Electric Ice Crusher

The electric ice crusher was an active part of many 1970s households, particularly during parties or summer gatherings. The device was commonly decorated with a bright plastic casing with a clear chamber placed on top. The device had a small motor with rotating blades that crushed ice cubes into fine flakes. The user would simply place the ice cubes into the device, close the lid, and press the button. The device would briefly roar to life as the blades crushed the ice. Soon enough, a bowl of crushed ice would be ready to be used for cocktails, sodas, or desserts. The scene was both modern and impressive to those who enjoyed their cold beverages. The device was part of the movement of home entertainment becoming fashionable in the 1970s.

6. Electric Carving Knife

The electric carving knife was one of the most iconic appliances of the era. The appliance’s design, with the two serrated blades moving back and forth, was hard to ignore. The electric carving knife was brought out for family gatherings and holiday meals, making slicing turkey, ham, or beef much easier. The user would hold the handle while the blades moved smoothly back and forth as they cut through the meat with ease. No longer would the user have to bang away at their meat with a dull knife, making clean slices that would fall neatly onto the plate while the motor hummed softly in the background.

7. Electric Fondue Set

The electric fondue set became a social phenomenon in the 1970s, transforming mealtimes into social gatherings. This quirky yet lovable appliance became the focal point of many dinner parties. It consisted of a pot, usually made of metal or ceramic material, placed on an electric base. Family and friends would gather around the fondue set. They would insert pieces of bread, meat, or fruit into the melted cheese, oil, or chocolate. Each person would use a long fork to insert the food into the melted mixture. They would give it a gentle spin before enjoying the treat. This activity became the talk of the town since everyone participated in creating their own delicacies.

8. Countertop Yogurt Maker

The countertop yogurt maker was a real winner for health-conscious people in the 1970s. The 1970s were a time when people were becoming more and more interested in natural foods. Instead of buying yogurt in a store, people wanted to make their own at home. The yogurt maker was a great way for people to do just that. You add a package of yogurt mix and a warm base that several small glass containers sit in. The warmth causes the mix to ferment, and by the next morning, people can enjoy their yogurt. The yogurt maker was a symbol of a healthy lifestyle for people. People knew that the yogurt they were eating was only yogurt and nothing more.

9. Electric Popcorn Popper with Butter Melter

Having a movie night at home during the 1970s meant plugging in the electric popcorn maker and using the built-in butter melter. It sat on the kitchen counter, a clear plastic dome on a base. Inside the dome, a metal plate was heated, spinning a few kernels of corn while hot air swirled around them like a fan. As the temperature increased, the kernels popped into a light, fluffy popcorn that filled the dome. A tray sat on the top of the dome where the melted butter was contained away from the heat. When the popping stopped, the dome flipped forward and became a bowl. This device was a marvel that brought movie-style snacks into the living room.

10. Electric Knife Sterilizer

The electric knife sterilizer can be remembered as a common appliance found in many well-equipped kitchens during the 1970s. Its design consisted of a small box-like shape placed vertically on the wall or on the countertop. Inside the thin compartment of the appliance, ultraviolet lights provided a soft illumination. The usage of the appliance was simple. Users would insert the knives or small utensils into the slots to allow the ultraviolet light to kill the bacteria. During the 1970s, the concept of germ-free kitchen utensils sounded futuristic and reassuring. Many people believed that the appliance improved the quality of the utensils.

11. Countertop Electric Food Warmer

The countertop electric food warmer was a humble fixture in many kitchens during the 1970s. It resembled a tray with a warm surface located underneath. After a meal was prepared, families would place serving dishes on the warmer to keep them all hot. This allowed individuals to eat at different times without having to reheat the meal. For busy families, the benefits of the food warmer were obvious. Meals could be kept hot throughout the evening as individuals came home at different hours. The warmth kept the food from cooling off without the extreme heat of the oven. The food warmer was also touted for its usability during the holidays or a party.

12. Electric Wok

The electric wok introduced international cooking into our homes during the 1970s. As interest in international flavors increased, this appliance helped make stir-frying at home accessible. The electric wok resembled a deep metal bowl with a motorized base, allowing you to turn knobs to control temperature settings. The temperature could be set high to accommodate the blazing heat required for quick stir-frying methods. Veggies, meat, and noodles could be quickly cooked, all while the chef was kept busy stirring everything together with a utensil that had a long handle. The sloping sides of the wok also helped everything slide easily around the pan.

13. Electric Egg Cooker

The electric egg cooker was a reliable aid for many people during the 1970s. Although the appliance was simple and small, it carried the promise of perfect egg-cooking every time. The majority of the egg cookers had a small tray made of metal, which was placed on the base. The base was filled with a predetermined amount of water, which was measured with a special cup. The eggs were placed on a rack over the water. The heating element was activated, which caused the water to boil, producing a cloud of steam around the eggs. Once the water was gone, the egg cooker was switched off, which indicated that the eggs were ready. The egg cooker was a reliable appliance for many people.

14. Countertop Electric Plate Warmer

The countertop electric plate warmer was an important appliance in the 1970s. It was a small cabinet or tray designed to hold stacks of plates to be warmed prior to a meal. Inside the warmer, a mild heat source warmed the ceramic plates to a pleasant temperature. Plates would be placed in the warmer before the meal begins. When the plates were needed, the warmed plates helped to maintain the temperature of the meal, so the dishes remained pleasant to eat a little longer without the plates cooling the meal immediately. Plate warmers have been around a long time, especially in restaurants. The practice was later adopted for home use. Eventually, the practice became unnecessary.

15. Electric Jar Opener

One of the things that used to give a lot of cooks a lot of trouble was opening tightly sealed jars. This is exactly why the electric jar opener became a staple in many a kitchen in the 1970s. This device is usually found a home either mounted under a cabinet or just hanging out on the counter. A little grip on the device would adjust itself to the top of the jar. Then, with the press of a button, the motor would start to turn the top of the jar while the jar itself remained stationary. The top of the jar slowly began to turn as the machine applied constant torque until it finally gave way with a soft popping sound. This device was a godsend for those with less-than-stellar grip strength.

16. Electric Sandwich Maker with Sealing Plates

The sealed sandwich gadget, related to the waffle iron, was another brief appearance of the 1970s. The triangular shape of the metal plates gave the device a unique look. You would insert the sandwich components, close the lid, and the two faces would press the sandwich together. As the faces heated up, they would toast the sandwich while sealing the edges to keep the cheese or other fillings locked inside. The outcome was a crispy exterior with a soft, savory interior. The device was used for family meals and snacks for kids coming home from school. However, it did not last long. The traditional stovetop grilling pans or the newer panini presses would serve the same purpose but with greater flexibility.

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