Bread Machines vs Washing Machines

[qualin]

As I was posting tonight, I kept thinking about the parallels between washing machines and breadmakers....

First of all, according to the Wikipedia article, the first bread machine was introduced to the public in 1986, but I keep thinking that the technology to manufacture a bread machine must have been around much earlier.

I wonder if an automatic bread machine built in the 1950's would have used a modified washing machine timer, an automotive turn signal relay to pulse the beater, a buzzer to let you know if the machine was too cool or too hot and of course, maybe either a glass or stainless steel inner basket?

- Both have an "Inner tub".
- Both have an agitator, but the bread machine has a beater which only moves in one direction and in a pulsed fashion.
- Both follow set programs, wash rinse spin as opposed to mix, knead, rise, punch down, rise then bake
- Both have heaters

So it does make me curious if an automatic bread machine built in the 1950's would have been affordable, or would it require so much in the way of electromechanical devices, it wouldn't have been practical to sell?

Just some odd thoughts... What do you think?

 

[foo123]

qualin

Odd thoughts indeed.

 

[hunter]

antique bread machines

There ARE antique bread machines, but they are dough producers.

See attached link

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-art-collectibles-ANTIQUE-BREAD-MAKER-THE-ORIGINAL-BREAD-MACHINE-W0QQAdIdZ155479249

 

[k1rod]

That's an astute observance Bud.  They are remarkably similar in these respects.  To take it a step further, If the bread machine had a solenoid controlled water inlet valve and moisture sensor (certainly doable), you would only need to put dry <span style="line-height: 115%;">ingredients into the bread machine and your dough could be close to perfect every time.  I don't see any reason a mechanical timer driven bread machine couldn't have been built in the 50's.  </span>

 

[thomasortega]

Sure... Maybe with an Unimatic transmition and a pulsator instead of that almost insignificant agitator it could make donuts.

 

[qualin]

My main curiosity is wondering what a bread machine from the 1950's would have looked like..

My thoughts, it probably would be some awesome shade of green, would have chrome striping and probably a very prominent timer dial, with a few lights and switches and perhaps maybe even a temperature gauge to show if the bread maker is too cold or too hot while the bread is rising.

Just some thoughts...

 

[gefilterflo]

I would say that it was likely that appliances shared parts with washing machines. Case in point, my GE 12 cup percolator has a Filter-Flo. Granted it's not exactly the same, but it does have a Filter-Flo.

 

[sudsmaster]

Well, I suppose that if the bread maker doesn't have an internal heater, mold will result... lol...

 

[hydralique]

"Maybe with a Unimatic transmition and a pulsator instead of that almost insignificant agitator it could make donuts"

LOL! And if the heater had been based on a 'Tag Halo of Heat element the doughnut could be baked to perfection every time.

 

Sad that GM and Maytag would have never cooperated to make such a paragon of modern engineering and convenience.

 

[thomasortega]

Mold... hummm yummy....

blue cheese bread