The Newest Must Have Old Mixers

Old mixers are new again.These gems of the past seventy and eighty years are being revered, not just for  their hardiness but also for their beauty.These are beyond being kitchen utile. They are works of  art, worthy of their own shelves. Let's face it, companies don't make them like they used to in decades and days past.

Writer Kate Murphy, explored this addictive new trend in her New York Times Dining section article. yesterday. She talked to several collectors as well as taking pictures of the machines. Electric mixers first came into use in the 1930s. The two giants Hamilton Beach and Sunbeam manufactured and are still making these.They were known for their interesting shapes that included fins along with having attachments such as pea shellers. Most collectors agree that mixers made after 1967 are too modern and not worth collecting.

The collectors are fanatical. Many will pay over one hundred dollars for a mixer that originally went for forty dollars (which was a lot of money for that time.)Norman Platnick and his late wife, Nancy, started this movement with the collection of over 200 different types of mixers.Another collector, Steve Lynch, interviewed as well by Ms. Murphy also has a huge amount  however his is only eighty five. He has fixed them, giving them new  cords and parts. Once they're fixed , the mixer can still work , usually foranother decade or two. Many aren;t used , but sit proudly on shelves like rare works of art (which they are)

Mixers were such a kitchen standard before the age of food processors. They were elegant and interesting with their different shapes and colors. No wonder they're a hot collector's item right now. You cant beat the past.