A curious kitchen tool sparked a frenzy of interest online, with people from all over the world collaborating to uncover its identity. As it turns out, the tool in question has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century.
The earliest known precursor to this kitchen tool was patented in 1856 by Ralph Collier, a tinner from Baltimore, Maryland. Collier’s design featured rotating parts, laying the groundwork for future innovations. The following year, E.P. Griffith patented a whisk in England, while J.F. and E.P. Monroe developed a hand-turned rotary egg beater in the United States in 1859.
The Monroe brothers’ egg beater design was later acquired by the Dover Stamping Company, which went on to produce the iconic Dover egg beaters. These classic American brand beaters became a staple in many kitchens. In fact, a recipe from a 1929 issue of the Gazette newspaper in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, references the “Dover beater” as a common kitchen tool.
As the years passed, improvements were made to the egg beater design. In 1870, Turner Williams invented another model, while Willis Johnson patented new enhancements in 1884. The first electric mixer is credited to Rufus Eastman, who invented it in 1885.
The early 20th century saw the rise of commercial mixers, with companies like Hobart Manufacturing leading the charge. Their KitchenAid stand mixer, introduced in 1919, became a game-changer for home bakers. The Sunbeam Mixmaster, first produced in 1910, was another popular electric mixer brand.
Herbert Johnston, an engineer at Hobart Manufacturing, played a significant role in developing the electric standing mixer. Inspired by a baker mixing bread dough, Johnston created a mechanical counterpart that would become standard equipment in large bakeries by 1915.
The collaboration of internet users to identify the mysterious kitchen tool not only shed light on its history but also highlighted the evolution of kitchen technology over the centuries.
