Customer Reviews

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

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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!

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!

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.

For the small niche in this country who collect electric vintage waffle makers/irons, this book is the bible.

It is extremely comprehensive and full of facts and figures. The buying guide lists average (range) of prices for almost all known models from 1900-1960. Personally, I've come across a few models that aren't listed (2, to be exact) since I've bought my copy, but overall I'd say it doesn't get better than this.

The one thing I wish would have/could have been included would have been a list of clubs dealing with collecting these items.