This is my mixer. It's old but it's works great and matches my kitchen. I've had it a number of years and to ensure it lasts a few more, I don't ask it to do real hard work like making big batches of icing, but I do use it for mixing cakes, whipping potatoes and other such tasks. I got it at a 'thrift' store for $25(high, yes, but I was in love). It came with the original booklet (below), 2 milk glass mixing bowls and the juicer attachment. Inside the booklet is the original sales receipt. It was bought on July 10, 1951 for 38.80. So I guess I got a deal!
As you can see the booklet has seen better days...Looks like an electric burner got a hold of it at one point. My best gal pal, heather, picked up the owner's manual seen below for me at the flea market a few weekends ago. I can't find a copyright date but I feel confidant in saying it's from the 1940's. I love the cover.
Look at all the things this mixer can do! Aren't these attachments crazy looking?
Slices 
Crushes
Shells
and polishes! Ha ha!
It also has attachments (sold separately of coarse) for mixing drinks, grinding coffee, opening cans, sharpening knives, puree and ricing, chopping, slicing, shredding, grating, peeling, juicing, straining and it can turn an ice cream maker! That's alot of attachments! So where are you going to put them? 
36 comments:
Oh man, that's crazy! Polishes! It was like the Dremel of it's day! I'm going to sound like a weird stalker here, but I think of you when I drive through certain neighborhoods that still have a lot of their fifties architecture! I'm thinking about starting a flickr group of 50's tract houses. Do you think anyone else will want to play?
I think that is sweet that you think of me in that situation! Now, if it was that you think of me when you drive by a cardboard box or some new fangled stucco deal, then I think my feelings might be a little hurt. Oh and I'm sure folks would join such a flicker group, if there isn't one already! My house can't play along though, it was built in 1938.
Oh! I love my mixer! I too have the Mix Master (same model) but mine came with aluminum bowls. I found it at a church garage sale for $25 with the juicer and sausage attachment.
I live, eat, and sleep 50's! My entire house is 50's or early 60's except for some of the electronics and our beds.
I would love to live in a 50's ranch or and Eichler! Oh! I would die for an Eichler house!!
your mixer is fab-boo!! i feel the same kinda love towards my kitchen aid (mine was a hand me down. my mom got it and then didn't it want it anymore..hell yeah!!!)
now that ice attachment...doesn't it look like ice would just go shooting all over the place?
you've gotta share your homemade frosting recipes. i have one for decorated cookies but i am looking for a good cupcake frosting!
So what DO you do for the rough stuff? I have no backup for my vintage Kitchenaid (late 50s, been in the family since it was bought) and when I do cookie dough or large batches it really complains...and heats up, which is scary!
I have a couple of the attachments and have actually used the meat grinder a lot!
I've been reading your blog for a few weeks, and I love it. I have the same MixMaster, but I think mine's from the '40's, or maybe even the '30's. They didn't change the style for many years, though. Did you know that in 1929 (I think--it's been a few years since I did tthe research), the MixMaster was featured on a postage stamp as an icon of modern household convenience? Mine still works, too, and I do occasionally use it, but the bowl is missing, and I've had a tough time finding one that works with it. I have the juicer attachment, but I don't think I've ever used it.
Here's a link that provides some info on how to maintain your vintage mixer:
http://www.jitterbuzz.com/indmix.html
I would love to see more pics of your vintage gear and furnishings! I'm sure your house is a very lovely tribute to a bygone (but not forgotten) era.
This is hilarious! Perfect! So funny.
And I really think it's a super deal!
oh i am jealous...i have been wanting one of those...and a vintage one to boot! lucky you...as far as i'm concerned you can't beat vintage for durability...old reliable, you know?
That is one beautiful mixer!
~pink rocket~ I have a few patio and landscaping books from 40's-60's and the houses in some are so lovely, clean lines, large windows and no curtains! beautiful! I feel the same way!
~elizabeth~you lucky girl! A free kitchen Aid! I have come up with a couple of my own icing recipes and they generally involve coconut..and I just made them up on the spot from what I had so I didn't write anything down.. I do remember doing one from this mexican canned grated coconut in a heavy syrup..Oh boy has it good, however I can't find that same coconut anywhere. I even saved the label for reference.
~sarah~ I only mix small batches of royal icing up with my mixer really. I am so scared I am going to burn the motor up that I must admit I just buy premade stuff generally.
~mother of the year~ Thanks so much for all that info, I'm sure all the other gals here that have vintage mixers appreciate it too. I would love to get my hands on one of those stamps! I would frame it and put it in the kitchen! So glad you are enjoying my blog!
~jen~I was just thinking about doing some photos of the house and other 'junk' I have around here but I didn't think anyone would be interested!Must clean first! This place is a wreck!
~patricia~ I feel the same way..We bought one of those $99 cuisenart coffee makers thinking this thing is going to last forever..no..dead after 3 1/2 years. We are now using a vintage perculator we got at a thrift for 5 bucks..We solved the 'putting it on a timer' issue by using a vintage timer that is actually for plugging a lamp into for when you go on vacation (once again from a thrift store!)! I curse cuisenart's name and will never buy anything from them again! I still have a letter I need to write them, you just reminded me!
~esther~Thanks! and I love your name!
~vegan knitter~Thanks darlin'!
My mom has that mixer. I love how the bowl turns. The new kitchenaids suck by comparison. That's why I just use a hand-held. I live right next to the Mexican border. If you'll give me the name of that coconut, I'll have a look. There are Mexican markets all over here.
~Barb~ Thanks so much! The coconut brand is Ancel. I will email you a copy of the label.
Barb - I gotta step up and defend my kitchenaid! The gyroscoping (okay that's not the word for it they use but...) beater does the exact same thing that the rotating bowl does, so there's absolutely no difference in function. I had been using a MixMaster (different side of the family and didn't pass to me) before the kitchenaid and I can attest that there is no difference.
I'll tell you what DOES suck about new kitchenaids compared to vintage - no clear glass bowl! (Although they do have a lot more power so no burning smell when you push it too hard, which I'm sure is a plus).
Mary - you can actually get vintage mixers reconditioned to modern standards! But, it's so expensive. Someday in my dreams...
I have a peach 1951 Hamilton Beach Mixer. I have had it for 5 years and the only mixer that even begins to top it is the New Kitchen Aide I got for my wedding gift. I also have the original book for the Hamilton Beach and I did lots of eBay shopping and came up with 4 original bowls.... it only came with one when I found it antiquing.
Hi, My House! I just wanted to let you know that I've been experiencing problems seeing your blog: I've been getting a 403 page, telling me I'm not authorized to see it. I only managed to write this comment by googling your blog's name, and opening a page in cache. Maybe other fans of your blog are also having the same problem, so I just thought I should let you know, maybe you should tell this to blogger.
What a gorgeous mixer! I have just blogged about my "new" kitchenaid mixer, which I love. I found a site for a guy who will completely refurbish your vintage mixer, but (of course) now I can't find it. Here is a site with service manuals and lots of info available for taking care of your vintage appliances. http://www.davesrepair.com/ He has a bunch of Sunbeam service manuals available on cd. Hope that helps!
What an extremely cool mixer! Have to say I like Kitchenaid's better, though. I am the proud owner of 2 old Kitchen Aid mixers and I love 'em. My vintage (1962)kitchenaid k45 is my main workhorse. It creams butter fresh out of the fridge. I also own a Kitchenaid 4C which I prize for the globe glass bowl. Found it at a yard sale for $5! I am sending my 4C in to these guys for a complete electrical overhaul.
http://atomic-era-machine.com/
They upgrade the whole mixer to modern standards.
I think your blog is great, I was looking up stuff on mixmasters here in Australia and there it was! I wonder if anyone still has the cupboard for all those attachments...
Your Sunbeam is beautiful. It's a model 10 or 10A, circa 1950-1954. I have one just like it and was searching the web to buy a new bowl when I came across your blog. I just broke my large milkglass bowl today and it broke my heart - you see, like the mixer and bowl, I too was made in 1954.
I have a model 10A Mixmaster, was my mother's, I grew up using it. I love it! I also purchased two other 10As for parts but one does work very well, got it for $5 at an estate sale six years ago. the prices are going way up on old Mixmasters now, check out ebay. Love old things, have a 1949 O'Keefe & Merritt stove, it works!
Enjoyed your site!
I found your blog while looking for a price to sell my shiny blue kitchenaid mix master that has been used about three times in ten years. I like your blog. I am a retro junkie.
And yours may be cuter but mine is cooler.
"My house is me and I am it. My house is where I like to be and it looks like all my dreams".
Your green-ish manual dates from the 1930's and is for the model 3 Mixmaster. For the complete, authoritative Mixmaster story, check this site:
http://www.angelfire.com/home/flexibleshaft/SunbeamFoyer.html
Or, for fear that lengthy URL will break in this post, this is the same (but run through an on-line service that shortens long website addresses):
http://tinyurl.com/5afkr7
It's a LONG and wordy history, but well worth the read. A fun tour through the venerable mixer's history. And, very rare to find - it's all accurate (I collect Mixmasters - have 30+ examples)
Well, My mother is in her late 80's, and my mother in law is in her mid 90's...both have Sunbeam Mixers that look like yours, bought new probably in the 30's and 40's. Both Mom's still use their mixer's, and they both work on all speeds...would never part with them. Me, I bought my 1st sunbeam Mixmaster in 1969....burned it up after about 10 to 20 years of hard use, and resorted to 3 yard sale finds of the same era..., one got left in a move by accident..one got dropped on the floor and the housing broke (but it still ran) and the 3rd I am still using! All 12 speeds! But I prefer the newer models...have a beautiful Kitchen aid, that I wanted for years, and my husband and son combined their $$ 3 years ago and bought me one for Christmas! Burned it up after 6 or 7 uses! They replaced it, but now I'm scared to death to use it! So, it's back to my SunBeam mixmaster! Just paid off my house, and next month plan to but a brand spanking new one...but not the Heritage Model...I like to make 7 minute frosting (from my mom's old Sunbeam Mixmaster book) and so the head must detatch, to use over the stove...a lot of the new models don't do that! I also have the Sunbeam Hand mixer, never use it...not near the power...but I just can't part with it...it's a Sunbeam! So my kitchen has 3 mixers, and someday if I get my mom's...I'll just use it for Kitchen Decor and back-up (I know it will still work on all 12 speeds!) While my model may be updated...I still feel the same as you about the product! And then there is my poor Kitchen Aid...I try to use it around Christmas every year....I love my kitchen! I just bought a whole new set of Ekco Utensils on E-Bay original price on the box $12.95...paid prime, wooden handles and everything!
As someone who collects mixers (I know.... "WEIRD!"), I'm wondering how so many are managing to "burn-up/out" their mixers. Particularly modern KitchenAids. As far as those go, it could be that the plastic gearing has stripped. This is a built-in safety against motor damage - the plastic gears will strip before the motor gets damaged. This is by design intent and can be repaired. Many "KA: mixers have a push-button circuit breaker on the head, this too "kicks" when it senses motor overload, cutting electrical power. If you have one (usually a generic looking button on the side), push it and retry. If all that has occurred is the breaker doing it's job, you should be back in business.
I worked in a bakery where we used off-the-shelf, non-commercial, KitchenAid mixers, they held up like troupers. It's important to note that even a KitchenAid has its limits. Heavy mixtures should be mixed using the paddle attachment or dough hook (bread doughs, stiffer cookie doughs - (really anything you'd use the term "dough" for as opposed to "batter"). on vintage mixers, (any brand) should not be used for anything heavier than cake batters. - a good rule of thumb on vintage mixers - if it wasn't supplied with dough hooks, it was never intended for the job. (be aware that MANY eBay sellers "add-in" dough hooks to mixers not intended to use them).
Well, I am a hermit and I love to cook and make bread with my mixer and I had a Kitchen Aid "Artisan" model and I blew out the gears grinding grain for my home made bread which was delicious. Best deal I could make was to up-grade to a heavy duty model for a hundred bucks. Hopefully the gears will hold up. I love retro stuff but that little pip squeak could not grind my grain I am afraid. Love your post!
My grandmother bought the Sunbeam mixer for my mom as a wedding present (1935)... I hadn't seen the booklet with the red cover for years until I spied it on your blog. What a treat! Sadly I found you because I have grown very frustrated with the beaters sending the batter up on a trip to the motor everytime I use it and was finally looking to replace it. All the wonderful happy comments filled with guilt and may slow down my progress. At 65 I surely don't need to spend over $200 on a Kitchenaid...thanks for the wonderful blog!
I am looking for te beaters and the largemilky white bowl for my Sunbeam Mixmaster Model 12. Have you any idea where I can find those. Thanks, vande@wildblue.net
I just got this same model mixer today at a yard sale for $2.25 I was so thrilled even came with those milk glass looking bowls. It will look so cool once I get the kitchen completely remodel to a 50's theme.I have always felt like I should have been born in that era.
I just picked up a model 10 at a yardsale for $5. I'm not sure if all the parts are there or not-I have 2 bowls, a juicer and some metal bits. I found your site while looking for more information on the mixer. Wondering if you would be of a mind to copy the manual for someone? Email is kaoldt@hotmail.com I'd really appreciate it.
i just bought one at an aution sale still in its original box still sealed. dont know what year it was made or bought. i dont ant to open the box
I own one of these MixMaster. It was my grandmothers and remember making cookies, cakes and all the fun stuff you are supposed to make with your grandmother with it. Sadly 3 days ago I opened a cabinet door to discover one of my kids shoved it in there sideways and it came bouncing out breaking the orginal GlassBake bowls...I am so sad...
My mother has this mixer, it was her grandmother's. It is starting to slow down some, so we think it needs new bearing and some oil. (That's how I came across your blog, which is WONDERFUL) Is there a page in the manual that tells how to take it apart and make repairs to the interior parts?
Could you post information about the booklet? I just found that exact model of mixer, but it didn't come with anything but the bowl. I've got beaters for it, but if you could post the information in the booklet/ instruction manual, that would be very helpful
My mom had one of thpse origional Sunbeam Mixmasters just used it for making cakes(yum yum)me and my sister got to lick the beaters after it was all done
Bonjour
Je viens de trouver ce même Mixmaster, mais je l'ai trouvé sans le bol et le livret. Consentiriez-vous à m'en fournir une copie s'il vous plaît ?
Merci de votre réponse
Catherine
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