The Evolution of Bread Mixers

The first mechanical dough mixer was developed in Rome around 150 BC.  They were powered by donkeys!

In 55 BC Rome invaded Britain.  With them came the technology for milling flour and producing bread.

So, skipping ahead to Victorian times:  In the 1800's there were several companies in the United States that were manufacturing household-sized bread mixers.

The clamp, shown on the left, was used to secure the mixing bucket to a table.  The ingredients would be added to the bucket, then the hand-crank was used to turn the dough hooks, which in turn mixed and kneaded the dough.

The chore was usually done in the evening.  Once the dough was kneaded, the hand crank and dough hook would be removed, and the dough was left in the machine to rise overnight and be ready for baking in the morning.

Once electricity became commonplace, the hand bread mixers were replaced with electric ones.

 Electric bread mixers are still widely used today, even after the advent of bread making machines.