Soviet electronics developed not along with, but in parallel with Western. It has always been valued for its incredible reliability, because even the simplest household appliances were sometimes made in factories that previously dealt with military or even space technology. Moreover, there was no market economy in the Union, so all the equipment was made so as not to break down after the period planned by the manufacturer, but to serve the owners faithfully for almost decades. However, many devices were also interesting for their technological discoveries, which are truly surprising even after half a century. Some are worth dwelling on in more detail.
Razor “Satellite” (1964)
→ was mechanical, but worked no worse than electric
At first it seems that this is quite an ordinary electric razor, of which a lot was produced in the Soviet Union. However, it is immediately worth noting that initially the Chelyabinsk Watch Factory was engaged in its production. After this clarification, the situation should immediately become clearer. To start the razor, you first had to start it. Inside it used a bizarre mechanism from the specific watch industry – it was based on a coil spring, which had to be clamped by turning a knob on the outside of the case. When it was unclenched, the turning mechanism of the blades was turned on, which made it possible to get rid of the bristles. Razor even today can be found on sale in perfect condition. It looks like it would be a great accessory for a steampunk costume party.
Mixer “Voronezh-2” (70s – 80s)
→ the model whipped the liquid in three glasses at once
It is a pity, but the Voronezh-2 mixer was not offered to Soviet residents for free sale. However, it is difficult to say that they could need it at all, because the “colossus” was rather big – definitely not less than a third of the human body. There is no need to talk about weight at all. Such devices were supplied to amusement parks, cafes, grocery stores and other crowded places. The Voronezh-2 model could whip drinks in three containers at once. It is sometimes written on the network that the number after the name just indicates the number of whisks, but this information does not fit with the photos above – the second model, and it will be possible to serve three glasses at once with it. The mixers were made in an aerospace factory, so their performance was impressive – what is the speed of rotation up to 12,000 rpm. The milkshake with ice cream was fantastic.
▶︎ Fact: some argue that Voronezh-2 is a copy of the American development of Hamilton Beach. If we take modern ones, it really looks very much like the HMD400. However, there is little point in judging the veracity of such a statement.
Washing machine “Baby” (1973)
→ surprised with its extremely small dimensions
In the USSR, they very skillfully adjusted the production of any household appliances to the current demands of society. For example, in the second and third quarters of the last century, the issue of extremely modest areas in apartments inhabited by Soviet citizens was insanely relevant. Even spacious by the standards of the Union “three rubles” seemed very small – what can we say about “Khrushchev” and other small-sized options. In these, for a full-fledged large washing machine, there would simply be no place. However, such a “Baby” was placed even in a very modest room. Thanks to its dimensions: 550 × 450 × 370 mm. With them, she could simply be portable and roam from the pantry to the kitchen when it was necessary to wash something, and then be transferred back.
Dumpling Pistol (1975)
→ allowed to speed up the modeling of dumplings as much as possible
Many people remember the tricky Soviet form for making dumplings, which was a plane with holes and hexagonal edges around them. First it was necessary to roll out one sheet of dough and put it on the form, then place the meat in each hole, then cover everything with another layer of adze and roll it all well with a rolling pin. The result was dumplings with a hexagonal edge. It’s a pity that few people remember the dumpling-pistol. She had a different principle of action, which made it possible to sculpt more accurate dumplings. It consisted of an outer tube with a round edge, as well as a movable inner tube. It was necessary to mark future dumplings on one layer of dough, put meat there, cover with a second layer, and then cut it out with the help of the outer part of the gun and squeeze out the inside. It turned out very neat.
Fan “Aelita” (1982)
→ the device nullified the cost of heated air
If we consider the above photos without a description, it can even become scary. Some strange device to which something like a gas mask is attached is a truly amazing invention. However, in fact, the device is quite primitive and extremely understandable. Yes, you really have a hair dryer in front of you. It’s just that hot air is not blown out into, let’s say, an open space, but inside a special cap. It is worn on the head after washing and dries hair very quickly without unnecessary energy consumption. However, it is important to note that due to the rather repulsive design, this device was not widely used in the end.
Electric waffle iron “Uralochka” (1985)
→ gave birth to a whole line of Soviet sweets
Waffles have always been associated with the United States, Canada (they serve them with maple syrup) and other Western countries. Therefore, some wonder why such electric waffle irons were so widespread in the Soviet Union. However, it is important to note that they were not intended at all for such thick waffles as overseas. Instead, Uralochka made thin cakes that deftly rolled up into tubes while they were hot. In the future, they could be consumed either in an empty state, or with some kind of filling. Some made dressing from protein or custard, as well as from banal Belarusian condensed milk.
▶︎ Fact: The main competitor for such a household appliance was the most common “Oreshnitsy” – metal molds for baking halves of nuts directly on a gas stove. They were filled with the same filling and stuck together.
Electric massager VP-1 (1988)
→ gave me the opportunity to massage myself
Today on the net you can find quite a lot of stupid jokes about this household appliance from the Soviet Union. However, even in the 90s it was actively used for its intended purpose – for massage. He had several attachments for massaging various kinds of muscles: some were used for the back, others for the arms and legs, there were even suction cups, apparently for the face. The thing was especially indispensable for those who went in for sports. However, some scolded this massager for too strong vibration, which was sometimes uncomfortable – especially for children.
Source: Trash Box

Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.