Everyone has fond memories of their childhood kitchen. The smell of freshly baked cookies, the sound of sizzling bacon on a Sunday morning, and the sight of a family gathered around the table for a hearty meal. We may not notice it at the time, but kitchen items play a significant role in these memories. As times change, so do kitchen trends.

Some items we used daily are now considered retro and are barely used today. This post will take you down memory lane, reminding you of 12 retro kitchen items you probably forgot existed.

1. Flour Sifter

A staple in every grandmother’s kitchen, the flour sifter was an essential baking tool. It was used to aerate flour and remove any lumps before baking. It was also a great tool for blending dry ingredients. Today, most people simply buy pre-sifted flour or use a whisk to combine dry ingredients.

The flour sifter may have lost its popularity but it is still a useful tool, especially for those who enjoy baking from scratch. The process of sifting flour can also be therapeutic and add a touch of nostalgia to your baking routine.

2. Butter Churn

Before the convenience of store-bought butter, many families made their own with the help of a butter churn. This device, often a glass jar with a wooden churner, was used to transform cream into butter.

Making your own butter may seem like a tedious task today but it’s a fun and rewarding activity. It gives you control over the quality of the ingredients and allows you to experiment with different flavors, like honey or garlic. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade butter.

3. Jello Molds

Jello molds were a hit in the 1950s and 1960s. These molds, often in fun shapes and patterns, were used to create colorful and creative gelatin desserts.

While jello molds may not be as popular today, they can still bring a touch of fun and nostalgia to your desserts. They’re not just for jello, either. You can use them to mold ice cream, chocolate, or even savory dishes like meatloaf.

4. Milkshake Mixer

Before the invention of the blender, milkshake mixers were a common sight in kitchens and diners. These machines were specifically designed to create thick and creamy milkshakes.

Today, a blender can do the job of a milkshake mixer, but there’s something special about using a dedicated tool. Plus, it can be a fun way to recreate the vintage diner experience at home.

5. Fondue Set

Fondue sets were all the rage in the 1970s. They were often used for social gatherings, where guests could dip pieces of bread into a communal pot of melted cheese.

Fondue sets may seem outdated now, but they’re a great way to bring people together at a party. Plus, you can experiment with different types of fondue, from traditional cheese to chocolate or even broth.

6. Egg Beater

Before electric mixers, egg beaters were used to whip eggs or cream. This hand-cranked tool was a staple in every kitchen.

While they’re not as efficient as electric mixers, egg beaters can still be a useful tool, especially for small tasks or for those who prefer to do things the old-fashioned way.

7. Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers were popular in the 1950s and 1960s for their ability to cook food quickly and efficiently. They were often used for canning or cooking tough cuts of meat.

While they’ve been replaced by modern appliances like the Instant Pot, pressure cookers can still be a great tool for those who enjoy traditional cooking methods.

8. Popcorn Maker

Before microwave popcorn, stovetop popcorn makers were the go-to for a movie night snack. These popcorn makers often had a hand-cranked stirrer to prevent the popcorn from burning.

While it’s more convenient to pop a bag of popcorn in the microwave, there’s something satisfying about making it the old-fashioned way. Plus, it allows you to control the amount of butter and salt you use, for a healthier snack.

9. Rotary Phone

While not technically a kitchen item, the rotary phone was often found in the kitchen. It was a common sight to see the household’s phone mounted on the kitchen wall.

While rotary phones are now considered vintage, they can add a touch of retro charm to your kitchen decor. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter.

10. Bread Box

Before the popularity of plastic bags and bread clips, bread boxes were used to keep bread fresh. These boxes often had a roll-top or hinged lid.

While not as common today, a bread box can still be a useful tool for keeping bread fresh. Plus, it can add a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen counter.

11. Coffee Percolator

Before the advent of automatic coffee makers, the coffee percolator was a popular tool for brewing coffee. It works by cycling boiling water through coffee grounds to extract flavor.

While they’ve been largely replaced by modern coffee makers, coffee percolators can still be a great way to brew a strong and flavorful cup of coffee. Plus, they’re a great way to add a vintage touch to your kitchen.

12. Manual Can Opener

Before electric can openers, manual can openers were a kitchen essential. These simple tools were used to open canned goods.

While they may not be as convenient as electric can openers, manual can openers can still be a useful tool. They’re also great for camping trips or power outages, when you don’t have access to electricity.