KitchenAid® Story
Inspiration for the now-famous KitchenAid mixer began in
1908, when Herbert Johnson, an engineer for the Hobart Manufacturing Company,
observed a baker mixing bread dough with a metal spoon. This inspired him to
create a mechanical counterpart featuring planetary action, in which an
individually rotating beater traveled in one direction around the inside of the
mixing bowl. By 1915, Johnson's 80-quart mixer was so popular, it was
considered a standard tool of most large commercial bakeries.
By 1918, company executives were ready to create a model
geared toward home use, a five-quart countertop version. The result was a mixer
that weighed 65 pounds and cost $189.50, equivalent to about $2,000 dollars
today. In 1937, however, the silhouette was streamlined and the price drastically
cut when industrial designer Egmont Ahrens created the bullet-shaped tilt head,
now a trademark of KitchenAid mixers.
So what's in a name? Legend has it that when company
executives were testing models in their homes, one of the spouses said, "I don't
care what you call it. All I know is that it's the best kitchen aid I've ever
had." And the name stuck.
To attract the "modern woman of the 1920s," advertisers
emphasized the KitchenAid mixer's ability to "stir, beat, cut, cream, slice,
chop, and strain by electricity." In 1937, every KitchenAid mixer introduced
allowed for fully interchangeable attachments. In the mid-1950s, new colors
were introduced like Petal Pink, Sunny Yellow, Island Green, Satin Chrome, and
Antique Copper—all bold departures from traditional white appliances.
But the innovations didn't stop there. In 1926, Hobart
acquired another appliance manufacturer, The Crescent Washing Machine Company.
It was founded by Josephine Cochran, who had built a dishwashing machine that
became the top invention at the 1892 World's Fair. Research and development on
home dishwashers were stalled during World War II, but finally, in 1949, Hobart
introduced a new home dishwasher, the KD-10, featuring a patented washing
mechanism and the KitchenAid brand name.
In 1966, Hobart acquired the Plumbing Equipment Division of
the National Rubber Machinery Corporation, inspiring the creation of a "food
waste disposer" in 1968 and an instant hot water dispenser and trash compactor
in 1971. In the 1980s, KitchenAid introduced a line of ovens and stovetops,
making it the most successful manufacturer of home appliances, while Hobart had
become a foremost producer of appliances for commercial kitchens.
After nearly a century, KitchenAid remains synonymous with
reliability, durability, and American ingenuity. CHEFS Catalog offers a
wide range of KitchenAid home appliances, from their famous stand mixers to
food processors, blenders, toasters, and slow cookers.
About KitchenAid® Products
Stand Mixers and Accessories
Truly the "best kitchen aid" you'll
ever have, KitchenAid's stand mixer stirs, mixes, kneads, blends, and whips
ingredients with ease. Attachments expand its utility, enabling the cook to grind
sausage, roll and cut fresh pasta, puree juices, and make fresh ice cream.
Hand Mixers
All KitchenAid hand mixers
feature powerful yet lightweight motors, comfort-designed handles, and non-tip
heel rests to help you achieve the most professional results.
Coffee Makers and Grinders
KitchenAid coffee makers and grinders
offer distinctive styling, unmatched durability, and exceptional performance. A
flat-filter basket creates a uniform bed of coffee to promote outstanding
flavor. Showerhead water dispersion saturates grounds for an even extraction of
coffee oils. Time since Brew display shows coffee freshness at a glance. Simple
controls make grinders easy to use. Selectable grind size lets you choose the
right consistency for your preferred brewing method.
Waffle Makers
The double-sided baking unit in
the KitchenAid Pro Line® Double Waffle Baker rotates to allow the
batter to coat both upper and lower waffle plates, producing golden
Belgian-style waffles with the perfect crunch and texture.
Toasters and Toaster Ovens
KitchenAid offers a selection of
2- and 4-slice toasters that feature space-saving designs and contemporary
colors. Toasting slots are generously sized for bagels, specialty breads, and
toaster pastries. A simple rotary shade dial allows you to set the toasting
level to your specifications. Full-width stainless steel crumb tray removes
easily and is dishwasher-safe.
Slow Cookers
The most powerful premium slow
cooker on the market also delivers a host of innovative features that help you
achieve mouthwatering results every time. Its 400-watt heating element quickly
heats food to USDA-recommended temperatures, while the advanced temperature
management system ensures that food stays moist and tender.
