1. Tupperware Galore
Tupperware parties might have peaked in the ’50s and ’60s, but by the ’80s, they were still going strong. Your parents likely had stacks of these pastel-colored containers in every size imaginable. From keeping leftovers fresh to organizing snacks, Tupperware was a household staple. The brand’s innovative burping seal was practically a rite of passage for anyone learning kitchen basics. These durable, airtight containers also contributed to reducing food waste, a bonus in any era.
While new storage solutions have emerged, few are as iconic as Tupperware—and your parents’ kitchen was likely overflowing with it. Some of those vintage pieces are now collectible, prized for their nostalgic appeal and timeless functionality. Tupperware’s ability to adapt with trends, such as introducing microwave-safe options, kept it relevant in the evolving kitchen landscape. Today, its legacy lives on as a symbol of mid-century ingenuity and ’80s practicality (Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce Eats, Mental Floss).
2. The Crock-Pot
If your parents’ kitchen was anything like most in the ’80s, the Crock-Pot held a permanent spot on the countertop. This kitchen marvel made slow cooking all the rage, letting busy families enjoy hearty meals like pot roasts or chili without constant attention. It was the perfect appliance for those long workdays, where dinner could cook itself while your mom or dad tackled their nine-to-five. Even today, many people credit the Crock-Pot for introducing them to meal prepping and one-pot wonders. Its simplicity and ability to infuse flavors over hours earned it a loyal fan base.
Fun fact: the Crock-Pot was invented in the ’70s but truly hit its stride in the ’80s as people embraced the convenience-driven era. This trend dovetailed with the growing popularity of dual-income households, making quick, hands-off cooking methods a necessity. Families could come home to a ready-made meal, often accompanied by the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked dish. The Crock-Pot’s enduring appeal proves that good kitchen gadgets never go out of style (Smithsonian Magazine, Southern Living, Taste of Home).
3. Glass Measuring Cups
No ’80s kitchen was complete without the classic Pyrex measuring cup. These sturdy, transparent cups made cooking and baking simpler with their easy-to-read measurements. Whether it was your dad pouring pancake batter or your mom measuring broth for her famous soup, these cups saw constant action. Their heat-resistant glass design meant they could transition seamlessly from the microwave to the countertop, making them a versatile tool.
Unlike modern kitchen gadgets, Pyrex cups didn’t rely on batteries or screens. They stood as a testament to functional, reliable design. Many families still own and use these cups, proving their durability and timelessness. They’ve even become collector’s items, with vintage designs fetching a pretty penny online. The Pyrex measuring cup remains a beloved symbol of no-nonsense utility in the kitchen (Popular Mechanics, Epicurious, Food & Wine).
4. The Electric Can Opener
Manual can openers were fine, but in the ’80s, electric can openers were the height of kitchen innovation. Your parents probably had one mounted under a cabinet or sitting prominently on the counter. These gadgets made opening cans effortless, whether it was a can of Campbell’s soup or green beans for a casserole. The whirring noise they made is a distinct memory for many, becoming part of the kitchen’s soundscape.
Electric can openers were a practical luxury, demonstrating how technology could make mundane tasks easier. Although they’ve become less common with the rise of ergonomic manual models, their significance in ’80s kitchens is undeniable. They showcased the era’s enthusiasm for automation and convenience. If you spot one in your parents’ kitchen today, it’s a charming relic of a time when small innovations made a big impact (The Kitchn, Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports).
5. A Coffee Percolator
Before Keurigs and Nespresso machines, many households brewed coffee with a trusty percolator. This ’80s staple filled the kitchen with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee every morning. Percolators were often made of stainless steel and designed to last, making them a prized possession for coffee-loving families. Their ability to brew strong, flavorful coffee was unmatched by the drip machines that followed.
Your parents might have even had a designated spot for it near their collection of mismatched mugs. Percolators also brought a sense of ritual to coffee-making, with their rhythmic bubbling sound creating a soothing backdrop. For many, the experience of using a percolator is a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. Though less common today, they’ve seen a resurgence among coffee enthusiasts seeking bold, old-school brews (Serious Eats, Coffee Review, Smithsonian Magazine).
6. Harvest Gold or Avocado Green Appliances
No matter how modern your parents’ kitchen might have been, it was likely outfitted with appliances in either harvest gold or avocado green. These bold colors dominated the ’70s but carried well into the ’80s. From refrigerators to stand mixers, these hues made a loud statement about the era’s design sensibilities. They reflected a cultural shift toward earth tones and warmth in interior design.
While today’s kitchens lean toward stainless steel or neutral tones, these retro colors are making a comeback in some modern designs. Seeing one of these appliances instantly transports you back to a simpler time. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to evoke nostalgia while standing out as bold design choices in contemporary settings (Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, HGTV).
7. Fondue Sets
By the ’80s, fondue parties were still a trendy way to entertain guests, and many parents kept a fondue set stashed in their cabinets. Whether it was cheese fondue for appetizers or chocolate for dessert, this dining experience felt fancy yet approachable. It was also one of the rare opportunities to see everyone using those tiny forks and huddling around the same pot.
Fondue encouraged communal dining, making it a quintessential bonding activity. While it might seem outdated today, it’s enjoying a resurgence as people rediscover the joys of shared meals. Dusting off one of these sets could bring back a wave of nostalgia and an appreciation for slower, more interactive dining experiences (Bon Appétit, The Spruce Eats, Delish).
8. The “Jello Mold” Pan
Jello salads were all the rage in the ’80s, and every kitchen needed the perfect mold to make them. These pans came in fun shapes and sizes, from Bundt-like designs to thematic holiday molds. Whether your parents were making a classic lime Jello with marshmallows or an ambitious layered creation, the Jello mold pan was a non-negotiable tool for many families.
These gelatinous dishes were a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday feasts, often serving as both a dessert and centerpiece. While they may seem outdated to today’s culinary tastes, the creativity and effort poured into these dishes were a testament to the era’s adventurous spirit. Vintage Jello mold pans have found new life as collector’s items or quirky decor pieces, reminding us of the fun and whimsy of ’80s kitchens (Saveur, Allrecipes, Country Living).
9. Microwave Popcorn Maker
Microwave ovens were booming in the ’80s, and so were accessories like the microwave popcorn maker. These nifty gadgets allowed your family to enjoy buttery popcorn without the mess of stovetop popping. Often made of plastic and featuring a vented lid, they made movie nights at home feel like a trip to the theater. And let’s not forget the signature smell of microwave popcorn wafting through the house.
While pre-packaged microwave popcorn became more common later, these makers were the go-to solution for families. They embodied the era’s love for quick, convenient solutions to everyday tasks. Owning one was a simple yet effective way to elevate home entertainment. Today, they’re a nostalgic reminder of family movie nights and the little joys of ’80s life (Food Network, The Kitchn, Taste of Home).
10. A Recipe Card Box
Long before Pinterest boards, your parents probably relied on a recipe card box to keep their kitchen organized. These boxes were often decorative, sitting on the counter or a shelf, filled with hand-written or clipped recipes from magazines. The cards might have been stained from years of cooking, but that only added to their charm.
For many families, these recipes weren’t just instructions but cherished memories passed down through generations. A recipe card box was a window into a family’s culinary history, often revealing favorite dishes and traditions. Today, some people even digitize old recipe cards to preserve the family legacy while still treasuring the tactile experience of flipping through the box (Southern Living, Martha Stewart, The Spruce Eats).
11. The “Catch-All” Drawer
Let’s be honest: every ’80s kitchen had a drawer that housed everything from rubber bands to spare batteries. This so-called “catch-all” drawer was a staple in homes where organization didn’t quite extend to the miscellaneous items. It might have been where your parents stashed scissors, tape, or even that stray screwdriver.
While not glamorous, this drawer was a lifeline for quick fixes and impromptu household needs. It was a reflection of the practical, resourceful mindset of the time, where nothing went to waste. If you’ve carried this tradition into your own home, you’re not alone—it’s the hallmark of a lived-in kitchen. Today, the catch-all drawer remains a symbol of everyday convenience and the unsung hero of home organization (Real Simple, Apartment Therapy, HGTV).
12. Ceramic Cookie Jars
Ceramic cookie jars weren’t just functional; they were also decorative pieces that added personality to the kitchen. Your parents’ jar might have been shaped like a farmhouse, an animal, or even a cartoon character. These jars weren’t just for show; they often held homemade cookies or treats, making them a favorite among kids.
Sneaking a cookie when no one was looking was practically a rite of passage. These jars brought warmth and charm to the kitchen, acting as both a practical container and a sentimental fixture. While they’re less common today, spotting one of these jars at an antique shop can feel like a delightful trip down memory lane. For collectors, they represent a cherished piece of nostalgia that bridges function and whimsy (Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Antique Trader).