The idea for the Instant Pot®—a multipurpose cooker that relies on the latest technologies—started with a simple, basic, and universal desire.
In 2008, Robert Wang and two colleagues (who along with Wang would eventually be founders of the company that produces the Instant Pot®) began brainstorming ideas for kitchen appliances that could address the very personal concerns they had about being able to fix quick, healthy, delicious meals after long days at work. All three had worked in the Canadian high-tech industry. Wang’s wife worked in the high-tech field as well—and the couple had two young children. There was another motivating factor: Wang and his colleagues observed changes in the lifestyles of North Americans. Although people were busier than ever and had less time to cook, they wanted to eat more healthfully.
The trio settled on rebooting the pressure cooker—traditionally a stovetop pot with a locked-on lid fitted with a rubber or plastic gasket and heated up until enough pressure built up in the pot to cook foods far more quickly than regular braising and steaming methods. Although once popular, pressure cooking had fallen out of favor because of tales told of exploding pots that catapulted hot beef stew or cooked beans all over the kitchen. Safety was their first hurdle. They decided to make it their top priority followed by innovation. Their appliance would not just be a pressure cooker but also a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and yogurt maker—all in one.
They partnered with three other investors and set up a business called Double Insight in Ottawa to manufacture their brainchild. The first Instant Pot® came on the market in 2010. The rest, as they say, is history.
Word spread—primarily through social media—about the convenience the pot provides to the home cook and the creativity it allows for meal making even on the busiest days. Nearly everyone who acquires an Instant Pot® becomes an instant fan—and they enthusiastically spread the word to friends, family members, and coworkers. Words used to describe the Instant Pot® veer toward the passionate. “Love!” and “life-changing” are two of the most common praises.
And then of course there are the results: Butter-knife-tender roasts in minutes, creamy risottos with no stirring, hearty bean soups and chili with no overnight soaking and a fraction of the traditional cooking time—and the creamiest, fluffiest cheesecake you will ever taste.
The creators of the Instant Pot® do not rest on their laurels and the tremendous success of their invention. They are constantly seeking to improve it based on feedback from their customers. Each iteration released to the market—every 12 to 18 months—has enhancements to make using it easier and more satisfying.
It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not. With a little bit of prep work and the push of a button, you can get wonderful, healthful meals on the table with speed and ease and (we dare say) have a lot of fun doing it!
Happy cooking!