My Aunt Swore Everyone Used to Have One of These in the Kitchen — I Had No Idea What She…

There were metal devices for grinding, slicing, opening, squeezing, coring, sharpening, crimping, beating and crushing.

To the person who used them every week, their purpose was obvious.

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To someone encountering one in 2026, they can look completely mysterious.

One Common Mystery Is the Manual Can Opener

Before modern rotating-wheel openers became widespread, can openers came in forms that look surprisingly unfamiliar today.

Some were simple pointed metal tools that punctured and cut around the lid.

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Others had unusual handles, hooks and cutting mechanisms.

Show one to somebody who has only used a modern opener and they may not immediately recognize it.

Older generations, however, might remember using one constantly.

Then There Were Meat Grinders

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Heavy cast-metal meat grinders were another kitchen staple.

They usually clamped onto the edge of a table.

Chunks of meat went into the top.

Someone turned a crank.

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Ground meat emerged through a perforated plate.

Many families used these for sausage, hamburger and other preparations.

Today, because supermarkets sell enormous quantities of pre-ground meat, many households have no reason to own one.

Yet Grandma might have considered hers indispensable.

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Potato Ricers Look Equally Strange

A traditional potato ricer can resemble an oversized garlic press.

Cooked potatoes go inside, and pressing the handles forces them through small holes, producing fine strands that can make exceptionally smooth mashed potatoes.

It’s still used today, particularly by enthusiastic cooks.

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But plenty of people have never seen one.

Put an old metal version on a table without explanation and guesses can become hilarious.

The Same Goes for Food Mills

Before immersion blenders and food processors, hand-cranked food mills were extremely useful.

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Cooked tomatoes, vegetables and fruits could be pushed through a perforated plate while unwanted skins or seeds were separated.

They were used for sauces, purées, baby food and preserves.

They’re still available, but they’re no longer universal kitchen equipment.