The Instant Pot has become a staple in modern kitchens around the world, celebrated for its versatility, speed, and efficiency. But many people wonder: what is another name for Instant Pot? Is it just a brand name, or does it refer to a category of appliances? In this comprehensive article, we will explore the various names, types, and functions of this popular kitchen device, uncover its origins, and discuss how it has transformed the culinary landscape.
Understanding What the Instant Pot Really Is
Before diving into alternative names, it’s important to understand what the Instant Pot actually is. The Instant Pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that integrates several kitchen appliances into one compact unit. It was introduced by the Canadian company Inzen, founded by engineer Robert Wang in 2008.
The original idea was simple: create a safe, programmable pressure cooker that could also function as a rice cooker, soup maker, yogurt maker, steamer, slow cooker, and sauté pan. The result was a device that quickly gained popularity, especially among home cooks looking to reduce cooking time without sacrificing quality.
The Common Name: Instant Pot vs. Pressure Cooker
Is Instant Pot Just a Brand Name?
Yes, Instant Pot is a registered brand name of Inzen. However, much like how “Kleenex” is often used to refer to any facial tissue, “Instant Pot” has become a genericized trademark. In other words, people often use it to refer to any electric multi-cooker, even those made by competing brands.
This shift in terminology is due to the product’s dominance in the market. As of 2023, Instant Pot holds a significant portion of the multi-cooker market share in North America. Because of this, many no longer distinguish between the brand and the product category.
What Are the General Terms for Instant Pot?
Now that we’ve established that “Instant Pot” is a brand name, let’s explore the general terms used to describe the device and its counterparts:
- Multi-cooker
- Electric pressure cooker
- Programmable pressure cooker
- Multi-functional cooker
- Slow cooker with pressure functions
These terms are interchangeable in many contexts. If someone says, “I bought a multi-cooker,” they might be referring to an Instant Pot, a Ninja Foodi, a Crock-Pot Smart, or any similar product.
Comparing Instant Pot with Similar Brands
Other Popular Multi-Cookers in the Market
While the Instant Pot reigns supreme in name recognition, several other brands offer similar devices with comparable features. These include:
| Brand | Popular Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja | Ninja Foodi | Pressure and air fry functions, crisping lid |
| Crock-Pot | Smart Pressure Cooker | Slow cook, manual pressure settings, auto keep-warm |
| Hamilton Beach | Sure2Press | Easy-to-use interface, natural and quick release |
| Mealthy | MultiPot | 10-in-1 functions, stainless steel |
Despite the variety, the Instant Pot name remains the most widely recognized, especially in English-speaking countries.
Why “Instant Pot” Overpowers Other Terms
Because the term “Instant Pot” is often used to refer to any electric pressure cooker, even when the product is a competing brand, this phenomenon is a classic example of brand name generalization.
Other examples of this include:
- Band-Aid (instead of bandage)
- Xerox (instead of photocopy)
- Google (instead of search)
This kind of naming behavior indicates a strong brand presence in everyday language, and Instant Pot has fully embraced this by trademarking the name while allowing its use in casual speech.
The Technical Definitions: What Makes a Multi-Cooker an Instant Pot?
Electric Pressure Cookers vs. Stovetop Pressure Cookers
A stovetop pressure cooker, like the classic Presto or Fagor, is manually operated. It requires a stovetop, heat control, and manual pressure monitoring. On the other hand, an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot is automated, programmable, and safer due to features like multiple safety mechanisms, pre-set cooking modes, and self-regulating pressure systems.
What Are the 7 Functions of Instant Pot Devices?
While the exact number of functions varies by model, most Instant Pot units offer up to 7 core functions:
- Pressure Cook
- Slow Cook
- Yogurt Maker
- Rice Cooker
- Steaming
- Sauté/Browning
- Keep Warm
Some newer models include additional features like air frying, dehydrating, or multi-grain settings.
Why Instant Pot Stands Out Among Multi-Cookers
Superior Technology and Safety
Instant Pot devices include advanced microprocessor technology that allows precise temperature and pressure control. Each unit is equipped with up to 11 safety features, including:
- Overheat protection
- Automatic pressure control
- Locking lid mechanism
This attention to safety has made Instant Pot one of the most trusted kitchen appliances among health-conscious users.
Programmability and Customization
Most Instant Pot models allow users to customize cooking times and pressure levels, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced cooks. With features like delay start timers, one-touch settings, and the ability to adjust between high and low pressure, Instant Pot users can cook meals with minimal effort and maximum accuracy.
Versatility in Culinary Applications
From soups and stews to cheesecakes and custards, the Instant Pot does it all. It’s also great for batch cooking, meal prep, and creating restaurant-style meals in under 30 minutes.
How Instant Pot Impacted Home Cooking
Speed: Cooking Fast, Eating Faster
One of the biggest selling points of the Instant Pot is its ability to reduce cooking times by up to 70%. For instance, while a traditional pot roast might take 3 to 4 hours in the oven, it can be ready in under an hour in an Instant Pot.
Energy Efficiency: Cutting Down on Power Usage
Because it’s an electric, enclosed cooking system, the Instant Pot uses less energy than many conventional cooking methods. This makes it an eco-friendly option for energy-conscious households.
Accessibility: Cooking Made Simple
With pre-set buttons and intuitive controls, the Instant Pot is one of the most user-friendly appliances on the market. This has led to its popularity among:
- Busy professionals
- New cooks and beginners
- Parents with limited time
- Newcomers to international cuisines
The Origin of the Instant Pot Name
The name “Instant Pot” was chosen for its self-explanatory nature – a pot that delivers instant cooking results. It was meant to contrast the long cooking times of traditional methods. This branding was a masterstroke, perfectly capturing the essence of the product and helping it go viral.
The original product, the Instant Pot DUO, was a best-seller because it not only combined pressure cooking with slow cooking but also offered safety and convenience.
Is Instant Pot the Perfect Kitchen Gadget?
Pros of Owning an Instant Pot
- Multi-functionality: Saves countertop space and replaces several appliances.
- Time-saving: Meals are cooked faster than traditional methods.
- Cost-effective: Reduces energy bills and helps minimize food waste through batch cooking.
- Safety built-in: Safer than traditional pressure cookers with automatic shut-off and pressure monitoring.
Cons of the Instant Pot
- Learning curve: Requires time to learn optimal settings for each recipe.
- Performance varies: Some advanced recipes may require adjustments to traditional techniques.
- Not ideal for every cuisine: Dishes that require slow reduction or precise flame control might not translate well.
Despite these limitations, the Instant Pot remains one of the most popular kitchen appliances due to its exceptional versatility and safety.
Instant Pot’s Cultural Impact
Rising Popularity in the Age of Social Media
In the era of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, Instant Pot recipes have gone viral, creating an entire subculture of “Instant Pot cooking”. From one-pot meals to bolognese, cheesecake, and even sushi rice, people are experimenting more than ever.
Celebrity Endorsements and Appliance Line-Ups
Instant Pot has expanded from a single product to an entire ecosystem of smart appliances, including air fryer lids, slow cookers, coffee makers, and even Instant Pot sous vide machines. This expansion has solidified its household name status.
Conclusion: What You Should Call Your Instant Pot
So, what is another name for Instant Pot? The short answer is: it depends on context.
If you’re referring to the brand-specific device, the correct name is Instant Pot. However, if you’re talking generically, then terms like:
- Electric pressure cooker
- Multi-cooker
- Programmable pressure cooker
are appropriate.
In casual conversation, calling any electric multi-cooker an Instant Pot is now socially acceptable—and even technically correct in some legal contexts due to its genericized trademark status.
As the cooking world continues to evolve, the Instant Pot has proven itself more than just a trend. Whether you call it a multi-cooker, pressure cooker, or simply the brand name, one thing is clear: it’s changed the way we cook, one pot at a time.
What is another name for Instant Pot?
The term “Instant Pot” has become a household name, often used interchangeably with “electric pressure cooker.” However, it originally referred to a specific brand of multi-cooker introduced in 2010. The Instant Pot brand pioneered the all-in-one electric cooking appliance that combines functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, steaming, and sautéing, which has led many to refer to it generically as “instant pot,” even when speaking about other brands.
Because of its popularity, people often use the word “Instant Pot” the way some use “Kleenex” or “Xerox”—to refer to an entire category of products. So, while the official name is “Instant Pot,” it is also called an electric pressure cooker, multi-cooker, or all-in-one cooker. These terms reflect its versatility and wide range of cooking functions beyond traditional pressure cooking.
Are all multi-cookers the same as an Instant Pot?
While all Instant Pots are multi-cookers, not all multi-cookers are the same as an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot brand is known for its integration of six to eight cooking functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, and yogurt making, all within a single appliance. Other multi-cookers can vary widely in functionality, some offering fewer features or omitting certain functions altogether.
The primary difference lies in the quality of the pressure sealing, the precision of the temperature control, and the range of preset programs. Brands such as Ninja Foodi, Crock-Pot, and T-fal have also entered the space with their own versions of multi-functional electric pressure cookers. While these alternatives may carry different names, they are often designed to mirror the functionality of the original Instant Pot.
What other names are used for the Instant Pot in different countries?
In various countries, the Instant Pot is referred to by different names, often reflecting local language or culinary traditions. In French-speaking regions, it’s sometimes called a “cuiseur sous pression électrique” (electric pressure cooker) or simply “multicuiseur” (multi-cooker). In Spanish-speaking countries, terms like “olla de presión eléctrica” or “cocina multifunción” (multi-function cooker) are common.
In regions like India, it’s often referred to as an “electric pressure cooker” or a “multi-cooker,” but localized descriptions are more common—”tarka cooker” or names referencing specific functions like rice cooking or steaming may also appear. These variations highlight the product’s universal appeal and adaptability to regional cooking methods and terminology.
Can you call other pressure cookers Instant Pots?
Technically, “Instant Pot” is a trademarked brand name and should only refer to products made by the company that holds the trademark. However, in everyday speech, the term has evolved into a generic label for multi-functional electric pressure cookers. This shift comes largely due to the brand’s dominance in the market and its early role in popularizing the concept.
Despite this colloquial usage, it’s helpful to distinguish between the brand and the category. Other manufacturers, such as Crock-Pot, Breville, and Panasonic, produce electric pressure cookers, often labeled as multi-cookers or smart cookers. While they may look and function similarly to an Instant Pot, they are different products with varying features and warranty terms.
What functions does an Instant Pot typically include?
An Instant Pot typically includes a variety of cooking functions in one device, making it a versatile appliance for busy cooks and kitchen enthusiasts. The most common functions are pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and warming. Some newer models also include air frying, dehydrating, and sous vide options, further expanding its capabilities.
Each function is designed to operate automatically with pre-set programs that adjust time, temperature, and pressure as needed. For example, the pressure cooking function dramatically reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods, while the slow cooker offers a convenient hands-off approach to simmering dishes. This adaptability allows users to prepare a wide range of meals with one countertop appliance.
Why is the Instant Pot named the way it is?
The name “Instant Pot” reflects the appliance’s ability to provide fast, efficient cooking similar to how instant foods are prepared. Unlike traditional stovetop pressure cookers, the Instant Pot combines electric technology with smart programming to deliver quick results without constant supervision. Its name also suggests ease of use and convenience, key selling points when it was introduced.
Furthermore, the name helped distinguish the product from other electric pressure cookers in the early 2010s. By emphasizing “instant” results and a comprehensive cooking solution in one “pot,” the brand communicated both innovation and simplicity. This clever branding strategy played a significant role in the product’s rapid rise to popularity.
Can an Instant Pot replace other kitchen appliances?
Thanks to its many built-in functions, an Instant Pot can replace several traditional kitchen appliances, making it a space-saving and cost-effective tool. For example, the pressure cooker function can substitute for a standalone pressure cooker, while its slow cooker feature replaces a traditional slow cooker. The rice cooker and steaming functions add yet more versatility.
Additionally, Instant Pot models with yogurt-making and sauté functions can eliminate the need for separate appliances used in making yogurt or pan-searing meats before pressure cooking. Some recent models even offer air frying, which competes with standalone air fryers. By consolidating so many cooking methods into one unit, the Instant Pot represents a powerful all-in-one kitchen solution.