Retro Mixers
(What's wrong with this picture? See below...)
Mix it up!
Like many home appliances, the standing mixer has been downsized from its commercial predecessor. In the 1908, engineer Herbert Johnson was observing a baker mixing bread dough with a metal spoon, often dripping perspiration into the dough; Johnson became determined to create a sweatless mechanical mixing device. By 1915, his 80-quart Hobart mixer was standard equipment on all U.S. Navy vessels, as well as in many commercial bakeries. Here are some examples of these commercial products:
Industrial-Strength Food Processors
Industrial Dough Mixer Design Patent D-111,616
Industrial Dough Mixer Design Patent D-111,197
Industrial Food Chopper Design Datent D-111,217 Click Either Photo to Enlarge
Shortages of metal during World War I kept the Hobart Company from offering a residential product. In 1918, company executives began to test prototype models in their homes. Legend has it that the wife of one of these executives said, "I don't care what you call it, all I know is it's the best kitchen aid I've ever had." Hence the product's name...
The first 5-quart countertop KitchenAid mixers were expensive($189.50, or about $2,200 in 2008 dollars) and heavy (65 pounds) they weren't convenient. The mixer became more convenient and affordable in 1936, when pioneering industrial designer Egmont Ahrens trimmed the mixer down and chopped the price to $55 and then to about $30.
The Kitchen-Aid Model K3B
Click Either Photo to Enlarge
In the early years, retailers were slow to take on the KitchenAid mixer. To counter their reluctance, Hobart established a direct sales force made up primarily of women who went door to door offering demonstrations of the new food preparation tool. Here are two photo from a World War II era training pamphlet. The subject was "How to use electrical appliances." Many rural households were just getting electricity due to the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) and the pamphlet was intended to get folks up to speed with the rest of the country. This photos show a Kitchen-aid K3B. The left photo cautions that the bowl should not be filled to the rim and the right photo shows how to clean up your mess if you do.
Using The Kitchen-Aid Model K3B
Click Either Photo to Enlarge
KitchenAid mixers were among the first "multi-tasker" appliances. As early as 1919 citrus juicer and food grinder attachments were available. During the Depression, the KitchenAid mixers were sold as "food preparation tools" to convince purchasers that they were getting a great value. Today's KitchenAid stand mixers can be converted to anything from a pasta maker to a sausage stuffer or grain mill with the addition of optional attachments. The mixer's mechanics remain virtually unaltered, too. An attachment made in 1919 will fit on today's model. Tens of millions of KitchenAid mixers have been manufactured at the same Greenville, Ohio, factory that produced the first one in 1919.
KitchenAid may have been first, but the widespread acceptance of the electric standing mixer actually belongs to a more populist-priced appliance, the Sunbeam MixMaster invented by Ivar Jepson's. Sold at a fraction of the KitchenAid's price (in the early 1930s, it retailed for $18.25, about $260 in 2008 dollars), the MixMaster caught on like wildfire. Within six years of its 1930 introduction -- and at the height of the Depression -- the company was selling 300,000 MixMasters a year. This brings us to:
Here is a small prefatory note by Jeff Kallman, webmaster of The Classic Sunbeam Mixmaster website, the Ultimate Authority as far as Sunbeam Mixmasters is concerned.
"... Sunbeam Corporation began as the Chicago Flexible Shaft Company. The unusual original name was coined by the two men who had founded the company predominantly to produce several pieces of animal grooming equipment they had created and developed; they incorporated it formally in the 1890s as the Chicago Flexible Shaft Company. The company began producing small appliances in 1910, under a marque they called Sunbeam (the first Sunbeam product was an electric iron, first called Princess but soon better known as the Ironmaster, or 'The Iron of Irons'), and kept the animal grooming equipment in production under a marque called Stewart (one of the two founder-inventors was J.T. Stewart). They hired a young mechanical engineer/designer from Sweden named Ivar Jepson in 1925; he climbed rapidly to head the company's research and development, and this may have been the most critical hire in the company's history. Sunbeam appliances became almost doubly successful, even as the Depression approached and hit, and even before the appearance of perhaps the signature Sunbeam product: the first Sunbeam Mixmaster appeared in 1930 (it got its earliest patents in 1928-29). By the 1940s, the Sunbeam marque was so identifiable that the Chicago Flexible Shaft Company would have been fools not to recognise it. After the company regrouped to commercial production following World War II's interruption, the company formally changed its name to the Sunbeam Corporation. ..."
Sunbeam Model 7 Mixmaster
Posted 12-29-02
This lovely Sumbeam Mixmaster dates from about 1941 (we have others on dispalay below...) This is the condition in which it was found in a yard sale right before Christmas 2002. It has some dirt, but is complete. It works just fine.
If you look closely at this example and the stamp shown at the top of the page, you will note that the stamp has an error. The top part (with the handle...) is a Model 7, but the mixer stand (the bottom part) is from a much earlier Sunbeam (probably Model 3). We thought "Don't believe everything the Government tries to sell you..." until we got this from one of our Readers:
"... the mixer shown on the postage stamp is fairly correct... in Canada, they still used the 1930s stand (a model 3 stand) for the model 5s and 7s. If you purchase Canadian Mixmasters, you'll get the older stand for a 5 and 7, and possibly a 9. If you purchase a U.S. Mixmaster, you will get the more modern stand. ..." (Thanks, Thomas!)
Check out the distinctive front "grille" or "wings" of the Model 7. Compare this to our Model 11, below which has the "Smiley Face" front.
The face of the Mixmaster was very important to its design because automobile stylists devoted considerable attention to the front grille treatment -- which due to the limitations on bending steel at the time, was about the only place where they could add distinctive touches. The photo on the left shows an ad for General Motors cars which highlights the distinctive grille treatment of the various GM models. The photo on the left shows a typical car ad that gives prominence to the Grille Treatment.
The Grille or "Face" of the Auto was an Important Design Element
This was also quite true in the evolution of the Sunbeam Mixmaster as shown in the following Design Patents:
Evolution "Face" of the Mixer (left to right)
1931 Sunbeam Mixmaster Design Patent D-83,410
1936 Sunbeam Mixmaster Design Patent D-102,148
1940 Sunbeam Mixmaster Design Patent D-120,358
1938 Knapp-Monarch Competing Design Patent D-110,579
Click here if you want to learn how to get Patent Drawings
However, the Sunbeam Mixmaster had an unusual airplane-inspired tail as well. The speed control, known as the Mix-Finder Dial is also a key element of design and is, of course patented:
The Mixfinder Dial
The Mix Finder Dial Speed Control Patent No. 2,274,480
Ad featuring the Sunbeam Mix Finder Dial
Click Either Photo to Enlarge
Here are some photographs from the assembly line at the Hamilton-Beach (left) and Sunbeam (right) factories in the 1940s. This will give you an idea of what life was like on an assembly line.
(left) Hamilton Beach Model E line (right) Sunbeam Assembly Line attaching Mixfinder Dials
Photograph by Frank Scherschel c. 1946
Click either photo to enlarge
The Sunbeam Mixmaster was a vesatile multi-tasker -- here are some of the "usual" ways of using the appliance. However, as seen a bit later, there were a wide variety of attachments for the Mixer
The Versatile Sunbeam Mixmaster
As a Mixer, Juicer or Grinder
Click to Enlarge
This is the fabulous Sunbeam Mixmaster, another kitchen appliance that set the standard for things to come. This is about sixty years old and it works like a champ. It is infinitely superior to anything that you can find today even at the most expensive Yuppie kitchen store. This gadget is much tougher, more powerful and more durable than anything on the market, even those $300 "commercial" models at Williams-Sonoma. Forget all that --- search the thrift stores for a Mixmaster!
I like the following "built-in" cabinet that was designed to hold the Mixmaster and its attachments:
Special Cabinet Designed for the Mixmaster
Photograph by Frank Scherschel c. 1946
Click either photo to enlarge
Not only is this a great kitchen item, but you can also use it to conduct Science Experiments, according to an article from the August 1951 issue of Popular Science.
Click the Photo to Read the Article
Here are the original patent drawings for the juicer and meat grinder attachments:
Patents for Key Attachments for the Sunbeam Mixmaster
Juicer Patent No.2,002,333
Meat Grinder Patent No.1,975,949
Juice Strainer Patent No. 2,019,771
Mixmaster Beater Ejector Patent No. 2,293,959
Click to Enlarge
Here is the information from the manufacturer's nameplate:
5600 Roosevelt Road
Chicago, Illinois
This is a Model 11, with the "Smiley Face" front.
Jeff Kallman's Own Mixer
Jeff was kind enough to send us a photograph of his Model 11 B. Jeff writes:
"... The mixer I use is a fully restored 1955 Model 11. I call
her Model 11BC because the restorer from whom I bought the mixer painted
her black and put a chrome front motor cap on her. Very stylish,
actually. I also own a 1946 Model 7B which I would like to have gutted,
cleaned, and restored, but I cannot afford to have it done now. ..."
LUBRICATING THE MIXER
About once a year, you should consider lubricating your mixer. Here are the oiling locations.
- Oil can be placed in the the Power-Takeoff (a large opening on top,opposite the beaters.)
- There are two small lubricating ports (holes) on either side of the power takeoff
- There is a small port near the end of the top handle
- There is a port on the Mix-Finder dial, just opposite the word "off" (Turn the dial to "off" before you use this port.)
One or two drops, ONLY. Use high quality machine oil.
The front motor cover and handle should be removed to inspect the grease cups for the gears. This is done by swinging the handle to the side, removing the screw in the center and taking the front cover off. Then, remove the four screws inside and take off the grease cover. This should contain about one tablespoon of grease inside. If the grease is old, or contaminated, clean the case thoroughly and place a tablespoon of a light appliance grease in the case. You can get this lubricant at a hardware store. Replace the screws and you're on your way!!
ACCESSORIES FOR THE MIXER
This was one of the first devices marketed for multiple purposes. The photos show the three most popular adaptations --- as a mixer, juicer, and grinder. The juicer can also be rigged to drip olive oil into eggs to make a FANTASTIC mayonnaise. However...
The Full Array of Accessories
You ain't seen nothing yet! The instruction manual also shows attachments that would do the following:
- Peel Potatoes and Apples
- Puree and Rice
- Churn Butter
- Slice Beans
- Make Ice Cream
- Slice, Shred and Grate
- Shell Peas
- Grind Coffee
- Mix Drinks
- Open Cans
- Sharpen Knives
- Polish Silver
Here are some photos of the "exotic accessories that we have been able to find:
The Slicer-Shredder
The Churn for Making Butter
The Drink Mixer -- Will Make Milkshakes and Daiquiris
Attachments: knife sharpener, silver buffer, drink mixer, whisk
A Store Mixer Display
The photos are absoultely amazing. I have spent quite some time tracking down some of these devices --- they are extremely rare. If you have leads PLEASE let me know.
Here is a Sunbeam Price List for 1947 that shows the various accessories plus the parts for things like Toasters and Shavers.
1947 Sunbeam Price List
Sunbeam Model 10 Mixmaster
Posted 07-03-02
This is an 1952 advertisement for a very lovely Sunbeam Mixmaster that we found at a yard sale in Bel Air Maryland for only $1. This is a true find! You may see the actual object in its everyday use setting on our Dream Kitchen Restoration Page.
Posted 07-03-02
Here are some pictures of a very lovely Model 1940 Sunbeam Mixmaster that were sent to us by our friend Valerie Holt. She has a great eye --- this is a real beauty!!
Posted 03-07-05
Here are some photos of a "Magic Maid" fold-away mixer, designed by Patrick J. Fitzgerald of Torrington, Connecticut. The mixer dates from the mid-1930s. The photos were sent to us by our friend "Acme Ron">
The Magic Maid Mixer
Manufacturers Plate
Magic Maid Patent No. 89,565(folded)
Click to Enlarge
Mr. Fitzgerald provided a very ingenious mixer with a handle and locking device that allowed it to supply power in both a vertical mode (mixing) and a horizontal mode (juicing), cutting, etc.
The Versatile Magic Maid Mixer
Patent No. 89,565 (Vertical)
Patent No. 89,565 (Horizontal)
Patent No. 1,898,945 (Internal)
Patent No. 1,898,945 (Juicer)
Click to Enlarge
Click here if you want to learn how to get Patent Drawings
Posted 04-04-05
Saving the Model 11 in Australia
Our friend John from Australia asked for some help with his Model 11 Mixmaster. Here is his account of the story:
"... Here is a very bad picture of a Mixmaster Model 11 that was destined for the scrap heap only to be rescued by a $2 capacitor. The quality is poor because I only have a webcam but the story remains the same. This particular machine had lost the ability to slow down. She was stuck permanently in the fast lane and wouldn't even turn off. The pressures of modern day life had finally caught up with this fifty year old even though she could easily pass for twenty. ..."
"... Enter the World Wide Web and the wealth of information to be found and shared. Who would have thought that this old girl had her own web site? Luckily, people like Frank and his fellow Lindy Hoppers keep the past alive. With his help, I was able to isolate the faulty capacitor as the cause of my girls problems. The capacitor is not unlike the one found across the ignition points of a car. Remember when cars had points and carburettors, column shifts and bench seats and the Drive-in Theatre ruled but I digress. The capacitor is used to supress the arcing across the mixmaster speed control points. No capacitor has fifty years of life in it, so if you have an old Mixmaster in the kitchen go out and shout it a new cap. The capacitor can fail by shorting out as mine did. This will lead to a lack of variable speed but worse would be if the capacitor failed by becoming an open circuit. If this happens, you will have no warning. The Mixmaster will continue to operate as normal but the speed control points will quickly burn themselves out, leading to failure. I doubt that you would find a replacement, Sunbeam have long since stopped supplying spares. ..." (Thanks, Thomas)
Posted 08-04-2006
Tour-de-force of Mixer Restoration
We got these photos from Jim Dayton, a former John Deere employee, who now customizes Sunbeam mixers. He has an astonishing talent!
Give me tour TIRED...
...your POOR
..........your WRETCHED...
and I will deconstruct them
and REBUILD them...
IN A RAINBOW OF COLORS
RED!
BLUE!
PINK!
GREEN!
Two-Tone with CHROME!
He can even change the manufacturer
All hail Jim Dayton, Master Mixer Magician
Here is a picture of a mixer sold by Sears. This particular example was restored by one of our readers. It looks great! Note that the mixer is featured as "Solid State" -- this means that its controls use diodes and transistors.
We got this from a reader who elaborated on the "Solid State" discussion:
"... regarding "solid state" for the Sears mixer, capacitors are solid state, too (actually, they have nothing to do with solid state or not). Capacitors are merely used in the old Mixmasters and in the new mixers to supress radio interference. They have nothing to do with the actual speed control unit, though one goes across it to supress noise, and if the capacitor shorts, it'll short across the speed controlling unit, making it unable to regulate speed. You'll find capacitors everywhere (including in the solid state Sears unit). They are a necessity in everything including your computer. Every solid state radio ever made has capacitors. The solid state stuff regards the transistors that control the motor. Mixmasters don't use transistors (or micro-chips that contain transistors). They use mechanical points attached to a governor (two weights that spin outward as the machine spins faster....more tension on the points makes it more difficult for them to open, which makes the motor spin faster....if the points can open easily, they'll regulate the motor at a slower speed). Mechanical points periodically require maintainence, but anyone can maintain them and clean them. Solid state technology eliminates the need for periodic service, but when it blows, very few people know what to do with it. It is also more fragile. It is more accurate, but with mixers, accuracy is unnecessary. Robust performance is what you want. ...And, even though points need periodic cleaning for optimum performance, you will notice that most Mixmasters operate quite well without maintainence, even after 60 or 70 years. Solid state sounds modern and catchy. It is delicate. About the only benefit is to the manufacturer, because it is easier to punch out a little circuit board than it is to manufacture mechanical points and a governor. ..."
The Chrome "Solid State" Sears Mixer
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