Instant Pot Pressure Cooker History
Cooking with an Instant Pot is everyday magic.
Instant Pot created a remarkable kitchen appliance that prepares healthy and delicious meals, simply and quickly. Shortly after its release, the Instant Pot became America’s most-loved multicooker, and one of the best-selling small kitchen appliances in the world. It has grown a global community of home cooks and food lovers, whose passion for the Instant Pot has inspired countless recipes, books, and online forums. It now spans dozens of models, with new functions and uses constantly in development. The Instant Pot simplifies the joys of home cooking, promotes healthy lifestyles, and gives you more time to relish great meals with the people you love.
Instant Pot’s History
In 2009, Dr. Robert Wang began meditating on the idea of building a smart multicooker, marrying his love for cuisine and computer algorithms. Along with two friends and no outside investment, the trio announced their creation in 2010: a remarkable new device that combined pressure cooking and slow cooking with the versatility of the rice cookers of their childhood: the Instant Pot.
By 2012, the Instant Pot Lux was the most advanced pressure cooker available on the market. It quickly became the best-seller in its category on Amazon, with more than 215,000 units sold during the 2016 Black Friday sale. A flood of media attention ensued, from sprawling editorials in The New Yorker and Los Angeles Times, to heartfelt plugs on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
Instant Pot’s Future
Instant Brands continues to grow with revolutionary multifunctional air fryers and cooking blenders. Combining consumer friendly technology with a passion for good cuisine, we are committed to helping people worldwide get healthy and delicious meals on the table, quicker and easier than ever before.
Instant Pot All Models
Instant Pot Duo Gourmet
Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Hero
Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 8 Quart
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
Instant Pot Duo Nova 6 Quart Hero
Instant Pot Duo Nova
Instant pot Duo SV Hero
Instant Pot Duo SV
Instant Pot Max
Instant Pot smart WiFi Hero
Instant Pot Smart WiFi
Instant Pot Ultra
Instant Pot Duo Plus
Instant Pot Viva
Instant Pot Duo
Instant Pot Lux
Instant Pot’s Glossary of Terms
5-5-5 or 6-6-6: A method used to prepare eggs in your Instant Pot®. It refers to 5 minutes on high pressure, 5 minutes natural release and 5 minutes ice-bath prior to peeling.
Anti-Block Shield: The round metal part with 5 holes underneath the lid. It is designed to prevent food particles from interfering with the steam release valve. It should be removed and cleaned after each use, especially following the preparation of foods that may splatter. To remove using your thumb, push the side of the anti-block shield towards the lid rim and lift up. It may take a little effort, but the anti-block shield will pop out.
Burn: There may be insufficient water/broth in the inner pot, or food may be too close or stuck to the bottom of the inner pot with all the liquid on top.
Condensation Collector: The cup positioned at the rear of your Instant Pot®. It is used to capture any condensation that develops during cooking. Note: The Lux series does not include a condensation collector.
Cooker Base: Contains the microprocessor and the heating element. Never place anything on the inside of the cooker base without the stainless steel inner pot in position. The cooker base and lid must be kept away from external heat source, as it will damage the base and the lid.
Delay Start or Timer (older models): Sets the time delay before a cooking program starts.
Dual Pressure: The cooker includes both pressure settings low and high
EPC: Electric Pressure Cooker
Float Valve (Pin): The silver or red pin beside the steam valve, when it is up, your cooker is fully pressurized; when it drops it is no longer pressurized and you can open the cooker.
HP: High Pressure mode
LP: Low Pressure mode
Manual or Pressure Cook (newer models): Use Manual/Pressure Cook program to set custom time and/or pressure level when you pressure cook.
Natural Release (NR or NPR): Allow the cooker to cool down naturally until the float valve drops down. This may take 10 to 40 minutes, or even longer, depending on the amount of food in the cooker. After the cooking process is completed, the cooker will go into the “Keep Warm” mode if it has been turned ON.
PC: Pressure Cooker
PIP: Pot-in-Pot, refers to placing another pot inside your stainless steel inner pot to prepare a dish.
Quick Release (QR or QPR): Turn the Steam Release handle or press the Quick Release Button to the “Venting” position to let out steam until the float valve drops down. QR is not suitable for food with large liquid volume or high starch content such as: oatmeal, porridge, beans, sticky liquids, starchy soup, etc. as food content may splatter out, use Natural Release (NR) instead.
Sealing Ring: The silicone ring positioned underneath the lid. The sealing ring must be in position for the pressure cooker to come to pressure. Made of high-quality, heat-resistant silicone. The sealing ring is critical to the proper functioning of your Instant Pot®, it must always be positioned properly on the underside of the lid. Only use Genuine Instant Pot® sealing rings, other brands will void your warranty.
Sling: Used for PIP to easily remove the pot from the inner pot. Slings can be in silicone or aluminum foil.
Stainless Steel Inner Pot: The inner pot that is positioned inside the cooker base, where the food and liquid are placed. Made from food grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel, 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, no chemical coating, compliant with FDA food safety standards. Dishwasher safe.
Steam Rack (Trivet): The steam rack is positioned inside the stainless steel inner pot. It is used to elevate food or your dish above the water in the bottom of the inner pot while you pressure cook.
Steam Release handle or Quick Release Button (Ultra): The valve that seals in or releases steam when you pressure cook. Ensure the valve is in the “Sealing” position. This is how the pressure cooker will come up to pressure. It is normal while building pressure for small amounts of steam to release through the knob. Turning the knob to “Venting” will release the pressure. The steam release handle does not lock tightly it will fit loosely on the lid.
Water Test (Initial Test Run): To help you become familiar with your Instant Pot® and to ensure the cooker is functioning properly.