17 Discontinued Appliances Everyone Is Desperate to Bring Back
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Statistics by Consumer Affairs state that in 2022, the global household appliance market was valued at $680 billion and is expected to reach $900 billion in 2028. Technology goes fast, and it sometimes leaves us pining for the past.
In recent years, countless appliances have been discontinued, and fans of these devices can’t seem to get over how much easier, cozier, or just plain fun they made life. So, why did they disappear? Sometimes, it’s changing trends, new regulations, or consumer demand shifts.
For those who remember the delight of using these gadgets, the lack of them seems like a deprivation. Ready to go back in time? Here are 17 discontinued appliances that people want to see return and why they were so special.
The Toast-O-Lator: Conveyor-Belt Toasting Magic
Ever dreamed of Conveyor Belt Toast in your own kitchen? A 1940s invention, the Toast-O-Lator, delivered just that. You’d drop bread in one end, see it move along in a slotted belt, and grab golden toasted slices out the other.
Although fans loved its quirky design and reliable results, the toaster’s popularity declined with the rise of cheaper pop-up toasters. Today, collectors hunt these machines down on auction sites.
The Salton Hotray: The Retro Food Warmer
If you’ve ever hosted a dinner party, you understand the appeal of the Salton Hotray. A must-have for entertainers in the 1960s, this electric warming tray kept food hot and ready to serve.
It became a staple in homes all over America. It was practical, stylish, and often gifted, wrapped around bottles of champagne at weddings. Although no longer being produced, folks who remember it fondly recall how easy and elegant it was at family gatherings.
The Sunbeam Mixmaster: The First Iconic Stand Mixer
The Sunbeam Mixmaster reigned supreme over the kitchen before the modern stand mixers we are all familiar with. The sleek design and powerful motor debuted in the 1930s when home bread-making was revolutionized.
Although flashier rivals, like KitchenAid, have swept the market in recent years, diehard bakers swear by this old girl’s simplicity and durability. It holds a special place in culinary history.
The Presto Burger Maker: Fast Food at Home
In the 1970s, the Presto Burger Maker introduced fast food to the kitchen. This compact gadget, which mimicked the results of your favorite drive-thru, allowed you to grill and press burgers at the same time.
It was easy to use and clean and an instant favorite of busy families who liked homemade meals. With burger culture still going strong, it begs the question, why was it discontinued?
The SodaStream Penguin: Carbonation with Class
Yes, SodaStream is still here, but remember the chic Penguin model? In addition to making your drinks fizzy, this quirky soda maker became a fun and conversation-sparking piece to have on your counter.
It was discontinued for sleeker designs, but its charm and functionality are missed.
The Hoover Constellation: A Vacuum That Floats
Why would you need wheels when your vacuum can float? The late 1950s Hoover Constellation floated a little off the ground, like a miniature UFO.
Although the design may be futuristic, changing consumer preferences led to its discontinuation. However, enough people still want the quirky cleaner alive for its space-age charm.
The Original Easy-Bake Oven: A Kid’s Dream Machine
The original Easy Bake Oven has become one of those few appliances that inspire nostalgia. It was introduced in 1963 and could bake mini cakes and cookies with a light bulb.
Fans maintain that the magic of the original design cannot be repeated, even though modern versions do exist. Who wouldn’t want to relive the glory of whipping up a tiny cake after school?
The CorningWare Percolator: Coffee Meets Style
Many coffee enthusiasts still love the CorningWare Percolator, which was covered in vibrant patterns and known for its rich brew. This stovetop beauty gives you a slow, fuller brewing experience, unlike modern coffee makers.
The product was discontinued because its spout design created safety concerns, but it has become a prized possession among collectors. You’ll understand the cult following if you’ve tasted coffee from one.
The Betamax Video Recorder: Ahead of Its Time
As much as Betamax may have lost the format war to VHS, there is plenty of debate that the former was far superior in all aspects. Sony’s video recorder was innovative, had better picture quality and greater durability, and became a favorite amongst early adopters.
Unfortunately, its increased cost and shorter recording time led to its doom. However, there’s still nostalgia for Betamax, especially among fans of classic tech.
The Popcorn Pumper: Movie Night Essential
The popcorn Pumper was the go-to for homemade popcorn before air poppers were mainstream. The hot air popped the kernels, making for a healthier snack without oil.
Families loved its simplicity and reliability, but the new models took over. Retro kitchen gadgets are enjoying a newfound popularity, so many would be happy to see the Popcorn Pumper return to shelves.
The Polaroid Swinger Camera: Instant Photo Fun
Polaroid Swinger was not technically an ‘appliance’ but a beloved household favorite for instant photos in the 1960s. Affordable and simplistic, it had a legion of fans, the biggest among them being the teens.
The Polaroid is back, but no design has ever been quite as cool or retro as the Swinger. Wouldn’t it be fun to snap a photo and watch it develop before your eyes?
The Amana Radarange: The First Home Microwave
When it was introduced in the 1960s as the first home microwave available to the masses, the Amana Radarange revolutionized cooking. At the time, it was an almost magical concept: food could be heated in seconds.
Modern microwaves might have taken over, but the Radarange was built to last and looked great in any kitchen.
The Zenith Space Command TV Remote: No Batteries Needed
The Zenith Space Command remote from the 1950s changed television forever. It wasn’t battery-powered, like today’s remotes – instead, it used ultrasonic sound waves to change the channel.
It was durable, dependable, and highly forward-thinking for its day. Modern remotes are convenient, but plenty of folks pine for this old classic’s simplicity and durability.
The Ronco Showtime Rotisserie: “Set It and Forget It!”
You may remember the Ronco Showtime Rotisserie if you watched infomercials in the 1990s. Its trademark catchy slogan was “Set it and forget it,” making it a go-to for effortless cooking.
This little countertop appliance always did the trick, from perfect roasts to juicy chickens. For a while, it was very popular, but then it just disappeared into thin air, leaving fans wondering why such a practical device disappeared.
The Commodore 64: The King of Home Computers
The Commodore 64 was more than just a computer–it was the window through which a whole generation first saw the digital world. Released in 1982, it was insanely affordable and had the best library of games, unlike any computer ever made, making it the best-selling computer of all time.
Although Commodore’s machines may be a sight underpowered by modern PCs, the simplicity and charm of their operation make them a nostalgic favorite.
The Panasonic Panapet Radio: A Groovy Companion
The Panasonic Panapet was a 1970s accessory shaped like a ball with a chain hanging from its side. It wasn’t just a radio; it was a statement of your own brand of style and individuality.
Due to trends evolving, it’s been discontinued and has become a collectible for retro design fans. Who wouldn’t love to bring back this funky gadget for a dose of vintage cool?
The Kitchen Computer: Ahead of Its Time
In 1969, Honeywell created a $10,000 piece machine called the Kitchen Computer to help with recipes. The system was ahead of its time, with features that wouldn’t become mainstream for decades.
Unfortunately, the high price and the complexity of the process never inspired popular usage.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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