17 Retro Household Gadgets That Are No Longer Sold
Many household gadgets that were once common in homes are no longer sold or used today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Household technology has changed a lot over the past few decades, replacing older gadgets with new and more efficient tools. Many items that were once everyday essentials are now considered outdated or completely obsolete. This list highlights 17 retro household gadgets that are no longer available in most stores.
1. Manual Ice Crushers
Gmhofmann on Wikimedia Commons
Manual ice crushers were used to crush ice by turning a handle attached to a small machine. These devices were often placed on countertops and required physical effort to use. They were popular before refrigerators came with built-in ice dispensers. Today, they are hard to find and have been replaced by electric models or fridge-based systems.
2. VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders)
Vogler on Wikimedia Commons
VCRs were used to play VHS tapes and record television shows onto blank tapes. They were a key part of home entertainment for many years. Most families had a collection of movies and home videos on VHS. After the rise of DVDs and streaming services, VCRs were discontinued and are no longer sold.
3. Corded Landline Phones with Rotating Dials
幻影 多媒体 on Pexels
These phones had a rotary dial instead of buttons and were connected to walls with long cords. Dialing took longer, and numbers had to be entered carefully. They were once the main way people made phone calls at home. Now, touch-tone and mobile phones have taken over completely.
4. Slide Projectors
Zeitblick on Wikimedia Commons
Slide projectors displayed photographic slides on a screen or wall using light and lenses. Families used them to view vacation photos or special events. The process required loading each slide into a carousel. Digital photo frames and smart TVs have replaced the need for these machines.
5. TV Antennas (Rabbit Ears)
Donald Trung Quoc Don on Wikimedia Commons
These indoor antennas were used to receive over-the-air television signals. They often sat on top of the TV and had to be adjusted regularly to get a clear picture. Poor reception and static were common issues. Cable, satellite, and streaming have made these antennas mostly unnecessary.
6. Analog Alarm Clocks with Bells
Damian Yerrick on Wikimedia Commons
Analog alarm clocks had metal bells that rang loudly when the set time was reached. They had to be wound manually or powered by batteries. The alarm could not be adjusted for volume or tone. Most people now use digital alarms or smartphone apps instead.
7. Cassette Tape Players
Lankyrider on Wikimedia Commons
Cassette players were used to play and sometimes record music or voice on magnetic tape. Portable versions, like the Walkman, were popular for personal listening. Home versions were often part of stereo systems. With the rise of digital music, these players are no longer made.
8. Film Cameras for Everyday Use
Franz van Duns on Wikimedia Commons
Film cameras were once the standard for taking family photos, using 35mm rolls that had to be developed. Pictures could not be reviewed immediately and required careful planning. Most homes had a basic camera for vacations and events. Digital photography has replaced them in everyday life.
9. Popcorn Makers (Hot Air Type)
JethroElfman on Wikimedia Commons
These standalone machines used hot air to pop kernels without oil. They were marketed as a healthier way to make popcorn at home. Some models came with built-in butter warmers. Microwave popcorn has become more common, making these machines rare.
10. Electric Can Openers (Countertop Style)
Holly Cheng on Wikimedia Commons
These devices were placed on countertops and opened cans with the push of a button. They required electricity and often took up space. Many people preferred them for convenience, especially if they had limited hand strength. Manual can openers are now more common due to size and ease of storage.
11. Slide-Out Range Hood Radios
Steven Pavlov on Wikimedia Commons
Some range hoods came with built-in AM/FM radios, letting people listen to music while cooking. These were popular in the late 20th century. They often included a clock or timer. Today’s kitchen gadgets rarely include built-in radios, and most people use smartphones or Bluetooth speakers.
12. Intercom Systems in Homes
Scottgilman on Wikimedia Commons
Older homes sometimes had wired intercom systems installed in multiple rooms. Families used them to call each other without shouting. They also acted as built-in radios in some cases. Wireless communication devices have made these systems nearly obsolete.
13. Vacuum Tube Radios
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
These large, wooden radios worked using vacuum tubes to amplify sound. They were often used as furniture pieces and placed in living rooms. The warm sound was appreciated, but the size and maintenance were drawbacks. Transistor radios and digital options replaced them long ago.
14. CRT Televisions
Malopez 21 on Wikimedia Commons
CRT (cathode-ray tube) televisions were heavy, box-shaped TVs with curved screens. They offered standard-definition images and often took up large amounts of space. Moving them required two people due to their weight. They have been replaced by flat-screen TVs with better quality and efficiency.
15. Floppy Disk Drives
Mister rf on Wikimedia Commons
Floppy disk drives were used to store and transfer files in early home computers. They worked with large, thin disks that held only a small amount of data. Files were saved manually, and one disk could only hold a few documents or images. USB drives and cloud storage have completely replaced this system.
16. Wall-Mounted Pencil Sharpeners
ShyAndroid on Wikimedia Commons
These sharpeners were often screwed into walls or desks in kitchens, garages, or offices. You inserted a pencil and turned a crank until it was sharp. They were sturdy and effective but took up space and required effort. Battery-powered and smaller manual sharpeners are now more common.
17. Electric Knife Sharpeners
Mackenzie Bailey on Wikimedia Commons
These plug-in machines used spinning wheels to sharpen kitchen knives. They were marketed as fast and easy to use. Many were large and not suitable for all blade types. Modern sharpeners are often manual or built into cutting tools and knife blocks.