# Strange thing in Rob and Laura's kitchen on the Dick Van Dyke Show **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 2, 2019, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262 "2019-12-02T04:21:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/1 "2019-12-02T04:21:18Z")
Shown here in this youtube video Attached to the Kitchen Sink Faucet, and I have no idea what it might be [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg36y2zfh2I) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/2 "2019-12-02T04:30:45Z")
A [1963 Electro Sink Center](https://retrorenovation.com/2011/06/24/electro-sink-center-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/), apparently. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/3 "2019-12-02T05:15:38Z")
Now that we know what it is, the next question is why would we want it? Why would you want a blender and mixer attached to your sink. Not only would that mean they’re in about an awkward spot as possible (as close to the back of the counter as they can be and semi-behind the sink/faucet), but also, you can’t move them. And they’re still electric. If they were driven by water pressure, that might make sense, but they’re not. This would be like having a toaster built into the side of your refrigerator or a microwave dishwasher combo. ---
**Author:** ![lingyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/4 "2019-12-02T05:20:31Z")
Early product placement. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/5 "2019-12-02T06:05:38Z")
> [@lingyi](#): > > Early product placement. What, Coke made those!? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/6 "2019-12-02T06:41:00Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Now that we know what it is, the next question is why would we want it? Why would you want a blender and mixer attached to your sink. Not only would that mean they’re in about an awkward spot as possible (as close to the back of the counter as they can be and semi-behind the sink/faucet), but also, you can’t move them. > > And they’re still electric. If they were driven by water pressure, that might make sense, but they’re not. This would be like having a toaster built into the side of your refrigerator or a microwave dishwasher combo. > **[1963 Electro-Sink Center: The most wonderful kitchen faucet ever?! - Retro...](https://retrorenovation.com/2011/05/31/electro-sink-center-the-most-wonderful-kitchen-faucet-ever/)** > > A 1963 Electro-Sink Center: In 1963 a kitchen faucet married a food processor and gave us this midcentury marvel. Read the comments in the link above. The contraption swung out over the sink if you used the blender or mixer. So it was closer to you and already over the sink so super easy to clean. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/7 "2019-12-02T11:45:42Z")
If it was ‘product placement’ wouldn’t you expect Laura to use at least part of it? Here is a better picture: [https://live.staticflickr.com/8219/8377155049\_6a3361cd11\_b.jpg](https://live.staticflickr.com/8219/8377155049_6a3361cd11_b.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/8 "2019-12-02T12:27:57Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > [1963 Electro-Sink Center: The most wonderful kitchen faucet ever?! - Retro Renovation](https://retrorenovation.com/2011/05/31/electro-sink-center-the-most-wonderful-kitchen-faucet-ever/) > > Read the comments in the link above. The contraption swung out over the sink if you used the blender or mixer. So it was closer to you and already over the sink so super easy to clean. I must have missed that, I thought I clicked through all the pictures/directions. But even so, it really only hinged forward a bit. It still seems like more of a hassle than having independent appliances. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/9 "2019-12-02T13:29:11Z")
Yes, but it saved counter space. Instead of having to deal with multiple kitchen devices and find a spot to put hem, you could put them all behind the sink, a space that was out-of-the-way and not used for much. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/10 "2019-12-02T13:52:23Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I must have missed that, I thought I clicked through all the pictures/directions. But even so, it really only hinged forward a bit. It still seems like more of a hassle than having independent appliances. I totally agree. On the whole, it seems like a complete pain in the ass. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/11 "2019-12-02T14:04:05Z")
Thanks for the answers. agree with **hajari** o, it looks like a really big PITA. ---
**Author:** ![MrAtoz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MrAtoz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrAtoz)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/12 "2019-12-02T14:22:01Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > If it was ‘product placement’ wouldn’t you expect Laura to use at least part of it? Yes, if it was product placement, the brand name would be much more prominently displayed, and Laura would have at least a line or two about how nifty it was. Rather, it’s just a matter of set design. Having it there helps show that the Petries are stylish, up-to-date folks, who have the latest modern conveniences in their modest but fashionable home. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/13 "2019-12-02T14:22:58Z")
It’s 1950’s idea of the future! Here it stands, the perfect symbol of our technical society. Mechanised, electronicised, and not very human. It’s both cool and stupid simultaneously. It’s Schroedinger’s Appliance. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/14 "2019-12-02T14:32:37Z")
notfrommensa, kudos for an interesting and educational GQ! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/15 "2019-12-02T14:34:51Z")
I see it had controls to set water temp. So, you wouldn’t need a connection to the hot water tank? I like the gadget. The juicer & blender would be convenient for mixing drinks. Laura and Rob entertained a lot. Pretty sure making popular 1960’s cocktails was it’s main use. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/16 "2019-12-02T14:36:08Z")
My business partner bought a ca. 1965 house last year and the bar area has a built-in mixer in the counter surface. It’s a standard Oster (or some other) and is completely flush with the surface. You just remove the little cap and jam your mixer container on it to mix a drink. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/17 "2019-12-02T14:51:04Z")
I saw a built-in mixer (actually a pair of them) in a house that The Property Brothers were viewing, proposing to renovate it for the family of the week. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/18 "2019-12-02T15:24:59Z")
This thing would have had the distinct capability of electrocuting its user, I would think. GFCI wasn’t invented until 1961, and most likely few homes had them installed. Having this thing co-located with the water supply would have been just asking for trouble. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/19 "2019-12-02T15:27:30Z")
One of the linked articles said this went for $399 in 1963. In today’s dollars that about $3,280. Did comedy writers make that much money? Seems totally out of scale with the rest of their house. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2019, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262/20 "2019-12-02T15:41:47Z")
I thought this was going to be about Millie Helper. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-thing-in-rob-and-lauras-kitchen-on-the-dick-van-dyke-show/844262.md?page=2)