Ah, the 1970s—a time when avocado green and harvest gold kitchens reigned supreme, and dinner parties were filled with fondue and Jell-O molds. But let’s be honest: some of the kitchen gadgets we relied on back then weren’t exactly what you’d call “safe.” Safety regulations weren’t what they are now, and the gadgets of the era often combined sharp edges, questionable materials, and high heat into one chaotic package. Here’s a nostalgic look at 15 kitchen tools we loved but now realize were surprisingly hazardous.
1. Electric Carving Knife
The electric carving knife was a holiday staple, perfect for slicing through turkey or ham with ease. But one wrong move, and you’d be carving more than the roast. Those rapidly vibrating blades weren’t forgiving, and the cord was always just a little too short for comfort, creating endless opportunities for accidents.
2. Pressure Cookers
Before the modern Instant Pot, there was the old-school pressure cooker—an intimidating contraption that hissed and rattled on the stovetop. If you didn’t vent it properly, it could explode with the force of a small rocket, spraying stew or soup all over the kitchen.
3. Blenders with Exposed Blades
’70s blenders were kitchen workhorses, but they weren’t designed with safety in mind. The sharp blades at the bottom of the glass jar were always ready to slice a finger if you weren’t careful when cleaning them. And heaven forbid you accidentally hit the “blend” button while your hand was inside!
4. Popcorn Makers with No Lid Locks
Air poppers were all the rage, but many models didn’t have a secure lid. The result? A stream of scalding-hot popcorn kernels would shoot across the kitchen like tiny missiles, ready to hit anyone within range.
5. Metal Ice Cube Trays
These clunky trays with their lever-action release mechanism were a pain to use—and a danger to your fingers. If you weren’t careful, that metal lever could snap back and pinch your skin, leaving you with a bruised (or even bleeding) hand.
6. Mandoline Slicers
The mandoline slicer was a lifesaver for making uniform cuts, but it was also a surefire way to lose a fingertip if you weren’t paying attention. Many models didn’t come with guards, so you were essentially risking your digits every time you sliced a zucchini.
7. Crockpots with Faulty Wiring
The early versions of the beloved slow cooker weren’t exactly the safest appliances. Faulty wiring was a common issue, leading to electrical shorts or even fires. Still, we trusted them to simmer chili all day while we were out—what could possibly go wrong?
8. Glass Percolators
Coffee lovers swore by percolators for that rich, bold flavor, but the glass ones were an accident waiting to happen. They often cracked under high heat, spilling scalding coffee everywhere. And let’s not even talk about how easy it was to burn yourself on the handle or spout.
9. Meat Grinders
Manual meat grinders were great for turning cuts of beef into hamburger meat, but they required serious elbow grease—and caution. If your hand slipped while feeding meat into the grinder, you could end up with a painful scrape or worse.
10. Deep Fryers Without Temperature Control
Homemade fried chicken? Yes, please. Early deep fryers were a game-changer, but they often lacked reliable temperature control. Overheated oil could easily catch fire, turning your fried dinner into a fire department visit.
11. Electric Can Openers
Convenient? Sure. Safe? Not always. These bulky machines had exposed gears and sharp edges that could snag your fingers if you weren’t careful. Plus, they were notorious for leaving sharp lids behind.
12. Fondue Pots with Open Flames
Fondue parties were a hallmark of the ’70s, but the pots were usually heated with open-flame burners or alcohol-fueled burners. One misstep could send hot cheese or chocolate flying—or worse, start a fire on the table.
13. Glass Butter Warmers
These tiny glass gadgets, used for melting butter or warming sauces, often shattered from the heat. They were cute but totally impractical—and you’d better hope no shards ended up in your melted butter.
14. Cheese Graters with No Safety Features
Box graters were a kitchen essential, but their sharp, jagged edges were just waiting to catch your knuckles. And because they lacked rubber bases or grips, they had a habit of slipping at the worst moments, making grating cheese a high-risk activity.
15. Butane Crème Brûlée Torches
These might seem fancy now, but in the ’70s, they were just another tool in the kitchen arsenal. With no child safety locks and questionable designs, they turned caramelizing sugar into a risky proposition. One wrong move, and you had a scorched dessert—or worse, a scorched countertop.
Despite their dangers, these gadgets remind us of a time when life felt a little more hands-on—and a lot less safety-conscious. They were part of the adventure of cooking, even if it sometimes came with a few bumps, bruises, or burns. Looking back, we can laugh at the chaos they caused and marvel at how we ever survived those wild kitchen days!
