The Evolution of Electric Appliances: A Historical Journey

Electric appliances have become an integral part of modern living, but their journey to widespread adoption is a fascinating story rooted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This article delves into the timeline and patterns of how these devices were embraced globally, focusing on specific regions such as the United States, Finland, and Australia. By understanding the historical context and technological advancements, we can gain valuable insights into the future of similar innovations.

Global Adoption of Electrical Innovations

The history of electric appliances can be traced back to the late 1880s, with Westinghouse leading the way in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From irons to vacuum cleaners, these devices gradually became a standard feature in households across the world.

Pioneering Adoption in the United States

In the early 1900s, certain home appliances such as irons and lighting systems started gaining popularity. However, it was after World War II that the widespread adoption of many electric household devices such as televisions, radio, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners truly took off.

Emergence in Finland

Finland, for example, saw significant growth in the adoption of electrical devices. In 1930, only 27% of electricity users in Helsinki had an iron and only 15% had a vacuum cleaner. By 1964, nearly 43% of Finnish households had a refrigerator, which was a significant change from 1930 when only 0.3% had one.

Australian Perspectives

In Melbourne, Australia, the introduction of electric appliances began around 1935, with more widespread use only starting after 1947. This was the year I was born. Water pressure powered washing machines and spin dryers, while hand-operated mangles were common. The overhaul to steam-powered irons began in the 1930s and was further advanced in the 1940s.

Technological Innovations in Steam Irons

Technological advancements in steam irons are particularly noteworthy. A local company, Twilite, produced a steam iron that was widely used. In 1935, my father developed tooling to convert the existing Twilite dry iron into a steam iron. This conversion was not only for residential use but also for industrial applications.

Global Competitiveness

Twichet, the CEO of Twilite, attempted to license the production in the USA by offering a royalty of one shilling (approximately 10 cents) per iron. However, a U.S. company offered only 5 cents, and the deal was not pursued due to the higher price. The total cost of the tooling was approximately 3,000 pounds, equivalent to about USD 80,000 today.

Marketing and Success

To recoup the debt, my father utilized a door-to-door sales strategy in Little Lonsdale Street in Melbourne, a major fashion manufacturing center. Once the debt was covered, he continued to manufacture the irons for Twilite for many years. The irons were produced in a small backyard factory, and many were maintained up until about 1970. Today, I still have one of these irons, as shown in a photo.

Conclusion

The journey of electric appliances from being rare to commonplace is a testament to technological progress and customer demand. Understanding these historical milestones can provide valuable lessons for the development and adoption of future technologies.