KitchenAid stand mixers, with their iconic silhouette and range of over 50 color options, are a staple in many home kitchens. From avid home bakers to professional chefs, KitchenAid mixers are beloved for their power, versatility, and durability. But who is behind this popular kitchen appliance brand?
KitchenAid was founded in 1919 by an engineer named Herbert Johnston. His goal was to make appliances that could help simplify kitchen tasks. The company released its first stand mixer in 1919 and it could knead bread dough as well as mix cake batters. This versatile appliance was called the KitchenAid Food Preparer.
In 1927, KitchenAid was acquired by the Hobart Manufacturing Company, which was based in Troy, Ohio. Under Hobart’s leadership, KitchenAid continued to expand and release new stand mixer models throughout the 1930s-1950s. The mixers maintained Johnston’s original vision of being multifunctional and helping home cooks make cooking easier.
In 1986, KitchenAid was purchased by the Whirlpool Corporation, which still owns the brand today. Whirlpool is an American home appliance company founded in 1911 and headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It manufactures KitchenAid appliances at its Greenville, Ohio factory.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, KitchenAid focused on expanding into new colors and limited-edition collections. Unique partnerships resulted in branded mixers, like those with fashion brands Eddie Borgo and Jonathan Adler. KitchenAid also continued to release new stand mixer attachments to boost the versatility of the appliance.
KitchenAid’s mixers are now viewed as much more than just an appliance. They are seen as showpieces and decorative items for the kitchen. Their sleek silhouettes and range of color options allow consumers to choose a mixer that showcases their personal style.
In addition to stand mixers, KitchenAid has expanded into other kitchen appliances like refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, blenders, and more. However, the stand mixer remains the brand’s signature product.
Whirlpool Corporation owns several appliance brands including KitchenAid, Maytag, Whirlpool, and others. Each brand maintains its own unique identity and product lineup.
The KitchenAid brand is positioned as Whirlpool’s premium culinary appliance name. KitchenAid products aim to have stylish designs and the latest food preparation technology for home chefs. This aligns with the history of quality and innovation that Herbert Johnston established in 1919.
Whirlpool has continued to evolve the KitchenAid mixer over the past decades while preserving the product’s iconic status. New innovations over the years have included:
The KitchenAid stand mixer still dominates wedding registries and is beloved by many celebrity chefs today. While the appliance has evolved, it remains committed to facilitating creativity in the kitchen.
Whirlpool will likely continue nurturing the KitchenAid legacy and leveraging the brand’s reputation for quality. This strategy has allowed the nearly 100-year-old KitchenAid name to maintain its prestige and iconic status within the culinary world.
Here are some common FAQs about KitchenAid and their iconic stand mixers:
Where are KitchenAid mixers manufactured?
KitchenAid mixers are all made in Greenville, Ohio at the same factory that has produced them since the 1940s. Whirlpool is committed to U.S. based manufacturing for the KitchenAid brand.
How much does a KitchenAid mixer cost?
Prices range from $200 for an entry level tilt-head mixer to $500+ for larger bowl-lift professional models. Limited editions often cost more.
What is the best KitchenAid mixer to buy?
The 6-quart Professional 600 series is excellent for most home bakers. It has a 6 qt stainless steel bowl, 10 speeds, and 67 touchpoints around the mixing bowl for thorough ingredient incorporation.
How long do KitchenAid mixers last?
With proper care and maintenance, a KitchenAid stand mixer can last 15-20 years or more. The all-metal gears ensure durability. KitchenAid also offers a 1-year warranty and extensive customer service support.
KitchenAid stand mixers have come a long way from the first Food Preparer in 1919. While the ownership has changed throughout the decades from Hobart to Whirlpool, the commitment to quality and innovation remains. KitchenAid’s iconic mixers have earned a permanent spot on kitchen countertops and in the hearts of home and professional chefs alike. From the wide range of colors to the powerful performance, KitchenAid has cemented its legacy as more than just an appliance. It’s a beautiful and functional kitchen tool that enables creativity.
