The 1960s were an era of incredible innovation, and not just in fashion and music. While the world was captivated by moon landings and muscle cars, everyday life at home was getting a modern makeover, too. New gadgets promised to make chores easier, leisure time more enjoyable, and life in general just a bit more futuristic. Whether it was a kitchen marvel or a cleaning machine, these devices quickly became household staples. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at 12 game-changing gadgets from the ’60s that made life at home a little bit sweeter.
The Electric Can Opener
Back Then History writes that his handy device has its origins from quite a while back. Before the electric can opener came along, opening a can was a workout. You had to crank and twist, and if you weren’t careful, you’d end up with jagged edges and a sore wrist. But in the 1960s, electric can openers became a must-have kitchen gadget. Just pop the can in, push a button, and watch the magic happen.
These handy devices not only saved time but also added a touch of modernity to the kitchen. They often came in bright colors that matched the vibrant kitchen decor of the era. Suddenly, meal prep felt a little more glamorous, and you couldn’t help but show off your new gadget to dinner guests.
Instant Pot (Predecessor: The Crock-Pot)
Long before the Instant Pot became a modern sensation, the Crock-Pot was making waves in the 1960s. It allowed busy families to prepare meals with minimal effort—just throw in ingredients in the morning, and by dinner, a hearty meal was ready. The original Crock-Pot was marketed as a bean cooker, but it quickly evolved into a slow-cooking powerhouse. Funnily, CNBC writes that this item is still quite a hit.
This gadget was a lifesaver for working moms and families on the go. It made homemade meals possible even on the busiest days, filling the house with mouthwatering aromas. The Crock-Pot wasn’t just a kitchen tool—it was the cornerstone of comfort food culture.
Electric Carving Knife
Holiday dinners and Sunday roasts got a high-tech upgrade in the ’60s with the introduction of the electric carving knife. Mighty Carver writes that its history is as sharp as this handy gadget. Slicing through turkey, ham, or even a loaf of bread became a breeze. This gadget featured two serrated blades that moved back and forth rapidly, giving you perfectly even slices every time.
For many, using the electric knife became a bit of a family tradition. Watching Dad (or whoever took on carving duty) plug in the knife and glide through the roast was a small spectacle. It brought a little touch of technology to the dinner table and made serving up a feast just a bit more fun.
The Popcorn Maker
Nothing turned an ordinary movie night into an event quite like a popcorn maker. In the 1960s, electric popcorn poppers became popular, bringing the theater experience into living rooms. The aroma of fresh popcorn filling the house was enough to get everyone gathered around the TV.
These gadgets were often see-through, adding an element of entertainment as you watched each kernel pop. It wasn’t just a snack—it was part of the fun. Whether it was a family movie night or a slumber party, the popcorn maker always made it better.
The Handheld Hair Dryer
Before the handheld hair dryer, getting your hair dry and styled was a time-consuming process. Many folks remember those bonnet-style dryers with the hose connected to a loud, hot machine. But when handheld models became more affordable in the ’60s, they were nothing short of revolutionary.
These compact devices offered the convenience of quick drying and styling at home. They were also perfect for setting those voluminous ’60s hairstyles with ease. The handheld hair dryer became an essential part of the morning routine, and a welcome upgrade for anyone tired of sitting under a hair bonnet.
The Electric Toothbrush
Oral hygiene took a step into the future with the introduction of the electric toothbrush. First marketed by Squibb in 1960 as the Broxodent, this gadget promised a cleaner, healthier mouth with less effort. Instead of the traditional back-and-forth brushing motion, the electric toothbrush did the work for you.
Not only was it effective, but it also felt a little luxurious. Kids loved the novelty, and adults appreciated the efficiency. The electric toothbrush made brushing more of a high-tech experience, and for many, there was no going back to manual brushes.
The Blender
While blenders existed before the ’60s, this decade saw them become a true kitchen staple. The invention of more powerful motors and sleek designs turned blenders into versatile gadgets that could handle everything from milkshakes to soups. Suddenly, home cooks could puree, blend, and mix with the push of a button.
Blenders became synonymous with health and convenience. Smoothies and blended drinks started to make their way into American kitchens, and every aspiring home chef needed one. It was a sign that your kitchen was modern and that you were ready to whip up something fabulous.
Electric Coffee Percolator
For coffee lovers, the electric percolator was a game-changer. Before automatic drip coffee makers became popular, percolators ruled the kitchen counter. They brewed coffee by cycling boiling water through coffee grounds, creating a strong and aromatic cup of joe.
The sight and sound of the percolator bubbling away was a comforting morning ritual. Many models had clear knobs on top, letting you watch the coffee darken with each cycle. It added a bit of theater to the kitchen, and nothing beat the smell of fresh coffee percolating first thing in the morning.
Rotary Dial Telephones
While not exactly a “gadget” in the modern sense, rotary dial phones were an iconic part of 1960s households. These phones, with their circular dials and satisfying clicks, made phone calls feel like an event. Whether mounted on the wall or sitting on a hallway table, the phone was the household hub of communication.
Calling someone took a bit of patience, especially if their number had a lot of nines or zeros. But there was something incredibly satisfying about turning the dial and hearing the mechanical sounds. It was the kind of interaction that made you appreciate the technology we have today.
The Stand Mixer
For anyone who loved to bake, the stand mixer was a dream come true. KitchenAid, already an established brand, saw its mixers gain popularity in the 1960s. With a powerful motor and various attachments, it made mixing, kneading, and whipping ingredients easier than ever.
The stand mixer wasn’t just a tool—it was a status symbol in the kitchen. Its durability and versatility meant it often got passed down from generation to generation. Whether making cookies or homemade bread, the stand mixer made baking a breeze.
Automatic Toaster
The automatic toaster made breakfast a breeze. Gone were the days of holding bread over an open flame or manually flipping slices in a stovetop toaster. The automatic toaster browned bread evenly and popped it up when ready, giving you perfect toast every time.
With settings for light, medium, or dark toast, everyone could have their bread just how they liked it. The simplicity of pushing down the lever and waiting for the satisfying pop was a small joy of everyday life. It was the kind of gadget that you didn’t realize how much you needed until you had one.
The Ice Crusher
For entertaining or simply enjoying a cold drink, the ice crusher was a must-have gadget. Many models in the ’60s were hand-cranked, and they transformed ordinary ice cubes into crushed ice perfect for cocktails or sodas. It added a little extra flair to summer gatherings and made every drink feel a bit fancier.
Ice crushers were often compact and portable, making them ideal for picnics or backyard parties. The satisfying crunch of ice being ground down was part of the charm. Whether you were making a slushy drink for the kids or a cocktail for the grown-ups, this gadget brought a touch of fun to the kitchen.
These gadgets weren’t just practical—they represented a new era of convenience and modern living. The ’60s were all about embracing technology and finding new ways to make everyday tasks a little easier. And while some of these gadgets may seem quaint by today’s standards, they paved the way for the smart appliances and devices we can’t live without today.
