Presto Pressure Cooker, 1960-1975

THF170696 / Presto Pressure Cooker, 1960-1975
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Artifact Overview

The National Pressure Cooker Company introduced the first saucepan-style pressure cooker under the brand name "Presto" in 1939. Fueled by its popularity, the company -- eventually renamed National Presto Industries -- expanded and diversified while continuing to produce an ever-improving line of pressure cookers. In the 1960s and 1970s, distinctive styling by Mel Boldt and Associates helped set Presto pressure cookers apart from the competition.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Pressure cooker

Date Made

1960-1975

Creator Notes

Designed by Mel Boldt and Associates and made by National Presto Industries, Inc.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.438.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mel Boldt and Associates.

Material

Metal
Cardboard
Plastic

Color

Silver (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 8 in
Width: 9.5 in
Length: 16 in

Inscriptions

on side of box: TEFLON/ [...]/ PRESTO/ CONTROL MASTER/ Pressure Cooker/ with DuPont TEFLON Cooking Surface/ 4-QT. SIZE/ [...] on handle: PRESTO/ ELECTRIC PRESSURE COOKER/ WITH DUPONT TEFLON/ COOKING SURFACE/ [...]
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    Presto Kitchen Appliances: A Tradition of Innovation

    • 8 Artifacts
    Electric appliance manufacturer National Presto Industries, Inc., became known for innovative products that anticipated and responded to evolving consumer preferences. These examples from The Henry Ford's collections document the company's continuous product development, expansion into new markets, and partnership with design firm Mel Boldt and Associates, whose distinctive styling set Presto products apart from the competition.