by Purusoth Reddy
Oct 30, 2024

History of the Pressure Cookers

Interestingly, the history of pressure cookers is a tour of innovation, adaptation, and evolution.

From simple designs in the 17th century to the electric and digital devices used today, pressure cookers have found a place in the kettle-pot of modern household and food preparation units worldwide.

Initially designed to cook food much faster, this device changed how food was prepared and dramatically evolved in terms of safety features and design over time.

In this blog, we will explore the origins, inventions, modernization, and importance of pressure cookers, focusing on their impact in India.

Invention of Pressure Cookers

The history of pressure cookers is credited to French physicist Denis Papin, who invented them as far back as 1679. His invention, known as the "steam digester", was the prototype of a pressure cooker.

This steam-powered pressure cooker, engineered by Papin, was supposed to speed up cooking time through high pressure inside a sealed container. This revolutionary invention of the pressure cooker concept greatly reduced the time involved in cooking, making it one of the first innovations in modern cooking.

As a cooking appliance, the invention of the pressure cooker was also a scientific experiment that showcased the power of steam pressure in cooking and beyond any other mechanical use.

Papin's invention of pressure cookers opened up channels towards better development — both in the kitchen and in the industrial world. Though not without facing initial instant success; the history of pressure cookers set a platform for further development.

Who Invented Pressure Cookers?

Denis Papin can be credited for the invention of the pressure cooker in 1679.

His steam digester utilised the steam energy to heighten pressure in the cooking pot, which, by the same effect, elevated the boiling point of water and thereby hastened cooking times more so than traditional techniques.

The invention of the pressure cooker worked on the principle of simple physics concepts.

The water inside a sealed vessel, when heated, would produce steam that could not escape from such a container.
The pressure would build up, making the temperature inside the boiling vessel increase rapidly.
This allows the cooking process to speed up.

Papin's invention of pressure cookers was notable because it demonstrated the immense potential that steam power presented in the transport and manufacturing fields.

Papin's history of cooker discovery was critical to creating the standard pressure cooker as we know it today.

The history of pressure cookers took a long time to popularise and get them in everyone's home.

What did early pressure cookers look like?

According to the history of pressure cookers, the first pressure cookers were unpretentious but very effective. Papin's original steam digester was big and clumsy, though chiefly employed for scientific and industrial purposes rather than domestic cooking.

It was made of heavy-duty metal, such as cast iron, and relied on a crude valve to release excess steam. By today's standards, it was slightly dangerous.

Pressure Cookers Evolution

As technology evolved, the history of pressure cookers evolved as well.

They gradually improved in functionality and safety.
Pressure cookers were mostly still used in scientific laboratories or big industrial kitchens, where speed and efficiency in cooking at higher pressures mattered more.
Pressure cookers evolved by the early 20th century to be even more accessible and convenient for everyday kitchens.
This was because of new materials: aluminium and stainless steel, which allowed manufacturers to build lighter, lower-priced yet robust pressure cookers.
In the history of pressure cookers, most of them just boiled and braised, far away from the multi-use devices most families have these days.

However, this was the base, and with the development of more safety factors and the design made possible for household use, the history of pressure cookers finally took a modern look. For further culinary productivity, know about all our exclusive Pressure Cooker Tips and Hacks.

Aluminium and Stainless Steel Cooker Introduction

In the 1930s, aluminium made a breakthrough in the industry and became well-accepted in the pressure cooker.

Aluminium is lighter than steel and offers better heat conductivity, allowing it to cook food more quickly. However, it can create hot spots, which may lead to uneven cooking and food burning.

Its successor, stainless steel cookware, is even more resistant to corrosion and is generally more durable.

These materials made pressure cookers safer and more dependable. As the art of manufacturing pressure cookers advanced, manufacturers started to design and create more sophisticated safety features —

Pressure release valves
Secure locking mechanisms
Vents

With such various types of safety, accidents could be avoided, and the cookers became more appealing to home users.

As of now, Triply cooker is the pinnacle of advanced technology in the history of pressure cookers.

Evolution of the Safety Features

As pressure cookers became popular in homes, manufacturers began to focus on developing safety features. Early pressure cookers were functional but tended to explode if used poorly because they had primitive steam release systems. Knowing How to Maintain Your Pressure Cooker is essential for everyone who owns one.

Modern improvements in safety valves, steam release mechanisms, and locking lids made it possible for pressure cookers to be used safely with little possibility of breakage or explosion.

What was the issue?

Until the 1950s and 60s, manufacturers introduced pressure release valves and locking mechanisms that ensured the lid could not be opened while the cooker was still under pressure. This brought an end to the frequent instances of explosive eruptions and ushered in the production of pressure cookers that did not pose threats to the household. Pressure cooking was now not only safe but also appealing.

When were Instant Pot and Electric Cookers Invented?

The Instant Pot and electric pressure cookers are the latest iterations of pressure cooker technology. Robert Wang, a Canadian engineer, invented it back in 2010. He merged the good old pressure cooker with slow cooking, rice cooking, and yogurt making into one single, graceful device. People flocked to adopt it quickly in their homes due to its versatility, ease of use, and safety features.

Electric cookers, such as Instant Pot, come preloaded with digital controls, preset cooking programs, and automatic safety features. Stovetop pressure cookers, which burn continuously,

require constant supervision, and the chances of accidents are also high compared to electric cookers, which can be set and left to cook.

History of Pressure Cookers in India

History of pressure cookers in India: The history of pressure cookers in India is intricately linked to the country's cooking habits and the need for faster cooking methods in extremely busy households.

Pressure cookers became an integral part of Indian households during the mid-20th century, and the way Indian food was cooked changed dramatically, particularly when lentils, rice, and meat were being cooked.

The history of pressure cooker in India — a bittersweet introduction

When viewing the history of pressure cookers in India, many households were sceptical at first due to their alleged safety hazards. Initially, many registered concerns regarding the cookers bursting due to mal-usage/misinformation or lack of instructions.

Therefore, the history of pressure cookers in India started as a taboo, but now it’s an everyday culinary staple.

What started as a large industrial-sized device became the compact, user-friendly device we know today.

Indian cuisine largely depends upon slow cooking for dals, curries, and biryanis. Pressure cookers make even the most time-consuming recipes available in a fraction of the time in an Indian home kitchen. This ease led to the pressure cooker becoming a staple in any Indian home.

Let’s take a fun example of Baking in a Pressure Cooker: Easy Tips and Things to Remember. Craving a cake or a pizza? But you don’t have a microwave oven (96% of Indian households do not have microwaves) — pressure cooker to the rescue!

How Has Indian Cooking Influenced the Design of Pressure Cookers?

Indian cooking, which focuses so much on lentils, beans, and grains that require long periods of cooking, largely influenced the design of pressure cookers.
The typical capacity and design for pressure cookers in India are much larger and heavier because they endure extensive use with high-pressure cooking (which is very common for Indian staples like rice, dals, and curries.)
Other specific features of Indian pressure cookers are whistle-based pressure indicators and multiple safety valves that ensure the cooking process is safe and efficient.
Indian pressure cookers are stovetop-based appliances, perhaps used more than an electric pressure cooker in an Indian household.

Role of Pressure Cookers in Indian Households

In Indian homes, no kitchen is complete without a pressure cooker. Whether it's for rice and Thus, they have symbolised efficiency for busy homes seeking quick, healthy meals.

Pressure cookers are so ingrained in Indian kitchen culture that most families own various sizes, whether for fast meals or larger ones for gatherings or celebrations. Pressure cookers have been the mainstay in India for generations of families, mainly because of their versatility and utility.

What is the story of the pressure cooker at Stahl Kitchens?

From Stahl Kitchens, the pressure cooker stands as an emblem representing tradition and modernity. Designed with utmost respect for the past of pressure cooking, they use the most modern technology and triple safety features for the contemporary kitchen.

Stahl utilises high-quality triply stainless steel in making pressure cookers to make them stable and secure while retaining the efficiency of pressure cooking.

The products at Stahl are not only functional but also very artistic and adds elegance to modern kitchens. Whether you want to make quick weeknight meals or an elaborate feast, the Stahl Pressure Cooker is designed to make your cooking safe, and fast.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that after understanding Everything you Need to Know About Pressure Cookers, you can safely get one. Debunk the myths. Every new tech faces initial challenges, as did the history of pressure cookers.

Wide acceptance across Indian kitchens underlines their utility-saving time and energy while producing delectable, home-cooked meals.

FAQs

Q1. What is the story of the pressure cooker?

Ans. Pressure cookers were first discovered and invented by French physicist Denis Papin in 1679. His first design, the "steam digester," was the first prototype for present-day pressure cooking. Over time, pressure cookers have evolved with better materials, safety features, and more practical designs and have become a standard household item worldwide.

Q2. Who introduced pressure cookers in India?

Ans. Indumadhab Mallick is credited with introducing the pressure cooker to India with his invention of the Icmic cooker around 1910.

Pressure cookers entered Indian kitchens fully fledged in the mid-20th century. This localised history of pressure cookers played a significant role in making them household-friendly in Indian kitchens, tailoring them according to the needs of Indian cuisine.

Q3. Who is the founder of the cooker?

Ans. The first pressure cooker was invented by the French physicist Denis Papin in 1679. His steam digester is the prototype of pressure cookers used today.

Q4. Why is pressure cooker not used widely outside India?

Ans. The primary reason lies in the cooking styles and methods commonly used in different cuisines. Indian cuisine, with its numerous regional variations, relies heavily on boiling and stewing to prepare dishes with gravies or liquids, such as dal, vegetables, and meat or poultry.However, as global interest in diverse cooking techniques grows, pressure cookers are gradually gaining popularity outside India as well.

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History of the Pressure Cookers