The Forgotten '60s Kitchen Appliance That Has Gotten A More Modern Upgrade

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An era that introduced space exploration, battery-powered smoke detectors, and revolutionary products like the microwave, the 1960s were packed with technological innovation. Household appliances were one area of focus for improved convenience and efficiency. But of all the '60s kitchen appliances that need to have a comeback, the conveyor toaster should be at the top of the list. Also affectionately known as the conveyor belt toaster, the toaster oven with rollers, and a personal favorite coined by the user NaturalPorky in the r/toast subreddit — the treadmill toaster — this bread crisper gained popularity in restaurants and fast food establishments since it could churn out hundreds of toast slices per hour.

For the first time, instead of inserting individual slices of bread, pushing down a lever, and risking burning yourself upon retrieval, there was a seamless process to follow. Users would set the conveyor speed and heat level, pass pieces of bread down the chute, and watch the belt move the slices through and toasting them. More pieces could be added as soon as there was open space on the chute. Freshly browned toast would then exit out the bottom onto a tray where they could cool. But before you try your luck to snag one at a thrift store, consider a quick Google search. They're still everywhere, and they're here to stay.

While some may think there's no need for toasters anymore, the conveyor belt model begs to differ. You'll be glad to know that the modern version of this vintage appliance is still widely sold, mostly for the commercial industry. But they can be equally beneficial in residential spaces for large families or for people who host guests frequently. 

When comparing the traditional version to new models, the appearance is almost unchanged. The real difference lies in the upgraded tech features, energy efficiency, and advanced settings. This commercial conveyor toaster on Amazon is under $300 and has a special bun-toasting setting and two different exit configurations — you can program the toast to go out the back or the front. While many plug into standard household outlets, always verify that the appliance's voltage is compatible. You may need an adapter for it to operate safely.

If you're thinking, "How will a toaster of that size fit beside my coffee maker?", don't fret. Some modern versions of these toasters, like the West Bend QuikServe Toaster, don't even have a conveyor belt, but they pop finished bread out of the bottom onto a tray! This is essentially the modern-day equivalent of the Toast-O-Lator manufactured in the late 1930s by Crocker-Wheeler Co. However, instead of slices entering and exiting from the sides, you insert them at the top like a standard toaster, and they come out the bottom. The tray add-on is more convenient than the original design, which had users grabbing the toast as it exited (ouch) or required them to have a plate on standby. Needless to say, the newer interpretation is more practical, and it could be a space-saving alternative to the commercial-size conveyor model, especially if you have a tiny kitchen.