The dishwasher is a handy appliance that makes our lives easier. More than likely, you use your dishwasher and several other appliances on a regular basis without giving them much thought. In fact, most of us take our appliances for granted. It isn't until they stop working that we realize how convenient they make our lives. All inventions are created out of necessity by someone who sees a need for them.
History
The dishwasher was invented by a woman named Josephine Cochrane in Shelbyville, Illinois, in 1886. Josephine was a wealthy woman who hosted several dinner parties. Her servants did the dishes too slowly and often broke her fine china. Josephine hated doing dishes and knew there had to be a better way. She searched for a machine that would do the job, but when she couldn't find one, she invented her own. She received the patent for her invention on December 28, 1886.
Features
Josephine measured the dishes and made wire compartments to hold them. She placed the compartments inside a wheel that laid flat in a copper boiler. A motor then turned the wheel. Mrs. Cochrane enlisted the help of a local mechanic in the physical creation of her invention.
Function
Although the dishwasher has come along way since Josephine Cochrane developed the idea, she created the first functional dishwasher. Her invention did the job she imagined it to do by cleaning the dishes with hot, soapy water pumped from the boiler.
World's Fair Unveiling
Josephine Cochrane unveiled her invention in 1893 at the World's Fair in Chicago. Her dishwasher won the fair's highest award.
Interest
Although people were curious and came to see Josephine's invention, only hotels and large restaurants were initially interested in the dishwasher. Public interest in the dishwashing invention didn't catch on until the 1950s.
Production
Josephine Cochrane opened her own company and went into production. Her company went on to become what is known today as Kitchen Aid. Mrs. Cochrane did not become rich from her invention, but she did earn a comfortable living. Josephine Cochrane died in 1913.
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