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There’s a tool for every task and a task for every tool. Oh, you could do everything from cooking to DIY with a spoon and a hammer and hope for the best! But it’s probably best to rely on specialized gadgets if you want to do things well. However, as time goes by, some of them fall out of use and end up being almost completely forgotten.
That’s where the ‘Vintage Kitchen Toys’ subreddit comes in. It’s an online community that documents vintage kitchen appliances and gadgets, many of which people might not be familiar with. We’ve collected some of the most impressive and odd photos to share with you. You’ll find them as you scroll down. Don’t forget to upvote the ones that you had no idea existed.
Bored Panda got in touch with the team running 'Vintage Kitchen Toys' and the founder was kind enough to tell us all about the community and why vintage gadgets resonate with so many people. You'll find their insights below.
We also reached out to world-famous pie artist and baking tool inventor Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin, @thepieous, to get her thoughts on the advantages of vintage cooking gadgets and which tools are worth investing in the most for bakers. Jessica is the author of 'Pies Are Awesome' and is launching a new series of online baking courses at 'The Pie Savvy.' Read on for our full interview with her.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Just Bought A House From 1906, Still Has The Original Stove
Final score:
192points
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unfilteredCigarette73 unfilteredCigarette73 Community Member Follow
That is awesome
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"I am myself a collector of vintage kitchen stuff for fun. It just started as a fun thing to do to showcase (if you could even call it that) some of the things I collected, it was slow to grow and really took off, I think, during the pandemic," the founder of the 'Vintage Kitchen Toys' subreddit told Bored Panda that they simply enjoyed doing this. "I figured other people probably collected more of this type of thing, so it just grew out of a niche area that some may enjoy as a hobby. I do use practically all of the vintage kitchen equipment that I do collect, otherwise, I am not that fond of shelf-decor, you know the things that look cute or kitschy that don't work or serve a purpose?" According to the founder of the group, they've found older technology to be easier to service. Vintage tech tends to be more resilient and has less moving parts. That way, they can withstand years of use.
#2
1950s Whisk I Picked Up Last Week. I'm In Love With It
Final score:
150points
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Spannidandoolar Spannidandoolar Community Member Follow
I still use one of these!
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#3
My Friend’s Monarch Range
Final score:
142points
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Barbara Skolly Barbara Skolly Community Member Follow
I love the chair next to it too. So many people had those under their kitchen phone. It also doubled as the barber chair for kitchen haircuts
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Bored Panda was curious to get the founder's thoughts on why vintage gadgets and appliances appeal to people so much. "I think the main draw is sort of two-fold; one, they've stood the test of time and that really tells you something about the quality and craftsmanship, and two, many people saw these objects in everyday use by their families (older friends, older parents/grandparents/relatives) and it brings back happy memories." ADVERTIsem*nT They noted that nostalgia is definitely a factor here. "Then again I really just prefer some of the older, for example, Sunbeam brand products, appliances that really still do exactly what they are supposed to do." The founder recommends taking a peek at the 'Technology Connections' YouTube channel which covers Sunbeam toasters. "'Radiant Heat' toasters by Sunbeam are probably one of the most collectible toasters out there at the moment, along with the iconic Mixmaster in various models and colors. The same can be said for people who collect Pyrex, Anchor Hocking (Jadeite, Glassbake, etc.), or Westinghouse appliances, certain pottery makes, etc. There is a lot out there that people just enjoy for the fun of it, the novelty, or the nostalgia. All combined... Vintage Kitchen Toys!"
#4
Found This At My Parents House!
Final score:
132points
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Kathy Smith Kathy Smith Community Member Follow
I have one that I use every Christmas.
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#5
Time To Show Off The Revereware Collection!
Final score:
132points
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Sue Lynn Chan Sue Lynn Chan Community Member Follow
That’s awesome!
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#6
My 1910 Pe.de. Dienes Coffee Grinder - Still In Daily Use
Final score:
121points
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VioletHunter VioletHunter Community Member Follow
My stepmother has one of these just hanging on the wall as decoration which is a bit of a shame imo.
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Pie artist Jessica, @thepieous, confirmed a suspicion that we had that older tools may be better in some regards. She told Bored Panda that 'they don't make 'em like they used to' isn't just another folksy phrase. "When it comes to a lot of the workhorse appliances, many of the older models stand up better than their modern counterparts," she said. ADVERTIsem*nT "Things like stand mixers, egg beaters, older bakeware (once they banned the use of lead anyway!) were built to withstand the test of time, and phrases like 'planned obsolescence' were unheard of." However resilient they might be, it doesn't make them impervious to the passage of time. "These older models are, well, old. And in most cases if you can get your hands on a vintage egg beater or stand mixer, it will need some TLC and possible refurbishing at an appliance repair shop before it is ready for prime time," pie artist Jessica explained. "This is not to say that there aren’t plenty of quality new baking appliances and tools out there today! You just have to do a little more research. Not every once-trusted brand with the hefty price tag can live up to its erstwhile quality claims." The pie artist suggested that people look at what professional bakers, whom they trust, are using.
#7
Just Inherited This Stunning Norge Gas Stove. What Do I Need To Know Before Trying To Install It?
Final score:
121points
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Dimp1961 Dimp1961 Community Member Follow
A gas engineer
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#8
An Old Time Pocket Grocery List
Final score:
115points
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Autistic Axolotl Autistic Axolotl Community Member Follow
What if you need something not on the list?
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ADVERTIsem*nT
#9
All The Oven Doors You’d Ever Need...and Then Some
Final score:
113points
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Smiley! Smiley! Community Member Follow
Thanksgiving dinner will be at your place from now on..
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Meanwhile, she urged everyone to ask questions before investing a lot of money in large kitchen appliances. "Don’t judge by the ads or the packaging, judge by the results you see from real people and real professionals actually making use of these tools. And remember, 'most expensive' does not always equal 'best!'" ADVERTIsem*nT We were curious to get Jessica's perspective on the kitchen gadgets that she thinks are the most important for bakers to have. "As a baking-tool inventor myself, I am a big fan of trying out the latest gadgets and gizmos and seeing which actually improve my workflow and make my life easier, versus which just clog up space in my drawers," she said. "Stencils and templates are my low-tech must-have for pie art, for example, because they are inexpensive, don’t take up a lot of space in my kitchen, and allow me to work incredibly quickly and stress-free when the dough is rolled out and the clock is ticking but I still want those pretty designs. I have a whole host of favorite tools, that range from my favorite precision cutting blade for dough and fondant, all the way up to my workhorse Kitchenaid mixer and Cuisinart food processor." Jessica revealed to Bored Panda that one of her favorite baking tools is a $3 yolk separator. "It’s not pretty, but it works really well and makes my life so much easier," she said.
#10
Cool Concept - This "Convenient" Kitchen From '74
Final score:
113points
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Myrtille rat Myrtille rat Community Member Follow
it has a Jestons vibes
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#11
Amazing Looking Toaster I Found In My Grandma’s Closet
Final score:
109points
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PeepPeep the duck PeepPeep the duck Community Member Follow
I bet it cooks toast on both sides evenly too without having to do the ‘stop’ button, flip toast and pull down the lever again
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#12
Just Couldn't Pass It Up For $15 At At An Auction. 3 Beaters!
Final score:
102points
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Slap Shot Slap Shot Community Member Follow
And the manual too!
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ADVERTIsem*nT
The one tool that the pie artist would definitely recommend for home bakers, to help them up their game, is an inexpensive digital kitchen scale in grams. "Measuring by weight rather than volume is critical to ensuring consistent results when trying out new recipes or developing your own… My 'cup of flour' could be as much as 30% more or less than your cup of flour (or brown sugar, or blueberries, or crushed pecans, etc.) depending on how densely we pack them in. But 100 grams is always 100 grams, everywhere in the world!" she explained why this is a better alternative. "I could write a whole book on my favorite (and least favorite!) baking tools, but if folks are curious they can check out my new site thePieSavvy.com for a list of some of my top baking tool picks."
#13
My Wifes Nana Has An Awesome Hoosier That I Know You All Will Appreciate
Final score:
101points
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Holly Marley Holly Marley Community Member Follow
This is a Hoosier baking cabinet, the flour and sugar are stored in special locking metal bins (to keep pests out) up above. The white downspout on the left has a built in flour-sifter, and the one on the right measures out sugar. Put your mixing bowl underneath and ingredients pour right in. Some models have lids that screw on the downspout to keep things from getting in from the bottom. Our baking today is so inefficient and slow.
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#14
Mini Cast Iron Pot Belly Stove, Used By Door-To-Door Salesmen To Demo. We Used It To Make Coffee After A Few Power Outages After Hurricanes
Final score:
99points
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Elizabeth Elliot Elizabeth Elliot Community Member Follow
That thing'd better be vented or you'll get CO poisoning!
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#15
From My Grandmother’s Kitchen To My Own!
Final score:
92points
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sabda niaga sabda niaga Community Member Follow
Can someone care to explain what is this?
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Founded all the way back in May 2014, the r/vintagekitchentoys subreddit now boasts 21.4k loyal members. The idea behind this online community is to provide information about vintage kitchen appliances to both new users and collectors alike. ADVERTIsem*nT “We love to preserve the unique history of kitchen gadgets,” the moderator team running the group explains. Though having the right tools for the job is really important, you don’t need to break the bank to be a great cook or baker. The fact is, you really don’t need the newest, most powerful appliances and every single specialized gadget that’s ever been created. You can do everything with a simple arsenal of trusty tools. It’s your effort, ingenuity, and skills that count for the most…. so long as treat your tools with care. Quality tools won't automatically turn you into a great cook or baker, but they can amplify the skills that you already have and save you some time. The tools that you do have—no matter how few or many, vintage or innovative—deserve to be treated with respect. If you don’t take care of them, you’re only ever hurting yourself and your cooking in the long run.
#16
Considered One Of The Best Toasters Even Made. The Toastmaster 1b12. Rewired It And Put On A New Cord To Make Live Another Lifetime. Makes The Perfect Toast
Final score:
89points
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Bored something Bored something Community Member Follow
Not as good ss Talkie the talking toaster, your chirpy breakfast companion.
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#17
Finally Reacquired The Popcorn Popper Of My Youth
Final score:
88points
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Kevin the Manager Kevin the Manager Community Member Follow
"Thy snacking skills are severely lacking! Get thee to The Poppery!"
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#18
Found This At Goodwill For 50 Cents Or A Dollar. It Actually Included The Mounting Bracket And Swivel Pin As Well. It Works Great By Holding The Can And Lid Securely After Cutting. Anything From Sears Is Right Up My Alley
Final score:
85points
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Gustav Gallifrey Gustav Gallifrey Community Member Follow
I bet you could open some safes with that thing.
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You have to put in the effort to properly clean and maintain your kitchen appliances, instead of letting everything gather rust and grime. How someone treats their work tools says a lot about the person. By investing some time and effort into maintenance, your tools are going to have a far longer shelf-life. And who knows, if they’re in a good enough condition, you may even end up passing them down to your kids and grandkids. Family heirlooms don’t have to be magnificent swords and glittering rings (which are totally, totally not cursed). They can be stylish vintage whisks, Damascus steel knives, and fridges that have lasted through literal wars and put modern glitchy appliances to shame.
#19
You Guys Motivated Me To Take A Stab At Restoring A Knife! Here's The Results From My First One
Final score:
84points
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unfilteredCigarette73 unfilteredCigarette73 Community Member Follow
Very nicely done
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#20
No More Ice Daggers...freshly Defrosted Food Freezer
Final score:
83points
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Holly Marley Holly Marley Community Member Follow
And it has the rotating shelves! They turn so you can get at food in the back. Christine McConnell refurbished one of these
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#21
Wedgewood Stove - Phx Az. See Comments Please!
Final score:
82points
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Lara Verne Lara Verne Community Member Follow
Well that's gorgeous.
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Recently, Bored Panda spoke about outdated and seemingly obsolete technology and products that are still used to this very day with consumer psychology specialist Matt Johnson, Ph.D. He is the host of the marketing psychology blog and the author of 'Blindsight' and ‘Branding that Means Business.' We asked him why people tend to cling to older tech. "First, familiarity and comfort play a role, as people may be resistant to change and prefer tools they're accustomed to,” the specialist told us. “Second, cost can be a massive factor as well, as upgrading to newer technology can be expensive. It's the classic line: 'No one has ever been fired for going with IBM. Many business leaders are excessively loss averse, and so if an old technology is working (even sub-optimally), there is little incentive to change. An upgrade is seen as all downside, and little upside," Johnson told Bored Panda during an interview, earlier.
#22
This Was My Great-Grandmother's Given To Me By My Mother. I Love It
Final score:
80points
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Alro Alro Community Member Follow
what is it?
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See Also on Bored Panda
19 Haunting Pictures That Showcase How The Most Beautiful Places Can Change After Being Abandoned
Mom Demands Her Whole Family Be Upgraded To First Class, Forcing 13-Year-Old To Give Up His Seat, But Gets Deplaned Instead
#23
My Grandma’s Oster “Ayudante De Cocina” And All Its Add-Ons
Final score:
80points
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Rob Chapman Rob Chapman Community Member Follow
Blender, mixer, juicer. All in one. I need this.
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#24
I Was Told You Guys Would Enjoy My Latest Find: Reading Deluxe Dream Kitchen, C. 1961
Final score:
78points
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neytjie neytjie Community Member Follow
This is cool but why do the top colors not match the bottom? It would drive me crazy
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"In some cases, older technology may also be more reliable or durable, making it a practical choice for certain tasks." There are also cultural factors and industry-specific standards to consider. For example, that’s why fax machines are still so widely used in Japan, even though they’re practically non-existent elsewhere around the world. "Advertisem*nts and marketing create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a perception that the latest technology is essential for staying connected and efficient. Additionally, software updates and app compatibility can incentivize upgrades as older devices may become obsolete," Johnson explained to us why people feel pressured to buy the latest gadgets. "The pursuit of new features, improved performance, and enhanced user experiences also drives this pressure for constant technological advancement. This is exacerbated by the fact that many products are deliberately designed and marketed to be desired, enjoyed briefly, and then replaced. This is especially the case with mobile devices, where we constantly seek out the newest, 'most advanced' version, despite modest changes from model to model."
#25
Couldn’t Believe My Neighbor Was Giving This Away! It Is Near-Mint Condition And Even Has The Groovy Box
Final score:
77points
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RabidChild RabidChild Community Member Follow
Some folks just don't know quality when they see it!
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#26
$3 Hamilton Beach Electric Knife
Final score:
74points
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RabidChild RabidChild Community Member Follow
Always reach for your Hamilton Beach!
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#27
Behold, The Finest Cookie Making Implement: The Foley Fork
Final score:
73points
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Olivia Lisbon Olivia Lisbon Community Member Follow
These were used for everything from whisking eggs to mashing potatoes. I’d probably get annoyed by the fact the prongs (intentionally) don’t line up, but apparently Julia Child loved them.
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According to the consumer psychology specialist, based on research done at the Columbia Business School, people are more likely to be careless with their gadgets (i.e. phones) if there’s a newer and better version of the product that’s going to be released soon. "Examining a dataset of over 3,000 lost iPhones, the research team found there was a curious spike in losses before a new model was released. Over 600 self-reports of iPhone neglect and damage followed similar timing. Even our physical dexterity becomes unconsciously attuned to this need to upgrade,” Johnson pointed out that he’s covered the phenomenon in his book, 'Blindsight.’
#28
A Girl I Follow On Instagram Is At Priscilla Presley’s Estate Sale And I’ve Never Been More Jealous. Check Out This Baddie:
Final score:
71points
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Missy VanWinkle Missy VanWinkle Community Member Follow
Blasphemy!
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#29
Egg Grading
Final score:
69points
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egg egg Community Member Follow
What did I get??????
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#30
Vintage (1980’s) Milkshake Machine/Drink Mixer. Works Like A Champ, My Husband Is Using It To Make Tiki Drinks🍹
Final score:
68points
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Awesome At Being Autistic Awesome At Being Autistic Community Member Follow
Okay someone just called the 80s "vintage." I think I need to lie down now.
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Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
What old appliances and gadgets do you still use in the kitchen, Pandas? How do you think they compare to newer tools? Which of the photos in this list impressed you the most? Did you feel inspired to cook or bake something special after looking through this list? Share your thoughts in the comment section!