The first dishwasher was invented in 1850. Early dishwashers did not have electrical connections and were powered by hand. Hand powered dishwashers became popular in the 1880s. In 1929, the first motorized dishwasher became available to the public in Europe. Dishwashers became ubiquitous in American kitchens during the post-war boom of the 1950s. Over the last 70 years, dishwashers have become increasingly complex. Modern dishwashers have programmable functions and are more effective and efficient than earlier versions.