In 1963, Kenner, which later became a division of Hasbro, released a new product onto the market that was unlike anything else at that time. A small, safe, working oven in which children could bake just like their parents, but in the comfort of their own bedrooms. Now, 50 years later, the Easy-Bake Oven is still going strong.
In the 50 years of its existence, more than 30 million Easy-Bake Ovens have been sold to girls and boys wanting to make simple and tasty treats. Over 150 million mix refills have been sold in that time, including cookies, cakes and muffins.
In December, a petition was received by Hasbro from McKenna Pope, a 13-year old girl from New Jersey, asking for an Easy-Bake Oven that would be more suitable for boys as well. In response, a planned "unisex" Easy-Bake Oven was unveiled, which was already in the works to celebrate this years' anniversary. The Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven will be black, silver and blue, rather than the traditional pink or purple. It will also be capable of making a wide range of items. In addition to the ones mentioned above, the new oven will be able to also make pretzels, cake pops, whoopie pies and chocolate truffles.
In a statement regarding the 50th Anniversary of the Easy-Bake Oven, Samantha Lomow, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, Hasbro, Inc. said:
"For more than half a century, the Easy-Bake brand has been synonymous with a child's first baking experience, widely recognized for encouraging cooking confidence and creativity across multiple generations. We are proud that baking in an Easy-Bake Oven is a childhood rite of passage, the brand has stood the test of time and will continue to bring young bakers the joy of creating something all their own."
The new Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven is for ages 8 and up (adult supervision required) and will retail for approximately $54.99. It will be available at most major toy retailers nationwide or at www.hasbrotoyshop.com.
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