1. Alarm Clocks
Sure, most of us use our phones as alarms, but standalone alarm clocks remain in plenty of bedrooms. They don’t come with distracting notifications or temptations to scroll late at night. Some people just like seeing a glowing red or green digital display without having to unlock a device. And that blaring buzzer can be surprisingly effective.
Many Americans also trust alarm clocks as a backup if their phone dies or malfunctions. Older models are durable, often lasting decades without issue. They’re also a staple in hotels, which reinforces their reliability. Plus, the simple act of slapping the snooze button feels oddly satisfying.
2. Landline Phones
Even though smartphones dominate, plenty of Americans keep a landline hooked up. For some, it’s about reliability during power outages when cell service can be spotty. Others like the nostalgia of hearing a traditional ringtone echo through the house. And honestly, there’s comfort in knowing the phone is always in the same spot.
Many seniors, in particular, find landlines easier to use because of the larger buttons and simple interface. Families also like having a shared “home number” for kids who don’t yet have their own cell phones. And let’s face it, there’s something charming about picking up a phone with a curly cord. It feels like stepping back into a simpler time.
3. VCRs
Despite DVD players, Blu-rays, and now streaming, VCRs still hang around in American basements and attics. They’re the only way to watch stacks of old VHS tapes—home movies, rare recordings, or ’90s favorites never released digitally. There’s a sense of treasure-hunting when digging out a tape. And nothing replicates the whirring sound when you hit “play.”
Collectors especially value VCRs for their connection to physical media. Some VHS tapes have become rare and can fetch surprisingly high prices online. Plus, the fuzzy, grainy quality feels nostalgic rather than annoying to those who grew up with it. It’s a reminder of how entertainment once felt more personal.
4. Popcorn Makers
Microwave popcorn might be convenient, but many folks still swear by dedicated popcorn makers. The whirring hot-air machines or stovetop crank models have a ritualistic charm. They let you control the ingredients—how much oil, how much salt, and whether to drown it in butter. And nothing beats the smell that fills the house.
Popcorn makers also produce a fresher, crunchier snack than the bagged kind. Families often break them out for movie nights, turning it into an event. It’s healthier, too, since you’re not stuck with preservatives. And let’s be real: kids love watching the kernels pop in real time.
5. Crock-Pots
Slow cookers might not be trendy, but they’ve never really gone out of style. They’re perfect for hearty stews, chili, and pot roasts that practically cook themselves. Many households rely on them for affordable, set-it-and-forget-it meals. And busy parents love coming home to dinner already made.
What’s funny is that newer gadgets like Instant Pots have actually reminded people how much they love old-school Crock-Pots. They’re simple, reliable, and nearly indestructible. They also carry a sense of tradition, passed down from kitchens in the ’70s and ’80s. Comfort food tastes a little better when made the old way.
6. Toaster Ovens
Even though air fryers are the rage, plenty of Americans still rely on toaster ovens. They’re perfect for reheating pizza without making it soggy, something microwaves can’t pull off. They also toast more evenly than a pop-up toaster. And they’re versatile enough to bake cookies or broil small portions.
Toaster ovens are especially beloved in small apartments or dorms where a full oven isn’t practical. Many people stick with them because they’re compact and reliable. They also last forever—some models from the ’80s are still working today. In a way, they’re the quiet workhorses of the kitchen.
7. Sewing Machines
With fast fashion everywhere, sewing machines feel like a relic. But many Americans still treasure them for practical and creative reasons. Whether it’s mending torn clothes, making costumes, or quilting, they open up possibilities that store-bought clothes can’t offer. And for older generations, sewing remains a deeply ingrained skill.
There’s also a resurgence of interest in sustainability, and sewing fits right into that. Repairing clothes instead of throwing them away feels empowering. Hobbyists find joy in crafting something one-of-a-kind. And nothing beats the hum of a sewing machine running smoothly across fabric.
8. Electric Can Openers
Manual can openers are small and cheap, but electric ones still live on countertops across America. They’re especially handy for people with arthritis or limited grip strength. Pressing down a lever is much easier than twisting a handle. And watching a can lid glide off effortlessly feels oddly satisfying.
Electric can openers also became a staple of mid-century kitchens, so there’s a nostalgia factor. They match the retro aesthetic many people enjoy. Plus, they’re incredibly reliable and rarely break down. For some, it’s just not a complete kitchen without one plugged in.
9. Analog Radios
Streaming and smart speakers may dominate, but analog radios have their own loyal fan base. People still enjoy tuning into AM or FM stations for local news, music, or talk shows. There’s a sense of surprise in hearing whatever song comes on next. And for many, it’s how they first fell in love with music.
Radios are also practical during emergencies when the internet goes out. Battery-powered models are a must-have for storm preparedness kits. Car radios remain a daily companion for commuters across the country. And some folks just like the tactile joy of turning a dial to find a station.
10. Electric Typewriters
It might sound like something out of a museum, but electric typewriters still get used. Writers who want fewer distractions sometimes prefer them to computers. There’s no internet, no notifications—just you and the page. And the sound of the keys clacking feels satisfying in a way keyboards rarely match.
Typewriters also force you to slow down and think before you write, which some find refreshing. They’re still used in certain offices for filling out forms or addressing envelopes. Collectors prize them, too, especially sleek mid-century models. And for some, it’s just about the romance of writing the “old-fashioned” way.
11. Ice Cream Makers
Sure, you can buy any flavor imaginable at the grocery store, but homemade ice cream still has a devoted following. Ice cream makers allow families to experiment with recipes and ingredients. Whether it’s adding fresh fruit or controlling the sugar content, the customization is a big draw. And churning your own batch feels like an event.
Electric models make the process easier, but even the old hand-crank versions are beloved. They often come out at family gatherings or summer cookouts. Kids love watching the process unfold, waiting for the moment they can finally dig in. And honestly, the taste is unbeatable.
12. Record Players
Vinyl has made a big comeback, but turntables never fully disappeared. Many Americans held onto their record players, along with crates of albums. There’s something ritualistic about lowering the needle onto the groove. And the warm, analog sound feels different from digital music.
Younger generations have embraced vinyl, but older fans never gave it up. Record players often double as furniture pieces, blending nostalgia with practicality. They also encourage intentional listening, since you usually sit down for an entire album. It’s less about skipping around and more about experiencing music as a whole.
13. Hand Mixers
Stand mixers get all the Instagram glory, but handheld mixers still hold their ground. They’re compact, affordable, and easy to store. For quick jobs like whipping cream or mixing cookie dough, they’re all you really need. And they’ve been a staple in kitchens since the 1950s.
People often keep theirs for decades because they rarely break. They’re also easier to clean than bulky stand mixers. For many families, a hand mixer is the first appliance passed down from parents or grandparents. It’s the kind of tool you don’t realize you rely on until it’s gone.
14. Rotary Phones
Rotary phones are more decorative than practical these days, but plenty of people still have them. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, especially for anyone who grew up before touch-tone phones. The spinning dial is clunky, yet oddly fun to use. And the ringing sound has a warmth modern phones lack.
Some homeowners keep them hooked up because they still work with landline service. Others just like the retro aesthetic as a piece of home décor. They remind us of a slower era when dialing a number took patience. In a world of instant communication, that feels almost refreshing.
This post 14 Outdated Appliances Americans Secretly Still Love was first published on American Charm.
