Domestic Technology

New innovations, like electric toasters, better cookware, and cellophane, were designed to lessen the burden of housework and improve the lives of women. By using time-saving household technologies, women could have more time for leisure. However, much of this new technology was expensive and not available to all women. For women who could afford the new machines and devices, mastery of this technology required effort and time. Women’s domestic magazines, cookbooks, and informational pamphlets instructed women on how to be modern housewives.

Batwing Beater, 1927 The makers of this batwing rug beater claimed that their design was a new and improved way to clean rugs. In reality, this design deviated little from the rug beaters of decades earlier.	Electric Heater, 1920 Electric heaters began to reduce the need for fireplaces in homes.	Ice Cream Maker, 1923 Ice cream makers were mass produced and would have been easily available.
Toaster, 1920 Although this toaster only heated one side of bread at a time, it made it easier for a woman to prepare a quick breakfast.

Domestic Technology

Batwing Beater, 1927

The makers of this batwing rug beater claimed that their design was a new and improved way to clean rugs. In reality, this design deviated little from the rug beaters of decades earlier.

Electric Heater, 1920

Electric heaters began to reduce the need for fireplaces in homes.

Ice Cream Maker, 1923

Ice cream makers were mass produced and would have been easily available.

Toaster, 1920

Although this toaster only heated one side of bread at a time, it made it easier for a woman to prepare a quick breakfast.