17 Retro Kitchen Gadgets No One Uses Anymore
Many kitchen gadgets from the past have disappeared from homes, replaced by modern tools or changes in cooking habits.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In past decades, kitchens were filled with specialized gadgets designed to simplify cooking tasks. While many were innovative for their time, most have fallen out of use due to improved appliances, evolving food trends, or limited practicality. These forgotten tools now serve as reminders of how cooking and technology have changed.
1. Hand-Crank Egg Beater
Taplin’s on Wikimedia Commons
The hand-crank egg beater was once a common tool used for mixing eggs, batters, and sauces. It required manual effort and worked with two rotating beaters attached to a gear system. Electric hand mixers made it obsolete by providing faster results with less effort. Today, it is rarely found outside of antique shops or collector kitchens.
2. Butter Churn
Richard N Horne on Wikimedia Commons
Before store-bought butter became standard, many homes used a butter churn to make it manually. The device required churning cream for extended periods to separate the butter from the buttermilk. It was time-consuming and physically demanding. Modern dairy processing made it unnecessary in most households.
3. Manual Coffee Grinder (Box Style)
Suzette on Wikimedia Commons
These grinders featured a small drawer to catch the grounds and a hand crank on top to grind beans. They were slow and inconsistent compared to electric grinders. Though some people still enjoy them for their vintage appeal, most prefer quicker and more precise options today. They’ve become more decorative than practical.
4. Gelatin Molds
Robert Stewart on Wikimedia Commons
Shaped molds were once used to create colorful gelatin dishes that were common at parties and potlucks in the mid-20th century. These molds came in various designs, including rings, flowers, and animal shapes. Changing food tastes and the decline of gelatin-based dishes have pushed them out of use. They are now often found only at estate sales or thrift stores.
5. Meat Grinder
Cantons-de-l’Est on Wikimedia Commons
This tool attached to a counter or table and allowed users to grind meat by turning a handle. It required careful cleaning and physical strength. While still used in some traditional kitchens, electric models and pre-ground meat have made the manual version mostly obsolete. Most modern cooks rely on convenience and hygiene offered by store-bought options.
6. Flour Sifter with Crank Handle
Shliphmash on Wikimedia Commons
This device was used to remove lumps and aerate flour by turning a handle that forced the flour through a mesh screen. It improved baking texture but took extra time and effort. Modern flour comes pre-sifted, and many recipes no longer require it. The crank sifter has mostly been replaced by simple mesh sieves or left out entirely.
7. Potato Ricer
Karl-Heinz Wellmann on Wikimedia Commons
A potato ricer looks like a large garlic press and is used to create fluffy mashed potatoes. It pushed boiled potatoes through small holes to achieve a smooth texture. Though still found in some kitchens, most people now use electric mixers or mashers. Its large size and limited use make it less appealing for daily cooking.
8. Toast Tongs
John Boutier on Wikimedia Commons
These were small wooden or plastic tongs designed to remove toast safely from toasters. They helped prevent burns or electric shocks. Most modern toasters now pop toast high enough to grab safely, and the tongs have largely disappeared. People often just use a fork or their fingers carefully.
9. Jelly Strainer Stand
Jen8000 on Wikimedia Commons
Used mostly for homemade jams and jellies, this gadget held a cloth or mesh bag above a bowl to strain fruit juice. It was common in homes that preserved their own food. As homemade preserves declined, so did the need for this setup. It is rarely used today except by dedicated canners.
10. Cake Breaker
Kenneth Allen on Wikimedia Commons
A cake breaker is a tool with thin metal wires used to cut soft cakes, like angel food, without squashing them. It looked like a fork but had long, evenly spaced prongs. Slicing tools and knives have mostly replaced it in today’s kitchens. It’s now more of a collector’s item than a necessary tool.
11. Milk Glass Juicer
James Quinn on Wikimedia Commons
These were heavy, decorative citrus juicers made from white opaque glass, often passed down through families. They worked by pressing fruit halves against a raised center cone. While still functional, they have been replaced by plastic or electric juicers. Most people now use lighter and dishwasher-safe alternatives.
12. Nut Chopper with Glass Jar Base
Zátonyi Sándor on Wikimedia Commons
These devices featured a glass container with metal blades attached to a crank for chopping nuts. They were useful for baking but required cleaning by hand. Food processors and pre-chopped nuts have reduced their need. They are now mostly seen as vintage kitchenware.
13. Bread Box
MrMattAnderson on Wikimedia Commons
A bread box kept bread fresh in the days before preservatives and plastic packaging. It was usually made of wood or metal and sat on the counter. Modern packaging and refrigeration have made it less essential. Many kitchens no longer have one, except for decoration.
14. Pressure Cooker
Cantons-de-l’Est on Wikimedia Commons
Earlier pressure cookers had a weighted valve that rocked and hissed while cooking. They required close attention and had a reputation for being dangerous if mishandled. Newer models have digital controls and safety features. The older versions have mostly been retired or replaced.
15. Hamburger Press
Daderot on Wikimedia Commons
This tool shaped ground meat into perfect hamburger patties using a mold and a handle. It helped create even portions before pre-formed patties became widespread. Today, most people use their hands or buy ready-made burgers. The press is no longer a common kitchen item.
16. Ice Cube Trays
fir0002 on Wikimedia Commons
Metal ice trays used a central lever to release cubes by cracking the frozen water loose. They were standard before automatic ice makers and silicone trays. They required effort and often stuck to their hands or froze shut. Most homes now rely on simpler, more efficient options.
17. Corn Cob Holders with Decorative Ends
Pp391 on Wikimedia Commons
These small, pronged tools helped grip hot corn on the cob without burning fingers. They often had colorful plastic handles shaped like animals or vegetables. While still sold, they’re rarely used as people opt for napkins or just wait for the corn to cool. Their popularity peaked decades ago and has since declined.