Who Invented the Dishwasher?
Answer at a Glance: Joel Houghton invented the first dishwasher to hold a patent in 1850. Josephine Cochrane’s invention of the first commercially available power-moded dishwasher in 1886, a design similar to those in use today, was a significant leap in the evolution of dishwashers.
Dig Deeper
- The First Manual Dishwashers
- The Automatic Dishwasher
- The 1920’s and Beyond
- Dishwashers Today
- References
Dishwashers are one of the most common home appliances; however, many people do not know how these amazing machines transformed. The history of the dishwasher is quite lengthy. Starting as a simple box that splashed water to the technologically advanced machines we now own, the dishwasher has passed through many developmental stages over the years.
The First Manual Dishwashers
The first dishwasher was invented in 1850 by Joel Houghton. The machine was wooden and had a hand-turned wheel. The wheel simply splashed water over the dishes in the machine. It was not really a working machine, but it was the first dishwasher to have a patent. After the introduction of this dishwasher, advances began coming quickly. L.A. Alexander patented a device in 1865. This machine also used a hand crank, which was used to spin a rack of dishes through splashing water. Again, this did not do much to clean the dishes, but it was an advancement. However, these machines were manually operated and not practical. [1]
The Automatic Dishwasher
Only a few years later, in 1886, Josephine Cochrane developed a machine for herself. Her dishwasher, unlike its predecessors, was designed for practical use. It had specially designed racks to hold plates, saucers, and cups, a motor to turn the wheel, and a boiler that allowed hot water to spray over the dishes, making it far more effective than earlier models. Her design gained much recognition, and she began her own company, which KitchenAid acquired. This was the birth of the automatic dishwasher.
The evolution of inventions often results in multiple inventors being credited with their origination. Some people believe the first person to receive a patent is the true inventor. In the case of the question of ‘who invented the dishwasher,’ if reworded to ‘who invented the first practical and commercially successful dishwasher, the answer is Josephine Cochrane. [3]
In his book, The Rise and Fall of American Technology, Dr. Lynn G. Gref argues that the invention of the dishwasher should be credited to the woman who invented the unit that we still recognize today. Dr. Lynn G. Gref’s 40-year career as a developer, manager, and consultant in research and development applied to defense, space, and intelligence needs, as well as his current position on the Board of Advisors of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of California, Riverside, gives him an inside perspective on the evolution of American technology and exactly whom should be credited with inventing the dishwasher.
Gref argues that though Houghton and Alexander received patents for their inventions, they did little more than splash water on the dishes and were impractical. He further argues that Josephine Cochrane should be credited with the invention that we now consider the modern dishwasher. Quoting Gref, “It took a woman to invent a practical dishwasher.” [4]
The 1920s and Beyond
In 1924, William Howard Livens received a patent for modifications similar to today’s machines. It had a front door for loading, a rotating sprayer, wire racks, and permanent plumbing for the household water supply, allowing hot and cold water to enter the unit. In 1940, electric elements used for drying the dishes were implemented into the design. [5]
Dishwashers Today
From the 1940s on, the dishwasher maintained its basic construction, with minor additions being added. By the 1970s, it was one of the most common home appliances. The machine became cheaper to buy, allowing more homes to install one. It was a blessing to many women who used to be burdened with washing dishes by hand. Today, two-thirds of homes have a dishwasher. [6]
Interesting Note
The estimated two-thirds of homes that have a dishwasher is a median average. Newer units are more likely to have these appliances, and income level factors in heavily. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the dishwasher is one of the few major appliances not found in all households equally but more prevalent in homes in a higher income bracket. While only 18% of homes with a household income of $15,000 are equipped with a dishwasher, 83% of homes with an income greater than $75,000 own one. [7]
References
- [1][3][4] Gref, Lynn G. “Inventions of the Rise.” The rise and fall of American technology. New York: Algora Pub., 2010. 75-76. Print.
- [2] Lemelson – MIT – “Josephine Cochrane.”
- [5] ESpacenet Patent Search – “Improvements in apparatus for washing household crockery and the like.”
- [6] US Department of Housing and Urban Development – “HUD RELEASES 2009 AMERICAN HOUSING SURVEY.”
- [7] U.S. Energy Information Administration – “The Effect of Income on Appliances in U.S. Households.“
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