The History of Appliances

As pedestrian as the act may seem today, walking into your kitchen and grabbing a cold glass of juice used to be impossible. Before there were vacuums, washing machines, or refrigerators, there were problems to be solved and pioneers. Whether you’re curious about the past, or looking to the future, our History of Appliances is sure to teach you something new!

The Past

Pioneer Jacob Christian Schäffer invented the first mechanical washing machine in 1767 (before the American Revolution!) But 30 years passed before a patent was ever filed!

One of the earliest methods of refrigeration wasn’t the icebox, it was the ice cellar. In the late 1700’s, those who could afford the cost built pits insulated with straw and ice, meant to store perishables. Speculated to be the first ice house in America, one was even found at the President's House in Philadelphia, frequented by George Washington and John Adams! Washington must have liked the idea because he constructed an ice house at Mount Vernon a short time after!

With the rise of natural ice harvesting, Americans began storing their perishables in a more practical and affordable fashion, with wood and metals iceboxes. Finally, perishables could be stored in the kitchen, rather than underground!

In search of an easier solution to do the washing up, Josephine Cochrane invented and subsequently presented the first functional automatic dishwasher at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. While you may not recognize her name, you’re sure to recognize the appliance giant she later founded, KitchenAid.

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Taking a step forward from Schäffer’s mechanical invention, the first drum washing machine was invented at the turn of the 20th century!

1905 was a huge milestone in the history of appliances. The first electric appliance was patented by Albert Marsh. Toast could be made safely in the comfort of the kitchen. No fires necessary!

In 1914, Nathaniel B. Wales proposed the idea for the first electric refrigerator! But it wasn’t until 1923 that Frigidaire produced the first self contained product, taking a giant step towards the refrigerators we know and love today.

Frigidaire still makes appliances, and since they’ve practically been in the industry since the day it started, you can rest assured they know what they’re doing.

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Finally parting from the hand cranked machines that came before it, the first electric washing machine was introduced during the 1920’s!

Just before 1930, another huge appliance maker hit the scene. Miele introduced the first electric top-loading dishwasher to Europe.

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The Present

Washing Machines

Washing machines have changed quite a lot since they were first invented. Gone are the days of cranking the rotary by hand! Maytag, which only began producing washing machines due to a cold winter slowing down their farming equipment business, now makes some of the best washing machines and dryers in the world.

Just take the Maytag MHW8200FW, MED8200FW for example! Features like the Optimal Dose Dispenser, Powerwash Cycle, Fresh Hold Option, Rapid Dry, Steam Dry, and sanitize cycle have become standard.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators have also made leaps and bounds. The SubZero 648PROG 6 door refrigerator comes with three evaporators and an internal ice dispenser. Because of the dual refrigeration and sealed system this fridge keeps food fresh longer than normal fridges. It even has a microprocessor built in to guarantee each zone in your fridge maintains the right temperature and humidity.

Dishwashers

As you may have learned earlier, Meile was one of the first dishwashing companies on the scene. But they haven’t let their pioneer status falter! Quieter than an everyday conversation, Miele dishwashers are practically silent, with their DbA as low as 41! Miele dishwashers such as the Miele G6165SCVISF also boast features like 6 wash programs, water softeners, 3D Cutlery tray, and autosensor, making washing the dishes easier than ever.

The Future

Samsung, a rather new player in the appliance market has been making a splash. Using their background in electronics, Samsung have modernized home appliances with revolutionary technology. From fridges that can tell you when your food is going to expire, send shopping lists and family schedules straight to your phone, and play your favorite music to dishwashers you can control from your phone Samsung is constantly innovating.

If you’re looking towards the future (or even just towards beginning your smart home) Samsung appliances are worth looking at, especially since they look so good.

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If one of the items in this article piqued your interest or you’re ready to put together a custom home appliance package, give us a call at 303.665.6850. One of our knowledgeable sales representatives would love to help!

Sources:

http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/ice-harvesting-electric-refrigeration

http://www.greatachievements.org/?id=3768

https://newatlas.com/go/4824/

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/the-secret-history-of-the-dishwasher-2119320.html