Irons were among the first household items to "go electric."  The electric iron was patented by H.W. Seely in 1882.  During the early 1900's General Electric began developing the electric iron and in 1903 it introduced the first electric iron with a detachable cord.  In 1910 GE also introduced the first electric iron made with a stamped, nickel-plated steel shell in place of the previsouly used cast iron.  In 1923, 15% of home electricity was used for ironing.  In 1921 GE marketed an electric iron that contained an imbedded heating element.  In 1927 electric irons appear with an adjustable temperature.  Steam irons are introduced into the market in 1937 and 1965 GE marketed the steam iron with a Teflon-coated sole plate.

Sales Volume of Irons

Year	Units	$ Volume	Price
1922	3,300,000	20,000,000	6
1930	2,362,500	10,867,000	5
1932	1,858,400	7,161,900	4
1940	5,171,000	18,853,500	4
1950	7,475,000	101,188,500	14
1960	6,410,000	91,678,000	14
1965	9,860,000	139,854,000	14
1970	9,275,000	159,210,000	17