The ubiquitous kitchen mixer, a staple for tasks ranging from kneading dough to whipping delicate creams, boasts a history rooted in the desire to simplify culinary processes. Before the advent of electric versions, the journey began with mechanical ingenuity. In 1870, American engineer Turner Williams revolutionized food preparation with his invention and patent of the “egg beater.” This marked the initial step towards the convenience we now associate with mixers, offering a more efficient alternative to manual methods like whisking with a fork, and delivering noticeably superior results.

Williams’ “egg beater” was a relatively simple yet effective device comprised of two elongated whisks positioned parallel to each other. A rotating handle, similar to that found on a meat grinder, powered the mechanism. Turning the handle engaged a gear, which in turn caused the whisks to spin. The faster the handle was rotated, the quicker the whipping action. To provide stability and ease of use, a small holder was incorporated into the top of the device. This mechanical whisk significantly eased the workload of home cooks, offering a more convenient and effective way to prepare various culinary delights.

The next major leap in mixer history is often attributed to KitchenAid and their introduction of the first electric mixer. Legend has it that in 1908, KitchenAid engineer Herbert Johnston was moved by the arduous sight of bakers manually kneading dough. This observation spurred him to develop a machine that could alleviate their strenuous labor. After six years of development, the first industrial electric mixer, the Hobart, was born. Though bulky and noisy, resembling a cement mixer more than a modern appliance, its 75-liter capacity and powerful rotating mechanism dramatically increased efficiency in bakeries.

Following the success of the industrial Hobart, KitchenAid aimed to bring similar convenience to home cooks. In 1919, a team of engineers developed the Hobart H-5, the first household electric mixer. While a significant step forward, this 5-liter capacity machine was far from its modern counterparts. Weighing over 30 kg, occupying substantial counter space, and operating noisily, it was also a considerable investment at $190 – equivalent to around $3000 today, the price of a new car. Despite its limitations and cost, some eager households embraced this early form of automated kitchen help.

However, KitchenAid was not alone in pursuing this burgeoning market. Sunbeam Mixmaster emerged as a key competitor, actively innovating and improving upon mixer designs. A significant advancement was the introduction of detachable beaters, a feature that reduced the appliance’s storage footprint and simplified cleaning. While Sunbeam’s sales gained momentum, the Great Depression temporarily stalled demand for mixers. Yet, the company persevered, and in 1952, they released a completely redesigned mixer. Featuring a plastic body, reduced weight and size for easy one-handed operation, and a long cord for kitchen mobility, this model is considered a pivotal point in the evolution towards the modern, user-friendly mixers found in kitchens worldwide.