Do you have any household appliances that are at least 30 yrs old and still work?

Journo_Leah

Hi forum users,
I'm new on here, but the MSE team have kindly allowed me to post a request for help with an article.
I've been inspired to write a feature for The Guardian's money section about really old appliances because I myself have a dishwasher and tumble dryer that are both 36 years old - they were wedding presents given to my parents and are both still working in almost daily use. I figure there must be many more out there with interesting stories behind them.
I'm looking for other examples of really old appliances that still work. Really they need to be at least 30 years old and still functioning. I'd be looking to get contact details from any forum user who can help me so that I can get a photo of the item and details for the article. Ideally I need to find a washing machine, an oven, a hoover, a kettle and a toaster, but I'm interested to hear about other items too. Would really appreciate any help I can get with this. Many thanks in advance.
Leah Milner
You can find me on Twitter as well if you'd prefer to get in touch that way or see the kinds of things I normally write about @leahmilner

Alter_ego

Yes, the wife!

Johnnytwostep

Alter_ego wrote: »

Yes, the wife!

I would agree.

poppasmurf_bewdley

I have a Hoover Dustette hand held vacuum cleaner which I estimate is more than 55 years old, and still going strong.

My Mum bought it in the 1950's.

DigForVictory

I've my grandmother's denby jug. Not vast nor special, but lovely lines & colour & it makes pouring milk simple.
Mum is still hanging onto the Spong. She doesn't make sausages often but when she does? We drop in meat & nudge it with a wooden spoon. Loads of family fun!

Journo_Leah

Poppasmurf - Amazing - I'd love to use this. Do you think you could send me your contact details?

Journo_Leah

Thanks, DigforVictory. Nice story. Unfortunately I'm after electrical-type gadgets for this article. But lovely to hear.

BOBS

Kenwood Chef bought in the 70's - still makes perfect victoria sponges and meringues.
Apparently purchased using cigarette coupons !
Bought before I was born and handed down to me

Journo_Leah

Just found somebody on Twitter who has an iron from West Germany.... it's wonderful the snapshot into history some of these items provide

madeinireland_2

I have a Sanyo microwave oven that I've had for over 30 years - probably about 35. I bought it for my mum and then moved over from Ireland more than 30 years ago and my mum asked me to take it with me.

It's still going strong and we use it every day. My wife wants it to break so we can get a new one but it's something we can't bring ourselves to part with it. I repaired a dry joint in it about 15-20 years ago.

fixx

My parents have a microwave that's about 35years old too. They bought and converted an old chip shop into a house, and got the microwave thrown in.

My mum wanted rid of it a few years ago, but we all refused - she agrees now it's awesome! Large, easy to use (one dial for time, one for power) and indestructable. I'll be devastated when/if (!) it dies.