Everyone Had One In The 70s: The Hosting Appliance That Made Things Easier

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Modernity has its perks. In many ways, we've gotten better at making our lives easier with trendy kitchen appliances like smart fridges, WIFI ovens, and touch-screen coffee machines. In 2026, we pretty much have the technology for everything. Yet, some of the best kitchen appliances aren't that modern. Things like dishwashers and induction stovetops became popular in the 1970s. Many other retro appliances from that time have since fallen out of use. For example, warming trays were a popular '70s appliance that made hosting easier, and everyone had one. 

Warming trays are what they sound like: large trays that heat up once plugged in. They were advertised as a handy tool that could be used in various settings. It was a must-have for buffet-style parties, where you wanted to keep food hot for several hours while guests mingled and served themselves. But even at sit-down dinners, a host could use it to warm up plates or to keep casseroles hot for second servings. They were also advertised to families as a way to make multi-dish cooking easier, allowing home cooks to keep sides of veggies warm while finishing other dishes, for example. 

None of these situations are '70s-specific, so why didn't this appliance make its way into 2026 kitchens? It's not clear exactly why, but we can imagine that warming trays were largely replaced by other convenient appliances. For example, by the end of the 1970s, microwaves became the kitchen go-to for warming up food, and they're still a staple of modern kitchens today. 

Despite falling out of style, warming trays are among the best retro appliances that should make a comeback. If you're a collector of retro and vintage appliances, you can totally find original warming trays from the 1970s on eBay, Etsy, or at thrift stores. You could even look through your parents' or grandparents' kitchens to see if there are any old warming trays stashed away in a cupboard. These original appliances have old-school or retro designs, which often featured floral or geometric patterns.

However, if you're looking for a functional warming tray to use on the daily, it would be wise to get a modern version rather than an original '70s one. Old appliances can be fire and electrocution hazards for a few reasons. First and foremost, they might be in poor condition and have damaged cords, which is seriously dangerous. In addition, these older appliances don't have the modern built-in safety features that shut the appliance off if it overheats. Beyond safety, old appliances aren't energy-efficient, which will likely increase your utility bills.

Don't worry, you can still find modern warming trays to keep yourself safe and your food warm. For example, this electric warming tray from Wanish has enough space to keep four pots warm at the same time. If you have a small space, you can also find food warming mats that roll up, letting you store them easily when not in use. These types of modern designs have different settings, timers, rapid heating capabilities, and safety features, making them a safe and convenient alternative to retro warming trays, whether you're hosting a holiday buffet or throwing a dinner party.