7 KITCHEN INNOVATIONS TO BE THANKFUL FOR
7 Kitchen Innovations To Be Thankful For – Thanksgiving is soon upon us. Many Americans will spend the day in the kitchen cooking up one of the most delicious meals of the year. Thanks to inventors throughout the years, various kitchen inventions have made the preparation of Thanksgiving dinner much easier. It’s not just during Thanksgiving we should give thanks for these inventions, however. All year long, we can appreciate the fact these kitchen inventions have made cooking and its clean up easier.
While there have been numerous kitchen innovations over the years, we’ve narrowed it down to 7 of the most important kitchen inventions to be thankful for.
1. Electric Range
Stoves have been around since the Qin Dynasty ruled China in 200 B.C. In the United States, Benjamin Franklin invented the first wood-burning stove in the 18th century. Shortly after, gas stoves were invented. In 1892 Canadian inventor, Thomas Ahearn created the first electric range. The first ranges were very similar to modern-day ranges. They consisted of a thermostat, burners, broil and bake rods, a timer, and oven light. Can you imagine cooking a Thanksgiving meal without an electric range?
2. KitchenAid Mixer
Herbert Johnston invented the first KitchenAid mixer in 1908. Only professional bakers used these enormous mixers. However, once small mixers hit the market, home cooks made their popularity soar. First called a “food preparer,” the gadget got its name when a housewife stated it was the best “kitchen aid” she’d ever had. Initially invented to mix dough, the KitchenAid Mixer has all kinds of uses. Today people use them to make meatballs, guacamole, shredded chicken, and frosting. The KitchenAid Mixer is also great for making mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner.
3. Blender
Stephen Poplawski, the owner of Stevens Electric Company in Racine, Wisconsin, invented the blender in 1922. He created the blender to make malts and milkshakes. Today, the blender is still used to make those tasty treats. The blender also comes in handy for making smoothies, soups, and salsa. For Thanksgiving, the blender can be used to make a tasty sweet potato casserole.
4. Slow Cooker
Irving Nachumsohn was granted a patent for a slow cooker in 1940. Nachumsohn was born in New Jersey in 1902. His mother had immigrated to the U.S. from Russia. Upon leaving New Jersey, she lived in Fargo, ND, before settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Nachumsohn eventually made his way back to the U.S. and lived in Chicago. His primary reason for inventing the slow cooker was to avoid using the oven in the summer. Despite its convenience, the slow cooker was slow to catch on. In the 1970s, the slow cooker was rebranded as the Crock-Pot and became a must-have kitchen item. The Crock-Pot can be used for all kinds of Thanksgiving goodies, such as casseroles, stuffing, turkey breasts, creamed corn, candied pecans, and more.
5. Food Processor
Pierre Verdon invented the food processor in 1971. American inventor, Carl Sontheimer, refined the food processor and called it the Cuisinart. Food processors became common in kitchens throughout the United States in the late 1970s. Many people today use this kitchen invention to chop, pulverize, and blend a variety of foods. This machine is a huge time-saver when it comes to preparing food the day before Thanksgiving and other big meals.
6. Microwave
Percy Spencer invented the microwave by accident in 1946. He had been testing magnetrons when he realized he had melted his snack. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine what the day after Thanksgiving would be like without the microwave. This amazing kitchen invention allows us to warm up those yummy leftovers in just minutes.
7. Dishwasher
Joel Houghton invented the very first dishwasher in 1850. It wasn’t until the 1920s that dishwashers began to resemble the ones we use today. In the 1950s, the dishwasher was considered a luxury item. Today, about 75 percent of Americans have a dishwasher. This kitchen appliance is a lifesaver after a big meal like Thanksgiving dinner.
Which kitchen appliance are you the most grateful for? Or are you still waiting for someone to make the perfect kitchen invention that will make cooking even more convenient?
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