They don’t make them like they used to

December 9, 2025 by
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My husband and I collect vintage appliances, but not just for display, we use them on a regular basis. The oldest electric appliance we have dates to 1915, the waffle maker shown below. We have non-electric items as old as 1868 (a Howe treadle sewing machine). Beyond the beauty of these items, we appreciate how well they work – in many cases better than new ones. With a little cleaning (and occasionally a new power cord), they are ready to go more than 100 years after they were made. Meanwhile, appliances purchased just a couple of years ago break left and right. Chowhound explains why one type of vintage appliance (toasters) seem to last so much longer than modern ones.

The article explains differences like different metal alloys, a lack of complicated features and circuitry, analog vs. digital controls, and cheaper materials (like using plastic instead of metal). Planned obsolescence is another factor that results in lower quality appliances. If your toaster is still working well you won’t buy another one, but if it fails within a couple of years, you will be in the market for a replacement. It’s getting more and more difficult to find an appliance built to last.

While many attributes of old appliances are better or more durable than new models, modern appliances do have a leg up on the older ones: improved safety features. The waffle iron shown above has no on and off switch, nor does it have a temperature control. To regulate the heat, you have to plug in and unplug the power cord. Once you get a feel for how it operates, it does make great waffles. Forget you have it plugged in, however, and it will burn down your house. We have several old appliances that lack basic amenities, such as a switch or internal overheat circuit breaker, that are standard on newer items.

Beyond the ‘cool’ factor, vintage appliances are also a glimpse into the past. The toaster shown above was called the “Bachelor” because it only makes one slice of toast at a time. It is difficult to imagine something getting that label today, much less a company producing a single slice toaster. The vintage percolator in the photo is over 100 years old. Because automatic drip brewing was not invented until the mid-1940s, this vintage brewer offers another peek into the past showing how things have changed in the world of appliances and cooking.

In addition to the items shown above, we have vintage stand mixers, more (and older) toasters, additional waffle irons, and a handful of other percolators. Do you have any vintage electric appliances?

Category: Antipasto

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10 Comments

  • Fyretigger  on  December 10, 2025

    My niece, who (well deservedly) inherited my mother’s house, just had to replace the 1957 Kelvinator refrigerator — made it 68 years. Meanwhile I’m looking nervously at my 2010 LG, already 5 years beyond its industry estimated 10 year lifespan. And my last washing machine (also an LG), the motor failed 1 week outside its 10 year warranty. So yeah… not like they used to make them.

  • FuzzyChef  on  December 10, 2025

    You’ve already heard my story about the waffle iron we can’t replace. Sadly, the 50 year old awesome juicer we also had died last year.

  • MaryMM  on  December 10, 2025

    I have a Cuisinart that is around 45 years old. It was made in France by Robot Coupe. I believe Robot coupe is still making food processors. It was the second model of Cuisinart ever made. I was able to buy a replacement bowl and blade about 10 years ago. Although it was working fine the bowl had gotten a bit discolored. I have it at a summer house and I think it works better than my five year old Cuisinart. If you want a long lasting drip coffee maker I would recommend a MochaMaster made in the Netherlands. It is going on 25 years old and gets used every day. When I tried to buy a top for the carafe because the dog got ahold of it they sent me one for free.

  • averythingcooks  on  December 10, 2025

    The words “planned obsolescence” make me very sad 🙁

  • JimCampbell  on  December 10, 2025

    We had an old Kenmore washer and dryer. They were really basic. My spouse wanted a new washer and dryer and went shopping. The new washer was a top-load with a glass lid. The dryer was a front load with a glass door. They both had lots of selections for getting just the right results.

    About four years in the dryer stopped working. We called someone in who replaced the circuit board. By this time my spouse was not entirely enamored with the choice made and asked the repair person what the “best” washer and dryer were.

    He said he personally liked the 30 year old Kenmore washers and dryers. He mentioned you can’t get them anymore, but they never break down.

  • goodfruit  on  December 11, 2025

    Growing up we had a 1960’s GE Waffle Iron, it makes four waffles, we were a family of four, perfect! Used it for around 35 years. One day I’m making waffles and I see a blue streak go up behind it and it died. Two weeks later, I’m in a thrift shop and I find the exact same GE Waffle Iron, looks brand new, but I know how old it is. Betcha someone got it for a wedding present and stuck it in the back of the bottom cupboard and never used it, LOL.
    I bought it and proudly brought it home. Never was anyone so thrilled with a timely thrift shop purchase!

  • FJT  on  December 12, 2025

    I had my mum’s Kenwood Chef stand mixer that was bought second-hand just before I was born in the 60’s – used it until I upgraded to a KitchenAid model a few years ago, but passed it on to a friend, so it’s still going strong.
    My toaster was a wedding present 30+ years ago. It’s a Dualit toaster and they pride themselves on having spare parts for every appliance – so it’s had new elements (several times) and a new switch and still works like new.
    I also have a Magimix food processor that’s 30 years old and still works well.

  • demomcook  on  December 12, 2025

    I have a 1930’s Electric Samovar that belonged to my grandparents. I used to use it for hot water for tea when entertaining, next to my old percolator. Having been married 44 years, I still have an electric knife and crockpot that were wedding shower gifts.

  • lgg  on  December 13, 2025

    I’m a big fan of reuse, but just keep in mind that the insulation on older appliance power cords may contain asbestos so consider replacing the cords and continue enjoying your sustainable approach to kitchen equipment.

  • ethedens  on  December 13, 2025

    I have my grandma’s KitchenAid mixer from the 70s. Still works great!

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