Have you ever wondered how the dishwasher came to be? Here is an overview of the history of this wonderful machine. Visit: http://www.yourdishwasherguide.com

1. The History of the Dishwasher
Everyone has important matters in their lives that need attention, and that is one reason
the invention of the dishwasher was so amazing, since it frees up time that would be
spent washing dishes.
In 1850, Joel Houghton, an American inventor, designed a wooden machine that splashed
dishes with water when someone turned a wheel by hand, and he was granted a patent for
this barely workable machine. That modest beginning was the forerunner of today's
efficient machines.
In 1865, L.A. Alexander received a patent on a device with gears and a hand crank to spin
dishes on a rack through hot water. Although it was an improvement, it still did not do a
good job getting dirty dishes clean.
Finally, in 1886, a woman built a practical dishwasher, even though it was still hand-
operated. This amazing woman seemed to inherit her inventiveness. She was Josephine
Cochrane, the grand-daughter of John Fitch, the inventor of the steam boat. During the
Chicago World's Fair in 1893, she revealed her invention, taking the highest recognition
the fair offered. She started her own company to manufacture her dishwashers, and it is
now known as KitchenAid. Eventually, other machines were made such as those with a
belt or conveyor to move the dirty dishes in spinning baskets through hot water to clean
them.
Dishwashers with permanent
plumbing were invented by
1920, but they were available
only to hotels, restaurants and
households wealthy enough
to afford them and the space
to accommodate their bulk.
By 1937, William Howard
Livens designed a small
version that was more
practical for average
households. By the 1950s, a
smaller and less expensive
version came on the market. By the 1970s, they became popular in many households in
America.
At the present time, dishwashers are offered in various sizes, functions, shapes and
finishes by several manufacturers, making them accessible to most households. The more
well known brands on the market are KitchenAid, GE, Whirlpool, Fisher and Payket,
Kenmore Elite and Bosch. As it has with almost every modern day convenience, mass

2. production reduced the cost of machines that alleviate or eliminate the drudgery of
housework.