13 Household Items From Decades Ago That Still Work Today
Digital gadgets come and go, but some household tools and appliances have serious staying power. They may not sync with your phone or respond to voice commands, but they get the job done—sometimes better than the flashy stuff. Here’s a look at old-school household essentials that work just fine today.
Manual Can Openers
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Brands like Swing-A-Way made manual can openers built to outlive most marriages. These metal clunkers slice through tins like butter, and no batteries or plugs are required. Many kitchens rely on them, especially when electric models burn out.
Rotary Dial Telephones
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Sure, it takes longer to dial, but Bell System’s rotary phones connect calls if your landline does. Their solid build, distinct clicking sound, and coiled cords evoke a slower conversation pace. Some users even keep them active today.
Cast Iron Skillets
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No kitchen gadget earns its keep quite like a cast-iron skillet. Whether it’s grandma’s 1950s Lodge or one found at a yard sale, these pans improve with age. They cook evenly and last for generations—assuming you don’t put them in the dishwasher.
Paper Maps
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GPS may reroute you three times before getting it right, but paper maps don’t lag or crash. Some road-trippers continue to keep a Rand McNally atlas in the glove box for good reason. A fold-out map saves the day when tech fails or you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Mechanical Watches
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Before smartwatches tracked steps, old-school wristwatches just told time. They had analog faces and no software updates to install. The watch’s heart rarely quits even after the leather bands wear down.
Sunbeam Mixmasters
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The Sunbeam Mixmaster, introduced in the 1930s, was a reliable tool for home bakers. Their sturdy motors and detachable beaters that fit in a drawer remind people that you don’t need 12 speed settings to whip egg whites.
Maytag Wringer Washers
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Although they require more elbow grease, Maytag wringer washers were great for rural homes and off-grid cabins. Their simplicity and mechanical build make them easy to fix, and many fans argue they clean clothes better than modern high-efficiency machines.
Flip Phones
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They might look like props from a late-’90s movie, but flip phones do what they were made to do—call, text, and survive drops that would shatter a smartphone. Some users prefer them for simplicity or nostalgia. Plus, no one’s tracking your steps or sending battery-draining notifications.
Manual Coffee Percolators
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Brands like Farberware made them with durable stainless steel and a timeless design. They produce strong, hot coffee with a satisfying gurgle. Plenty of people swear by them for flavor, and they’re perfect for campfires, too.
iPods
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Even with streaming everywhere, some people carry their old iPods with thousands of songs. With no ads, algorithms, or subscription fees, it’s pure music. Many users prefer their old models’ click wheels and storage over apps that shuffle their playlists to sell something.
Vintage Fans
Credit: Ebay
Those metal box fans from the ’60s and ’70s were heavy, loud, and effective. Unlike today’s plastic oscillators, they don’t tip over if a cat walks by. People use them in garages, attics, and workshops—and they’ll probably be spinning long after smart fans go out of style.
Cookbooks
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Online recipes might be convenient, but physical cookbooks have something digital screens lack: permanence. Favorites like The Joy of Cooking or Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook sit on shelves and inspire home chefs with authentic, tested recipes. Margins scribbled with notes are just part of the charm.
VCRs
Credit: Reddit
They’re chunky, clunky, and you have to rewind. Still, some families keep VCRs alive to revisit old home videos and ’90s sitcoms recorded on tape. Streaming can’t replace the ritual of flipping through a shoebox of VHS tapes to find your favorite.
Printed Calendars
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Some people rely on wall calendars and planners despite phones buzzing with reminders. Paper just feels more concrete, especially for jotting down appointments or flipping to a new month. Plus, they never require an app update or accidentally erase your niece’s birthday party.
RCA Console TVs
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These giant wood-framed RCA televisions were once the pride of a living room. The picture isn’t high-definition, but it functions decades later. Some are repurposed as media centers, but a surprising number are used to watch DVDs or play vintage video games.