Though there is no scientific evidence that microwave popcorn is unhealthy, much of the modern-day interest in traditional corn poppers comes from individuals who are still concerned about food safety. Debra Kumm, then a manager of electric popcorn maker West Bend, told the Times that 'Microwave popcorn is a fad,' and predicted that 'it will last until people read the labels and realize what chemicals microwave manufacturers put into their popcorn.' Pillsbury microwave popcorn was available nationwide starting in 1983, and by 1987, the New York Times declared that a 'popcorn war' was on.Įven then, manufacturers of electric popcorn makers predicted that consumers would revolt. But it was another kitchen gadget-the microwave-that changed popcorn forever. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Dominion shot to popcorn prominence in the 1920s. 'When parts are no longer available and the part is not rebuildable, then when it fails, we have no choice but to replace the entire appliance,' he said.ĭebra Kumm-then a manager of electric popcorn maker West Bend-told the New York Times in 1987 that 'Microwave popcorn is a fad.' 'While we are beginning to have requests for the '60s and '70s avocado green and harvest gold appliances, the bigger issue is that you can’t rebuild or get parts for appliances made after 1960,' he said. It's not because they aren't innovative-it's simply because they aren't designed to last that long. Jowers says that it's unlikely any modern appliance will gain the following of classic models like the Chambers range. It's no wonder that restored Chambers ranges sell for thousands of dollars. Chambers ranges use insulation thick enough that the oven shuts off after preheating and remains warm enough to cook food-a concept Chambers called 'retained heat.' Add 'daisy' burners and Thermowell kettles, and you've got a range unlike any other. Most ovens stay on while they're cooking. It's unlikely any modern appliance will gain the following of classic models like the Chambers range. You can find a working model online for around $30. Hers was off-white and blue, but other colors included pink and turquoise. That's when canned food was king, and an electric can opener was a necessity for any modern housewife-including my grandmother, who proudly displayed a Vista can opener on her countertop for over fifty years.

The stylish Vista line of small appliances was introduced in the 1960s. Though various acquisitions and mergers eventually made it just another brand in Jarden's massive portfolio, it was proudly independent for the majority of the 20th century, hiring famed product designers to craft mixers, toasters, and can openers. Sunbeam Vista Can Openerįrom the 1920s through the 1980s, Sunbeam was the name in small appliances.

After all, who knows? Maybe one of these gems is sitting in your basement waiting to be rediscovered. 'Parts for these appliances could be rebuilt and reused rather than a replacement part being needed.'īut not all antique appliances are worth the effort, so we've collected the best of the best.

He runs, an appliance restoration firm in Clayton, Georgia. 'Appliances built prior to 1960 were designed to be serviced and maintained,' says John Jowers. Plus, unlike today's appliances, older ones can be repaired.

Toastmaster space saver toaster