From Professional to Everyday Helper:
The Journey of the Assistent Original Through the Decades
Launched in 1940, the Ankarsrum Assistent Original has been winning people’s hearts for generations. Evolving from a professional kitchen appliance to an iconic everyday helper, the Assistent Original boasts a fascinating journey of innovation and timeless design. Discover the story behind this Swedish classic!
1937
The Ankarsrum Assistent Original kitchen machine traces its origins to 1937 when the rights to the machine and its name were acquired from a company in Eskilstuna, Sweden. Originally designed for professional use, the Assistent Original was initially deemed too large for ordinary households.
Civil engineer Alvar Lenning was tasked with redesigning the kitchen machine to make it suitable for both regular and rural households. Lenning ingeniously integrated various components into a sleek, lightweight metal casing that not only gave the machine an elegant appearance but also made it easy to clean. The motor frame was painted in a beige/cream color, while the bowl was crafted from stainless steel, and the dough knife and roller from wood.
1940
The new Assistent Original kitchen machine, model NG1, was launched featuring a 250-watt motor. It received widespread acclaim, particularly for its wooden dough roller.
During the war, rationing of both food and materials impacted Assistent Original production. To optimize resources, a crisis cookbook was devised, ensuring nothing went to waste.
1945
Material shortages post-World War II resulted in a three-year waiting period for the kitchen machine between 1945 and 1949, severely affecting sales.
To streamline accessory management, a specially designed cabinet matching the machine’s color scheme was introduced. Alternatively, customers lacking space could receive a blueprint to modify their kitchen drawers for accessory storage.
1950
The centrifugal switch was introduced as a technical innovation, serving as overload protection. Plastic knives and rollers replaced wood, offering enhanced durability and cleanliness.
The Assistent Original also began its expansion beyond Sweden, beginning with Norway.
1957
The 100,000th machine was sold, coinciding with the launch of the N4 model with a 400-watt motor. Production relocated from Stockholm to Motala.
1969
Production shifted to Ankarsrum, accompanied by the introduction of the Assistent Variomat featuring an angular design and advanced features like a timer and variable speed control, marking a significant departure from the original streamlined design.
1974
The Assistent Original’s popularity surged, reaching the milestone of 250,000 machines delivered.
1976
The 1970s embraced vibrant kitchen colors, prompting the introduction of the Assistent Original in the trendy orange and brown combination.
1987
Electronic torque control and expanded speed range were introduced alongside white and grey color options.
1995
A complete redesign brought back the streamlined shape, departing from the angular design trend of the 1960s, and aligning with consumer preferences for a more classic look.
2000
In the early 2000s, Assistent Original was prominently featured in a children’s program on Sweden’s public television channel, SVT, showcasing its enduring appeal across generations.
2005 launched a new model with an 800-watt motor, emphasizing enhanced power.
2017
The current model, Assistant N30, debuted with a powerful 1500-watt motor (600-watt motor in the US) and an extended 7-year warranty, marking significant advancements in performance and reliability.
2024
Today, Ankarsrum Kitchen AB boasts annual sales over 200 million SEK and employs a staff of 17. The Ankarsrum Assistent Original is now available in over 25 countries, embodying a legacy of innovation and quality spanning nearly nine decades.
