It Had A Cult-Like Following In The 60s, Now It's The Valuable Appliance We Want In Our Homes

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When it comes to kitchen appliances, most people want the latest, most up-to-date options, and for good reason. Modern appliances are more powerful, faster, and more energy efficient, making upgrades worth it most of the time. In fact, these days, most of the vintage appliances you see in homes are there far more for aesthetic reasons than practical ones. However, there is a vintage appliance that fits both purposes, and if you are a big tea drinker, you will probably find yourself willing to look to the past. The vintage Teasmade, made by the brand Goblin, is an automatic tea brewing machine with an awesome look and incredible features.

Automatic tea makers date as far back as the 1890s, but the Goblin Teasmade was among the first commercially made options. It began production in 1936, and it featured a lamp, a kettle, and a glow-in-the-dark clock face. The most iconic version, the mid-century design, came about in the 1960s. By the 1980s, popularity of the devices was on the decline, and while some other companies still make Teasmade-like appliances today, the features and looks are quite different.

The original Teasmades involved a process of filling the machine with water and milk the night before and setting the alarm. When the alarm went off, the machine would boil water in the kettle and push it into a pot, making the tea to your liking. An alarm would also sound to wake you for your tea. Of course, the process was a bit more complicated and accident-prone in real life, partially explaining the lack of prevalence today.

Modern Teasmades typically cost around $100 to $120 dollars, and they aren't particularly popular or easy to acquire. Also, while there are some vintage-style modern models out there, they lack the true mid-century appeal of the Goblin Teasmades and some of the features. For instance, very few modern options feature all three components of a Goblin Teasmade. Many will have a clock and tea maker, maybe, but no alarm. So, if you want the authentic look and functionality, you'll have to go for one of the originals from Goblin.

Unfortunately, vintage Goblin Teasmades cost just as much, if not more, than modern recreations. You can find one on eBay for around $100, but rarer models can cost upwards of $500. If you're extremely lucky, you might even find an old Teasmade at a thrift store, garage sale, or antique fair. Depending on the condition, buying from these places could land you a steep discount compared to curated online marketplaces. This means it is one of the valuable vintage appliances you should always look for at thrift stores.

Even if you find yourself with a broken machine, you have options. As a simple solution, you could sell the machine for parts, but you might earn some money off of it regardless of condition if it is a rare model. Searching online marketplaces for your machine's model is a good way to get an idea of its value. There may be someone out there waiting to make a DIY, or even professional, repair.

While the gorgeous Art Deco and mid-century styles of vintage Teasmades are reason enough for some people to purchase, you might be curious about whether an old Teasmade can be used practically today. The answer largely depends on which machine you have and if you're willing to put up with the very quirks that contributed to the downfall of popularity, but in a simple answer: Yes, it is possible.

The main factors to be wary of is the age and condition of the machine. When using vintage appliances, it is important to thoroughly inspect the electrical components to ensure that it is safe to use. Look for damaged wiring, plugs, and cords, and make sure everything is clean and dust-free. If you see any issues, get a professional to repair the appliance before attempting to use it. Be especially careful if your model's cord has only two prongs, as they can be dangerous.

Finally, if your Teasmade is in good condition, you can consider your intended usage. While a Teasmade sounds fantastic in theory, they come with practical and avoidable issues. People in warmer climates may need to deal with the milk spoiling overnight, and if you forget to set up the machine properly the night before, your cup of tea will have to come from another source for the day. If you're more into the cool antique though, a Teasmade is an amazing find.