The 1970s had plenty of unforgettable style, from bell-bottoms and disco music to shag carpets and avocado-green kitchens. It was also a time when home appliances came in some pretty unusual shapes, colors, and sizes.
Many of these gadgets were once perfectly normal sights in American kitchens and living rooms. Today, some look so strange that shoppers used to sleek appliances and smart features might have a hard time guessing what they were meant to do.
Here are 15 retro appliances that offer a fun look at how much home life has changed.
Fondue Pot
Fondue pots were a popular choice for parties and family gatherings during the ’70s, especially when cheese or chocolate was on the menu. Guests could gather around the pot and dip bread, vegetables, fruit, or marshmallows into the warm mixture.
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Floral Pattern Crock Pot
Crock Pots are still common, but the floral versions from the ’70s had a look that is hard to miss. Burnt orange, mustard yellow, and large flower patterns turned a basic slow cooker into something that matched the kitchen decor.
Butter Warmer
A butter warmer was exactly what it sounds like: a small container designed to keep butter warm and ready to serve. It might have been useful for seafood, vegetables, or popcorn, but today most people would reach for a microwave instead.
Electric Jiffy Pop Popcorn Popper
Before microwave popcorn became a kitchen staple, Jiffy Pop gave families a fun way to make popcorn on the stove. Electric versions added another layer of novelty by letting people watch the foil expand as the kernels popped inside.
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Electric Crepe Maker
Crepes became a popular treat for home cooks, and electric crepe makers offered a way to prepare them without relying on a regular frying pan. The rounded cooking surface made it possible to spread the batter into thin, delicate pancakes right at home.
Avocado Green or Harvest Gold Refrigerator
An avocado-green or harvest-gold refrigerator could instantly make a kitchen look like it belonged in the 1970s. These bold colors were everywhere, while today’s shoppers tend to see more stainless steel, white, black, or other muted finishes.
Ice Crusher
A countertop ice crusher could turn regular cubes into crushed ice for cocktails, snow cones, and cold drinks. Some models used a hand crank, while others had an electric motor that did the work with plenty of noise.
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Burnt Orange Coffee Maker
A burnt orange coffee maker was right at home in a colorful ’70s kitchen. The appliance made coffee, but its bright finish also helped it fit with the rest of the room’s decor.
Electric Hot Dog Cooker
The electric hot dog cooker gave families a dedicated way to prepare several hot dogs at once, with some models also warming the buns. It might seem like a lot of equipment for a simple meal today, but it brought a little bit of ballpark food into the kitchen.
Popcorn Maker With a See-Through Lid
Popcorn makers with clear lids let everyone watch the kernels pop while the machine did the cooking. That little show was part of the fun, especially during movie nights before microwave popcorn became the quick option most people reached for.
Electric Knife
In the ’70s, the electric knife was a handy tool for slicing turkey, roast beef, and other large cuts of meat. The motor did the repetitive work for you, although the buzzing sound could make carving feel like a much bigger production than it needed to be.
Digital Clock Radio
A digital clock radio was a common bedside item that combined a clock, radio, and alarm in one box. Bright red or green numbers and a loud buzzer were part of the morning routine for many people before phones took over the job.
Portable Cassette Player
Portable cassette players gave people a way to take their favorite music outside the house without carrying a full stereo system. The chunky players and oversized headphones look pretty basic now, but being able to listen to your own tapes while walking or traveling felt like a major convenience at the time.
Electric Can Opener
An electric can opener was a countertop convenience that saved people from turning a manual crank every time they opened a can. These appliances could take up a fair amount of space, but owning one was once seen as a sign of a modern kitchen.
Countertop Deep Fryer
Countertop deep fryers gave home cooks a way to make French fries, doughnuts, fried chicken, and other treats without using a large restaurant-style fryer. They could also leave behind hot oil, splatters, and plenty of cleanup, which helps explain why they seem less appealing beside the compact fryers and other cooking appliances sold today.
