1. Metal Ice Cube Trays with Levers
Before automatic ice makers or plastic trays, families relied on clunky metal ice cube trays with pull up levers. They froze water solidly and then tested patience when it came time to release the cubes. Pulling the lever often stuck or snapped back, sending bits of ice flying across the counter. It was noisy, messy, and sometimes painful, but everyone knew the routine. The metallic clang and frosty fingers became part of summer afternoons. Though modern freezers now make ice effortless, those old trays carry a charm that reminds us of when even the simplest tasks had quirks.
2. Manual Can Openers That Took Muscle
Before electric gadgets became the norm every kitchen relied on a trusty manual can opener. These hand cranked tools sat in drawers, slightly rusty at times but always dependable. Opening cans took real effort, requiring a firm grip and a steady twist. Families grew used to the ritual, often passing the opener around when it got tricky. Though they demanded muscle, they were part of everyday routines and meals. Today most people prefer smooth electric versions, but the memory of working through a stubborn can remains a vivid reminder of how kitchens once required more patience and effort.
3. Colored Pyrex Mixing Bowls
Every home seemed to have a set of nesting Pyrex mixing bowls in cheerful colors. They came in bright reds, yellows, blues, and greens, adding charm to simple kitchen tasks. These bowls weren’t just for mixing, they doubled as serving dishes and storage too. Their durability meant they survived countless family meals and baking projects. Moms and grandmas loved stacking them neatly, making counters feel organized and lively. Though clear glass and modern plastics dominate today, those colorful Pyrex sets are still remembered fondly. They represent the cheerful heart of 1960s kitchens where practicality met everyday style.
4. Jell O Molds in Wild Shapes
Jell O molds were the centerpiece of countless 1960s dinner parties. Whether shaped like rings, domes, or fish, they always wobbled proudly on tables. Inside might be fruit, marshmallows, or even vegetables, creating combinations that were more colorful than appetizing. Hosts loved them because they felt creative and festive. Kids giggled at the jiggling desserts while adults admired the designs. Today they feel outdated, but at the time no gathering felt complete without one. Modern parties lean toward charcuterie or layered cakes, yet those wobbly molds remain a sweet, strange reminder of how food once doubled as entertainment.
5. Ceramic Cookie Jars That Looked Like Animals
Ceramic cookie jars shaped like animals were staples on 1960s countertops. Whether it was a pig, cat, or wise owl, each jar added personality to the kitchen. Kids loved sneaking cookies, lifting the lid carefully to avoid the telltale clink that gave them away. For parents, the jars offered both storage and decoration, brightening up kitchens with playful designs. Many families saw them as more than containers, they became part of household traditions. Today airtight jars or plastic tubs have replaced them, but those cheerful animal guardians remain in memory as symbols of sweetness and childhood joy.
6. Rotary Egg Beaters
Rotary egg beaters made whipping eggs and cream a true workout in the 1960s. With a crank handle and rotating gears, they required steady hands and strong wrists. Families used them for baking cakes, making whipped cream, and preparing Sunday breakfasts. Kids often took turns spinning the handle, turning it into a shared kitchen chore. Before electric hand mixers arrived, these gadgets were essential and reliable. Their sturdy build meant they lasted for years, passed from one cook to another. Today they’re rarely used, but they remind us of a time when even simple cooking felt hands on.
7. Tin Flour and Sugar Canisters
Lined neatly on countertops, tin flour and sugar canisters gave kitchens a coordinated and tidy look in the 1960s. They often came decorated with floral designs or pastel shades, each one labeled in flowing cursive. More than storage, they created a sense of warmth and charm that made baking feel special. Moms loved how practical they were, keeping essentials close at hand while adding personality to the space. Over time, airtight containers and glass jars replaced them, but their vintage style is still admired. They remind us that even the most ordinary items once carried beauty and character.
8. Checkered Linoleum Floors
Checkered linoleum floors made kitchens in the 1960s pop with energy. Black and white or red and white squares created a playful backdrop for everyday meals and family gatherings. Easy to mop and durable underfoot, they were as practical as they were eye catching. Kids turned them into makeshift game boards while parents enjoyed the stylish look without breaking the budget. Linoleum was a household favorite because it combined function with flair. Today hardwood, tile, and modern vinyl dominate, but those bold checkered patterns live on as nostalgic reminders of kitchens filled with both charm and practicality.
9. Wall Phones with Long Cords
Before cellphones, kitchens relied on wall mounted phones with cords that stretched across rooms. Moms balanced conversations while stirring pots, kids wrapped the curly cords around their fingers, and everyone fought tangles that seemed impossible to undo. The phone often hung near the fridge, making it the hub of household chatter and daily planning. Long cords gave freedom to move around but also got caught on chairs and counters. They symbolized family connection and multitasking in a lively kitchen. Today they’ve disappeared, yet the memory of those stretched cords remains tied to the heart of home life.
10. Pressure Cookers with Rocker Tops
Heavy stovetop pressure cookers with rocking tops were common in 1960s kitchens. They hissed and rattled while cooking Sunday roasts or stews, filling kitchens with both excitement and tension. Many families appreciated how quickly meals cooked, though some worried about accidents when steam built up. Despite the noise and occasional scares, these pots were trusted tools that represented efficiency and hearty family meals. Modern electric pressure cookers have returned with safer designs, but those old stovetop versions remain remembered for their clattering tops and the way they brought entire families together around flavorful dinners made faster.
11. Avocado Green Appliances
In the 1960s avocado green was more than a color, it was the statement of modern kitchens. Refrigerators, ovens, and blenders all wore that earthy shade proudly, making households feel trendy and coordinated. It was stylish and felt fresh at the time, adding a bold pop that families embraced. Today, the color instantly sparks nostalgia when seen in retro shows or old family photos. Stainless steel and neutral tones have replaced it in modern homes, but spotting an avocado appliance now feels like stepping back into an era where kitchens had personality and flair worth remembering.
12. Pop Up Toasters That Burned Everything
Shiny chrome pop up toasters were a must have appliance in 1960s kitchens. Sleek and futuristic in appearance, they promised golden toast but often delivered charred edges. Families joked about scraping blackened slices into the sink, making breakfast a mix of frustration and laughter. Despite their flaws, these toasters became icons of modern convenience, standing proudly on countertops as symbols of progress. They weren’t perfect, but they marked a shift toward automated cooking. Today, precise toasters and smart appliances have taken over, yet the memory of those unpredictable chrome machines still makes people smile nostalgically.
13. Fridge Magnets from Local Businesses
In the 1960s refrigerators doubled as bulletin boards decorated with magnets from local shops and services. Pizza places, plumbers, and grocery stores handed them out as practical advertisements. Families used them to keep phone numbers handy, while kids added drawings or report cards beside them. These magnets gave kitchens a colorful and lived in feel, making the fridge a centerpiece of daily life. Modern fridges are often stainless so magnets don’t stick. Also they might host sleek organizers or digital screens, but those cheerful magnets symbolized a time when community ties and simple reminders were part of every home. They quietly kept families connected and kitchens lively.
This story 13 Kitchen Items Everyone Had in the ’60s That You’ll Rarely See Today was first published on Daily FETCH
