CHICAGO (March 11, 2007) - It has been 70 years since renowned industrial designer
Egmont Arens redesigned the utilitarian but, at the time, somewhat homely KitchenAid stand mixer,
giving it the curvy, distinctive silhouette that has remained virtually unchanged to this day. According to
Brian Maynard, KitchenAid Brand Marketing Director, it was this timeless design, together with its
tremendous power and versatility, which helped make the mixer an essential and iconic kitchen tool
embraced by cooks around the world.
“The first mixer was actually introduced in 1919, but it was Arens’ 1937 Model K design that really
captivated consumers,” notes Maynard. “And while its core following is among those who love to cook
and bake, our research tells us that many less avid cooks simply want one on their countertop, largely
because they like its design.”
From an aesthetic standpoint, the mixer’s appeal was further heightened in 1955 when KitchenAid
introduced the first models in colors, including Petal Pink, Sunny Yellow, Island Green and Satin
Chrome. Today, KitchenAid offers the mixer in over 40 colors and finishes.
After creating the first commercial mixer some years earlier, Hobart Manufacturing Company introduced
the Model H-5, the first home version, in 1919. The brand name KitchenAid was born when a company
executive’s wife, who was asked to test it and consider names, exclaimed: “I don’t care what you call it, I
know it’s the best kitchen aid I have ever had!”
The KitchenAid Model H-5 weighed 69 pounds, included a juicer attachment and sold for $189.50
(equivalent to about $1,900 today). A largely female sales force sold the units door-to-door until they
became more widely accepted and dealers began carrying them in the 1930’s.
In 1920, KichenAid patented its exclusive “planetary mixing action” that moves the beater in a spiral
motion to 67 different points around the bowl for more complete mixing.
In addition to the juicer attachment included with the product, KitchenAid offered an optional food
grinder for the Model H-5. In the years since, KitchenAid has introduced dozens of optional attachments
and accessories, from a grain mill and sausage stuffer to an ice cream maker and pasta roller, giving
credence to its claim of offering the “first total food preparation center.”
According to Maynard, another factor that made the mixer a lasting and worthwhile investment was the
company’s early design decision to ensure that all attachments ever introduced could be used with
virtually every mixer ever made.
Today, the KitchenAid stand mixer collection includes a variety of models for cooks to choose from
ranging from the 5-quart Artisan® Series tilt-head models up to the larger capacity and more powerful
Professional 600™ Series models with a bowl-lift design and 6-quart capacity stainless steel bowl. The
most recent addition to the growing stand mixer collection includes the limited edition “true metal” Pro
620™ model stand mixer available in Brushed Nickel and Satin Copper.
Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has
built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. From
countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars, KitchenAid now
offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for
their homes more than any other brand*, visit www.KitchenAid.com.
PLEASE NOTE: To download high resolution product images and view the latest press releases, please
visit the KitchenAid online press room at www.kitchenaid.com/press .
*Based on a September 2005 survey, KitchenAid was found to be the home kitchen appliance brand chosen most
often by members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals when asked about refrigerators, ovens,
cooktops, ranges, dishwashers, microwave ovens, electric mixers, blenders, food processors and toasters.
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KITCHENAID STAND MIXER TRIVIA
The stand mixer is one of the few consumer products to receive a trademark from the U.S. Patent
and Trademark office for its silhouette.
There is a cobalt blue KitchenAid stand mixer in the Smithsonian American History Museum in
Julia Child's kitchen
In 1998 the San Francisco Museum of Art called it an Icon in their exhibition title "Icons:
Magnets of Meaning" organized by the Curator of Architecture and Design, Aaron Betsky.
In the 1920’s, stand mixer production was five mixers a day and they sold for $150 (equal to
nearly $1,700 today).
The KitchenAid stand mixer has been assembled by hand in Greenville, Ohio for over six
decades.
