The 1980s kitchen wasn’t just a place to cook—it was a showcase of trends, gadgets, and bold design choices. Earth tones lingered from the ’70s, kitschy décor took over counters, and new technology promised to make everything easier. Some of those ideas stuck, but many quietly vanished as tastes and habits changed. Looking back, these kitchens were equal parts cozy, quirky, and experimental. Here are the once ubiquitous kitchen staples from the ’80s that you rarely see anymore.
Merry Mushroom Decor Took Over Everything
Sears’ Merry Mushroom line was peak ’80s kitchen kitsch. The collection included dozens of items, from canisters to clocks. The four-piece canister set became especially iconic. Production ended in 1987, but nostalgia never faded. Today, collectors hunt these pieces thanks to renewed interest in cozy aesthetics.
Electric Knives Felt Futuristic and Fancy
Electric knives once seemed like the future of carving roasts. The motorized blades moved back and forth, making slicing look effortless. They were loud, bulky, and hard to clean, though. As large family roasts became less common, their usefulness faded. Eventually, simple carving knives won back their place.
Potpourri Crocks Kept Kitchens Perfumed
Scenting the home became a full obsession in the ’80s. Potpourri crocks were small plug-in devices that gently simmered scented mixtures. They promised kitchens that always smelled pleasant and welcoming. Rival, the Crock-Pot brand, even jumped on the trend. These days, scented candles have largely replaced them.
Corn Cob Holders Were Playfully Corn-Shaped
Corn on the cob almost always came with corn-shaped holders. These tiny yellow tools kept buttery fingers clean. They added a little humor to everyday meals. The design itself dates back over a century. While still around, they’re far less common now.
Electric Frypans Ruled the Countertops
Before air fryers took over, electric frypans were the must-have appliance. Families loved how quickly they heated and how evenly they cooked food. They worked especially well at a time when ovens and stoves weren’t always reliable. Many models were easy to clean and incredibly versatile. Over time, improved kitchen ranges made them feel unnecessary and bulky.
Bread Machines Promised Fresh Loaves Daily
Home breadmaking made a comeback in the 1980s, and gadgets followed fast. Bread machines claimed to mix, knead, rise, and bake loaves with almost no effort. Bread boxes and slicing guides also became common countertop fixtures. While bread machines still exist, most cooks decided they weren’t worth the space. Modern ovens made simpler methods more appealing.
The Dazey Stripper Tried to Reinvent Peeling
The Dazey Stripper promised fast, hands-free peeling of fruits and vegetables. It spun produce while removing peels in long strips. While clever, it wasn’t practical for daily cooking. Cleanup and storage outweighed convenience. Simple handheld peelers proved far more useful.
Tupperware Filled Every Cabinet
Tupperware dominated kitchen storage throughout the decade. Colorful containers stored leftovers, molded Jell-O, and even cooked food in microwaves. Tupperware parties were still a cultural staple. Health concerns about plastic and microplastics eventually changed opinions. Vintage containers are now better admired than used.
Woodgrain Appliances Were Completely Normal
Wood-paneling didn’t stop at walls in the 1980s—it covered appliances too. Refrigerators, microwaves, and even broilers came with faux wood finishes. Brands like Kenmore leaned hard into the earthy aesthetic with vinyl inserts. While it felt warm and homey then, the look now feels dated. Stainless steel eventually replaced it as the modern standard.
Percolators Made Strong, No-Nonsense Coffee
Percolators were still common in ’80s kitchens, even as drip machines appeared. They brewed coffee by repeatedly cycling boiling water through grounds. The result was bold, strong coffee, often using robusta beans. As arabica beans grew more popular, percolators fell out of favor. They’re now seen as nostalgic rather than ideal.
Electric Can Openers Were a Necessity
Canned food played a huge role in 1980s cooking. Electric can openers made opening multiple cans quick and easy. Models like Sunbeam’s were especially popular and instantly recognizable by sound. Over time, they became seen as messy and unnecessary. Manual can openers proved cheaper, smaller, and more reliable.
Final Look Back: Which One Do You Miss?
’80s kitchens were bold, busy, and full of personality. Some ideas were ahead of their time, while others were destined to fade. Together, they paint a picture of a decade that loved convenience and charm. Did your kitchen have any of these staples? Let us know which one you remember most—or which gadget you’re secretly glad is gone.
