The Crock-Pot is an iconic kitchen appliance that has been a staple in many American households for decades. With its ability to cook a variety of delicious meals with minimal effort, it’s no wonder why millions of people around the world rely on this trusted brand. But have you ever wondered who’s behind the Crock-Pot brand? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the company, its current ownership, and what makes Crock-Pot stand out from the rest.
A Brief History of Crock-Pot
The story of Crock-Pot begins in the 1950s, when a man named Irving Naxon invented the first slow cooker. Naxon, an American inventor and entrepreneur, patented his design in 1950 and called it the “Naxon Beanery.” The original slow cooker was made of ceramic and had a heating element that wrapped around the pot, allowing for low-temperature cooking over an extended period.
In the early 1960s, Naxon sold his patent to the Rival Company, a small appliance manufacturer based in Kansas City, Missouri. Rival rebranded the product as the “Crock-Pot” and introduced it to the market in 1961. The name “Crock-Pot” was chosen because it was catchy and easy to remember, and it didn’t take long for the product to gain popularity.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Crock-Pot became a household name, and the brand continued to innovate and expand its product line. In 1972, Rival introduced the first Crock-Pot with a removable stoneware insert, making it easier to clean and cook with.
Rival Company: The Original Makers of Crock-Pot
The Rival Company, founded in 1932, was a small appliance manufacturer that specialized in producing kitchen gadgets and tools. After acquiring the patent for the slow cooker, Rival became synonymous with the Crock-Pot brand. For decades, Rival continued to produce high-quality Crock-Pots, expanding its product line to include various models, sizes, and features.
In addition to Crock-Pot, Rival also manufactured other popular kitchen appliances, such as toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. The company remained a family-owned business until 1998, when it was acquired by the investment firm, Harvest Partners.
Sunbeam Products: The New Owners of Crock-Pot
In 2004, the Rival Company was acquired by Sunbeam Products, a leading manufacturer of home appliances and cooking products. Sunbeam, a subsidiary of Newell Brands, continued to produce Crock-Pot slow cookers, as well as other kitchen appliances under the Rival and Sunbeam brands.
Under Sunbeam’s ownership, the Crock-Pot brand has continued to innovate and expand its product line. The company has introduced new features, such as digital controls, delay timers, and advanced cooking settings. Sunbeam has also expanded the Crock-Pot brand into new markets, including international territories and online sales channels.
Newell Brands: The Parent Company
Newell Brands, a global consumer goods company, was formed in 2015 through the merger of Newell Rubbermaid and Jarden Corporation. The company operates a portfolio of well-known brands, including Crock-Pot, Sharpie, and Rubbermaid, among others.
Newell Brands is a leader in the global consumer goods market, with a presence in over 100 countries and a reputation for producing high-quality products that meet the needs of consumers.
What Makes Crock-Pot Stand Out?
So, what sets Crock-Pot apart from other slow cooker brands? Here are a few reasons why Crock-Pot remains a beloved brand in many households:
Quality and Durability: Crock-Pots are known for their high-quality materials and construction, ensuring that they last for years to come. Many Crock-Pot owners report using their slow cookers for 10, 15, or even 20 years or more without experiencing any issues.
Innovative Features: Crock-Pot has consistently introduced innovative features that make cooking easier and more convenient. From digital controls to advanced cooking settings, Crock-Pot has stayed ahead of the curve in terms of technology and design.
Wide Range of Models: Crock-Pot offers a wide range of models to suit different cooking needs and preferences. From compact, portable slow cookers to large, programmable models, Crock-Pot has a product that fits every lifestyle.
Brand Heritage: Crock-Pot has a rich history and heritage that is deeply rooted in American culture. The brand has been a part of many family traditions and cooking practices, making it a trusted and beloved name in many households.
| Model | Features | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Crock-Pot | Manual controls, removable stoneware | 6 quarts |
| Digital Crock-Pot | Digital controls, delay timer, programmable cooking settings | 7 quarts |
| Crock-Pot Express | Pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more | 6 quarts |
Crock-Pot Today
Today, Crock-Pot is a leading brand in the slow cooker market, with a presence in over 50 countries and a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable, and innovative products. The brand continues to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new features and technologies to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
In addition to its core slow cooker products, Crock-Pot has also expanded into other categories, such as cookware, utensils, and recipe books. The brand has also partnered with celebrity chefs and cookbook authors to create exclusive recipes and cooking content.
Crock-Pot Community
One of the key factors contributing to Crock-Pot’s success is its strong community of loyal customers. The brand has a dedicated social media following, with millions of fans and followers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Crock-Pot enthusiasts share recipes, cooking tips, and product reviews on social media, creating a sense of community and camaraderie among fans. The brand also engages with its community through contests, giveaways, and cooking challenges, fostering a strong connection with its customer base.
In conclusion, the Crock-Pot brand is a beloved and trusted name in the world of slow cooking. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its current status as a leading brand in the industry, Crock-Pot has remained committed to producing high-quality, innovative products that meet the needs of consumers.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a busy parent, or a culinary enthusiast, Crock-Pot has a product that’s perfect for you. So, go ahead and dig into the rich history and heritage of the Crock-Pot brand – and discover why millions of people around the world rely on this trusted brand to cook up a storm!
What is the origin of the Crock-Pot brand?
The Crock-Pot brand was founded in the 1950s by Irving Naxon, an American inventor and entrepreneur. Naxon developed the first slow cooker, called the “Naxon Beanery,” which was a simple, ceramic-based cooker that used low heat to cook food over a long period of time. The Naxon Beanery was a hit, and Naxon soon founded the Naxon Utilities Corporation to manufacture and market his invention.
In the 1970s, the Rival Company acquired Naxon Utilities Corporation and rebranded the slow cooker as the Crock-Pot. The name “Crock-Pot” was chosen because it referenced the stoneware crock that the cooker used, as well as the idea of a pot that simmered food slowly over low heat. Under Rival’s ownership, the Crock-Pot brand became a household name, and the company continued to innovate and expand its product line.
Who owns the Crock-Pot brand today?
Today, the Crock-Pot brand is owned by Newell Brands, a global consumer goods company that was formed in 2015 through the merger of Newell Rubbermaid and Jarden Corporation. Newell Brands is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of consumer products, including kitchen appliances, cookware, and home furnishings.
Newell Brands continues to invest in the Crock-Pot brand, introducing new products and innovations that build on the brand’s legacy of slow cooking excellence. The company remains committed to providing high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-use slow cookers that make it easy for consumers to prepare delicious meals at home.
What makes Crock-Pot slow cookers so popular?
Crock-Pot slow cookers are incredibly popular because they offer a convenient, hands-off way to cook a wide range of delicious meals. The slow cooker’s low heat and moisture-retentive design allow for tender, fall-apart meat and flavorful, nutritious meals that are perfect for busy families and individuals.
Additionally, Crock-Pot slow cookers are easy to use, requiring minimal preparation and cleanup. Simply add your ingredients, turn on the cooker, and let it do the work for you. This convenience, combined with the versatility and flexibility of the Crock-Pot brand, has made it a beloved staple in kitchens around the world.
What kinds of products does Crock-Pot offer?
Crock-Pot offers a wide range of slow cookers and cooking accessories that cater to different needs and preferences. The brand’s product line includes classic manual slow cookers, programmable slow cookers, and multi-cookers that can sauté, steam, and more. Crock-Pot also offers a variety of cookware and accessories, such as utensils, recipe books, and cooking bags.
In addition to its core slow cooker products, Crock-Pot has expanded its offerings to include specialty items like pressure cookers, air fryers, and slow cooker liners. The brand is constantly innovating and expanding its product line to meet the evolving needs of consumers and stay ahead of the curve in the kitchen appliance market.
Is Crock-Pot still an American-made brand?
While the Crock-Pot brand was founded in the United States and is still headquartered there, not all Crock-Pot products are made in America. Like many global companies, Newell Brands has a global supply chain that sources components and manufactures products in various countries around the world.
However, many Crock-Pot products are still manufactured in the United States, and the company remains committed to supporting American jobs and manufacturing. Crock-Pot also sources materials and components from domestic suppliers whenever possible, ensuring that its products meet high standards of quality and safety.
How does Crock-Pot give back to the community?
Crock-Pot believes in giving back to the community and supporting causes that align with its values. The brand partners with various organizations and charities that focus on food insecurity, hunger relief, and nutrition education. Crock-Pot also supports local food banks and community organizations that provide meals and cooking classes to those in need.
In addition to its philanthropic efforts, Crock-Pot has implemented sustainable practices throughout its operations to reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimize its environmental impact. The brand is committed to making a positive difference in the world and inspiring others to do the same.
What’s next for the Crock-Pot brand?
The Crock-Pot brand is poised for continued growth and innovation in the years to come. With the rise of smart home technology and voice assistants, Crock-Pot is exploring ways to integrate its products with these emerging trends. The brand is also investing in digital marketing and e-commerce platforms to better connect with consumers and provide a seamless online shopping experience.
As consumer preferences and cooking habits continue to evolve, Crock-Pot is committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing products that meet the changing needs of its customers. Whether it’s through new product innovations, digital engagement, or community outreach, the Crock-Pot brand remains dedicated to its mission of making mealtime easier, healthier, and more delicious.