Comments on: If It Still Works, Why Do I Need a New One?

By: Anne

Anne — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:27:45 +0000

The ice storm in KY left me without power for a week. I was in the middle of a project that had to get done. Luckily I have my grandmother’s Singer treadle machine. A little WD40 on the treadle, some oil on the machine and I was set. No one believes I can sew just fine on it. It was th eone thing I asked for when my grandmother died. She sewed everything on it. My grandfather bought it used for her in the 20s. It is dated 1886. I love it!

By: Grace

Grace — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:56:57 +0000

Along with the appliances still being in great working order did you also know that some folks keep their items because of sentimental value? Mom used this or that and I can remember watching her as a small child making those yummy cookies. Then as I became a teenager i marvled as she made those wonderful creme horns. As a adult and now a Mom as well I watched as she turned out the most delectible fruit cakes. Some of those items have a revered place in my home and the memories attached are priceless. The appliances still work and even if they are a wierd color it is ok by me. I was thinking that prehaps a can of spray paint may be in order for those who do not like the color of their items. Thanks for the post, as always it was great!

By: Stanley T.

Stanley T. — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:54:00 +0000

This ties right in with something that’s been on my mind for quite a while. My parents still have and are using several appliances that they bought decades ago, but will any appliance I buy this year be around that long into the future? I don’t think so. I don’t think they “make them like they used to.” Thanks for the interesting post.

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:51:24 +0000

My Mom has a vaccuum cleaner that was new in the late 50s and she still uses it everyday. They sure don’t make things like they used to! Great post!

By: slawebb

slawebb — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:20:47 +0000

I think it’s also because the old appliances were made using better quality parts and therefore are a superior product than those made today. I have an old Kitchenaid mixer that was my mom’s. I’ve, personally been using it for 20 years. It is in the bland almond color, which is much less offending to the eyes! I had a friend ask about it. And while the old Kitchenaids have metal motors, apparently the new ones are made with plastic. So there you have it. Much better made “way back when.”

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:47:21 +0000

I really enjoyed this post! The article that you linked made me feel great that there were others just like me who know that older is often times better when it comes to these things. Not long ago, I was in want of a waffle iron. My mother tried to purchase a fancy new one for me when I visited her, but I assured her that I would find a fabulous one a thrift store if I was patient. Lo and behold, not many weeks later, I found a REAL treasure of a waffle iron. I am not sure of the year, probably 60’s or so. It is a Toastmaster, stainless steel, and makes the most gorgeous waffles you have just about ever seen. I got it for 4 bucks, and I truly love it more than any of the new ones that I see!
Thanks for the great post!! I think I’ll make a big batch of waffles tomorrow!!