Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Introduction and the Timeline

The History of Hobart and Kitchenaid Mixers -- THE INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 



 

 

 
While a active member of the Kitchenaid forum I noticed the same questions kept coming up. Tiring of this repetition, on April 17, 2006; I decided to create a "definitive" KA/Hobart pictorial history on the site. The information and photos there are taken from internet sources, WACEM, other Kitchenaid forum members, DecoDan, and my own limited knowledge.

The moderators of the forum and the other members were very pleased with the result, although I had hoped for more. The moderators were kind enough to give me nice Kitchenaid kitchen items as tokens of their appreciation.

The moderators of the forum also encouraged me to write another thread on the forum that addressed Kitchenaid mixer attachments. I did so and it also was a “hit”! The moderators for Kitchenaid were truly appreciative and I received more tokens from them.

I found that I had unofficially become the Kitchenaid forum’s resident “expert” on vintage mixers and attachments. I was even interviewed for and invited to be taped for a Kitchenaid infomercial! I was not able to attend, but to be asked was an honor!

When new information was discovered about the mixers and attachments, the information on the forum threads was added at the end of the thread, not in the appropriate place in the timeline. I found that to be confusing to readers and an issue that I could not resolve. I also felt that both threads should be combined, so that mixers and their attachments could clearly be seen in the historical prospective.

Another issue that needed to be addressed constantly on the Kitchenaid forum was requests for User Manuals for the vintage mixers. I spent lots of time copying and sending Kitchenaid copies of my manuals so they would have them available for other members upon request.

These too somehow needed to be combined with the history of the mixers and the attachments.  The Kitchenaid forum folded in September of 2010 and my plans were foiled.  I did join a foodie forum where I was warmly welcomed and lionized regarding my expertise on KA mixers. 
http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/20118/greetings-fabulous-leolady

Then, a chance meeting with a lady on another food site, led to me advising her on what mixer she needed. This lady is Susan, who then said I needed to write a book. The love of my life -- Rory and my Cousin Jeff have enthusiastically supported me in this endeavor.

So for Susan, Jeff, Rory, my nieces Marisa, Shaina, and Nala; and in memory of my Mother -- Rozelia -- here it is. My history of the Kitchenaid/Hobart mixers




 

 

 

 

KITCHENAID HISTORY TIME-LINE





1908 HERBERT JOHNSTON SET OUT TO DESIGN AN EASIER WAY OF COMMERCIAL MIXING.
Like many home appliances, the standing mixer has been downsized from its commercial predecessor. In 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 sweat-less mechanical mixing device.


1914 FIRST 80-QUART HOBART COMMERCIAL MIXER MARKETED.


1916 U.S. NAVY ORDERED HOBART MIXERS FOR BATTLESHIPS.
Shortages of metal during World War I kept the Hobart Company from offering a residential product.


1919 MODEL H-5 $189.50 - THE FIRST HOME STAND MIXER WITH PLANETARY ACTION.
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.

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.



1920 PLANETARY ACTION PATENTED.


1923 KITCHENAID BEGAN ADVERTISING IN NATIONAL MAGAZINES.
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.

 

1927 MODEL G $111.00 - SMALLER, LIGHTER DESIGN.


1931 MODEL F 489.50 - 3 ½ QUART BOWL, LOWER PRICE.


1932 MODEL A (CAUDATE) - SMALLEST KITCHENAID EVER MADE...ROTATING BOWL.


1933 MODEL R & D - MADE IN LIMITED QUANTITIES WITH A FACETED CHROMED BODY.


1937 MODEL K $55.00 - THE FIRST TO USE A BOWL THAT SECURED TO THE BASE WITH AN INTERLOCKING MOTION.


1939 MODEL K-3 $28.50 - 3 SPEED INTRODUCED WITH 3 QUART BOWL.
MODEL K4 $55.00 - MODEL K ENHANCED WITH 4 QUART BOWL.


1940 MODEL K-3A $29.95 - REPLACED K-3.


1941 MODEL K-5A $109.00 - REPLACED THE MODEL G. HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN THE LINE SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION - 5 QUART BOWL.
PRODUCTION OF KITCHENAID STAND MIXERS LIMITED.


1944 MODEL K-4B - REPLACED MODEL K-4A.


MODEL K3B $29.95 - REPLACED MODEL K3A.


1947 MODEL HOBART N-50 INTRODUCED IN OCTOBER – COMMERCIAL 5 QT MODEL


1950 MODEL K-3C - MODEL K-3B COSMETICALLY REDESIGNED.


1955 KITCHENAID INTRODUCED BOLD NEW COLORS.


1962 MODEL K-45 - MODEL K-4 REFINED TO 4 ½ QUART BOWL. STILL IN PRODUCTION - THE MOST POPULAR MODEL EVER INTRODUCED.


MODEL K-4C - MODEL K-3C ENHANCED WITH A 4 QUART BOWL. FEATURED A GLASS BOWL WITH A SINGLE PURPOSE BEATER SINCE ITS INCEPTION.


1979 THE LAST K-4C WAS PRODUCED.
1986 Hobart sold the Kitchen Aid line to Whirlpool. Chief among the REASONS are that Americans do not want commercial mixers, they want shiny multi-speed gadgets. Commercial equipment in general is not intended to look good in the kitchen; it is intended to work reliably for many years in the commercial environment. Americans won't pay for durability and _lack_ of features over looks. So there was no way for a commercial equipment manufacturer to make money on a "prosumer" mixer line.


 

47 comments:

  1. Is the model 4C attachments interchangeable with the 3C model?

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  2. The beaters are not interchangeable. Other attachments like citrus juicer, or other hub attachments are interchangeable.

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  3. I have a 1947 N-50, which I love. I used to be able to find K5A attachments for it, but all the ones I've recently ordered from Amazon don't fit. Where, oh where, can those of us who are Hobart junkies find attachments for this excellent mixer?

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  4. Sorry to take so long to get back. My computer is down. If by attachments you mean the beaters, then your K5A beaters [although they fit] are too short and narrow. N50 beaters are longer and larger and provide a better beater to bowl fit. Try this company and order the correct beaters for your mixer.

    http://www.globeequipment.com/Commercial-Kitchen-Equipment/Cooking-Equipment/Mixers/Beater-Alu005

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  5. I need to make a miniature of a KitchenAid, in 1:24-scale, for a same-scale 1939 U.S. Naval submarine galley! I would be looking for informative suggestions as to appropriate KitchenAid model to choose from. The counter-space available (full-size) was about 2 feet wide by 2 1/4 feet deep, with no more than about four feet of overhead, perhaps a little less. The Navy would have had them painted gray, of course. The cooks had to make fresh bread for a complement of 10 officers and 71 enlisted men virtually every day, in addition to whatever else the KitchenAid was used for, in a very small galley; 3 seatings for the enlisted meals at 4 tables 2 x 5 feet, in a very small "crew's mess"! I anticipate using Fimo or equivalent to model the mixer body. Any good suggestions welcome. Thanks for any thing anyone can share on this. Regards, John

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  6. I recently purchased a vintage 3-C KitchenAid mixer from eBay with full intentions of using it. It is in really great shape and came with a metal beater, flat paddle, meat grinder attachment with two blades and a "beehive" shaped bowl.

    This issue I am having is that the beater and flat paddle hit the side of the bowl and must have been doing for some time since there is a ring around the inside of the metal bowl. I can use other wider metal bowls and nothing hits and probably will wind up doing just that since the hitting on the bowl is noisy and it makes the mixer jump around.

    My question is do you think there is something out of alignment? I know it is hard to tell this from my description. The reason I am asking is because the seller never mentioned this in his listing and sold the unit as "great working order". If in your opinion there is something wrong with the mixer that will cause it to stop working due to the hitting issue then I would like to let the seller know.
    Thanks, Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check the 3C chapter on the correct beater and bowl for this model.

      Delete
  7. Pretty disappointing that you failed to included the Swiss Army folding Model G that I shared with you years ago on the KA forum. Still riding your motorcycle are you? Hope all is well, and really miss seeing you at the old KA forum. Hope all is really, really well for you.

    And, yes, I still have the old Pelican that you don't.

    Merry Christmas!

    Eric (aka ethermion)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Well hello old friend!

    I couldn't find the correct spot on the official timeline for the folding Model G! That's ok I don't have every Pelican. I am glad to have what I do have.

    I miss the old KA forum too. There are many old friends I would like to "see" again. Mixfinder [Kelly Beard] passed away September 2013 after a long illness.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the history! I have my grandmother's stainless Model G and I have had a hard time finding any information about it...it looks a bit different than ones I have seen on the web. I would like to find a dough hook and flat beater that fits. Can you tell me which other models' accessories are interchangeable. Also, do you know if the model G was in production even after other models were being made? I am trying to date my particular Model G. Thank you!

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  10. See Chapter two for your information. http://leoladysw.blogspot.com/2012/02/chapter-two-ka-model-g.html

    No model G mixers were produced after 1947 when it was modified and re-badged as the Hobart N-50.

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  11. HELLO. I have a very large Hobart mixer but I am unable to find model info. I searched the info plate but only gives serial no. 517008.

    Instead of the bush button on/off mine has a metal pull switch. I spoke to Hobart and they were of no help.

    I would like to know model name. Please help me!!!

    Thank you!

    David

    ReplyDelete
  12. HELLO. I have a very large Hobart mixer but I am unable to find model info. I searched the info plate but only gives serial no. 517008.

    Instead of the bush button on/off mine has a metal pull switch. I spoke to Hobart and they were of no help.

    It is not a S601. The gold info plate reads:

    THE HOBART MANUFACTURING, CO.
    TROY, O. USA

    ( Does not spell out Ohio but shows first letter only).


    I would like to know model name. Please help me!!!

    Thank you!

    David

    ReplyDelete
  13. While a active member of the Kitchenaid forum I noticed the same questions ... akitchenaid.blogspot.com

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  14. Hello
    I'm a collector and I have in my collection a model G of kitchenaid.
    Of laterally, next to the power switch, it has a metal plate with the features of the model.
    Oh seen, however, some pictures on the internet, where the metal plate is not applied.
    It is not removed because there are no holes to secure it. I wonder if it is an older or newer.
    tank's
    bello vittorino
    taranto
    italy

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you for your post. I really want a new KitchenAid mixer

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello: I have a 1947 Hobart N-50 in working order. It has been in an attic for 20 years. I would like to begin using it but would like to have it serviced and cleaned before actively using it. I live in Tampa, FL and have searched the internet and made many phone calls including to Hobart for someone to service it. Any suggestions? I am willing to try to do it myself but would like to have specific instructions which are not in the manual such as how to repack the grease, etc. Suggestions for instructions for this also would be quite helpful. Thanks so much for any input.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Did you ever find anyone to service your N50?

      Delete
  17. How much did the Kitchenaid Mixer cost new in 1955?

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have a Kitchenaid Hobart 4C (1971). The beater is erratic----revolves around the bowl but does not spin around for whipping, beating. Thoughts about what this could be? Removed the planetary but didn't see any obviously shot gear. Did find a piece of rope----what's the purpose of that? Is it to keep the grease in place? Thoughts as to what the problem might be? If it would help, I could send a short video of what the machine does. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have the same model and mine does not spin as well. I am also searching for a dough hook with no luck so far.

      Delete
    2. Kitchenaid Rep said there is no dough hook for the 4-C, just the beater.

      Delete
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    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello-I am looking for a dough hook attachment for a Hobart Kitchen Aid 3-c. The mixers shaft is 3/8". THANKS

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have a "beehive" bowl marked Heat Proof for Kitchenaid and the number "13" pressed into the hub. It doesn't fit on my 4C mixer, it's a tiny bit too large. Everything else is identical to the bowl I have for the 4C marked with a "2" on the hub. Any ideas what machine this bowl is for? I would appreciate any information you could provide.

    Thanks,

    Billy

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  22. Hi, Leolady, This is a awesome informative history of Hobart and Kitchenaid Mixers.You presented many information. I have known many unknown information from this post. Thank you very much for sharing with all us.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi, Leolady, This is a awesome informative history of Hobart and Kitchenaid Mixers.You presented many information. I have known many unknown information from this post. Thank you very much for sharing with all us.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi, Thanks for sharing! I LOVE learning about these mixers. Trying to collect all of the vintage attachments for mine at the moment. Relly wish I had the money for that vintage pea sheller listed on ebay right now :( Those things are sooo hard to find!

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  25. It's hard to believe they have been around that long and how expensive the first one was. It makes sense why they are so popular now.

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  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  27. Hi Leolady! I'm doing a research project for University about KitchenAid and I would like to know where you have found this great information about all the models.

    Thank you so much, you have done a really good job!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Im trying to find information on my mixer model g and having no luck with the internet. The kitchen aid website seems to be down. Any idea where I may be able to find manuals and such.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  29. Im trying to find information on my mixer model g and having no luck with the internet. The kitchen aid website seems to be down. Any idea where I may be able to find manuals and such.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  30. I have a hobart kitchenaid mixer that has to be from before 1979. My husband made his mom a box in shop class to hold all the attachements. I can not find the serial or model number any place. I want to replace the paddle and whisk. Please assist and thank you

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  31. mom gave me the 4-c mint cond i love it so much. i will last another generation

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  32. I am in line for my very first mixer and I have wanted a vintage Kitchenaid forever but I'm finding hard to find one. I would love a K5-A!

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  35. I have a K4-B mixer model. I can't find a beater for this model. Are you aware of any current beater models available that will fit this model mixer?

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  36. Where to have K5-A serviced. I'm in Vermont and have two. In one there is a slight wobble due to the way the bowl lift portion is ? Needs adjustment as well as the height of the bowl and placement of the beater in it
    Thank you for suggestions. I'm new to these mixers but very interested

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am in LOVE with this mixer I was also very wary of the color this would come in. My kitchen is 1950s diner themed, so I really wanted that vintage blue/turquoise color. I purchased this mixer in the Aqua Sky color and I am extremely satisfied. I almost didn't buy this because someone said that Aqua Sky is "just blue" when really, it does have a smidge of green in it to give it that light aqua/turquoise color. I’ve worked in graphic design for years, I know when something is all blue & when it has a smidge of green in it. If I had to give you an idea of the color IRL, I'd say it's close to robins egg blue with a smidge of green, not much, but enough to make it considered aqua or turquoise.

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  38. Some information about the Pre-Solid State K45: There were 2 versions, The early version is pictured here in the K45 article - production from 1962-1974(?) and the later version not shown produced from 1974(?) to 1978. After 1978 the Solid State model K45SS replaced the K45.

    Early K45: "Thin" Kitchenaid lettering, rated for DC electrical service, original bowl has sharp edge, original beater and dough hook are un-coated aluminum, beater has "tang" on one side, requires white pouring shield (1-piece only available) to fit original bowl - current clear versions do not fit..

    Later K45: "Thick" Kitchenaid lettering, no longer rated for DC service (this is due to the main switch being changed to a light duty microswitch instead of the heavy duty toggle switch used in the DC service model-otherwise the electrical parts are identical), original bowl has rounded edge (no longer causes scratching of the pedestal at the bowl rim height), beater and dough hook are coated aluminum, beater tang deleted, original bowl uses clear pouring shield (1-piece or 2-piece current types, white pouring shield not interchangeable).

    Although the earlier K45 was produced for more years, their prevalence is not as much as the later model as shown on eBay.

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  39. The KitchenAid website indicates that the K45 was introduced in 1969. I can't find any evidence besides this blog that it was produced earlier. Additionally, this seems reasonable to me since the K-4C was supposedly produced from 1961-1979, ending with the introducing of the K45SS replacing both the K45 and K-4C. Introducing the K45 just one year after the K-4C seems a bit odd.

    https://www.kitchenaid.com/100year/history.html#section-1969

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  40. Does anyone know when the first glass bowl with a handle was made, and if it would fit the newer models? I don't like the cheap glass for them now. Thanks.

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  41. Is this site still up and running? I have some questions on the 1936-37 model F Kitchenaid mixer.

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  42. I just acquired a K4-B in good but not perfect shape. I want to restore it including powder coating the housing. I want to go all the way and convert it to solid sate (some K45SS parts required). One issue is that replacement bowels are non existent. So I risk spending time and money that would fail if something happened to my only bowel. It occurred to me that K45 bowels are easily found. My question is: Will the K4-B motorhead fit on a K45 base pedestal? recommended colors? leaning to "Arizona turquoise".

    ReplyDelete