The passage of time can often change habits, but the modern-day family still likes to congregate in the kitchen, just like before. And while technology has surely advanced, some families still prefer to maintain certain traditions and use a gadget or two very similar to a retro appliance from yesteryear.
So, if you’re looking for some nostalgia in your kitchen, but with modern upgrades, here are some cool appliances that have stood the test of time.
Simplify Your Cooking Time With This Countertop Griddle
At one time, a countertop breakfast griddle was all the rage. Manufacturers would market this as a perfect appliance for year-round use, able to fry bacon, cook pancakes, and grill hamburgers at the same time.
Fast forward to today, and you can cook with an upgraded version in the form of the Hamilton Beach Professional Cast Iron Electric Grill With Removable Cooktop. This griddle has adjustable heat control, from warm-up to 450 degrees F, so there’s no guesswork. It’s also large enough to cook family meals throughout the day.
This appliance features:
- The ability to sear food on the highest heat to lock in flavor
- A pre-seasoned, flat-top grill surface to reduce sticking
- Cast-iron construction, which is scratch resistant
- An easy-to-clean design with a removable drip tray
Countertop Dishwashers Still Make Sense in the Modern World
When space was an issue, a popular option was a portable countertop dishwasher. Though they may not be as common now, you still can go for this option if you’re short on space. One model is the Danby 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher in White.
This updated retro appliance has a quick connect feature compatible with most kitchen faucets and a design that helps it fit under most kitchen cabinets.
With this dishwasher you can also enjoy:
- A 6-place setting capacity with a silverware basket
- Energy-Star compliance, with low water consumption
- 6 wash cycles, including rinse, speed, and glass
- A delayed-start option
- A durable stainless-steel interior
- Quiet operation at 52 decibels, less than a normal conversation
This modernized retro appliance also comes with a 12-month parts and labor warranty (not including installation or cleaning).
Enjoy Hoover’s Battery-Powered Take on the Upright Vacuum Cleaner
If there’s one name you think of when you think of an upright vacuum, it’s probably Hoover. This brand has been around for decades, and its products are easy to maneuver and great for all kinds of households. Many Hoover products still have the same appearance as they did back then, even though they feature modern-day tech.
One example is the ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite Cordless Vacuum. It features a brushless motor with proprietary technology that can give you 50% more suction power for a quiet, efficient clean.
This remodeled retro appliance also features:
- Over 35 minutes of runtime with its powerful battery
- Ultralightweight design, so it’s easy to move from place to place
- A trick brush roll that can prevent hair wrap of up to 9 in.
- 4 Different power control modes
- LED headlights
Rely on KitchenAid for an Updated Food Mixer
Some companies have stood the test of time and become synonymous with the home through the ages. One such example is KitchenAid, renowned for its stand mixers, making food preparation quick and easy.
To this day, you can find a variety of tilt-head stand mixers from this company, in various models all the way up to 5 qt. capacity.
But if you’re new to stand mixers and want to start out with something on the smaller side, or if you don’t have a lot of room to play with, consider the KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer.
The 3.5 qt. version of this mixer has:
- 10 speeds, so you can gently knead, thoroughly mix, or whip ingredients
- 10 optional powered attachments (like food grinders and pasta makers)
- A large, stainless-steel bowl
- Dishwasher-safe capacity
This modified retro appliance also features a lightweight design, making it easy to move around the kitchen as needed.
Prepare to Party With This Current-Spec Portable Ice Crusher
Portable ice crushers would allow you to take the party anywhere when they first became the rage. They may have been simpler than current models but would still feature stainless steel “self-feeding” blades.
Today, you can take advantage of the latest technology with the VIVOHOME Single Blade 143Lbs/Hr Snow Cone Ice Crusher Machine.
This modern ice crusher features food-grade, corrosion-free, stainless-steel hoppers and blades. It’s easy to clean and comfortable to use, with vibration and noise kept to a minimum.
This ice crusher also has:
- A water-resistant on/off switch for peace of mind
- Blades that stop rotating when you open the hopper handle to avoid injury
- A roller outlet to prevent ice from splashing
- A heavy cast sturdy base for stability
This update to a classic retro appliance comes with a one-year warranty and free shipping across the U.S.
Vintage Looks Combine With Modern Performance in This Retro Fridge
If you fell in love with the classic, mid century look associated with fridges from the 1950s, you can go back to the future with a 33-in. Retro Original Fridge from Big Chill.
This updated retro appliance has:
- 10% more capacity than any other retro fridge on the market, at 20.5 cu. ft.
- A stamped metal body with chrome trim
- 2 half-width clear crisper drawers
- A temperature management system
- 3, easy-to-clean, spill proof glass shelves
- LED interior lighting
You can also choose a left-hand hinge depending on the configuration of your kitchen, and this appliance comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty.
Equip Your Home With a Modernized Retro Appliance or Two for Style & Function
Your modern kitchen can still feature retro-styled appliances that are quicker, quieter, or more efficient than when they first hit the market—for example, updated portable ice crushers or modernized stand mixers. It’s fun to shop for, and use, retro appliances that allow you to recall the past while taking advantage of modern tech.
