The 1980s was a fascinating era for home technology, where bold ideas and quirky inventions hinted at the future we now take for granted. While some of these gadgets were ahead of their time, they often didn’t gain the widespread popularity they deserved—either because the tech wasn’t quite there yet or because they simply seemed too futuristic for the average household. Let’s take a nostalgic look at 12 home gadgets from the ’80s that were trailblazers in their day but have since faded into obscurity.
1. The Clapper
The Clapper was the ultimate convenience gadget for anyone who wanted to control their lights or appliances with just a clap. Advertised with the unforgettable slogan, “Clap on! Clap off!,” this sound-activated device made it possible to turn your lights off from bed without getting up. For its time, this gadget felt straight out of science fiction, bringing a touch of automation into the home long before smart technology became mainstream. It wasn’t without its flaws—false triggers from loud noises or the device misinterpreting claps were common—but for many, it was a glimpse into the future of home automation.
Today, smart plugs and voice-controlled assistants like Alexa and Google Home make The Clapper seem quaint. However, the concept was groundbreaking for the ’80s, offering convenience and a small taste of the hands-free control we now take for granted. While it might seem outdated now, The Clapper paved the way for the smarter, sleeker devices we rely on today.
2. LaserDisc Player
Before DVDs and Blu-rays, LaserDiscs were the pinnacle of home video quality. These large, record-sized discs offered superior picture and sound compared to VHS tapes, and they allowed for special features like director commentaries and scene selection. LaserDiscs were a home theater enthusiast’s dream, bringing the cinematic experience into the living room in a way that no other format could at the time.
Unfortunately, their size and high cost kept them from gaining widespread appeal, and VHS tapes dominated the market. Today, streaming services and compact media players have made physical formats nearly obsolete, but LaserDiscs deserve credit for introducing features that would later become standard in DVDs and beyond. They were ahead of their time in concept but lacked the accessibility needed to reach the masses.
3. Home Intercom Systems
Many ’80s homes featured built-in intercom systems, allowing family members to communicate between rooms without yelling up the stairs. These wall-mounted units, often installed during construction, were a luxurious convenience for their time. Some even included AM/FM radio functions, letting you pipe music throughout the house. It felt futuristic to press a button and instantly connect with someone in another part of the home.
Today, intercoms have been replaced by smartphones and smart home devices, but the concept of seamless, room-to-room communication was revolutionary in the ’80s. While modern solutions are more portable and flexible, those old intercom systems had a certain charm that made homes feel high-tech and connected.
4. Betamax Players
While VHS ultimately won the format war, Betamax was arguably the better technology. Released by Sony in the mid-’70s but reaching its peak in the ’80s, Betamax offered superior picture quality and a more compact cassette size. It was popular among enthusiasts who valued quality over quantity, as its shorter recording times limited its broader appeal.
Despite its eventual decline, Betamax was a trailblazer in home video recording and playback. Its legacy can be seen in today’s emphasis on high-definition video and compact media formats. Though it’s a footnote in the history of home entertainment, Betamax was ahead of its time in terms of what it brought to the table.
5. Electric Knife
The electric knife was the epitome of ’80s kitchen tech, making carving turkey or slicing bread feel like an effortless task. With its dual reciprocating blades, the gadget cut through meats and baked goods with ease, saving time and effort in the kitchen. It was especially popular during holidays and dinner parties, when presentation mattered, and precision was key.
While the electric knife is still around today, its popularity has waned, as many people prefer traditional knives for their simplicity. However, this gadget foreshadowed the modern obsession with high-tech kitchen tools. For its time, the electric knife was a symbol of convenience and innovation, even if it seems a bit excessive by today’s standards.
6. Portable Televisions
In the ’80s, portable televisions were a marvel, allowing you to watch your favorite shows on the go. These small, boxy devices often came with built-in antennas and black-and-white screens, making them perfect for road trips, picnics, or simply watching TV from your backyard. While the image quality wasn’t stellar, the portability made these TVs feel like a glimpse into the future.
Today, tablets, smartphones, and streaming services have made portable TVs obsolete, offering superior picture quality and endless entertainment options. However, the idea of carrying your shows with you wherever you went started with these humble devices. They were clunky, yes, but they captured the imagination of anyone who dreamed of untethered television.
7. The Bread Maker
The bread maker was a game-changer for ’80s households, turning the art of breadmaking into a simple, automated process. With just a few ingredients and the press of a button, you could wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread. This appliance became a favorite for families looking to save money and add a personal touch to their meals.
While bread makers are still available today, their popularity peaked in the ’80s and early ’90s, before the rise of store-bought convenience foods. They symbolized a love of DIY cooking that has since evolved into modern trends like artisan bread and sourdough starters. For its time, the bread maker was a brilliant piece of tech that brought a touch of homemade magic to everyday life.
8. The Cordless Phone
The cordless phone was a revelation for ’80s households, freeing people from the tangle of cords and the confines of the kitchen phone. Early models featured large handsets and bulky charging bases, but the ability to walk around while talking was a game-changer. Families no longer had to fight over the single corded phone or stretch the line into another room for privacy.
While cordless phones are still around, they’ve been overshadowed by smartphones. Yet, the cordless phone was a significant step toward the mobile communication we now take for granted. It made communication more flexible and set the stage for the wireless world we live in today.
9. The Home Pong Console
Long before modern gaming systems, the Home Pong console brought video games into the living room. Released in the late ’70s and gaining popularity in the ’80s, this simple device allowed families to play Pong—a game of virtual table tennis—on their TV screens. It was the beginning of a home gaming revolution.
Though rudimentary by today’s standards, Home Pong introduced the concept of interactive entertainment, paving the way for systems like Atari, Nintendo, and beyond. It was the seed that grew into an industry worth billions, and for that alone, it deserves a spot on this list.
10. The Food Dehydrator
The food dehydrator was a quirky yet innovative kitchen gadget that allowed families to make their own dried fruits, jerky, and even fruit leather. It gave home cooks a way to preserve food without canning, while also creating unique snacks. For health-conscious households in the ’80s, it was a fun way to experiment with natural, homemade treats.
While dehydrators still exist, they’ve become more niche, overshadowed by modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers and Instant Pots. However, the concept of controlling what goes into your food—without additives or preservatives—was ahead of its time and resonates with today’s focus on clean eating.
11. The Programmable Coffee Maker
Waking up to a freshly brewed pot of coffee was a luxury introduced by the programmable coffee maker. This gadget allowed users to set a timer, ensuring their coffee was ready when they got out of bed. It was a small but meaningful innovation that made mornings smoother.
Today, programmable coffee makers are commonplace, but in the ’80s, they felt like a glimpse of the future. They marked the beginning of automation in everyday appliances, paving the way for the smart kitchen devices we use now.
12. The Electric Blanket
The electric blanket brought warmth and comfort to chilly winter nights, allowing users to adjust the temperature of their bedding with a simple dial. This gadget was a game-changer for anyone trying to save on heating bills while staying cozy.
While electric blankets are still around, they’ve been largely overshadowed by modern heating systems and memory foam mattresses with built-in temperature regulation. Yet, in the ’80s, the electric blanket was a marvel of convenience and comfort, blending tech with practicality in a way that felt revolutionary.
These forgotten gadgets may seem outdated today, but they were trailblazers in their time, offering glimpses of the high-tech future we now enjoy. Which of these do you remember using, and which ones would you love to see make a comeback? Let’s celebrate the innovations of the ’80s and their lasting impact on our modern lives.
