I have a Toast-O-Lator toaster. You put the bread in on a sort of conveyor of sharp points which slowly carries the slice past heated elements, thereby toasting it. Then it falls out the other side! It was used by my parents prior to my birth and I'm pushing 60 now!

I bought an 1950's GE toaster at an auction one time for $1.00, it's the best toaster I've ever had. My first microwave that I paid a fortune for, at the time, over $300, lasted 19 years, since then I've gone through 3 of them, although I will admit that they didn't cost as much, but I would just as soon pay a lot more and have the article last a long time, rather than just filling up a landfill.

I agree that modern irons are so full of problems. Additionally they break after a couple of years. I am careful to follow the directions but boom one day no heat.

Here's my list of "oldies but goodies" in the appliance department:
*Sunbeam electric frying pan - 41 years
*Sunbeam waffle iron - 41 years
*Sunbeam deep fat fryer/soup pot - 41 years
*Sunbeam mixer - 41 years
*Rival Crock Pot - 36 years
* Sears electric knife - 46 years
*Maytag washer & dryer - 36 years
*Mr. Coffee - 28 years
*Kelvinator refrigerator - 27 years
*Frigidaire range - 27 years
*24 ft cubic Frigidaire chest freezer 33 years
*16 cubic ft upright Frigidaire freezer - 30 years
*GE 2 burner hot plate - 28 years

Perhaps more, but that is all I can remember at this late hour.
You're right - some things were made to last & repair; now most products are made to use, toss, not repair.
When I told a friend that I'll never find a washer & dryer to last as long as my Maytag have when they quit, she said, "Who cares? You won't be around that long anyway!" I'd be 100 if I had a new appliance now as long as I've had the washer & dryer.

I think Montana Jan wins!! But I see a toaster is missing from her list.

Forgot to mention, this Sunbeam toaster that I grew up with, you put the bread in and it gently lowers itself. Then when it is done it slowly and elegantly arises. When I was little I used to wonder why people said things "popped" out of toasters.

I have a KitchenAid mixer my grandmother received as a wedding present in the 30's that's still going strong even with weekly use. I have my great-grandmother's 1902 Singer treadle machine which is still used and in very good condition. I also have my other grandmother's 1940 GE refrigerator that we keep in the basement for mostly beverages. Still works like a charm.

We had a refrigerator that we had for 32 years...a Kenmore...it still was working...but we were offered a really nice almost new one for $100 by someone that was getting a new one to match other new appliances she was getting for her kitchen. Hopefully this one will last a long time.

Well, the old toaster that you lay a slice of bread on each side in a "grate" that tilts towards the middle is still working, but it lives in my sister's home, so I couldn't count it! :)

My toaster is not that old but it has some years on it. It is an English Dualite. They are very well made.