Home must-haves you can thank women for inventing.
By Andrea Arias-Zarate
There’s no place like home, filled with comfort and your favorite necessities. You might not think twice about items you use daily, but these women have. Meet the women behind the inventions that are common to find at home.
Coffee filter (Melitta Bentz)
Your home-brewed coffee isn’t grainy thanks to Melitta Bentz, who was fed up with the gritty substance. One day, Bentz used paper to filter out coffee grounds after pouring hot water. Finally, she could have a smooth sip of coffee. Bentz received a patent for the invention in 1908.
Electric refrigerator (Florence Parpart)
Early in the 20th century, refrigerators were more like ice boxes that kept food cold – similar to coolers now. In 1914, Florence Parpart decided on a better way to keep the “fridge” cold and designed an electrical system that circulated water, creating the first electric refrigerator.
Modern hair brush (Lyda Newman)
Lyda Newman wanted a more hygienic and efficient way to brush her hair. Ditching the animal thistle hair brush, its bristles too soft to treat her thick hair, Newman created a brush with synthetic bristles. Newman received a patent for her invention in 1898, becoming the third Black woman awarded one.
Dishwasher (Josephine Cochrane)
Hand-washing dishes became a challenge for Josephine Cochrane, after regularly chipping her tableware. She designed the dishwasher in a shed, creating a dishrack powered by a motor that would spray soapy water. She patented the “Cochrane Dishwasher” in 1886 and her company later became KitchenAid.
Stir-fry pan (Joyce Chen)
The stir-fry pan, AKA the Peking Wok, comes in handy when cooking stir-fried veggies or rice. Joyce Chen patented the flat-bottom wok designed to fit American stoves in 1970. It seems only fitting Chen invented this valuable piece as she also owned Chinese-American restaurants and hosted her own PBS show Joyce Chen Cooks.
Compact foldable umbrella (Slawa Horowitz-Duldig)
Slawa Horowitz-Duldig made carrying umbrellas easier by creating a more practical foldable umbrella. Horowitz-Duldig’s invention was patented in 1929, using existing umbrella parts. Although foldable umbrellas weren’t new, Horowitz-Duldig invented a smaller version with a better folding mechanism.
Fruit press (Madeline Turner)
Without having to squeeze juice by hand, Madeline Turner created a fruit press that squeezes it for you. Turner’s invention, patented in 1916, led to a surge in juices and helped businesses distribute liquified fruit.
Toaster with timer (Ruane Sharon Jeter)
A way to toast bread without needing to keep your eye on it – unless you like watching bread toast. In 1987, Ruane Sharon Jeter invented a way to time your toast at the shade you prefer. Jeter’s invention was the first toaster with a digital clock.
Ironing board (Sarah Boone)
Dressmaker Sarah Boone created the modern iron board to help iron women’s sleeves. Previously, clothes were ironed on a wooden plank across two chairs – difficult to maneuver. Boone’s 1892 design created a narrower, curved and foldable iron board. Boone’s invention awarded her as one of the first Black women to receive a patent.
Retractable leash (Mary A. Delaney)
Before leaving the house to walk your dog, having a retractable leash handy can be nice. Many prefer these types of leashes over a regular one, so the dog doesn’t slip out of grasp. That’s why Mary A. Delaney invented the retractable dog leash, patented in 1908, as non-retractable leashes were prone to slipping from your hands.
Home security system (Marie Van Brittan Brown)
Marie Van Brittan Brown helped design the home security system to protect herself after returning from many late-night shifts as a nurse. With her husband’s help, they invented a system in 1966. Their home security system had four peepholes, a sliding camera, television monitors, microphones and a button to alert police of suspicious activity.
