Greed was good when it came to new kitchen appliances and products during the new wave decade.

By Nicholas Tamarin

The 1980s were an exciting time for kitchen design. This decade saw a range of revolutionary kitchen products and appliances that reflected the changing lifestyles and technology of the time — with the most notable products simplifying meal preparation and saving time in the increasingly busy lives of the era. From microwaves ovens to non-stick pans, the convenience achieved then has led to many of these products continuing to be essential staples in households today.

1. Microwave Ovens

After American engineer Percy Spencer harnessed radar technology used during WWII to develop the technology needed to power microwave ovens, these appliances became most popular in the 1980s as prices and sizes dropped precipitously — revolutionizing cooking, reheating and cleaning by making these processes faster and more convenient. The ease of preparation resulting from microwaves led to more time for the au courant family activities of the decade. Trivial Pursuit or Pac-Man, anyone?

2. Dishwashers

While dishwashers themselves were not new, their popularity grew during the ’80s as more households could afford them due to a decrease in price. This electric appliance significantly reduced the time and effort required for handwashing dishes, leaving more time to watch Dallas and Dynasty.

3. Range Hoods

With indoor air quality increasingly on the minds of Americans, they turned to built-in hoods installed over their stoves for ductless ventilation. As the electric range extractor became more popular, so did the concept of the open kitchen — since homeowners no longer needed to worry as much about releasing smoke or smells throughout their homes when cooking.

4. Food Processors

Inventor Carl Sontheimer first introduced the Cuisinart food processor to America in 1973 — and by the ’80s, the technology behind the culinary game-changer cosigned by early adopter James Beard had been perfected. The food processor became widely used for blending, chopping, slicing and dicing, making meal preparation more efficient and less time-consuming. Just throw in some sun-dried tomatoes, and presto!

5. Espresso Machines

The ’80s saw the rise of home espresso machines, a technology that allowed people to enjoy cafe-quality coffee at home. The beloved European export was first invented in Turin, Italy, by Angelo Moriondo in 1884, and it became de rigueur in European cafes throughout the 20th century — but it wasn’t until the ’80s that homebound gourmands in the U.S. were able to afford and fit the macchinas into their own kitchens on a mass scale.