National Waffle Iron Day!
Not to be confused with National Waffle Day, which is August 24th
I want to start off by saying, this post subject is one that I really got into researching. I'm a geek for useless(and not-so) facts!
I love discovering history.
Who was the first to...
How was X started.
Where was the first X
I have so many questions!
I found the history of the waffle iron quite fascinating.
Culinary historians believe what is now called waffles and the iron to make them can be dated back to ancient Greece
Chefs roasted flat cakes called obelios between metal plates attached to long wooden handles over a fire and they weren't as sweet as a modern waffle.
Around the 14th century, wafer irons were flat, sometimes circular, and usually made to imprint elaborate patterns, including coat of arms, landscapes, and religious symbols.
Over time, these wafers became thicker and were more of the modern waffle. Early waffle irons were hot, heavy, and dangerous.
Many people suffered serious burns due to lifting and trying to turn the hot irons.
In 1869, Cornelius Swarthout patented a new and improved stove-top waffle iron!
His invention looked nothing like modern electric models. Fashioned to sit on wood or gas stoves, the cast-iron plates were joined by a hinge that swiveled in a cast-iron collar.
Quote from his patent "
The nature of my invention consists in providing a handle, connected with and forming part of a waffle-iron, by means of which the same may be readily turned over without danger of slipping and without the possibility of burning the hand. It also consists in providing a device, by means of which the upper covering portion of a waffle-iron may be raised, so as to expose the interior, for filling, or for removing the waffle when done without danger of the cover slipping back, and without burning the hand."
The next big upgrade was in 1911 when General Electric developed a prototype of the first electric waffle iron. They didn't start production until 1918.
From then on, waffle irons have been upgraded and improved.
We've come a long way with the waffles.
In doing the research, I found a ton of antique waffle irons on both Ebay and Amazon.
I have to say, this little one is my favorite. Modern technology with a retro charm.
or even this one
I hope you've had as much fun as I have learning all about the history of the waffle iron.
How do you like your waffles?
1. Traditional, butter, syrup and/or powdered sugar
2. Freshened up with fruit and whipped topping
3. Trendy with the chicken and waffles crowd
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