The Kitchen Aid Experience

For several years I have wanted to own a Kitchen Aid mixer. And, before you think I am writing a paid endorsement, I want to tell you that this piece is strictly about the history of this product. In 2008 I read an article in a Farm Bureau publication about historic Greenville, Ohio. One of the places mentioned to visit was the Kitchen Aid Experience Store. And, from that day on I HAD to have a Kitchen Aid Mixer. Little did I know that I would find a rich history in the basement of the store that is worth sharing.


"THE KITCHEN AID EXPERIENCE"

The Kitchen Aid Mixer was developed by the Hobart Corporation in Troy, Ohio. The precursor to the home mixer was designed as an 80 quart capacity mixer by engineer Herbert Johnston. So impressed with this mixer was the US Navy, that this became standard equipment on three battleships - the Tennessee, the California, and the South Carolina. The Hobart Corporation decided to design a smaller version of this mixer for home use. But, the drums of war summoned the United States into World War I, and this concept was put on hold.

In 1919, the H-5 stand mixer was developed. This mixer also had a spot for attachments that could do other cooking preparation besides mixing. Attachments made today will fit the original H-5. And, attachments made all those years ago will fit the current Kitchen Aid mixers that are in production.

These stand mixers were not called Kitchen Aids. They were simply Hobart Stand Mixers. But, upon testing the product in Troy, Ohio, one house wife was quoted to say, "I don’t care what you call it, but I know it’s the best kitchen aid I have ever had!” And, thus a brand was born.

Through the Roaring Twenties, a force of women went door-to-door selling Kitchen Aid mixers. Soon the model G was developed as Americans began to move into smaller homes. 20000 Model G mixers were sold in just three years!

In 1936 Kitchen Aid sought to modernize the design of its mixer once again. Egmont Arens, an nationally acclaimed industrial designer, was hired to design a modern Kitchen Aid mixer. And, this design remains the same to this day. At this same time, production of Kitchen Aid mixers was moved to Dayton, Ohio. The new design was released in 1941, just prior to the US entering WWII.

During WWII, the Dayton Kitchen Aid plant manufactured munitions for the war, putting production of its mixers on hold. Upon the end of WWII, Kitchen Aid production was moved to Greenville, Ohio where it remains today.

By 1955, Kitchen Aid mixers were available in a variety of colors including pink, yellow, green, chrome, and copper. The K4A began production in 1962. In 1970 wheat and avocado are added to the color line-up. By 1986, the Kitchen Aid line had expanded to include large appliances such as ranges and refrigerators.

1986 also marked the year that the Hobart Corporation sold the Kitchen Aid line to Whirlpool. In 1992, blenders were added to the Kitchen Aid product line. And, in 1995, blue and red were added to the color line-up. The professional - 6 mixer was introduced in 2000.


WOW! What a great tribute to the inovative thinking of Ohioans!