Assistent Original Through the Decades
Launched in 1940, the Ankarsrum Assistent Original has been a beloved part of Swedish kitchens for generations. From a professional kitchen machine to an iconic everyday companion, the Assistent Original has evolved through the decades, shaped by innovation and timeless design. Discover the story behind this Swedish classic!
1937
The Ankarsrum Assistent Original kitchen machine can trace its roots all the way back to 1937, when the rights to the machine and its name were acquired from a company in Eskilstuna, Sweden. At the time, the Assistent Original was designed for professional use and was considered too large for the average household.
Engineer Alvar Lenning was therefore tasked with redesigning the kitchen machine to create a model suitable for both everyday homes and rural households. Lenning incorporated the various components into a streamlined, lightweight metal housing, giving the machine a refined, cohesive look while also making it easy to keep clean. The motor base was finished in a beige/cream colour, the bowl was made from stainless steel, and the dough knife and dough roller were crafted from wood.
1940
In 1940, in the midst of the Second World War, the new Assistent Original kitchen machine was launched as the NG1 model, featuring a 250-watt motor. The Assistent was very well received, and at the time, it came with a wooden dough roller.
During the Second World War, both food and materials were rationed, which affected the production of the Assistent Original. A special wartime cookbook was created to help people make the most of every ingredient – nothing was to go to waste.
1945
The shortage of materials following the Second World War meant that, between 1945 and 1949, the Assistent Original had a delivery time of up to three years. Naturally, this had a significant impact on sales.
Customers with weakened hands or other medical conditions could obtain a medical certificate that gave them priority for delivery. As a result, Ankarsrum received a considerable number of medical certificates during these years from customers eager to receive their Assistent Original as soon as possible.
New accessories were continuously introduced, and to keep them all organised, customers could purchase a specially designed accessory cabinet in a matching beige/cream colour. The cabinet provided a practical and convenient way to store all the accessories in one place.
For those who did not have enough space in their kitchen for an accessory cabinet, a free drawing was available with instructions for adapting a kitchen drawer with suitable compartments. The idea was to keep all accessories together in one place, preferably close to the Assistent Original, so they were always within easy reach and there was no need to search for them.
1950
In the 1950s, a new technical innovation was introduced: the centrifugal switch. It served as the Assistent Original’s overload protection. If the dough was too heavy or the meat being minced was too tough, causing the speed to drop, the machine would automatically stop.
The Assistent Original also began to be sold outside Sweden. Norway was the first international market, soon followed by several other countries.
The wooden dough knife and dough roller were also replaced with plastic versions, which was a major improvement. This prevented the problems of wood swelling and cracking, while also making the parts easier to keep clean.
1957
In 1957, the 100,000th Assistent Original was sold. A new model, the N4, was also introduced, featuring a 400-watt motor. That same year, production moved from Lilla Essingen in Stockholm to Motala.
1969
In 1969, production moved to Ankarsrum, and that same year the Assistent Variomat was introduced – the biggest change to the Assistent Original since its launch in 1940.
The streamlined design was replaced by a more angular look, reflecting the style of the time and inspired by the American automotive industry. In addition to its new design, the Assistent Variomat featured a timer and variable speed control.
The Assistent Original was the only kitchen machine on the market to offer these features, making it a great success once again.
1974
The Assistent Original continued to grow in popularity, and in 1974, the 250,000th machine was delivered.
1976
During the 1970s, bold colours became increasingly popular in kitchens, and the first Assistent Original in a new colour combination was introduced – a fashionable mix of orange and brown.
1987
In 1987, electronic torque control and a wider speed range were introduced. The Assistent Original also became available in white and grey.
1995
In 1995, the motor base was given a completely new design. Streamlined shapes were back in style, as consumers had grown tired of the angular designs that had been popular since the 1960s.
For the Assistent Original, the new design marked a return to the smooth, flowing lines of the original kitchen machine. This was the third redesign of the Assistent Original since its introduction in 1940.
2000
In the early 2000s, the Assistent Original became a main character in a children’s TV show on Swedish public broadcaster SVT. The programme aired on Saturday mornings and followed Johanna, who rents an old kitchen to start a catering business. There, she meets her new friend, Mixer. Different children’s programmes were shown in between the cooking segments.
In 2005, a new Assistent Original was launched with a more powerful 800-watt motor.
2017
In 2017, today’s Assistent Original model, the N30, was launched with a powerful 1500-watt motor – the most powerful motor to date. It also came with a recipe book, and the warranty was extended to seven years.
That same year, the pasta roller accessories were introduced in collaboration with the renowned Italian brand Marcato.
2024
Today, Ankarsrum Kitchen AB has an annual turnover of more than SEK 200 million and employs 17 people. The Ankarsrum Assistent Original is now available in more than 25 countries worldwide.
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