A Brief History of the Dishwashers

Josephine Cochrane’s Invention

Unsurprisingly, a woman was the first to receive a patent for a dishwashing machine that used water pressure rather than scrubbers. After moving to Shelbyville, Illinois, she frequently hosted parties at her residence due to her marriage to William A. Cochrane. One occasion frustrated her with how her fine china was chipped and damaged during the manual washing. This dissatisfaction became the driving force behind her quest to invent a safer and more efficient dishwashing mechanism.

In the 1880s, propelled by her desire to find a solution and reputedly declaring, "If nobody else is going to invent a dishwashing machine, I'll do it myself!" Josephine started designing an automatic dishwasher. Although she had no formal training in engineering, she came by it naturally–her great-grandfather, John Fitch, built and operated a boiler-powered steamboat on the Delaware River 20 years before Robert Fulton was credited as its inventor in 1807. Her father, John Garis, was a civil engineer.

Her innovative design housed dishes in a compartmentalized rack inside a copper boiler. A wheel mechanism held the dishes and was turned by a motor. Unlike other attempts at creating dishwashing machines, Josephine's invention utilized hot, soapy water sprayed onto the dishes, ensuring a thorough clean without the risk of breakage. By 1886, she secured a patent for her ingenious design.

Recognizing the potential for commercial success, Josephine founded the Garis-Cochran Manufacturing Company. Rather than targeting average households, she initially aimed to appeal to larger commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants.

Her big break came when her dishwasher was showcased at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The machine was lauded for its efficiency, practicality, and potential to save labor. Following the exposition, her dishwashers began to see increased demand, gradually becoming indispensable in many commercial settings. After her passing in 1913, Josephine's company eventually merged with KitchenAid, now a subsidiary of the Whirlpool Corporation.

Josephine Cochrane's invention addressed personal frustration and set the foundation for the modern automatic dishwasher we recognize today. Her contribution is a testament to how personal challenges can lead to innovations with a broad impact. Moreover, when women's roles were restricted in society, Josephine's accomplishments as an inventor and entrepreneur stand out, leaving an enduring legacy in home appliances.