10 Kitchen Gadgets That Felt Futuristic in the ‘90s

The ‘90s were full of “next big thing” gadgets that promised to make life easier in the kitchen. At the time, they felt like something straight out of the future—even if most ended up collecting dust. Looking back, these tools tell the story of how kitchens were changing and how people were willing to invest in convenience.

Bread Machines

Bread machines were a huge deal in the ‘90s.

Families proudly made loaves overnight or before dinner, and the smell of fresh bread was enough to make you believe it was the future. While some people still use them, most were bulky and hard to store. Stand mixers with dough hooks have largely replaced them, but the nostalgia for that timer-set bread in the morning is strong.

George Foreman Grill

This countertop grill promised healthy, quick meals.

The angled plates let grease drip off burgers or chicken, which was heavily marketed as a healthier way to cook. It became a staple in dorms and small kitchens everywhere. While air fryers have taken over that role today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a ‘90s kitchen that didn’t have one tucked away.

Electric Can Opener

Countertop can openers were once considered a must-have.

They seemed high-tech compared to a manual opener, and many kitchens had them mounted under cabinets. These days, most people prefer a good handheld opener, since they take up less space and don’t jam as easily. Still, at the time, nothing said “modern kitchen” like an electric can opener.

Salad Shooter

The Salad Shooter was marketed as a miracle for prepping veggies.

It shredded cheese, sliced vegetables, and promised to cut down kitchen time. In reality, it was messy, hard to clean, and often ended up shoved in a cabinet. Food processors have taken its place, but for a while, this gadget made you feel like you were living ahead of your time.

Rotisserie Ovens

Countertop rotisserie ovens became a late-night infomercial hit.

They claimed to “set it and forget it,” letting you roast chicken or ribs with little effort. While the food usually turned out fine, the oversized appliance hogged counter space. Air fryers with rotisserie baskets have replaced them, but in the ‘90s, they felt like luxury.

Panini Press

Making restaurant-style sandwiches at home felt exciting.

The panini press was supposed to make lunches fancier, even if it often sat unused. Many people eventually realized a cast-iron skillet could do the same job. Still, the gadget symbolized how much the ‘90s embraced European food trends.

Ice Cream Makers

Homemade ice cream machines were another “must-have.”

The novelty was fun, but the machines were loud, messy, and required lots of ice and salt. While higher-end electric models have improved since then, the original machines mostly lived in storage closets after one or two uses.

Food Dehydrators

Snacking changed when dehydrators became mainstream.

People used them for fruit leather, jerky, or dried veggies, and it felt futuristic to make snacks at home. They took hours to run and plenty of counter space, but they symbolized the rise of “healthy convenience.” Today, compact dehydrators are still around but far less hyped.

Electric Woks

Global cooking trends hit American homes in the ‘90s.

Electric woks promised authentic stir-fries without the need for a gas stove. While they worked fine, most didn’t heat evenly, leaving people disappointed. Still, for families trying new foods at the time, it was a fun way to bring international flavors home.

Cappuccino Makers

Fancy coffee moved from cafés into kitchens.

Cappuccino and espresso machines felt like luxury in the ‘90s, though most were clunky and hard to clean. Many ended up back in the box after a few months. Modern pod machines have replaced them, but they paved the way for the at-home coffee craze we know today.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.