This page is referenced by:

• 1 2025-03-26T15:05:12-04:00 A Historical Overview and Material Analysis 63 plain 2025-03-28T12:29:30-04:00
  The timeline highlights the development of food mixers, from early hand-mixing tools to modern electric models, as well as the different types of mixer models GE produced. In 1856, the first rotary hand mixer was introduced, followed by the stand mixer in 1908, which improved efficiency. By the mid-1900s, electric mixers became widely available, making food preparation easier. CGE contributed to this evolution with models like the MF30 and MF35 in the 1960s, offering multiple speeds and colors, and the M47 became especially popular for its sleek design. The timeline also highlights broader historical events, like the Space Age's influence on design and changes after World War I, which helped women balance work and household tasks quickly and effectively. 
  
  Models of Canadian General Electric Mixers 

  Canadian General Electric (CGE) was a leading manufacturer of small appliances during the mid-20th century. The company's Barrie, Ontario location opened in 1945 and played a significant role in the manufacturing of small appliances (Staff, 2020c), categorized into food preparation, home care, personal care, and outdoor products (York University Archives, 006/010(12), 2024). The oldest CGE hand mixer made in Barrie in 1960 was the MF30 model, featuring 10 speeds and English speed guides on the handle (Canadian General Electric Portable Mixer Model MF30, n.d.). The MF35 model, with a five-speed limit and snap-in beater storage, was also produced in Barrie (General Electric Vintage GE 5 Speed Deluxe Portable Mixer MF35 MF35AM Almond Wow | EBay, n.d.). The M47 model, featuring a three-mode speed and a compact design, is still popular among collectors (York University Archives, 006/010(12), 2024). The M7B and M50C models were also produced (Vintage General Electric Variable Speed Portable Hand Mixer M50C Works | eBay, n.d.), with the M47 model featuring a knife sharpener attachment (General Electric Portable Mixer Manual Recipe Book Vintage French & English | eBay, n.d.).

  Materials & Color 
  
  Hand mixers from the 1940s to the 1960s show clear differences in materials, weight, shape, and color. During this period, there was an increase in Plastic use in appliances and a decrease in metals. This was because plastics were lighter, easier to shape, offered more colors, and were cheaper for manufacturers and consumers. This change also reflected changes in society, specifically with newly employed women in the workforce after World War I, where they were responsible for both household duties and their outside jobs. The use of plastics helped them prepare meals faster and more easily, which will be discussed later. 
  
  
  As plastic became more widespread, its influence on product design became even more evident. Looking at the progression of food mixers, egg beaters in the 1940s were primarily made of metal. Although plastics had been used since the 1920s, they became much more common by the 1960s. For example, the 1966 General Electric food mixer was largely made of plastic, with only a few metal parts. If someone picked it up today, it might feel heavy compared to modern mixers because materials have improved over time. A 1955 General Electric advertisement, showcased how lightweight their mixer was, saying, “This truly lightweight, really portable mixer weighs less than 3 pounds, yet it is powerful enough to do all mixing jobs.” Also, it says it offered “3 colour choices besides white,” highlighting how plastics allowed for a wider range of colors in mixers (Vintage Paper Ads, n.d.). The shift from metal to plastic in hand mixer designs from the 1940s to the 1960s was driven by advancements in materials, societal changes, and the demand for more affordable, colorful, and efficient products. 
  
  Canadian Sourced Materials & Manufacturing 
  
  Canadian General Electric (CGE) used mostly Canadian-made materials for their appliances and other products, as they produced most items in their own factories and likely worked with Canadian suppliers. For example, under the heading, “CGE,” a 1966 newspaper article from Montreal Star explained: 

  Canadian General Electric Co. said any strike against the parent U.S. company should have little effect on the Canadian operation. 'CGE follows a policy of manufacturing as high a product percentage as possible in our own plants in Canadian supplies for the bulk of materials and components. Thus only a small percentage of our product is dependent in any way on parts imported from the U.S. ... We anticipate little interference in our production in the foreseeable future, no matter what happens in the U.S.' (Montreal Star, 1966).

  
  
  This means that if the U.S. General Electric company went on strike, it wouldn’t cause many problems for CGE because they made most of their products and materials in Canada. What is interesting about this is that even though GE originally started in the U.S., CGE was able to operate independently from their U.S. branch. This helps them to avoid tariff costs and imports. Reflecting on the 1966 GE mixer, we know that it was made in GE’s factories in Canada. It is also very likely that its materials were also from Canada. What supports this idea is the whipping disc that came with the packaging. This part seems to be unique to Canada, especially the metal material, the rounded shape and holes of the whipping disc. There are limited resources of it online in catalogs or websites, especially American ones. This shows how Canadian GE products were distinct and relied on local resources.