Every household item that we take for granted was once a new-fangled invention. Human creativity knows no bounds, and these historical prototypes of groundbreaking inventions are no exception. From electric toasters to the first headphones, early inventions of modern, everyday items are a sight to behold. Come with us as we journey through time and explore early versions of inventions we still use today. Believe it or not, some old versions are completely unrecognizable from our modern-day versions.
#1: A 1920 Electric Toaster
An electric toaster is a kitchen staple these days. Most of us can’t live without this handy invention. We can thank the advent of electricity for this convenient kitchen tool that gives us slices of perfectly toasted bread. Electric toasters were all the rage in the 1920s because they were a new technology. This vintage electric toaster from the Roaring 20s is a sight to behold.
This toaster is much more elaborate than the ones we have today. However, it served the same purpose! The 1920s was the first time the average family could have an electric toaster in their home. This vintage toaster exposed the bread, but it was toasted with the metal grates in the photo. When the toast was done, you turned the knobs on the sides, and the toast flopped out, earning this style of toaster “The Flopper” as a nickname.