The history of Tappan appliances, starting in 1881 to its association with AB Electrolux in 1979. Tappan was responsible for several range 'firsts' in the industry.

The long history of Tappan appliances began in 1881, in Bellaire, Ohio as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company when founder W.J. (Bill) Tappan began selling cast-iron stoves door-to-door from a horse-drawn wagon. The company was moved to Mansfield, Ohio in 1889 under the name Eclipse Stove Company. Later the name changed to Tappan Stove Company.

As the company grew, so did its reputation for cooking excellence. During World War I and II, Tappan was called upon by the government to develop cooking equipment for the military.

Tappan was responsible for several range 'firsts' in the industry including an all-porcelain range available in various colours in the 1920's and electric ignition for gas ranges in the 1960's. In 1955, Tappan revolutionized the way the world would cook with the introduction of the first microwave oven model for home use. The first production Tappan microwaves were 24-inch built-in ovens - operated on 220 volts. Ten years later Tappan introduced a deluxe 30-inch wide cooking centre - the first conventional range and microwave available in a single unit. The Tappan Company became associated with AB Electrolux in 1979.