The Vintage Cooking Essential That Deserves A Serious Comeback

Cooking has a way of stirring up nostalgia, whether it's being surrounded by the comforting smells of childhood dishes, using the sauce-stained recipe book passed down through generations, or wearing the same apron from the first time you tried making something from scratch. While there are plenty of new and improved modern cooking gadgets, even the latest technology can't replicate the nostalgic satisfaction that comes from using vintage methods that you've relied on for decades. With all the vintage kitchen accessories that are making a comeback, it's the perfect time to consider which classic cooking essentials from the past deserve to join them in the trend. One design stands out in particular as deserving of a comeback of its own — JennAir's stove cooktop that features a handy indoor grill.

When we're reminded of the benefits of this nostalgic cooktop, it makes us wonder why JennAir appliances fell out of fashion. However, their recent relaunch reintroduced the brand with updated luxury kitchen designs, which, for some, may spark a reminder of their handy vintage cooktop's release back in the '70s. Whether you're fond of their classic design or simply want the convenience of indoor grilling, it's worth considering if this iconic cooktop deserves a comeback in kitchens everywhere.

Whirlpool may be the most popular appliance brand in the USA today, but it also owns JennAir, which was once just as acclaimed for its high-end, innovative designs in past decades. Some baby boomers might remember their stylish magazine ads introducing the "extraordinary" JennAir Grill-Range, which offered five versatile cooking options, from grilling steaks and roasts to frying, making pancakes, and even shish-kebabing. The design was revolutionary during its time, but modern cooktops have become sleeker and more high-tech. That said, it's rare to find the indoor grill feature in today's designs.

This vintage JennAir cooktop was all the rage in the '70s and '80s, and despite its fall from relevancy in recent years, it seems that the design has held up through the decades. One TikTok creator shared a video of their kitchen's vintage JennAir Grill-Range, garnering plenty of praise from users admiring the quality and sharing anecdotes of how their family still uses the very same grill today. One commenter noted, "You'll never be able to replace that utility" — a sentiment that might explain why the vintage grill range is often seen with a hefty price tag on reseller websites like eBay. Though no longer sold by JennAir today, the vintage grill range's unique design and convenient functionality have stood the test of time. Beloved in many kitchens, its lasting appeal shows why this retro cooking essential deserves a place in the spotlight again for a well-deserved comeback.