The Kitchenaid Stand Mixer

Proudly displayed on kitchen counters nationwide.

Few other consumer products (and certainly no other kitchen appliances) have achieved the revered status of this weighty little marvel. It is also one of the new "modern conveniences" of the 20th century to actually deliver on its promise of making lives better. Blatantly targeted at the stereotypical homemakers of the post war boom, its performance and reliability built the legend even while the marketing campaigns evolved with the times. And then came the cooking show boom of the 1980's and 90's. From Natalie Dupree to Alton Brown, its presence was constant and comforting. So now, here we are, so many decades after the initial launch, and this ruggedly simple combination of solid motor and sleek styling has attained heirloom standing. It is never hidden away when not in use; it is left proudly in the open to inspire awe. People in their 20's are learning how to bake (and whip, and grind) on their grandmother's machine with a sense of pride that borders on greed. Any attempt to wrestle one away from the owner is an invitation to a chair throwing brawl. Can you think of anything else so widespread and seemingly mundane in our lives that so readily generates such a response?

Aaron