Electricity has been a true revolution in the comfort and convenience of modern civilization. Since the early 20th century, appliances have evolved to anticipate our needs and make our lives easier. In this article, we will review the most useful appliances ever invented and how they have evolved over time.
The evolution of appliances in Spanish homes
In Spain, electricity was initially used for lighting homes. Appliances began to spread throughout the homes of the main cities in the country in the 1920s and first half of the 1930s, thanks to the country’s economic growth, the increasing competition among manufacturers of electrical appliances, and the new commercial techniques that were beginning to be used in the shops of the major Spanish cities.
Appliance advertising focused on their effectiveness in performing household tasks and improving the living conditions of salaried middle-class families. The proliferation of advertisements for incandescent lamps from different companies and brands is proof of this.
Wi-Fi technology in current appliances
Wi-Fi technology has been key in the evolution of current appliances. It allows them to be programmed and controlled from anywhere, making people’s lives easier. In addition, current appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
The exhibition “The Mechanization of the Home. A History of Design” at the Zaragoza History Center shows the technological evolution of appliances from the beginning of the use of electricity in the home to the present day.
The most useful appliances ever invented
Next, we will review the most useful appliances ever invented and how they have evolved over time.
1. Washing machine
The washing machine is one of the most useful appliances ever invented. Before its invention, washing clothes was a very laborious task that required a lot of time and effort. The first electric washing machine was invented in 1908, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes.
Today, washing machines are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric washing machines. In addition, Wi-Fi technology allows them to be programmed and controlled from anywhere.
2. Refrigerator
The refrigerator is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. Before its invention, food preservation was very complicated and was based on the use of ice and other rudimentary methods.
The first electric refrigerator was invented in 1913, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, refrigerators are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric refrigerators.
3. Oven
The oven is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. Before its invention, cooking food was a very laborious task that required a lot of time and effort.
The first electric oven was invented in 1893, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, ovens are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric ovens.
4. Microwave
The microwave is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. It allows food to be heated and cooked quickly and easily.
The first microwave was invented in 1945, but it was not until the 1970s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, microwaves are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first microwaves.
5. Dishwasher
The dishwasher is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. Before its invention, washing dishes was a very laborious task that required a lot of time and effort.
The first dishwasher was invented in 1886, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, dishwashers are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first dishwashers.
6. Vacuum cleaner
The vacuum cleaner is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. Before its invention, cleaning the floor was a very laborious task that required a lot of time and effort.
The first electric vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, vacuum cleaners are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric vacuum cleaners.
7. Blender
The blender is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. It allows food to be mixed and crushed quickly and easily.
The first electric blender was invented in 1922, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, blenders are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric blenders.
8. Coffee maker
The coffee maker is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. It allows coffee to be prepared quickly and easily.
The first electric coffee maker was invented in 1901, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, coffee makers are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric coffee makers.
9. Toaster
The toaster is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. It allows bread to be toasted quickly and easily.
The first electric toaster was invented in 1905, but it was not until the 1950s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, toasters are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric toasters.
10. Dryer
The dryer is another of the most useful appliances ever invented. It allows clothes to be dried quickly and easily.
The first electric dryer was invented in 1938, but it was not until the 1970s that its use became popular in Spanish homes. Today, dryers are much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the first electric dryers.
Our advice
Appliances have evolved to anticipate our needs and make our lives easier. Wi-Fi technology has been key in this evolution, allowing them to be programmed and controlled from anywhere. In addition, current appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Although current appliances are very useful, there is always room for innovation. Below is a list of 10 kitchen appliances that have not yet been invented but would be very useful:
- A refrigerator that knows when food is running out and automatically replenishes it.
- An oven that automatically cooks food according to the user’s preferences.
- A coffee maker that automatically prepares coffee according to the user’s preferences.
- A kitchen robot that automatically prepares food.
- A dishwasher that automatically empties itself.
- A toaster that automatically adjusts the toasting time according to the type of bread.
- A refrigerator with a touch screen to make the shopping list.
- A blender that cleans itself automatically.
- A dryer that automatically irons clothes.
- A microwave