Sunbeam began in Chicago with practical engineering and a simple goal to make everyday work easier. What started as mechanical clippers for farms grew into one of the most recognizable names in small appliances. This brief history highlights the milestones that shaped the brand many homeowners still know today.
At a glance timeline
- 1893, John K. Stewart and Thomas J. Clark form the Chicago Flexible Shaft Company and manufacture horse clippers and sheep shears in Chicago.
- 1910, First Sunbeam household appliance, the Princess electric iron.
- 1930, Mixmaster stand mixer debuts and becomes a kitchen icon through the mid century.
- 1946, Company incorporates as Sunbeam Corporation, reflecting its focus on consumer products.
- 1949, Sunbeam T-20 automatic pop-up toaster helps define postwar convenience in the kitchen.
- 1951, Sunbeam purchases Rain King Sprinkler Company and expands into lawn sprinklers.
- 1960, Sunbeam acquires John Oster Manufacturing Company and adds the Osterizer blender line.
- 1981, Allegheny International buys Sunbeam appliances and relocates headquarters to Pittsburgh.
- 1996, New leadership attempts a turnaround at Sunbeam; the period brings rapid change and later upheaval.
- 2001–2002, Sunbeam reorganizes under Chapter 11 and continues operations.
- 2005–2016, Sunbeam Products becomes part of Jarden, then part of Newell Brands after Jarden’s merger with Newell Rubbermaid.
- 2008, Jarden Consumer Solutions launches Sunbeam products through its Oster de Colombia entity.
- 2011, Sunbeam Hospitality introduces the greensense line for hotels, aimed at reducing water and energy use.
Design icons that defined the brand
Mixmaster stand mixer. Known for its dual beaters and sturdy build, the Mixmaster became a staple on North American countertops for decades.
Osterizer blender. After the 1960 acquisition of Oster, the Osterizer blended style with performance and helped popularize countertop blending for home cooks.
Where Sunbeam sits today
Sunbeam Products operates within a larger consumer portfolio that has included Jarden and Newell Brands. The name remains familiar to homeowners for dependable, value-driven small appliances that continue to evolve with modern kitchens.
Further reading
Need help with a Sunbeam small appliance? Book professional service with ARS. Explore our appliance repair services for Toronto, the GTA, and nearby communities.
Sunbeam History FAQs
When did Chicago Flexible Shaft become Sunbeam Corporation?
In 1946 the company adopted the Sunbeam name to reflect its growing focus on household appliances.
What are the most iconic Sunbeam products?
The Mixmaster stand mixer and the Osterizer blender remain two of the most recognized Sunbeam family products.
Who owns the Sunbeam brand today?
Sunbeam Products operates within a broader portfolio that has included Jarden and Newell Brands in recent decades.
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