After looking through all 234 vintage small appliances in our recent uploader — I noticed that the readers of this blog have some pretty awesome mixers. Hand mixers and stand mixers in every color, shape and size seemed to pop up time and time again. I was really amazed at the great condition of the mixers — like this impressive Westinghouse Food Mixer that appears to be “brand new in box” from reader Mid Century Living.
Hand Mixers
Mixers seem to be one of those small appliances that are very collectible — just check out Wendy’s collection of GE M-47s — looks like she has one in every color. I love that these old mixers have model names as if they are weapons in a James Bond movie. Like: “You can run but you cannot hide, Mamie Eisenhower’s Million Dollar Fudge, now that I’m packing a new GE M-47.”
Christa C.’s aqua GE hand mixer may be the same style as Wendy’s collection — what a good looking piece of machinery.
Above: Here’s another aqua beauty — a NOS GE hand mixer from readers Rob and Monica.
Above: Reader Elisabeth scored this avocado GE hand mixer at a thrift store for a mere $7 — she says it works like new. That said: Pam warns that she once got a nasty shock from a vintage pink mixer; you know our standard warning: Consult with a properly licensed professional when it comes to assessing old wiring so that you can make informed decisions.
Above: Here’s a fancy chrome-lined Sunbeam mixer from reader Mary.
Vintage Stand Mixers
Though hand mixers are more compact and easy to store — it appears to be just as tempting to collect full sized stand mixers. If you can’t decide which variety you like more — be like reader Lori and collect them both. Lori warns that once you start it is hard to stop collecting vintage mixers.
Above: Reader Claire must have the same addiction — she has so many stand mixers that she has had to start coming up with new uses for them. See that mixer under the window? It’s bowl is a home for a houseplant. Very clever, Claire.
Above: Reader Ima Pam must have a lot of holiday baking to do — look at all those ingredients. Was she unable to decide if she wanted a new mixer or an old mixer — or does she have two because that’s what it takes to get all the baking done?
I just love Wendy’s pink mixer above — along with the matching radio and retro kitties. Apparently the pink vintage Sunbeam mixer was a bridal shower gift from a family friend, who dug it out of her attic when she discovered Wendy was planning to have a pink kitchen. How thoughtful.
Here’s another lovely aqua Sunbeam mixer — relaxing on the baker’s shelf between jobs with its BFF, the beehive chrome Oster blender. Oh the life…
The mixer above is an amazing relic of early 20th century kitchens: Claire’s Fitzgerald Magic Maid — circa 1920-1930. This guy was definitely made to get the job done. Just look at those attachments — including the jadeite bowl and juicer. I know that jadeite fans will love this one.
Lastly, the mixer above is my favorite of the bunch. Why? Because this mixer has family history. Reader Saundra A.’s Mom is the baby on the counter in the prized family photo. See that white stand mixer behind her? That is the same mixer pictured sitting on Saundra A.’s stove. Not only did Saundra A. love and keep the 1952 mixer — but she says it also still works like a charm. Now that’s my kind of family heirloom.
A super huge thanks to all the readers who participated in our small appliance uploader.
Adam Coleman says
I love the pastel colors from back then. They look even better when there is an assortment of colors thanks for submitting! You really can’t beat appliances made in the USA. I think my favorite out of the bunch was the machine age looking one, it looks like a BEAST.
jerrod says
I think that “1952” mixer is a model G Hamilton Beach…I have a Model H… and am partial to the Hamilton Beach models. I am a retro mixer nut..so this article was really cool to read. I am trying to put a date of manufacture on my model..so this might have helped. Anyone who knows about them and how to date them please let me know..I have the original manual..but no date at all listed..Google isn’t helping either. You can see my mixer in use at this link. http://www.lifeslittlerecipes.com/2012/10/04/hot-cocoa-and-cinnamon-crisps-for-dippin/
Pat says
I want a pink mixer, ha! I don’t need it, I have 3 old mixers. Is it too late to submit photos?
Kelly says
Awesome! I love the mint blue and jadite mixers! My mom had a sunbeam mixer from the late 70’s (wedding present) that worked great up until a few years ago, the motor gave up. So sad.
Janet in CT says
I love old mixers too! I had a white Sunbeam stand mixer that was starting to make a grinding noise so I found one on ebay, yellow just like my mother’s, that the seller said had belonged to his grandmother. I use the yellow one now, but the white one still runs despite the grinding. The worst part is the darn things are SO heavy. I have a small kitchen and have to keep it on a shelf in the basement. Since I bake all the time, it is a chore to carry that beast up and down the stairs! But using a stand mixer is still the best way to bake, in my opinion.
tammyCA says
The GE M47 looks like a ray gun…love that. Love all of them (esp. pinks & aquas) and hope one day to come across a great one.
Sara says
I have Saundra’s same mixer, but not the fabulous family baby photo to go with it! Mine works too, and I have two matching bowls. They sure don’t make things like they used to…this mixer weighs A TON and the design of the beaters and how they fit into the mixer is really neat. I’m sure Saundra’s mixer has the same speed dial as mine…it says things like “whip potatoes” and “heavy batter” instead of low, medium, or high. Plus it’s Made In The USA!
Kathleen says
Claire, you are definitely not alone! Amazing collections!
Annie B. says
Wonderful, wonderful post, Pam. Thank you readers, for sharing all the vintage glory. I have an M-47 in pink, myself. (That does conjure up images of Barbie going guerrila, don’t you think?)
Would love to see a post on vintage blenders, too.
Annie B. says
Oooops, I mean Kate!!! Great post, Kate. I so enjoy all your posts.
I’m just overly Pamoriented, I guess.
Suzanne says
This is amazing, indeed. My mom’s handmixer blew up in a puff of smoke a long time ago, after 15 years of service. She never had a mixer last as long since. She had a lot of cool stuff that she jacked up over the years. She still continues to be hard on appliances (& potholders & pots & pans…).