15 Kitchen Appliances from the ’70s That Wouldn’t Pass Health Standards Today
This post may contain affiliate links.
During the 1970s, we had bold colors, adventurous fashion, and memorable home gadgets that promised to make life easier. Especially in the kitchens, quirky and cute appliances were fitted, of which not all of them stood the test of time from a safety standpoint. Design back then was about style and convenience, and not so much if the product would pass a health inspection.
Looking in on a ’70s kitchen, you’d see a blend of beloved tools that may not be as safe as they used to be and that would raise an eyebrow or two with today’s safety inspectors. This trip down memory lane will also show you some of the iconic gadgets that have since been put to rest, for the most part, for safety and health reasons.
Early Teflon Non Stick Pans
Teflon was a huge hit in the ’70s for non stick pans. But early Teflon coated versions would also break down at high temperatures and release toxic fumes. These fumes caused health issues. Modern non-stick pans are safer and more stable, but with the original ones there was a little health gamble if they overheated.
Electric Fondue Sets
Electric fondue sets were all the rage in the ’70s, and fondue was the party food of the day. But many of the units lacked modern insulation and heat regulation. The heating elements were exposed and a burn hazard; if left on too long, they could overheat and become a fire risk. Fondue sets of today are built with temperature control and safety features that the old versions sorely lacked.
Toxic Varnish on Wooden Spoons
Wooden spoons are a kitchen staple but in the 1970s they could be given a varnish or finish to give the illusion of shiny new spoons. Often the varnishes contained toxic chemicals that would leach into food, particularly when used in hot cooking. These spoons looked great in the drawer, but it’s probably not the safest thing to use for stirring soup.
Plastic Baby Bottles With BPA
In the ’70s, plastic was thought of as a wonder material and plastic baby bottles were everywhere. But most of the bottles in these bottles contained bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical now known to interfere with hormones and cause developmental problems in children. Back then, health risks from this plastic ingredient were unknown and today’s bottles are BPA free.
Copper-Clad Cookware
Copper cookware was beautiful, and copper was prized for being able to conduct heat. But without a proper lining, copper can leak into food, especially acidic dishes. According to ScienceDirect, copper toxicity can cause nausea, liver damage, etc. Vintage copper pots were stylish, but they didn’t come with the protective coatings found in today’s safer options.
Vintage Ice Crushers
Ice crushers were a ’70s party staple that let you make chilled cocktails at home. However, the blades on these devices were exposed, and their use of safety guards was not a priority. It could injure your fingers if you tried to scoop out crushed ice. Modern designs of the crushers have enclosed blades and improved the safety features and the old school crushers were also notorious for accidents.
Vintage Pressure Cookers
Fast, tender cooking is what pressure cookers do best, but the early models from the ’70s weren’t the safest. Others were missing secure locking mechanisms and the pressure gauges were inconsistent. It was one wrong move, and you could have dinner — the pot’s lid — exploding across the kitchen. Back then, pressure cookers were more like ticking time bombs, and nowadays they all come with multiple safety valves.
Metal Drinking Cups With Lead
Metal cups were very popular camping gear and outdoor dining sets in the 1970s. Unfortunately, many of these cups were made of lead based alloys and continued use could expose you to lead. Lead poisoning is a serious health risk, and especially so for children. These days, cups are severely tested to prevent such risks but back then you may have been drinking something extra.
Asbestos-Lined Toasters
Some toasters in the 1970s had been lined with asbestos to hold on to heat and toast bread more evenly. Asbestos exposure, however, is now known to be extremely harmful and effective at keeping breakfast warm and crispy. According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos fiber can cause severe lung diseases, including cancer, by inhalation. If you knew you were toasting your bread alongside a major carcinogen, it’s safe to say you wouldn’t be eating breakfast.
Electric Knives
Electric knives were very popular for carving meat in the 1970’s. However, their exposed blades, and flimsy handles made them a little dangerous. One accidental touch would set the blade spinning, and most didn’t even have proper safety switches. Vintage knives weren’t the safest in a busy kitchen, but modern electric knives are much safer with better handles and blade guards.
Unregulated Electric Mixers
Since the 1970s, electric mixers have come a long way. Older models didn’t have much safety, and could overheat or shock users themselves if not handled carefully. These mixers were a bit of a hazard around water due to the exposed wiring and lack of grounding. Back then, baking was risky — today’s mixers are built with much stricter safety standards.
Old Coffee Percolators
Older models of classic percolators had safety issues. They were easily breakable glass tops and didn’t have any auto shut off, so they could overheat if you didn’t watch them. But that could burn you or even cause a small kitchen fire. Modern coffee makers are much more carefully designed, but the old percolators got a lot of attention.
Aluminum Cookware
In the ’70s, aluminum cookware was everywhere because it was lightweight and cheap. But aluminum has been associated with health problems, especially when you cook acidic foods, which can let the metal into your dishes. Modern aluminum cookware is usually decorated, and although opinions on safety of these products varies, anodized aluminum or a non-stick coating are common methods used in modern aluminum cookware to reduce the risk.
Electric Can Openers
At the time, electric can openers seemed really convenient, but many of the early models didn’t have the automatic shut off and safety features present in today’s versions. It was easy to jam them, and people would have to put their fingers too close to the blades to fix it. Trying to open a can was all too easy to end up with a cut finger.
Plastic Food Storage With PVC
In the ’70s, there were a number of plastic food storage containers that contained PVC (polyvinyl chloride). According to the National Institutes of Health, when heated, PVC will release harmful chemicals. These containers weren’t necessarily built to go in the microwave, but many people did. Today’s food storage containers do not contain PVC, which is used to keep meals safe.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad