Do you ever feel like you were born in the wrong generation? Cliché, we know. We love how far we’ve come in terms of human rights, technology (we simply couldn’t live without our smartphones), and the internet, of course, but there are some things we just feel used to being a bit visually cooler back in the day. One thing that piques our fancy tremendously? Retro kitchen appliances.
Nothing is more gorgeous than a retro kitchen appliance. It brings a certain amount of fun to your cooking space in a way modern kitchen appliances do not. Here’s the issue: you search far and wide for the ideal retro kitchen appliance, but there’s one problem — it’s really showing its age. Whether it’s scuffed or simply doesn’t work, most retro kitchen appliances you’ll find at your local Goodwill or antique shop isn’t worth the splurge. That’s why when purchasing retro kitchen appliances, we’re definitely more sold on modern kitchen appliances with that retro flair. Because how in the world do you find a vintage air fryer?
Retro kitchen appliances have a bit of spunk to them you won’t find in your modern microwave or even the best coffee makers. They typically have a more rounded shape with colors ranging far from the classic stainless steel aesthetic we’re all used to. Essentially, they’re statement pieces with functionality. You can’t hate on that.
If you want to get your hands on a retro kitchen appliance, you’ve come to the right place. See below for all of our top picks to consider now.
1. KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer
Starting us off strong, you can’t go wrong with a retro mixer from KitchenAid. Even if you barely bake. Just look at this beauty; it’s a gorgeous visual standalone that’ll have mouths drop whenever anyone steps into the kitchen. This mixer is powerful enough for just about whatever you’re throwing in there, with 15 different attachment options for the best mix. It has 59 touchpoints per rotation, meaning contents mix better than anticipated. Colors? We thought you’d never ask. KitchenAid offers this mixer in just about any color under the sun to provide buyers with the perfect match for their kitchen.
2. Frigidaire 2-Slice Toaster
Let’s get toasty with the retro toaster of your dreams. This green two-slice toaster from classic brand Fridgaire is a vintage-looking treat we can’t keep our eyes off. It has five settings for optimal toastiness and avocado spreading. The wide slot toaster has a relatively simple design and doesn’t stray too far away from what most toasters you’re used to are like. You only have to push the lever down and wait for warm toasty bread to pop out. Now, in just a prettier format.
3. Smeg 50s Retro Style Aesthetic Electric Kettle
If you don’t know Smeg, you don’t know retro kitchen appliances. Smeg is the brand for 50s-esque kitchen appliance timepieces ready for adding to your modern life. For example, this electric kettle is the perfect counter sitter to add a touch of the past to your kitchen. It plugs right into the wall and heads water incredibly quickly, all doing so in a gorgeous pink body. Is pink not for you? Don’t worry; there are tons of colors to choose from.
4. DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer
Ah, the air fryer. Everyone’s favorite kitchen appliance. The only issue? It didn’t exist up until a few years ago. You would have never found this puppy in your traditional kitchen in the 50s, but this allows us to see what it would have looked like back in the day. DASH is the master of budget-friendly, retro kitchen appliances, and you’ll get the best deal possible with their Tasti-Crisp Digital Airfryer that yields the crispiest meals ever. This unit is a countertop must-have with custom pre-sets, temperature control, and an auto-shutoff that never lets food overcook.
5. Galanz Retro Fridge
You know what they say, bigger is better. Galanz’s Retro Refrigerator is most certainly one of the largest retro kitchen appliances we have on our list, but it’s one we truly can’t take our eyes off of. It’s packed with three adjustable glass shells for storing food properly, vegetable bins to keep food fresh, and gorgeous steel handles for opening both the fridge and freezer. It comes in a luxurious range of colors that don’t feel overwhelming or daunting, which is excellent for such a large appliance.
6. SUSTEAS Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is one of the most versatile kitchen accessories out there. Whether you want a cup of tea or need your pot of water to boil faster on the stove, this gorgeous green kettle has a surprisingly large capacity and an auto-shutoff, just in case you forget. With all the classic appeal of retro kitchen appliances and all the fast functionality of modern machines, this piece will earn compliments and be used plenty of times in your home. Lined with stainless steel and coated in scratch-resistant paint, you can be that it’s built to last.
8. Crate & Barrel Haden Silt Green Dorchester Microwave
Heating something up? Well, it’s time to ditch the stainless steel microwave sitting on your counter for something a little funkier, like this retro microwave from Crate & Barrel. It’s got a minty overtake with faux wooden buttons and a handle. Each microwave has five power levels with eight varying cooking menus depending on what you’re heating. Plus, even better, it’s currently on sale.
9. Holstein Housewares Coffee Maker
Want a cup of coffee? Well, why have one when you can have five? This retro coffee maker from Holstein Housewares creates a pot of five cups for sipping. It’s colored in a bright yellow design and brews with just the touch of a button. Can’t wait for the entire pot to fill up before pouring a cup? No worries, this coffee maker can pause a brewing cycle so you can pour a cup quickly until it continues.
10. Unique Appliances Classic Retro Gas Range Oven
Here’s another biggie. We’re obsessed with this retro-looking oven available at Wayfair from Unique Appliances. This is your classic gas oven with four burners to help you get cooking. The interior has two racks for your cooking needs, with a bottom storage section where you can place pots and pans. For what it is, it’s reasonably priced and will look excellent in your space.
11. Nostalgia Coca-Cola Electric Milkshake Maker
While plenty of cool-looking retro kitchen appliances like this milkshake machine look perfectly vintage, not all brands perform equally. However, this classic-looking vintage piece from Coca-Cola is as functional as it is beautiful. Spin a classic chocolate or vanilla shake with this 50s diner-inspired milkshake maker in a nostalgic red and white rendering. In just two minutes, you’ll have the thickest, most mouth-watering milkshake the world has ever seen.
