#20: The Electric Flatiron

Some people enjoy ironing, while others hate this domestic chore. Whether you love it or hate it, the electric iron sure makes our clothes look spiffy. We have Henry W. Seeley to thank for the modern-day iron. He patented the first electric flatiron in 1882, which eventually led to our modern versions.

This original flatiron is an early example of how people would iron their clothes. Seeley’s flatiron had built-in coils and got rid of the need for an open fire or coals. This original version wasn’t perfect. It took forever to heat up and would quickly cool off once it was unplugged. In the beginning, ironing probably took longer when you used this invention rather than the old tried-and-true way!