Everyone Owned One In The '60s - The Kitchen Appliance We Want To Have A Comeback

There are some things that everyone associates with 1960s homes, like shag carpet, linoleum, and lava lamps. And while there are a lot of retro home gadgets that many consider obsolete, there are some that can still serve a purpose today. There is one kitchen appliance that was extremely popular in the '60s that not only deserves a comeback but can find new life in your kitchen for a variety of reasons — the fondue pot.

Fondue pots reached their height in popularity in the late '60s to early '70s. They were primarily used for dipping hunks of bread in melted cheese or dipping fruit in melted chocolate. Many of these little cookers were the centerpiece of social gatherings in the home at the time. All you had to do was choose your meltable and add your items to dip, and everyone could gather around and enjoy. Social occasions in the home were a big deal — the era was all about big gatherings and hanging out with friends (many homes had designated conversation pits). 

The fondue pot fit perfectly into the lifestyle of the '60s and '70s. But with the rise of dual-income households, convenience cooking became the norm in the '80s, and fondue-pot-centered entertaining began to wane. Let's face it it was just easier to order a couple of pizzas after a long day at work and call it good. So, it's truly interesting that we are once again returning to making meals more of an experience to be shared albeit not as fancy as a mid-century dinner party. The fondue pot might once again have a place at the table.

With the return in popularity of meals as a social occasion, fondue pots have the opportunity to once again take center stage. Besides their original purpose of melting cheese or chocolate, you could use one to have a hot pot, Korean barbecue, or even a tableside s'more station. Fondue pots can also have a surprising number of uses around the home that have nothing to do with food.

One of the coziest ways you could use a fondue pot at home is to recreate your favorite simmer pot recipe to make your house smell amazing. Add some water to your pot, toss in some seasonal herbs and ingredients, simmer on low, and let your home fill with a lovely scent for an instant refresh. It's a charming, low-effort way to make your house smell good without using candles or air fresheners.

Vintage fondue pots found at thrift stores or estate sales make the perfect accent for a retro-inspired kitchen. Their earthy colored glaze, rounded shape, and little forks make them an ideal conversation piece taking center stage on an open shelf. Modern fondue pots are also well-suited for a retro-modern home aesthetic and can be a lot easier to source than an authentic 1960s version. Either way, it's an inexpensive way to add a touch of nostalgia to any home.