When Was the Crock Pot Invented? A Look at the History of the Slow Cooker

Introduction

The crock pot is an indispensable kitchen tool for many home cooks. But how much do you know about the history of this beloved slow cooker? This article takes a look at when the crock pot was invented, tracing its origins from concept to creation.

Tracing the History of the Crock Pot: Exploring When it Was Invented

Slow cookers have been around in some form or another since the early 1900s. According to research conducted by the Smithsonian Institution, early versions of the slow cooker — known as “casserole cookers” — were popularized in the 1950s. The first version of the modern-day crock pot was created in 1971 by Rival Manufacturing Company, which called it the “Crock Pot.”

The Invention of the Crock Pot: A Look at its Early Years

The concept behind the crock pot was simple: create a device that could provide meals with minimal effort. As inventor Irving Naxon explained in his patent application, “My invention relates to a cooking utensil adapted for use in preparing food by slow cooking over a period of several hours.”

Naxon’s design was based on a traditional Jewish stew pot called a “bain marie.” The bain marie was used to slowly cook stews and other dishes. Naxon’s design incorporated a glazed earthenware cooking vessel, an electrical heating element, and a thermostat to regulate the temperature.

The Crock Pot: From Concept to Creation – When It All Began

In 1971, Rival Manufacturing Company released the first version of the crock pot. The device was an immediate hit, with consumers quickly embracing its convenience and ease of use. The original crock pot featured a removable glazed earthenware cooking vessel, along with a low and high heat setting, and a timer.

But who invented the crock pot? While Rival Manufacturing Company developed the device, it was actually the brainchild of inventor Irving Naxon. After filing a patent application in 1970, Naxon received a patent for his invention in 1974.

The Beginnings of the Crock Pot: Finding Out When It Was Invented

The timeline of the crock pot is relatively straightforward. After Naxon filed his patent application in 1970, Rival Manufacturing Company released the first version of the slow cooker in 1971. Naxon received a patent for his invention in 1974.

Since then, the crock pot has become a staple in kitchens around the world. In fact, the National Center for Home Food Preservation estimates that nearly 80% of American households own a slow cooker. This popularity can be attributed to the convenience and ease of use that the device offers.

Uncovering the Past: Discovering When the Crock Pot Was Invented

So when was the crock pot invented? After searching for the origin story, it is clear that the crock pot was invented in 1971 by Rival Manufacturing Company. However, the device was actually the brainchild of inventor Irving Naxon, who received a patent for his invention in 1974.

The invention of the crock pot has had a major impact on modern life. The device has revolutionized the way we cook, allowing us to prepare meals with minimal effort. In addition, the slow cooker has made it easier than ever to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Conclusion

The crock pot is one of the most popular kitchen tools in the world. This article explored the history of the crock pot, tracing its origins from concept to creation. We discovered that the crock pot was invented in 1971 by Rival Manufacturing Company, although the device was actually the brainchild of inventor Irving Naxon, who received a patent for his invention in 1974.

The invention of the crock pot has had a major impact on modern life, making it easier than ever to prepare delicious, nutritious meals with minimal effort. Its popularity continues to grow, with more and more people discovering the convenience and ease of use that the device provides.

Resources

Smithsonian Institution Research Information System. (n.d.). Casserole Cookers. Retrieved from https://www.siris.si.edu/collections/object/144575

National Center for Home Food Preservation. (2020). Slow Cookers and Multi-Cookers. Retrieved from https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/slow_cookers.