Josephine Cochrane

Josephine Cochrane was an American inventor who created the first practical electric dishwasher in the late 1800s. Frustrated by her dishes breaking while washing them by hand, she designed a machine with racks to hold plates securely and brushes to scrub them efficiently. Her innovation led to the development of modern dishwashers, transforming household cleaning. Cochrane’s invention was first showcased at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and became a foundational model for future dishwashing technology. She is recognized as a pioneer in household appliance innovation and contributed significantly to the automation of domestic chores.