1. Popcorn Machines
Old-fashioned popcorn makers feel straight out of a movie theater. Millennials love them for the sense of occasion they bring to movie nights. Instead of microwave bags, you get the sound and smell of popping corn filling the room. It’s a whole experience, not just a snack.
Vintage countertop versions and even big standing models are in demand. Some people refurbish antique ones for home theaters. The retro design also makes them a statement piece in kitchens. For millennials, it’s nostalgia and indulgence wrapped in buttery goodness.
2. Vinyl Record Players
Millennials didn’t grow up buying stacks of new vinyl, but they’ve definitely revived the record player. The ritual of placing a needle on a record feels different from scrolling through Spotify—it’s slower, more intentional. Many say the warmth and imperfections of vinyl bring a more authentic listening experience. Plus, album art doubles as wall-worthy décor.
It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about the tactile experience missing from digital music. Younger collectors often seek out used turntables at thrift shops or invest in sleek modern reissues. For them, it’s a mix of retro and contemporary, where tradition meets convenience. And unlike streaming, records feel permanent, something you can pass down.
3. Typewriters
Manual typewriters were long left behind by computers, but now they’re prized for their weighty keys and mechanical clatter. Millennials love them for journaling, creative writing, or just the novelty of seeing ink hit paper. There’s no delete button, which forces a more deliberate way of writing. Many enjoy the break from distractions that laptops bring.
Antique shops and estate sales are prime hunting grounds for these machines. Some people even refurbish them for everyday use. Writers in particular value them for their analog honesty—it’s just you and the page. And for many, it feels empowering to produce words without an internet connection.
4. Polaroid Cameras
Instant cameras defined casual photography before smartphones, and now they’re back in force. Millennials love the thrill of waiting for a picture to develop in their hands. The physical print makes a memory feel tangible in a way a digital photo never quite can. It’s become a big hit at weddings, parties, and road trips.
Polaroid and Fujifilm both revived instant film to meet demand. People create wall collages, journals, or albums filled with their snapshots. Unlike cloud storage, these little photos can’t get lost in a hard-drive crash. It’s memory-making that feels playful and permanent.
5. Cassette Players and Walkmans
The cassette comeback is real—artists today even release new albums on tape. Millennials love the quirky rewind-and-fast-forward ritual that comes with cassettes. There’s a nostalgia factor, but also the fun of making mixtapes again. It’s slower and clumsier than streaming, but that’s exactly the charm.
Vintage Sony Walkmans are especially coveted. Some enthusiasts pair them with modern headphones for a crisp sound. The tactile buttons and chunky designs feel refreshingly un-digital. For many, it’s about experiencing music in a way that requires a little more care.
6. Film Cameras
While digital cameras dominate, film photography has quietly made a comeback. Millennials enjoy the anticipation of not knowing how their shots turned out until development. The grain, color, and depth of film carry a look that’s hard to replicate digitally. Many describe it as more “real” and atmospheric.
Darkrooms and film labs have popped up in cities to support this renewed interest. Vintage point-and-shoots are especially popular because they’re affordable and portable. Shooting film makes photography less about instant perfection and more about process. It’s a reminder to slow down and savor each frame.
7. Stand Mixers
The KitchenAid stand mixer is practically a millennial heirloom. Durable, brightly colored, and versatile, it’s one retro appliance that never went out of style. Millennials especially value how these mixers last for decades. Many inherit one from parents or grandparents and continue using it daily.
Beyond mixing, attachments make it a pasta maker, ice cream churner, or even a meat grinder. Social media trends like bread-making and cake decorating fueled its resurgence. The classic design also doubles as a stylish countertop accessory. It’s both functional and symbolic of a “back to basics” kitchen movement.
8. Percolators
Before drip coffee machines, percolators ruled the morning routine. Millennials are rediscovering them for the bold, hot brew they make. The bubbling process feels more hands-on than pressing a button. There’s also something nostalgic about the aroma filling a kitchen.
Some prefer stovetop versions, while others seek out vintage electric percolators. In both cases, it’s about slowing down the ritual of coffee. Unlike single-serve pods, percolators make coffee feel like a shared event. It’s about flavor, tradition, and rejecting disposable culture.
9. Pyrex Dishes
Those colorful Pyrex mixing bowls and patterned casseroles from the mid-century are now highly collectible. Millennials love them for their durability and retro charm. Unlike many modern kitchen goods, these pieces were built to last. The vintage designs also make cooking feel connected to family history.
Resale markets show certain Pyrex patterns going for hundreds of dollars. People hunt for them at thrift stores, estate sales, and even online auctions. Owning them isn’t just about cooking—it’s about storytelling. Every scratch and chip tells you these dishes have fed generations.
10. Console Stereos
Large wooden stereo consoles once dominated living rooms, doubling as both music centers and furniture. Millennials have embraced them as vintage gems. The sound may not rival modern speakers, but the warm aesthetic is irresistible. They often become the centerpiece of a retro-inspired home.
Many are refurbished to work with Bluetooth adapters. That mix of old and new makes them practical again. Instead of hiding tech, these stereos proudly display it as furniture. They show how music and design can coexist beautifully.
11. Lava Lamps
Lava lamps started as funky décor in the 1960s, and they’ve never completely disappeared. Millennials adore them as nostalgic, cozy mood lighting. Watching the blobs float around is oddly calming. It’s low-stakes fun in an otherwise stressful world.
Vintage originals are collectible, but new reproductions keep the style alive. They’re especially popular in dorm rooms, first apartments, and creative spaces. Millennials like how they double as conversation pieces and stress relievers. It’s retro whimsy with a side of mindfulness.
12. Fondue Sets
Fondue had its heyday in the 1970s, but millennials have brought it back for gatherings. There’s something playful about dipping bread, fruit, or veggies into melted cheese or chocolate. It makes meals interactive and social. Shared cooking taps into the desire for connection.
Vintage fondue pots often show up in thrift shops. Millennials snag them for themed dinner parties or cozy nights in. It’s not about practicality so much as experience. In a time when dining often feels rushed, fondue slows it all down.
13. Rotary Phones
Once considered clunky and outdated, rotary phones have found new life as quirky statement pieces. Millennials love their satisfying clicks and the patience required to dial. In an era of touchscreens, the physical effort makes the process strangely fun. They’re conversation starters in living rooms and even appear in vintage-themed cafés.
Some modern versions plug into landlines or even adapt to VoIP services. For those who don’t hook them up, they’re still charming décor. There’s a sense of grounding in using something that doesn’t buzz, ping, or glow. It’s nostalgia and rebellion against the constant rush of communication.
14. Sewing Machines
Many millennials grew up with grandparents who sewed, but only later discovered the joy themselves. Old Singer machines, with their sturdy metal bodies, are particularly prized. Unlike cheap modern models, these vintage versions last decades. They also connect people to skills that feel empowering and practical.
Thrifting, upcycling, and DIY culture have fueled interest in sewing again. Millennials value being able to tailor clothes or make something by hand. It’s creative, sustainable, and a little rebellious against fast fashion. For many, these machines symbolize independence and craft.
This post 14 Retro Appliances That Millennials Treat Like Treasures was first published on Greenhouse Black.
