This question was answered by Kelly McCorkle, our library intern!
A patron wanted to know how the name “waffle iron” came about. Digging into the history of the waffle iron, we learn from Electronic Component Magazine (ECM) that modern waffle irons date back to the late-1800s. On August 24, 1869, Cornelius Swartwout of Troy, New York applied for a patent for his invention: the stovetop waffle iron. Created for wood or gas stoves, Swartwout hinged together two cast iron plates to create what would forever be known in America as the “waffle iron.”
While the waffle iron did not become patented until 1869, ECM cites the Netherlands as the place of origin in the 1300s. Waffles were cooked over an open fire using a long, wooden-handled device consisting of two iron plates. CooksInfo.com corroborates this story.
Furthermore, waffle irons have come a long way since the 1800s. CooksInfo.com states that the Charles M. Cole of Oakland, California improved upon the waffle iron design in 1926. His invention was electric, and it allowed two waffles to be made at once. While the waffle iron may not be made of cast iron anymore, the name remains the same and people all around the world still enjoy them. In fact, August 24th is National Waffle Day in celebration of the day Swartwout patented his waffle iron invention. Be that as it may, waffles are good any time of year!
For waffle recipes and information about other inventions, please consult the following books: 1001 Muffins, Biscuits, Doughnuts, Pancakes, Waffles, Popovers, Fritters, Scones, and Other Quick Breads by Gregg R. Gillespie and The Greatest Inventions of the Past 2,000 Years by John Brockman.
A patron wanted to know how the name “waffle iron” came about. Digging into the history of the waffle iron, we learn from Electronic Component Magazine (ECM) that modern waffle irons date back to the late-1800s. On August 24, 1869, Cornelius Swartwout of Troy, New York applied for a patent for his invention: the stovetop waffle iron. Created for wood or gas stoves, Swartwout hinged together two cast iron plates to create what would forever be known in America as the “waffle iron.”
While the waffle iron did not become patented until 1869, ECM cites the Netherlands as the place of origin in the 1300s. Waffles were cooked over an open fire using a long, wooden-handled device consisting of two iron plates. CooksInfo.com corroborates this story.
Furthermore, waffle irons have come a long way since the 1800s. CooksInfo.com states that the Charles M. Cole of Oakland, California improved upon the waffle iron design in 1926. His invention was electric, and it allowed two waffles to be made at once. While the waffle iron may not be made of cast iron anymore, the name remains the same and people all around the world still enjoy them. In fact, August 24th is National Waffle Day in celebration of the day Swartwout patented his waffle iron invention. Be that as it may, waffles are good any time of year!
For waffle recipes and information about other inventions, please consult the following books: 1001 Muffins, Biscuits, Doughnuts, Pancakes, Waffles, Popovers, Fritters, Scones, and Other Quick Breads by Gregg R. Gillespie and The Greatest Inventions of the Past 2,000 Years by John Brockman.
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