10 Old-School Kitchen Tools That Still Rock in Modern Cooking

In the heart of every kitchen lie secrets of the past—tools that have stood the test of time. From cast iron skillets to potato ricers, these old kitchen gadgets are not just relics; they're surprisingly useful even today. They remind us that sometimes, the old ways can still outshine the new, bringing simplicity and efficiency to our culinary adventures.

AUTHOR: Chris Phelan

Table of Contents

1. Cast Iron Pans
2. An Oster Blender
3. A KitchenAid Stand Mixer
4. A Sears Food Processor
5. A Sunkist Juicer
6. Grandma's Toaster
7. An Amana Radarange Microwave
8. A Frigidaire Range
9. A Trustworthy Wooden Spoon
10. A Frigidaire Refrigerator
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1. Cast Iron Pans

Due to their unbeatable quality, it isn't surprising to see cast iron pans last for generations. "I use nearly every day at least one piece of my great-grandmother's cast iron set," reveals one woman.

"I use a chicken pan and three smaller ones. My dad says they were new in the 1960s, but I like to think they are 100 years old!" Like the Energizer bunny, some cast iron pans keep going and going!

2. An Oster Blender

Initially released in 1946, Oster blenders were ubiquitous in American kitchens throughout the 20th century. Long before Ninja brought their easy-to-use blenders to market in the 21st century, Oster had a reputation for bringing the best products to the market!

"I still have my Oster blender from 1957," confesses one man. "It was a wedding gift for my grandparents. It still works fantastically, though I did need to buy new replacement blades."

3. A KitchenAid Stand Mixer

KitchenAid Mixer — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

I must hand it to the good people at KitchenAid: They make timeless, durable, and high-quality kitchen appliances. Ask anybody proficient in the kitchen, and they'll undoubtedly say that KitchenAid makes the best stand mixers of all time.

Unsurprisingly, countless amateur chefs brag that they still use the KitchenAid stand mixer that's been in their family for generations. Some kitchen tools are made to last.

4. A Sears Food Processor

In the 1970s, Sears was more than a struggling department store in malls across America. It was the center of American consumerism, offering goods from clothing to appliances (and everything in between). Countless people bought Sears-branded items like food processors, and they are happy to report that in 2023, they are still working perfectly in their kitchens!

5. A Sunkist Juicer

With antique appliances, if something still works in addition to being a good-looking vintage piece of art, it's like winning the lottery. "I have a vintage Sunkist juicer, supposedly from the 1930s," reports one man.

"I snapped it up at an antique shop for $40. It still has its original wiring and the original porcelain rotating piece. We only use it occasionally when batching cocktails because it's a bit worn. Otherwise, it just sits as a showpiece on my cocktail bar."

6. Grandma's Toaster

Bread in toaster — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Toasters have evolved over the years, which makes using a toaster from a bygone era even more nonsensical. That being said, one person still loves her ancient appliance.

"Even though we have a modern, pop-up toaster and a toaster oven, we toast burger buns on 'Grandma's toaster,' my husband's grandmother's toaster from the 1940s," explains one woman. "It's the kind of toaster with doors on either side that drop down manually. It has no auto shut-off and a non-polarized plug. It's a dear, treasured fire hazard!"

7. An Amana Radarange Microwave

Microwaved Broccoli — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In the 70s, countless appliance makers raced to bring the most affordable microwaves to an unsuspecting (yet eager) American market. Amana was one of the first companies to identify microwaves that deserved a spot in America's kitchens; shockingly, some are still in use today. Many people who bought their Amana microwaves in the 70s proudly reveal they're still working today. Talk about quality!

8. A Frigidaire Range

Horizontal shot of the stovetop of an electric range with all the burners turned to high and glowing red. — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Frigidaire turned the food industry on its head in the early 1900s with the release of its first refrigerator designed for home use. Americans could keep food from spoiling for days for the first time, effectively transforming the typical home. Today, thousands of households have a vintage Frigidaire refrigerator still running in it, with most models from the 50s and 60s still going strong. How impressive is that?

9. A Trustworthy Wooden Spoon

I think there's nothing better than a kitchen tool with sentimental value.

"Although it's technically not an appliance, I still have (and use) my great-grandmother's wooden spoon," admits one woman. "It is misshapen and has been to hell and back, but I love it. It's my go-to for daily cooking, and I will hand it down to my daughter for her to use once I'm no longer able to cook."

I love this; it's like you're cooking with your grandma every time you use it!

10. A Frigidaire Refrigerator

Out of all the appliances on this list, seeing a 1950s-era Frigidaire refrigerator is arguably the most shocking. Believe it or not, many men and women take pride in their original Frigidaire refrigerators and do whatever it takes to keep them in running condition, even if it means sinking hundreds of dollars into them via endless repairs! If that isn't brand loyalty, I don't know what is.

Source: Reddit.