We may miss the whistle, but silent, smart cooking is the future: Stove Kraft’s Nanda

Pressure cooking is the heartbeat of Indian kitchens, where the (loved & equally dreaded) rhythmic whistle of a cooker signals that delicious food is just moments away. It has become an indispensable part of our culinary journey, evolving from humble beginnings into a modern marvel. Today, the pressure cooker is a symbol of efficiency and reliability. It plays an especially important role in the lives of busy Indian women. Whether you're a homemaker preparing food for a bustling family or a working professional trying to whip up a quick meal, the pressure cooker continues to be a household staple. Pressure cookers have been an iconic part of Indian kitchens for decades, a humble whistle accompanying the daily rhythm of homes across the country. But this appliance didn’t always hold such prominence, and as with any great tool, its story is one of evolution and innovation.

As Stove Kraft Ltd, India’s largest and leading kitchen appliances company readies itself to become the world leader, Dr M Nanda, Chief Marketing Officer of the company, while speaking exclusively to Bizz Buzz, narrates the fascinating journey of ‘pressure cooker’ in India and outlines what the future may hold, especially with AI making its mark in almost all sectors.

Even as you are gearing up to emerge as one of the top kitchen appliances maker in the world, your special focus on pressure cooker is often driven by an interesting story. Can you share us the story?

This interesting story is from the Indian Army chronicles! All the soldiers who make their way to Siachen, have one common temple of faith and that is the ‘Pressure Cooker Baba Temple’.

The story behind this temple goes that Pakistan had fired a heat-seeking missile aimed at the Indian army camp in Siachen. The soldiers at that moment had a pressure cooker that was cooking their food and they were sitting a little away from the camp where the pressure cooker was. The heat-seeking missile sought the pressure cooker instead of the soldiers and the pressure cooker blasted into pieces, saving the soldiers. Tus, Every soldier who makes their way to Siachen stops and seek blessings and protection from the remains of the pressure cooker deity. So it’s clear that we are also worshipping our pressure cookers!

Pressure Cooker has a long history and tradition. What do you think, what is so revolutionary about pressure cooker?

While the pressure cooker was invented in France in the 16th century, it wasn’t till the 20th century that pressure cooking gained global interest. Pressure cooking found its roots in India as early at 1870 in Bengal with the path breaking Icmic, designed by the famed inventor Indumadhab Mallick. Then came the Santosh cooker (Mumbai), and the Rukmini (Chennai), but it wasn’t till a pressure release was incorporated that allowed mass adoption.

Pressure cooking became revolutionary because it allowed the preparation of time-intensive Indian dishes - dal, rice, curries - at a fraction of the usual time. For Indian women, these cookers became a game-changer, offering convenience while preserving the integrity of traditional recipes. In India, where plant-based diets are the norm, the pressure cooker is a blessing for preserving the nutritional value of lentils, beans, and vegetables - staples of Indian cuisine, otherwise lost to constantly escaping steam in open vessel cooking.

From aluminium cooker to stainless steel and from there to electric pressure cooking system - how has pressure cooker evolved in India?

During the later second half of the 20th century, pressure cookers, with safety improvements like the Gasket Release System, became ubiquitous across Indian kitchens. Whether preparing a small family meal or a grand feast, the pressure cooker has been a steadfast partner for decades.

In India, the pressure cooker has done more than just cook food; it has become a trusted companion in the kitchen. It's there, whistling away, as a new generation of home chefs experiment with old recipes and new technology.

Initial Aluminium cookers have given way to sturdier ones, and new materials like hard-anodized Aluminium, Stainless Steel, and now Tri-Ply Stainless Steel. As the landscape of cooking continues to change, brands like Pigeon have embraced this evolution. And with the launch of Electra, the electric pressure cooking system, we're at the cusp of a new era in Indian kitchens.

So, rolling out of Pigeon Electra from your stable marks the present of pressure cooker and possibly the way forward?

The present brings with it innovations that make pressure cooking smarter and more efficient. Enter Pigeon Electra, the electric pressure cooking system by Stove Kraft. Pigeon Electra offers a seamless, hands-free cooking experience - ideal for today’s multitasking cooks. Gone are the days of standing guard over a whistling cooker! With Pigeon Electra’s automatic pressure and heat control, cooking becomes safer and easier. The electric system adjusts itself based on the food you're preparing, making it virtually foolproof.

Moreover, Pigeon Electra allows for precise temperature settings and a variety of cooking modes - pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking, and more - all in one sleek machine. This versatility is especially useful for the modern Indian household, where speed is just as important as flavor. Not only does it save time, but it also ensures that the nutrients in your food are preserved, giving you both taste and health benefits. This Pigeon appliance is gaining popularity, especially among younger consumers who value not just speed and convenience but also multi-functionality.

So is this the future? What does the future hold?

It is very important to know what the future holds for us. While Pigeon Electra represents the present, the future could take us even further. Imagine a time when pressure cookers come with AI integration - cookers that could sense your mood and suggest the perfect meal to cook. Or perhaps a virtual assistant, like an App in your own mobile phone which works with your smart pressure cooker and even your refrigerator - that helps you manage your ingredients and even orders groceries if you're running low. Picture this - “Your dal is done, and by the way, I noticed you’re out of coriander. Shall I order some for you?”

The way AI is penetrating into almost all the sectors, would we get to see some AI-powered kitchen appliances as well?

Yes, certainly, we can expect AI-powered smart pressure cookers that learn from past meals to offer personalized suggestions. Integration with smart home systems could allow remote monitoring and control via mobile apps, meaning you could start cooking dinner while still at work. Voice control and virtual assistants may guide users through complex recipes, transforming cooking into a fully automated and interactive experience.

Imagine a cooker that knows your schedule and preps meals accordingly, syncing with your smartwatch to suggest a light dish post-workout or a hearty curry on a rainy day. Future models might include augmented reality (AR) interfaces, projecting step-by-step instructions onto your countertop. Cooking could be fun, interactive, and tailored to your lifestyle, redefining the way we experience food. A bit far-fetched? Perhaps.

What about the nostalgic whistle of the pressure cooker?

Let’s not forget, just a few decades ago, the thought of an electric, hands-free pressure cooker seemed like something from a sci-fi movie. While we might miss the nostalgic whistle of the pressure cooker (which has probably woken up more people than any alarm clock in India!), the future is about silent, smart cooking, where safety and convenience go hand in hand. And who knows, maybe one day, the cooker will even have a conversation with you about the finer points of making biryani!

One thing’s for sure: as Indian kitchens continue to evolve, so will the pressure cooker. After all, as we’ve learned from history, food isn’t just about cooking - it’s about connecting tradition with innovation, and always with a bit of humor along the way. So, here’s to the next generation of culinary companions. The Pigeon Electra is already creating waves, and the future is cooking up something exciting. As electric pressure cooking evolves, the future of home cooking holds exciting possibilities.