Caspar Cloer – A Founder with Vision
Caspar Cloer was born on 29 April 1870 in Neheim on the Ruhr. He learnt the blacksmith’s trade from the ground up. After completing his apprenticeship, he founded his “Factory for Electric Heating and Cooking Appliances – Caspar Cloer” at the age of 27 (1897). This marked the beginning of a company that is now one of the best-known manufacturers of electrical household appliances.
Artistic metalwork and toolmaking
In the early years, an artistic blacksmith’s workshop and toolmaking business was established at his company headquarters at Burgstraße 19 in Neheim an der Ruhr. Cloer initially produced artistic objects and further developed his metalworking skills, becoming a toolmaker and initially supplying local industry. Until the advent of electricity around 1900, the blacksmith’s hammer was still driven by a windmill.
Electrification and technical progress in Neheim
Fascinated by the emerging trend of electrification, Caspar Cloer used his technical expertise to develop his own electrically powered appliances – such as irons. Soon he was not only manufacturing the metal parts and other components, such as ceramic plugs, himself, but was also generating the electricity for the entire operation independently.
After the First World War, demand for electrical household appliances grew rapidly. Thanks to Caspar’s courage in investing in modern technology, the company developed rapidly and became a major employer in Neheim.
From the iron to the classic waffle
Around 1910, Caspar Cloer had a groundbreaking idea: he combined two heating plates – similar to those in an iron – and developed the first electric heart-shaped waffle maker. The characteristic heart shape has remained the trademark of Cloer® waffle makers to this day. The technology has been refined with each generation – yet its origins lie in this early innovation.
Family and business succession
On 23 October 1900, Caspar Cloer married his wife Ferdinandine “Dina” (née Schulte) (12 November 1872–1956). Together they had five children: daughters Elisabeth and Ferdinandine, and sons Eugen, Carl and Wilhelm.
In the 1920s, the sons took over the company and gave it a new name: “Cloer Elektrogeräte”.
Caspar Cloer died in 1937. His grave is located in the Möhne Cemetery in Neheim – it remains part of the official guided tours of Neheim to this day.
