15 Vintage Home Appliances That Are Now Coveted Collector’s Gems
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It’s no secret that the vintage market is booming. The secondhand and resale market is predicted to hit approximately $350 billion by 2028, reports ThredUp, an online resale marketplace.
Many old appliances, once recognized as household staples, have evolved as collector’s items because of their craftsmanship, design, and rarity. For Instance, a vintage KitchenAid mixer from the 1930s can sell for over $1,000 today.
As retro aesthetics grow in popularity, these appliances are also being revived as decorative pieces, conversation starters, and even investments. Here are 15 of these classic gems that are stealing collector’s hearts everywhere.
Classic Stand Mixers
Stand mixers by classic makers such as KitchenAid and Sunbeam rolled out with their bold colors and traditional designs and still enjoy popularity today. They were built with metal components and cool finishes, screaming retro chic.
Models from the 1930s and 1940s are especially valuable, going for more than a hundred dollars. They are essential for any vintage kitchen enthusiast, functional or just for decorative purposes.
Rotary Telephones
Though not an appliance per se, rotary phones are often viewed as symbolizing the mid-20th-century home. Made of a very sturdy material in bright colors, such as avocado green and harvest gold, they are very collectible.
Working models are prized for nostalgic appeal and can be rewired to be functional and fashionable.
Chrome Toasters
Vintage toasters from the 1940s and 1950s are beloved because they have their own kind of charm: shiny chrome exteriors and Art Deco designs. Appliance brands such as Sunbeam and Toastmasters didn’t just produce useful items but beautiful ones as well.
Collectors love these toasters because they have levers and pop-up mechanisms that are a part of their unique design.
Retro Refrigerators
Nothing screams vintage kitchen like a brightly colored 1950s fridge. In pastel hues such as mint green, baby blue or pink, Brands such as General Electric and Frigidaire produced these models.
Today, restored models can be costly and become a focal point in retro-inspired kitchens.
Percolator Coffee Makers
Long before drip coffee machines, percolators were first in the kitchen. Shaped to brew a strong, flavorful cup of coffee, these sleek, sometimes chrome-plated coffee makers were very popular.
Other brands like Pyrex and Westinghouse made colorful percolators that are now loved for their aesthetic and functional values.
Vintage Blenders
Blenders from the 1950s and 1960s, like Osterizer or Waring, blended durability with style. They had stylish glass jars and usually came in pastel colors with chrome bases.
Vintage blenders had personality — unlike today’s minimalist designs — perfect for use within those nostalgic, retro themed kitchens. Collectors love their reliability and timeless appeal—so much so that some use them daily for smoothies!
Electric Ice Cream Makers
Homemade ice cream was a popular mid-20th-century dish due to the affordability and ease of use of electric ice cream makers from brands such as White Mountain and Rival. These endearing appliances, usually wood and metal, allowed families to participate in a fun, hands-on dessert.
Vintage models are prized today, and there are many that still work perfectly and churn out creamy treats for those who love old-school charm over modern machines.
Bakelite Radios
Bakelite radios are iconic 1930s and 1940s designs. Collectible due to their colorful cases and intricate dials, they tend to fetch a premium price at auctions.
For collectors looking for beauty and functionality, working models that still play and broadcast music or news bring out another layer of charm.
Meat Grinders
Hand crank meat grinders were the standard before food processors for making sausages and minced meat.
Universal and Keystone-made grinders were made of durable metal that could last a lifetime. Modern collectors love their industrial look and some still use them in their kitchens.
Retro Electric Fans
Mid-century electric fans were more than cooling devices; they were design masterpieces. Emerson and Vornado fans now fetch a premium for their visual and utility appeal, with polished chrome blades and art deco-inspired grills.
Modern fans focus on functionality, but these old-fashioned models balance charm and craft that can’t be copied.
Popcorn Machines
Vintage popcorn makers in theaters and family homes bring nostalgia for family movie night. Early corn poppers come off as story packages designed to entertain even as they produce their popcorn.
Hotpoint and West Bend made quirky, bright looking machines that popped popcorn with flair. Today, these are used as fun and decorative items that also pop old fashioned popcorn for a good dose of retro.
Waffle Irons
Mid-century waffle irons were produced and designed with intricate patterns to make breakfast an art form. Brands like Sunbeam and General Electric built beautiful and practical appliances with durable cast-iron plates and unique heating elements.
Now, restored waffle irons are popular with collectors who enjoy the craftsmanship that went into their making and love of vintage breakfast.
Sewing Machines
Vintage sewing machines by Singer or Brother served as appliances and decorative furniture. Elegant wooden cabinets with ornate designs and iron bases housed these machines.
Collectors prize these machines for how finely crafted they are, and for the fact that they keep sewing even after decades of use. Now, these machines are very valuable; some of them are worth up to $3,500.
Electric Irons
As collector’s pieces, old-fashioned irons, especially chrome-finished ones with bakelite handles, have become much sought after. They were heavy-duty appliances that were built to last more than a few years and used Art Deco styling.
These aren’t commonly used for ironing these days but are cherished for their charming, nostalgic appeal and make for nice display pieces.
Classic Vacuum Cleaners
Vintage vacuum cleaners, like classic Electrolux canisters or Hoover uprights, are classic examples of household innovation. They are a favorite of collectors, with their bold colors and streamlined shapes.
Even though most of them aren’t really practical for the average homeowner, they are perfect for the person looking to add an old-school home aesthetic.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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