The KitchenAid brand name was introduced by the Hobart Manufacturing Company in 1919. It was first used to advertise a standing electric mixer in newspapers and magazines. The name was derived by the wife of the president of the Hobart Manufacturing Company who declared that the standing electric mixer was “the best kitchen aid I ever had.” KitchenAid mixers produced during the 1920s and 1930s were very popular because they featured high-quality metal parts that were easy to use and maintain. This popularity spurred interest in the firm's blenders and electric coffee mills that were designed to make life easier for consumers.
KitchenAid designed its first dishwashers for commercial use in 1926. These units featured a large rectangular design, large hoses and wide dish pans that were inspired by designs created by the Crescent Washing Machine Company during the late 19th century. These dishwashers were designed to clean dinner plates, platters and glasses efficiently using round brushes that were attached to small levers. They also featured optional baskets that could be attached near the front of the machines' dish pans to clean silverware.
The demand for these dishwashers spurred interest in a portable unit that could by smaller restaurants. They met this interest by producing a series of portable commercial dishwashers between 1927 and 1930 that featured innovative features including front loading racks, sliding dish racks and chrome control knobs. They refined these features after World War II to produce their first upright dishwasher. These dishwashers were introduced to consumers in 1949 at department stores and at independent dealerships. They were also sold to consumers by roving door-to-door sales representatives who were commissioned by KitchenAid to sell their products.
They then refined this basic design during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s to create several portable dishwashers that featured larger cleaning surfaces, better brushes and wide wheelbases that were designed to offer consumers the flexibility needed to use the dishwashers anywhere. These units were typically sold at independent dealerships and appliance stores.
KitchenAid also continued to produce upright dishwashers during this time that could be mounted near sinks or garbage disposals. These units featured a sleek rectangular design, powerful motors and high-quality hoses that helped consumers clean more dishes in less time. They also featured exterior trims and colors that could be customized to meet the needs of consumers. Avid home renovation experts who specialize in using vintage home appliances to create stunning kitchen designs use many of these KitchenAid dishwasher parts today.
This continued until the Whirlpool Corporation purchased the company in 1986. Whirlpool now produces several KitchenAid dishwashers that feature quieter motors, sleek square designs and stainless steel exteriors that are designed to help consumers wash dishes quickly. Many consumers enjoy using KitchenAid dishwasher parts because they feature durable motors, hoses and exteriors that help people save energy without compromising on quality.