They just don’t make ’em like these anymore! In the good old days, when everything was done by hand, we had the perfect tools for the job. Unfortunately, over time, we’ve traded in many of these tools for newer gadgets or opted for pre-made meals that require minimal effort. But, back in the day, our mothers and grandmothers relied on these gadgets to create the delicious meals we still reminisce about.
Donut Cutters
Remember when homemade donuts were a regular treat? There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, homemade donuts. A donut cutter was essential for achieving perfectly uniform shapes. It was a lot of work, but oh so worth it.
Butter Shavers
In the days of dinner parties and elegant decor, beautifully shaped pats or curly cues of butter were considered a sophisticated touch. Going the extra mile to cut, shave, or mold the butter into exquisite shapes added a special touch to any meal, enhancing its elegance.
Ricers
For perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes and many other dishes, a ricer was the secret ingredient. This simple tool was versatile and yielded exceptional results. While the food processor may have replaced it, true food connoisseurs know that the results just aren’t the same.
Hand Egg Beaters
Who can forget the satisfaction of whipping egg whites or cream with a hand-crank egg beater? These charming kitchen companions have been almost entirely replaced by electric mixers in recent years. However, many of us still hold fond memories of using this delightful tool. There was something fun and rewarding about the process.
Cruet Servers
Perhaps not everyone had an extravagant set, but most households possessed some form of cruet servers. Before the vast array of store-bought sauces and dressings, oil and vinegar were often staples on the dining table. A set like this would have undoubtedly taken pride of place, adding a touch of sophistication and flavor to every meal.
Sugar Tongs
Tea parties and casual afternoon teas were once common occurrences. If you served sugar cubes, you would require tongs for a refined and practical serving experience. These elegant tongs ensured a clean transfer of cubes, reducing waste and adding a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Jar Openers
You don’t come across jar openers as often these days, and it’s unfortunate. They are incredibly handy tools (no pun intended). As we age, opening tightly sealed jars becomes more challenging. Thankfully, with this nifty device, you can adjust the clamps to fit any jar size and enjoy an easy grip handle for twisting. We still have one, and it remains one of our favorite gadgets in the kitchen.
Flour Sifters
While flour still comes in relatively large sacks, they used to be even larger in the past. Over time, all that flour would become compacted. Running flour through a sifter would aerate it, making it lighter and easier to mix. It was the perfect tool for making bread in those vintage toasters!
With countless kitchen gadgets on the market today, there are still some hand-powered ones. However, they are often no match for the functionality and charm of their old-fashioned counterparts. Cooking today is not quite the same as it was 70 years ago, and our kitchen tools reflect that change. What old kitchen tools do you remember seeing or using? Share your memories in the comments below!