[1]

Instant Pot was founded in 2009 by Robert Wang and a group of Canadian technology engineers based in Ottawa, Ontario. Many of the founders previously worked in Canada’s telecommunications industry, including Nortel and BlackBerry. [1]

Their goal was simple:

• Help busy families cook healthier meals

• Reduce dependence on fast food

• Save cooking time

• Create one appliance that could replace multiple kitchen devices [2]

After about 18 months of research and development, the first Instant Pot multi-cooker launched in late 2010. [2]

The original model combined five appliances into one:

• Electric pressure cooker

• Slow cooker

• Rice cooker

• Steamer

• Food warmer [2]

The product became a commercial success, leading to more advanced models with additional functions. [2]

Between 2013 and 2020, Instant Pot experienced rapid growth. [2]

Reasons included:

• Word-of-mouth recommendations

• Amazon best-seller rankings

• Facebook cooking communities

• Food bloggers

• YouTube recipe creators

• Time-saving convenience [2]

The Instant Pot Duo became one of Amazon’s best-selling kitchen appliances and helped make electric pressure cooking mainstream. [2]

In 2019, Instant Pot merged with Corelle Brands, the owner of well-known kitchen brands including:

• Pyrex

• Corelle

• CorningWare

• Snapware

The merged company became Instant Brands. [1]

In 2023, Instant Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States to restructure its finances amid higher interest rates, supply-chain challenges, and post-pandemic demand shifts. The restructuring allowed operations to continue. The Instant Pot brand is now supplied under Midea Group. [1]

1. Multi-Cookers

The flagship product line. [1]

Popular series include:

• Duo

• Duo Plus

• Duo Crisp

• Pro

• Rio

• Rio Wide

• Superior Cooker [1]

Functions commonly include:

• Pressure cooking

• Slow cooking

• Rice cooking

• Yogurt making

• Steaming

• Sautéing

• Warming

• Sous vide (selected models)

• Air frying (selected models)

[1]

2. Air Fryers

Instant expanded into air frying with products such as:

• Instant Vortex

• Vortex Plus

• Vortex Mini

These appliances offer:

• Air fry

• Roast

• Bake

• Broil

• Reheat

• Dehydrate

[1]

3. Rice Cookers

Modern rice cookers featuring multiple grain settings and programmable cooking modes.

4. Toaster Ovens

The Instant Omni line combines:

• Baking

• Toasting

• Air frying

• Rotisserie (on selected models)

• Broiling

5. Coffee Appliances

The brand has expanded into coffee makers and milk frothers, including dual coffee pod systems.

6. Ice Cream Makers

More recently, Instant Pot introduced the InstantChill line, designed to prepare ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and frozen desserts with fast-freezing technology. [3]

Instant Pot appliances use:

• Microprocessor-controlled cooking

• Multiple safety sensors

• Digital temperature monitoring

• Automatic pressure regulation

• Timers

• Preset cooking programs

These systems help automate cooking while maintaining consistent temperatures and pressure. [2]

Modern Instant Pot appliances typically include:

• Lid lock protection

• Pressure release valve

• Overheat protection

• Steam release mechanisms

• Leak detection

• Automatic shutoff

• Temperature monitoring

These features distinguish electric pressure cookers from traditional stovetop pressure cookers. [2]

Depending on the model, an Instant Pot may include:

• Pressure Cook

• Slow Cook

• Rice

• Beans

• Soup

• Meat/Stew

• Poultry

• Steam

• Sauté

• Yogurt

• Sous Vide

• Sterilize

• Cake

• Keep Warm

• Air Fry (hybrid models)

Instant Pot products are designed for:

• Busy professionals

• Families

• College students

• Meal-prep enthusiasts

• Beginner cooks

• Home chefs

• People seeking convenient home cooking

The brand emphasizes quick meal preparation without sacrificing versatility. [2]

Instant Pot products are sold across:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia

• Australia

• Middle East

They are available through major retailers, appliance stores, and online marketplaces. [4]

According to the company, Instant Pot aims to:

• Simplify home cooking

• Encourage healthier eating

• Save time

• Replace multiple appliances with one multifunction device

• Make cooking more accessible for households with busy lifestyles [2]

Instant Pot is widely credited with helping revive consumer interest in pressure cooking by making it more approachable through digital controls and built-in safety systems. Its popularity fostered large online communities that share recipes, cooking tips, and troubleshooting advice, making the brand a recognizable name in modern home kitchens. [1]

• Founded by former Canadian technology engineers. [1]

• The first model launched in 2010. [1]

• The Instant Pot Duo became one of Amazon’s best-selling kitchen appliances. [1]

• The brand expanded well beyond pressure cookers into air fryers, toaster ovens, coffee appliances, and ice cream makers. [1]

• “Instant Pot” is often used colloquially to refer to electric multi-cookers in general, though it is a trademarked brand name. [1]

1. Instant Pot

2. Instant Pot Philippines | Best Multi-Functional Smart Cooker

3. Shop Instant Pot & Instant Appliances | Official Website

4. About Us Instant Pot – Official Instant Pot UK Site