Brand History
It’s a huge thank you to all of you who have inspired the brand since 1919. We're excited to take a look back at how KitchenAid has transformed the heart of the home. We invite everyone to celebrate the spirit of making
- 1886 -
THE REVOLUTIONARY INVENTION
It began with a woman’s idea.
Her name was Jospehine Cochrane and she revolutionized the world of cooking. In 1886, she patented an invention that would in time become the dishwasher as we know it today. Nine of her incredible machines were exhibited, sold and used in restaurants. Some found a place in respected luxury hotels: the Baltimore Hotel in New York and the Tremor and Palmer House in Chicago. These first models were sold at between 700 and 1000 dollars. Driven by the desire to popularise her invention, Joséphine adapted a model for household use, sold at 350 dollars. That was just before her death in 1913.
- 1919 -
THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND
The first mixer and how the brand was born.
Almost a century ago, Ohio engineer Herbert Johnson invented another miraculous machine that was going to revolutionise the lives of cooking experts and gourmets: the “H5”, the first household eggbeater. While testing it, the wife of one of the company directors unknowingly invented the brand name when she exclaimed: “I don’t care what you call it, it’s the best kitchen aid I’ve ever had”. KitchenAid was born. Over the years, inspired by the professional world, the brand has never stopped inventing and improving innovative solutions for gourmets and cooks.
- 1927 -
THE MIXER OF THE STARS
Widespread popularity and record-setting sales
The model following the H-5 met with immediate popularity… selling 20,000 units in its first three years on the market. Early users of KitchenAid stand mixers included famous names such as John Barrymore, Marion Davies, E.I. DuPont, Henry Ford, Myrna Loy, Frederick March, Ginger Rogers and New York Governor Al Smith all of whom recognized its excellence.
- 1936 -
THE DESIGN EXPERT
The marriage of style and cutting edge technology
Egmont Arens, editor of the Creative Arts magazine and the famous Vanity Fair, one of the most renowned magazines in the world, was also a world-famous designer. For several years he shared his know-how with KitchenAid. He designed three of the most elegant models, among which was the famous “K”, around which a cult has formed today. His creations, considered as ground-breaking, won several design awards and are exhibited in many museums. More than 60 years later, the KitchenAid mixers still resemble those designed by Arens, proof of his remarkable visionary talent.
- 1941 -
TIMELESS DESIGN...
...that has never changed
The K5A was introduced on the eve of World War II and… all three Arens-designed mixers remain virtually unchanged today. Displayed in museums around the world, they have won major awards for their outstanding design.
- 1949 -
THE GENIUS ENTERS THE KITCHEN
The KD-10 Josephine Garis Cochrane’s dream came true
Enticed by the potential of Josephine Garis Cochrane’s patent, KitchenAid improves its performance and designs the KD-10 dishwasher, launched in white and pink! Its features go well beyond its extraordinary design: the KD-10 is equipped with revolutionary new technology for those times, which still serves as the basis of all dishwashers. The product is remarkable in every respect, and its performance is on par with some present-day appliances. In fact, some KD-10s are still in use today.
- 1994 -
A WORLD OF COLOURS
Lively colours a key “signature” for KitchenAid.
Taste and colours In 1955, a first for the completely white world of kitchen appliances, the mixer is dressed in radiant colors: Petal Pink, Sunny Yellow, Island Green, Satin Chrome and Antique Copper…In 1994 the palette is extended and follows the popularity of the new models. Empire Red, Cobalt Blue, Apple Green, Pastel Yellow, Anthracite Grey and even Tangerine Orange…to the great joy of cooks everywhere.
- 2003 -
KITCHENAID COMMITS ITSELF
The woman’s cause...
A Global Commitment: Cook for the Cure Program.
KitchenAid introduced its first line combining small and major household appliances, each inspired by the style, design and exceptional professional performance and functionality of KitchenAid's legendary food processor. KitchenAid's professional line, the best of the brand's product range, is comprised of eight major appliances, including a stainless steel dishwashser with a special matte metallic finish. In the same year, KitchenAid began its collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support women side-by-side in the fight against breast cancer. In honor of the new partnership, KitchenAid launched a special edition pink collection, with a portion of its proceeds donated to the foundation.
- 2007 -
A WORLD OF EXPERTISE AND PASSION
Culinary Enthusiasts Unite.
Europe embraces KitchenAid KitchenAid’s major appliances arrived in Europe. A complete range of built-in KitchenAid products was launched in Europe to attract the high-end market and passionate gourmets. After appearing on the French and Italian markets first, in 2007, they then quickly spread across Europe.
- 2009 -
CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF CULINARY EXPERTISE
New recipes and a very special colour
With its unrivalled professional heritage, KitchenAid celebrated 90 years of durability, performance, design and generosity in an anniversary it wanted to share with all culinary enthusiasts, experts and beginners alike, in a new KitchenAid recipe book beautifully illustrated by renowned Belgian photographer Tony Le Duc. A “collector’s” edition of the emblematic KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer was produced for the occasion in stunning Candy Apple Red.
- 2010 -
THE INNOVATIVE CHEF TOUCH
Professional techniques brought into the home
KitchenAid excitedly presented Chef Touch... An innovative domestic cooking and conservation system that brings out the very best in all recipes, new and old. For the first time ever, home chefs could cook sous vide, a sophisticated, high-quality and low-temperature cooking technique that unleashes culinary creativity. Fresh ingredients are vacuum-sealed in pouches with their seasoning and cooked in a steam oven at less than 100°C to preserve the water and nutrients naturally present in foods, making them incredibly tender, juicy, colourful, flavoursome – and so much healthier.
- 2011 -
A REVOLUTIONARY SYSTEM
Quality design is recognised
The Red Dot Award The innovative KitchenAid Chef Touch system won the Red Dot Award in one of the most distinguished international product-design competitions in which a panel of highly respected experts gave their seal of approval to this revolutionary product bringing sous-vide cooking into the home.
- 2012 -
MIX WITH THE BEST
Power at your fingertips
Quantity plus quality KitchenAid introduced the new 6.9L Artisan Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer - the most powerful, durable, quietest and simply the best stand mixer in its class. With a 1.3 hp motor that mixes extra-large quantities quickly and efficiently in a 6.9 liter polished stainless-steel bowl, superior performance is simply guaranteed. This model won the KuchenInnovation des Jahres 2012 award for quality, performance and design. The 21st century will continue to see KitchenAid at the forefront of product innovation and excellence. Gourmet cooks can rely on a complete range of major domestic appliances and kitchen utensils. Inspired by the professional world, these new appliances will accompany them at every step of the culinary experience - preparation, cooking, preserving and cleaning. Combining the latest technology with bold design, KitchenAid instils real passion into cooking at home for friends and family.
- 2013 -
A FULL RANGE OF SMALL AND MAJOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
From preservation, to preparation, to cooking
KitchenAid launched a new Vertigo line of refrigerators and wine cellars, stylish household appliances guaranteeing excellent storage conditions and installable in any kitchen. The release also included small appliances, introducing the new Artisan line comprised of a 4L Food Processor, Electric Kettle, Cordless Blender, 2- and 4-slice Toasters and 14- and 16-cup Food Processors.
- 2015 -
A MAKEOVER FOR MAJOR APPLIANCES AND A REVOLUTIONARY LAUNCH FOR THOSE SMALLER IN SIZE
A year of big changes
A true revolution in the kitchen takes place with the launch of KitchenAid's Artisan Cook Processor. The new all-in-one appliance with an eye to creativty and simplicity is designed to handle all preparation phases of a dish - from chopping, to mixing, to cooking. In 2015, KitchenAid also redesigned the look of its household appliances, paying close attention to detail, quality and craftmanship, while guaranteeing professional performance.
- 2016 -
SERIOUS ABOUT FOOD COUNCIL
KitchenAid created the Serious About Food Council, a topmost body of experts, pioneers, and innovators. It is a guarantee and an avant-garde, extraordinary resource to explore the world of gourmet cuisine. One chef, one designer, and one foodie. Three different personalities who reflect the KitchenAid mission: to get the best insight and suggestions from the professional world to create iconic products that enable passionate gourmets to express their creativity. The Serious About Food Council members provide an exclusive take on the most innovative trends, gathering hidden gems and inspirations from all over the world, to let your culinary imagination run free and to unleash all of those delicious inspirations. The online magazine provides invaluable tips on preparing delicious dishes and discovering original local ingredients. Readers can find stories about food and design trends, and a community that can both inspire you and help you to inspire others. If you are Serious About Food, KitchenAid and the Serious About Food Council are your best trusted allies.
- 2016 -
LAUNCH OF THE FLAGSHIP EXPERIENCE STORE
In September 2016 KitchenAid launched the first experience store in London. The hub of all things KitchenAid where consumers can comes to develop their cooking skills in one of the fantastic cooking classes on offer, experience the appliances and learn more about the history of KitchenAid.
- 2019 -
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF MAKING
Our 100th birthday isn't just about us. It’s a huge thank you to all of you who have inspired the brand since 1919. We're excited to take a look back at how KitchenAid has transformed the heart of the home. We invite everyone to celebrate the spirit of making that will undoubtedly inspire the brand for another century.
