15 Products That Used to Be Built to Last
It’s no secret that many products today just aren’t built like they used to be. From appliances and electronics to furniture and clothing, items that once lasted decades now seem to break within a few years (or even months!). Whether it’s due to cheaper materials or rushed manufacturing, the shift from durability to disposability has left consumers frustrated and in constant need of replacements. Here are 15 products that used to be built to last but now feel more like scams.
1. Washing Machines
Older washing machines could run for 20 years or more with minimal repairs. In comparison, today’s models, which are packed with nothing but flimsy parts, tend to break down faster, leaving you with a soggy pile of laundry and a hefty repair bill.
2. Refrigerators
Once a kitchen staple that lasted decades, modern refrigerators — especially those with built-in ice makers — are notorious for breaking down (or worse, flooding the kitchen). For large appliances like fridges, it’s recommended to opt for simpler models without all the bells and whistles; having fewer features means fewer things can go wrong.
3. Smartphones
Remember when phones could survive a drop or two? Heck, Nokia brick phones were so sturdy they could double as weapons. But today’s smartphones, which are are designed with fragile glass bodies and non-replaceable batteries, means they’re way more prone to damage. Not to mention how they have to be replaced every couple of years due to new features and settings.
4. Vacuum Cleaners
Older vacuums, which were built like tanks, were known to last for decades. Modern versions, with their cheap plastic parts, struggle to make it past a few years of regular use before needing replacements. (Talk about a sucky situation, literally.)
5. Blenders
Vintage blenders like the Osterizer could crush ice for decades without breaking a sweat. But today’s Nutribullets, with their plastic gears and weak motor blades, often burn out after a few months of smoothie-making. Durability has been puréed.
6. Toasters
Toasters from the mid-20th century were simple, reliable, and built to last. Modern toasters, in comparison, are often made with flimsy heating elements and plastic components that tend to malfunction within a year or two.
7. Televisions
Though bulky and ultra-heavy, older TVs were known to last for decades. Today’s flat-screen TVs, with their delicate screens and complicated electronics, often need replacing within a few years of use.
8. Clothes
Once made with durable fabrics, clothing was designed to withstand years of wear and tear. But today’s fast fashion relies on cheap materials and rushed production, resulting in items that fray, fade, or fall apart after just a few washes.
9. Dishwashers
Older dishwashers were known for being simple, sturdy, and reliable. Today’s models, which are loaded with unnecessary features, tend to require costly repairs or replacements within a few years. In this economy, even clean dishes come at a price.
10. Lawn Mowers
Vintage lawn mowers were built to withstand years of heavy use. Modern mowers, with their plastic casings and weak engines, often struggle to make it through a single season without breaking down or needing replacement parts.
11. Power Tools
Vintage power tools were built to endure years of tough jobs and heavy-duty use. Today’s tools, which are often made with cheaper materials and weaker motors, can wear out quickly under regular use.
12. Fans
Older fans from reputable brands, like the classic Vornado or Emerson models, could run for decades without issue. Modern fans, with their plastic blades, often break down or overheat after a few summers. Staying cool has never been so frustrating.
13. Coffee Makers
Is it so hard to make a cup of coffee? Old coffee makers were simple, durable, and easy to repair. Modern versions, with their cheap components and complex features (how many buttons do they need to put on there?!), often fail within a year or two.
14. Sewing Machines
Sewing machines from years past were often passed down through generations and built to last a lifetime. Modern machines aren’t as durable, and tend to struggle with basic tasks before breaking down.
15. Furniture
Featuring sturdy materials like solid wood and durable craftsmanship, furniture from the mid-20th century was built to last. In comparison, today’s furniture is often made from materials like particleboard or plastic. Not to mention how it’s held together with cheap glue that falls apart after a few moves.