‘My electric toaster is more than 100 years old’: readers on their ancient appliances

The Guardian UK Sunday 16 August 2026, 04:00 UTC By Guardian community team 1 min read

Key Points

After news that a couple from Gloucestershire are still using an Electrolux fridge from the 1930s, we asked readers about their experiences. From a 50-year-old TV to a 75-year-old vacuum cleaner, here are the old faithfulsI have a 1974 Janex Batman and Robin wind-up talking alarm clock. Amazingly, it still works even though it’s more than 50 years old.

I have a 1974 Janex Batman and Robin wind-up talking alarm clock. Amazingly, it still works even though it’s more than 50 years old. It plays audio of Batman and Robin having a discussion on why should really get up and out of bed. I love it. Every time I see it, I smile. Jason Connolly, 57, district nurse, Macandrew Bay, New Zealand

Gloucestershire (LOCATION) Electrolux (ORG) Janex Batman (PERSON) Robin (PERSON) Batman (PERSON) Jason Connolly (PERSON) Macandrew Bay (LOCATION) New Zealand Continue (LOCATION)

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