11 Vintage Electric Kitchen Items To Look For At An Estate Sale

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Estate sales are a great place to find unique vintage treasures. You might even find the 'holy grail' thrift store item you've had on your wish list for years. But there are a few things you should keep an eye out for at the next estate sale you visit — vintage electric kitchen items. Not just large vintage kitchen appliances, but smaller electric items like hand mixers, coffee grinders, and waffle makers. If they're in good shape, they can make a perfect addition to your vintage-themed kitchen collection.

There are plenty of hidden gems you shouldn't overlook at an estate sale, and that vintage Sunbeam Mixmaster is definitely one of them. Vintage electric kitchen items aren't just stylish — they can still be reliable tools. These older appliances seem to have the durability of a tank. Some popular vintage models don't even have modern equivalents. There are some estate sale treasures worth taking home, and some of them may end up being quite valuable.

When you do find a vintage electric kitchen item at an estate sale you can't live without, it's important to have it checked out by an electrician. It's usually unwise to assume old electrical parts are 100% safe. Old, frayed, fabric-wrapped power cords can be a fire hazard. Also, make sure the inner mechanics are properly lubricated. It is better to be safe than sorry.

The Swing-A-Way can opener brand began in 1938 with hand-crank models. They were known for their reliable and well-made openers. Electric versions became especially popular in the 1950s. These trusty can openers made quick work of removing can lids without straining your hands. They also worked well for larger cans that were awkward to open with a hand-crank model. A great estate sale find — and a useful addition to your kitchen.

When it comes to stand mixers, KitchenAid always seems to get all the love — especially for its vintage models. But its mid-century rival, Sunbeam, truly gave KitchenAid a run for its money. The Sunbeam Mixmaster was just as reliable and durable as the KitchenAids of its time. Many homemakers considered the Mixmaster the number one tool to have in their kitchen. If you find one in good condition, it's a good idea to pick it up.

The first electric pop-up toaster was invented in 1919 by Charles P. Strite. Earlier versions of the electric toaster usually ended in burnt toast due to not being turned off quickly enough. Tired of burnt toast, Strite created the first Toastmaster pop-up toaster. This invention ended sad breakfasts forever. Toastmaster toasters are well known for versions like the one pictured above, made during the 1920s and '30s. If you find one of these retro beauties, you'll own a true piece of toast-making history.

In 1924, John Oster founded the Oster Manufacturing Company. By 1946, he decided to diversify by manufacturing blenders. Thus, the Osterizer was born. These retro-looking blenders were known for their reliability and durability. Made with metal and glass jars, they have truly stood the test of time. Most modern blenders are made with plastics, which can crack. The classic 'beehive' base makes for a great conversation piece in the kitchen as well as a reliable blender.

Sometimes, it seems like there are nearly as many ways to brew coffee as there are coffee varieties. The percolator was one of the more popular of these inventions, especially in the mid-century. Electric percolator coffee makers were a convenient, quick, and tasty way to make coffee. Many coffee lovers argue that percolators make the best brew. As the water bubbles up and over the grounds, it makes a smooth, yet strong, pot of coffee. If you find one at an estate sale, grab it and make yourself an amazing cup of coffee.

Manual juicers are trending across social media these days. But back in the 1950s, the Lodi company produced its first Champion electric juicer. They were heavy-duty machines that could turn fruits and vegetables into juice, make nut butter, and even ice cream. They became extremely popular in mid-century homes. If you want a multi-purpose machine that will make you healthy snacks and juice, keep an eye out for one on your next vintage expedition.

ood processors began appearing in home kitchens in the early 1970s. They were invented by Carl Sontheimer to save home cooks from hours of chopping, slicing, dicing, and shredding. Sontheimer created the company Cuisinart to sell his wonderful invention. With a main base and multiple interchangeable blades, Cuisinarts are able to perform a variety of food prep tasks. Still popular today, a vintage Cuisinart is a kitchen tool worth adding to your collection.

Patented in 1964 by Jerome L. Murray, the electric knife quickly became a mainstay for holiday meals. These knives make quick work of any turkey, ham, or roast. Often, using an electric knife on the holiday ham or turkey became a thing to watch by the whole family. Whether you like your meat sliced thin or thick, an electric carving knife is the perfect tool. This forgotten kitchen tool deserves a comeback. Instead of hacking away with a large butcher knife, you could be using your tiny electric saw on the Christmas roast.

Manual ice crushers have been around for decades, but electric ice crushers only started to become available in the 1950s. They remained popular for home bars and icy treats but were soon replaced by blenders. More of a single-purpose appliance, it quickly lost its shine. Vintage ice crushers — especially the "Ice-O-Matic" by Rival — make adorable yet functional retro decor pieces.

This type of electric popcorn popper appeared in home magazines in the early 1950s. They were little more than a traditional pot with a glass lid and a heated base. These poppers offered a convenient way to make popcorn for an evening in front of the TV or family game night. West Bend was a popular manufacturer of the early models, as well as the famous "Stir Crazy" popcorn maker of the 1970s and '80s.

Before there were smoothie blenders, there were drink mixers. Hamilton Beach first manufactured their famous drink mixer in 1911. For over 100 years these small electric appliances have been mixing up malts, floats, and milkshakes. It's instantly recognizable for its design, which harkens back to mid-century American malt shops. The vintage Hamilton Beach drink mixers still work as well today as when they were first made — a testament to their durability.