Top 12+ Discontinued Appliances People Wish They Could Still Buy

Not every old appliance deserves a comeback, but some retired gems still spark real nostalgia, and not just because they looked cool on the counter. These machines were built to last, and often just worked better than their modern counterparts. Long gone but not forgotten, these 12 old-school staples earned their place through years of loyal service and offbeat charm.

GE Toast-R-Oven

Before air fryers claimed the spotlight, the GE Toast-R-Oven was the humble kitchen workhorse. It toasted evenly, baked small meals without heating up the whole kitchen, and (bonus) had that satisfying analog dial click.

There was something about its interior space that just fit everything right, from frozen waffles to leftover pizza. Modern toaster ovens are sleeker, sure, but few have matched the rugged consistency of this chunky, chrome-trimmed favorite.

Sunbeam Mixmaster (Vintage Models)

Today’s mixers might win on horsepower, but vintage Sunbeam Mixmasters had a charm and functionality that made them a countertop mainstay. The heavy glass bowls and metal beaters felt more deliberate than today’s plastic-heavy designs. They weren’t flashy, but they handled everything from meringue to meatloaf mix with that quiet hum that meant business.

The Original Mr. Coffee

The modern coffee landscape is overwhelmed with pods, timers, and smart tech, but the original Mr. Coffee kept it simple. You filled it, flipped the switch, and in minutes the kitchen smelled like actual coffee. No blinking lights or app connectivity, just solid performance and a design that somehow felt both retro and dependable.

Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII Washer

This beast was built like a tank and washed like one too. Thick knobs, deep agitator, and a sound that rumbled reassuringly through the whole house. People still scout Craigslist hoping to find one in working condition, mostly because newer washers just don’t have the same grit. It didn’t care about energy ratings or water usage – it just got clothes clean, every single time.

Panasonic RX-7000 Boombox

Technically this is more of a hybrid appliance, but anyone who owned one knows it did serious work. With built-in radio, dual cassette decks, and a look that basically screamed ‘80s basement party, the RX-7000 was peak audio convenience. It wasn’t subtle, but that was the point. Unlike today’s Bluetooth speakers, it had physical heft and presence, and no algorithm was deciding what you listened to next.

Braun Aromaster Coffee Maker

Minimal, efficient, and kind of beautiful, the Braun Aromaster was the quiet MVP of ‘90s countertops. It brewed strong, balanced coffee and took up almost no space.

Simple and clean, the white design with soft lines and understated controls stood out in a sea of clunky machines. It didn’t try to be a barista or a milk frother. It just made coffee, reliably and well, every single morning.

Westinghouse Roaster Oven

Overshadowed now by Instant Pots and multicookers, the Westinghouse Roaster Oven was ahead of its time. Thanksgiving turkeys, Sunday pot roasts, it did all of it without hogging the main oven. Plus, it freed up counter space with a sleek, lidded design that made storage easier than it had any right to be.

IBM Selectric Typewriter (Electric Models with Correction Tape)

More office workhorse than home appliance, sure, but it earned its place. The Selectric felt powerful under your fingers, with that magnetic typing ball and the oddly satisfying clack of progress. Built-in correction tape was a game-changer for students and writers.

You didn’t just type on a Selectric, you committed ideas with confidence. Even laptops struggle to deliver that kind of tactile feedback.

Hoover Constellation Vacuum

The Hoover Constellation didn’t just clean – it floated, literally hovering on a cushion of air like some kind of domestic UFO. With its round, retro body and spaceship hum, it turned a mundane chore into something weirdly delightful. It wasn’t exactly practical, but people loved the way it glided across the floor and made vacuuming feel like part of a sci-fi movie.

Sharp Carousel Microwave (Early Models)

Early Sharp Carousel models weren’t particularly fancy, but they were shockingly good at what they did. Food came out heated – not rubbery, not half-frozen, but just right. The rotating plate was revolutionary at the time and actually helped things cook more evenly. Newer models may offer more bells and whistles, but they rarely deliver that same just-right consistency.

Zenith Space Command Remote Control TV Sets

Yes, the TV was part of the appeal, but the real magic was in the remote. The Space Command wasn’t electronic; it used high-frequency sound. You could hear a soft ping every time you changed the channel

Using it felt almost like you were operating a piece of Cold War tech from your La-Z-Boy, and it made channel surfing feel deliberate and oddly satisfying.