1. The Electric Can Opener
If your family had a busy kitchen in the ’70s, the electric can opener was probably always sitting out on the counter. It made that satisfying little whirring noise as it zipped around the lid, and kids loved watching it do its thing. Parents adored the convenience, especially on nights filled with casseroles or quick canned soups. It felt like one of the first truly “modern” tools to land in the kitchen.
It usually had that built-in knife sharpener on the back that nobody fully trusted but everyone pretended to understand. The can opener lasted forever and rarely had to be replaced, which is probably why so many stayed around into the ’80s. It became part of the nightly routine whether you were opening beans, fruit cocktail, or tuna. Just hearing the motor brings back the memory of dinner prep.
2. The Harvest Gold Blender
The harvest gold blender wasn’t just a gadget, it was a centerpiece that matched your fridge, your oven, and maybe even your wallpaper. It was incredibly heavy with a thick glass jar you practically needed two hands to lift. Kids loved pushing all the buttons even if nothing was inside. And when that loud roar kicked in, you knew something delicious was about to happen.
Families used it for milkshakes, smoothies, and those powdered drink mixes that magically turned better once blended. It was nearly indestructible and often stayed in kitchens for decades. The design barely changed because the original worked so well. Even now, spotting one feels like seeing a slice of ’70s life frozen in time.
3. The Fondue Pot
The fondue pot turned even a normal Tuesday night into something fun. It sat right in the middle of the table with everyone poking long forks into bubbling cheese or chocolate. Kids treated it like an event, dipping everything they could get their hands on. Adults liked it because it made entertaining easy and a little fancy.
Even though cleanup was messy, families kept theirs because of the memories tied to it. The fondue pot became a nostalgic symbol of gatherings, parties, and special nights. Some households even had multiple sets for cheese and chocolate. Just seeing one brings back the warmth of those glowing ’70s dining tables.
4. The Crock-Pot
When the Crock-Pot hit kitchens in the ’70s, it was a small miracle for busy families. You could toss in ingredients in the morning and magically come home to dinner already made. The avocado green versions were especially popular and matched everything else in the kitchen. It filled homes with the cozy smell of stews, roasts, and chili.
Kids constantly tried to lift the lid even though they were warned a hundred times not to. Parents loved how forgiving it was, since everything cooked on its own. It quickly became a staple for potlucks, church events, and hectic school nights. Many of those original models lasted decades and still work today.
5. The Popcorn Maker
Before microwave popcorn existed, the air popper was the star of movie night. It made that loud whooshing sound as kernels shot out like mini rockets into the bowl. Kids would try to catch them midair, even though it never actually worked. The smell filled the whole house and made the night feel special.
Families used these machines constantly for snacks, parties, and sleepovers. The little butter tray never melted evenly, but nobody cared. Popcorn always tasted fresher and lighter from the popper. It became a weekly tradition that brought everyone together long before streaming existed.
6. The Electric Skillet
The electric skillet wasn’t flashy, but it was one of the hardest-working tools in the kitchen. It heated evenly, cooked large batches, and made weeknight dinners fast. Parents relied on it for pancakes, fried potatoes, and burgers. It became the go-to tool when the stove was full or someone needed a quick meal.
It also traveled well and showed up at potlucks plugged into the nearest outlet. Cleaning it wasn’t always fun, but the results made it worth it. Many families used theirs so often it barely ever left the counter. It became one of those gadgets that quietly held everything together.
7. The Percolator Coffee Pot
The percolator was the soundtrack to ’70s mornings with its steady bubbling and steaming. The smell of strong coffee drifted through the whole house as parents got ready. Kids watched the little glass knob pop with curiosity. It made a bold, rich cup that some people still swear by.
Even after drip machines came along, many families held onto their percolators. They were simple, sturdy, and nearly impossible to break. Mornings just felt more comforting with that bubbling sound. It became part of the rhythm of daily life.
8. The Rotary Egg Beater
Even though electric mixers were becoming popular, the rotary egg beater stayed in every kitchen drawer. Kids loved cranking the handle and watching the blades whirl. It made whipping eggs or mixing batter feel hands-on and fun. Parents liked that it was quick to clean and didn’t require plugging anything in.
It became the perfect baking tool for little helpers. The gentle clicking of the gears became part of weekend cooking routines. It lasted for years without rusting or wearing out. Even when fancier tools arrived, families still kept this simple classic.
9. The Avocado-Green Hand Mixer
The avocado-green hand mixer was the true workhorse of ’70s baking. It mixed cookie dough, mashed potatoes, and frosting with ease. Kids lined up to lick the beaters clean. Parents appreciated how powerful and reliable it was.
Families pulled it out especially during the holidays when baking was nonstop. Flour dusted every surface while the mixer buzzed away. It lasted so long that many people used the same one into the ’90s. It became a symbol of warm, busy kitchen days.
10. The Electric Knife
If you heard the electric knife buzzing, you knew a holiday meal was happening. It carved turkey, ham, or roast with those fast vibrating blades. Kids watched from a distance both scared and fascinated. Parents relied on it to make perfectly even slices.
It only came out a few times a year, but it felt like part of the tradition. Plugging it in felt like the official start of the feast. Families kept theirs for decades because they rarely broke. The sound alone brings back memories of crowded dinner tables.
11. The Salad Spinner
The ’70s salad spinner made washing lettuce surprisingly exciting. Kids loved pulling the cord or cranking the handle to make it whirl. The inner basket spun fast enough to fling water everywhere if you weren’t careful. Parents appreciated having crisp, clean salad greens ready to go.
It became a quirky but beloved tool in many kitchens. Guests always seemed amused watching it work. Even if it was bulky, it earned its spot on the shelf. Seeing one today instantly brings back the charm of ’70s kitchen gadgets.
12. The Electric Warming Tray
If your family hosted holidays or potlucks, the warming tray was a total lifesaver. It kept casseroles, dips, and side dishes warm without drying them out. Parents set it up during big meals so nothing got cold. Kids learned quickly not to touch the hot surface.
It made serving easier and more relaxed, especially when timing was tricky. The tray heated up fast and stayed warm for hours. Families used theirs for decades because it was so practical. It became a behind-the-scenes hero of big family gatherings.
