History of the Egg Beater: From Hand Whisk to Electric Mixer

The Invention of the Hand Whisk

The egg beater, also known as a hand whisk, was invented in the 19th century by a woman named Elizabeth Hawks. In 1856, she invented a rotary beater which would go on to become a popular kitchen gadget for centuries to come.

The Rise of the Electric Mixer

While the hand whisk was a popular kitchen gadget for many years, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that electric mixers were introduced. The first electric mixer was invented by Herbert Johnson in 1908 and was produced under the KitchenAid brand. It was a large and expensive machine that was mostly used in commercial kitchens.

The Introduction of Handheld Mixers

Handheld mixers were introduced in the 1920s and quickly became popular among home bakers. These smaller and more affordable mixers were much easier to use and clean than the large electric mixers that preceded them. They also gave home bakers more control over their mixing and allowed them to easily switch between different mixing speeds.

The Modern Egg Beater

Today’s egg beaters and handheld mixers are much more advanced and versatile than their predecessors. Many models come with multiple attachments that allow for mixing, whisking, and even kneading dough. Some models also include advanced features like digital displays and variable speed settings.

The Egg Beater in Popular Culture

The egg beater has played a prominent role in popular culture throughout the years. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and even music videos. One of the most notable examples is the iconic “Beat It” music video by Michael Jackson, which features dancers using egg beaters as props.