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Mixing It Up At KitchenAid


Ever wonder how and where products are made? Many manufacturers offer behind-the-scenes tours of their factories, often complete with history lessons, demonstrations and free samples. As a plus, most tours are free or very low cost. We seek out factory tours everywhere we go as it helps to satisfy our never-ended quest for knowledge, aka inner geek. Just this year we have toured four automotive manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan, multiple RV manufacturers including Tiffin, Airstream (post coming soon) and Oliver Travel Trailers, several distilleries and wineries, a candy factory, a shoe factory, and an ice cream factory. This week we had the pleasure of touring an American icon, KitchenAid.

The KitchenAid name has been around since 1918 when the first mixer, the ten-quart C-10 model, was introduced and built in Springfield, Ohio. Selling the huge mixers was a tough prospect and many were sold door-to-door to farmhouse kitchens. In 1922, KitchenAid introduced the H-5 mixer which featured a more manageable five-quart bowl. 

The H-5 mixer along with the model “G” that was introduced in 1928 were very popular products. During the 1930’s the factory would completely sell out of product each Christmas. The factory was closed during the duration of World War II. Production started again in 1946 in Greenville, Ohio in a factory that allowed expanded capacity. 

KitchenAid 5-Qt. Artisan Design Series with Glass Bowl

With 10 speeds, easily make your favorite recipes. Make your culinary efforts even more brilliant with a countertop appliance that mixes, kneads and whips ingredients together with ease. For even more versatility, the power hub fits optional attachments from food grinders to pasta makers and more.

Every purchase helps support this blog.

Today KitchenAid is part of the Whirlpool Corporation and products are manufactured in Ohio, South Carolina, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Ontario, Quebec and China. 

All KitchenAid stand mixers are made in Greenville, Ohio. 

The KitchenAid factory in Greenville, Ohio offers free tours of the plant four days a week at 12:30pm. Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more. Walk-ins are welcome for smaller parties. Visitors must be at least 12 years old and closed-toe flat heel shoes are required. Photography is allowed in the visitor center but not in the actual factory. 

A 1919 Model H-5 with a five quart bowl. Notice the similarities to mixers being made today. 

A modern KitchenAid Artisan Design Series mixer with a glass bowl. The premium metallic finish gives it an elegant look. 

The Greenville, Ohio factory makes small appliances in addition to the stand mixers including blenders, mixers and the Sparkling Beverage Maker pictured below. 

KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Maker

Simply fill the bottle with fresh water then use the carbonation lever to fizz up to your desired level of carbonation. Next simply add your flavor of choice or enjoy the carbonated water just as it is.

Every purchase helps support this blog.

This blender is magnetic driven. The pitcher slides in and out similar to a coffee pot giving it a sleek look. 

KitchenAid Torrent Magnetic Drive Blender

Whether you’re looking to blend something healthy, decadent, basic or experimental, simply slide the pitcher in, select a preset program on the dial, hit the button, and walk away. No pulling out from under the counters, no using a tamper, no holding down the lid—the Torrent blender will take it from there. Recipe Book also included.

Every purchase helps support this blog.

KitchenAid products are offered in many different colors including the 2018 Color of the Year “Bird of Paradise” pictured below. According to KitchenAid, “The new color, much like the tropical plant, ignites one’s desire to be free, travel and explore exotic destinations.” 

KitchenAid products can be custom wrapped to accent any decor. The mixer below was wrapped by KitchenAid to honor Veterans. With a retail price of $1000, the product line was short-lived. 

The blender and mixer below were also custom wrapped by KitchenAid but the product line was discontinued along with the stand mixer due to the high price and poor sales. 

The KitchenAid Experience in downtown Greenville, Ohio offers a retail store, outlet store, museum and demo kitchen.

The retail store features products in a wide variety of colors. 

Blenders also are available in a variety of colors. 

KitchenAid 5-Speed Blender

A robust motor, unique one-piece, 56-ounce BPA-Free pitcher, stainless steel blades and electronic controls combine to create a powerful motion that is fast and thorough for exceptional blending results. Additionally, Intelli-Speed Motor Control senses contents and maintains optimal speed to power through all ingredients.

Every purchase helps support this blog.

The retail store also features kitchen accessories like utensils, strainers, linens, etc. 

A 1924 Model H mixer on display in the KitchenAid Museum. The bowl and wire whip look very similar to those manufactured today. 

Legendary Chef Julia Child’s famous blue mixer is at the KitchenAid Museum. 

We had a great time touring the KitchenAid factory and KitchenAid Experience in Greenville, Ohio and recommend it to everyone. The free tour on the production floor lasts approximately one hour. The grounds of the factory offer a picnic area and walking trails for employees and visitors alike. The retail store, outlet and museum are located a few miles from the factory in downtown Greenville. Ample free parking is located directly in front of the store. We hope you enjoyed following along on our journey to KitchenAid. Our next factory tour post will bring you an inside look at Airstream, Inc., makers of the famous shiny aluminum travel trailers.