Antique Electric Waffle Irons 1900-1960: A History of the Appliance Industry in 20th Century America [Paperback]

William F. George (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2003

The only collector's guide and comprehensive historical reference source for antique electric waffle irons and the appliance industry that made them. Profusely illustrated and with a dating and value guide listing over 1100 models of waffle irons and grills made from 1900-1960

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill was born in Philadelphia in 1943 but grew up in what was then rural southeast Pennsylvania. He attended Penn State University, acquiring a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education before pursuing a career teaching science and math. A five year stint of junior high school classrooms in suburban Pennsylvania and rural Ohio, convinced him that a hands-on profession would be far less frustrating and much more mentally rewarding. Two years of specialized training led to a new career as a photo equipment service technician. Bill operated his own wholesale camera repair service in Maryland and Colorado for over 15 years before selling the business and working in industry as a precision scientific instrument-maker. Bill's hobbies reflect his love of tinkering with things old and mechanical. In his spare time, when not gardening or practicing photography, he restores antique pocket watches, vintage Ford cars (five so far dating from 1929 to 1950), antique cameras, and vintage appliances. A poor quality modern-type waffle iron that failed miserably one Sunday morning led the author on a quest for an old-style, no-nonsense waffle iron just like he remembered his mother using back in the pre-Teflon Good old days. One vintage waffle iron led to another and another until he had gathered and restored to like-new condition over three hundred of them. Bill's curiosity to know more about these little jewels and the companies that made them led to a four year research project. This book is the culmination of that research, the author's long-time writing avocation, and his love of teaching. The author, with his wife Pat, lives in Colorado with Maggie a wonderfully loving and gentle dog recently acquired through the Springer Spaniel Rescue League. Bill welcomes any inquiries through the publisher or through his waffle iron web site www.WaffleironCentral.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (April 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155395632X
• ISBN-13: 978-1553956327
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #497,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Kitchenware

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Reference and Guide for Waffle Iron Fans, September 23, 2006

By 

Ned Ludd (Bluffton, SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antique Electric Waffle Irons 1900-1960: A History of the Appliance Industry in 20th Century America (Paperback)

Bill George has written a fantastic guide to American classic waffle irons. He has done a tremendous amount of research and covers his subject thoroughly from both the waffle iron and the appliance company perspective. The photos of the waffle irons are high quality.

His helpful hints in buying vintage waffle irons, waffle recipes, company and waffle iron model list with price guide all make this an invaluable reference. A must-have for any eBay buyer who likes vintage waffle irons.

Mr. George is without doubt the reigning guru of American waffle irons. One can only hope he would write a similar reference book on American toasters!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These Great Old Waffle Irons !!, January 14, 2008

By 

FishinFool - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antique Electric Waffle Irons 1900-1960: A History of the Appliance Industry in 20th Century America (Paperback)

A few weeks ago my wife rediscovered a very Old waffle iron that had belonged to her grandmother! [We had packed it away years ago] Just for fun, tried it out and BINGO what a GREAT WAFFLE it made!!!
Of course that led to "-Where did this come from--who made it ,etc---" This just cried for a Goggle Look See,And This wonderfull book came up!! Antique Electric Waffle Irons 1900-1960: A History of the Appliance Industry in 20th Century America The author must have done a ton of research because this book has it all!!! It Is full of pictures and info about all kinds of "STUFF" Would HIGHLY Recommed Book for background on old co's and things they made. A Really Fun Read!!!!!!!! J.C.Byrdstown,TN. On the shores of beautiful Dale Hollow Lake!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fabulous Book, May 1, 2009

By 

S. Murphy (Encino, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antique Electric Waffle Irons 1900-1960: A History of the Appliance Industry in 20th Century America (Paperback)

I came across a reference to this book when purchasing a refurbished waffle iron from the 1940's-1950's era. It is a fabulous read, not only because it describes many older waffle irons, but also because it tells the story of how the original kitchen appliance industry began and the people/companies who drove it for so many years. (It also provides a guide to actually baking waffles in antique waffle irons, which is extremely helpful in achieving waffle success.) I had a hard time putting the book down. I have since purchased three more waffle irons (this time from the 1920's-1930's era) based in large part on the advice I received from this book.

I should also mention that I originally purchased the Kindle edition. While it is ok in this format, the price tables and photo captions are difficult to read. (I have the original Kindle -- maybe it is better on the newer Kindle2?) I am now purchasing the print version as well because I want to be able to absorb all the wonderful detail this work provides.

Chapters include:
What did it really cost in the "good ole days?"
The history of the electric appliance industry
The history of waffles
Electric waffle iron development
Electric waffle time line
The companies -- their products -- their people
Model, date & value guide
Waffle iron - toaster matches
Working with waffle irons
Waffle recipes

Thank you Mr. George for your wonderful work! I have enjoyed it tremendously.