Technology evolves quickly, and in the rush to embrace the latest innovations, many useful kitchen gadgets from the past have faded into obscurity. From electric can openers to the quirky Hot Dogger, these once-revolutionary appliances didn’t just save time—they added a unique charm to our kitchens. Let’s take a moment to revisit some of these forgotten devices that were true game-changers in their prime.
10. The Tele-Bar: Party Central
Imagine a wet bar with a built-in TV and radio—welcome to the Tele-Bar, the ultimate entertainment piece from the 1950s and ’60s. It wasn’t just for mixing drinks; it was an all-in-one social hub, perfect for hosting a cocktail party without ever leaving the room.
While today’s home bars might be more elaborate, there’s something charming about this multi-functional piece of furniture. As home entertainment systems evolved, though, the Tele-Bar slowly faded away, but it remains a nostalgic nod to a time when entertaining at home was the height of sophistication.
9. GE Wall Refrigerator: Space-Saving Style
Back in the day, the GE wall refrigerator was the ultimate blend of style and function. Taking up zero floor space, it sat snugly in your kitchen cabinets, giving your space a sleek, modern feel. Available in an array of colors, this fridge was all about adding a bit of flair to your home.
But as refrigerators grew larger to meet the needs of modern families, the wall fridge began to lose its appeal. It might’ve been a space-saver, but its smaller storage capacity eventually became a deal-breaker for most households.
8. Presto Hot Dogger: A Quirky Classic
Picture this: A gadget that could cook six hot dogs in just one minute by sending electricity through them. That’s the Presto Hot Dogger for you—a novelty kitchen appliance from the 1960s that made quick and fun meals for the family.
While it may seem a little odd by today’s standards, the Hot Dogger was a hit for those looking for a fast meal. But as microwaves became the go-to for quick cooking, this quirky gadget slowly disappeared from kitchen counters.
7. Flair Stove: The Futuristic Choice
With its futuristic design, the Flair stove looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. Imagine a stovetop that slides out like a drawer and ovens positioned at eye level—pretty cool, right? And with a variety of color options, it brought a modern edge to any kitchen.
However, the Flair stove couldn’t keep up with newer, more efficient designs that hit the market in the ’70s. Eventually, homeowners wanted appliances that meshed with evolving styles, and the Flair stove quietly faded from kitchens across America.
6. Electric Can Openers: A Time-Saving Essential
If you’ve ever struggled with a manual can opener, you’ll appreciate just how much the electric version simplified things. With just the press of a button, the electric can opener did the hard work for you, a real blessing for families or anyone dealing with arthritis. What once was a bulky countertop item has now evolved into a sleek, drawer-friendly design.
Sure, you can still find electric can openers today, but they’re much more compact and efficient, leaving your counter clutter-free.
5. Thor Automagic Washer: A Hybrid Ahead of Its Time
The Thor Automagic washer was a bit ahead of its time—this hybrid machine was designed to wash both laundry and dishes. Sounds like a space-saving dream, right? Well, not exactly. The idea of washing clothes and dishes in the same machine didn’t sit well with most consumers, which led to its quick demise.
While it wasn’t a hit, the Thor Automagic washer was a bold attempt to rethink how we use appliances in the home, proving that sometimes innovation can be a little too ahead of the curve.
4. Countertop Dishwashers: Big Convenience in a Small Package
For people with limited space, the countertop dishwasher was a lifesaver. Perfect for apartments or small homes, these compact machines can handle a few dishes at a time, freeing up your evenings from washing up by hand.
As homes began incorporating larger, built-in dishwashers under the counter, the need for a countertop version slowly disappeared. But for those who used one, it was a godsend that made daily life just a little easier.
3. Percolator Coffee Pots: Classic Brewing
Before the drip coffee maker took over, percolator coffee pots were a kitchen staple. They brewed rich, flavorful coffee by cycling boiling water through the coffee grounds, and this method was the go-to for many coffee lovers for decades.
But as electric drip coffee makers became more convenient and accessible in the ’70s, percolators started collecting dust at the back of cabinets. While they may not be in every home now, percolators are still beloved by those who enjoy their nostalgic charm and bold coffee taste.
2. GE Americana Breakfront Refrigerator: A Unique Twist on a Classic
The GE Americana breakfront refrigerator was an innovative marvel introduced in the 1960s. With a built-in countertop between the top and bottom doors, it made meal prep easier and even came with a cutting board and self-filling ice trays. Talk about convenience!
Despite its ingenious design, the Americana breakfront didn’t last long, disappearing from the market after just a few years. But for those lucky enough to have had one, it was a one-of-a-kind kitchen tool that combined function and style in a way few other appliances could.
1. Ronson Can-Do: A Multi-Tool for the Kitchen
If you’re into multi-functional tools, the Ronson Can-Do was your kitchen’s best friend in the 1960s. This gadget could do it all—open cans, sharpen knives, and even mix drinks. It was a compact powerhouse that helped streamline a variety of kitchen tasks.
Despite its clever design, more specialized tools started hitting the market, and the Ronson Can-Do couldn’t keep up. It may have faded into obscurity, but it remains a testament to an era when multi-purpose gadgets were all the rage.
