Everyone Had It In The '30s — The Vintage Kitchen Appliance That's Now A Thrift Store Gem

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The 1930s saw the rise in one of the 20th century's defining design movements: Art Deco. Initially launched at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, it exploded in popularity across Europe and the United States shortly afterward. Unlike its minimalist predecessor, the nature-inspired Art Nouveau, this style's sleek modernity looked to the future, one major difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Designs pulling from the Art Deco movement often featured striking colors, chic geometric patterns, and lavish materials like chrome and stainless steel. Art Deco celebrated the merging of artistic expression and new technology, so it's no surprise that its aesthetic sensibilities and chrome embellishment extended all the way to the earliest retro toasters. And if you want an authentic toaster like this for yourself, the best place to score one is at the thrift store or online market platforms.

Following the Great Depression, more women found themselves working in the kitchen for extended periods of time, a shift away from past generations employing household staff. Combined with the manufacturing age, this meant that 1930s kitchens embraced new technology and modernity. Art Deco's influence could be felt there, particularly when it came to appliance designs, including sunburst patterns and ridged sides. Nearly a century later, these vintage toasters can add unique, Art Deco-inspired flair to your home as you bring back the classic and glamorous 1930s kitchen style that's coming back as a major trend. If you're interested in adding one to your own home, you're in luck! Many are available to purchase secondhand.

When you hit the thrift store, it's easy to spot the shine of an Art Deco-style chrome toaster, but you'll need to look closer for a better idea of if it's truly from the '30s. Check the bottom of the toaster for clues like branding info, looking well-known brands of the era like Dominion Electric, Toastmaster, or Landers, Frary & Clark. For example, Toastmaster's Two-Slice Electric Toaster debuted as part of a nine-piece "Toastmaster Hospitality" set in 1934 and features a chrome finish, fluted sides, and black plastic handles. Even if you can't find anything from these specific brands at your local thrift store, be on the lookout for any toasters that capture the sleek yet ornate style of the era, often taking design inspiration from skyscrapers like New York City's Chrysler building. 

If you'd prefer to search online, you can find many of these toasters on sites like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Prices vary depending on the toaster's condition and functionality, but most sell for under $100. Many are display-only, providing an opportunity to style your toaster in your kitchen. But if you're planning to use yours, avoid toasters that come with visibly damaged heating elements or faulty levers, or rattle while in use. It's worth considering getting your vintage toaster refurbished, cleaned, and rewired by professionals so that it functions effectively and safely in your modern kitchen. Some websites, such as Toaster Central, sell already-refurbished toasters if you'd rather not deal with the refurbishing step.