In Xizang, pressure cookers are an indispensable kitchen essential. Due to the region's high elevation, low atmospheric pressure, and consequently low boiling points, the boiling point of water is only around 80°C. Traditional pressure cookers designed for plain areas aren't suitable for the plateau, taking longer time to heat, boil, and release pressure. The low ambient pressure disrupts their pressure-balancing mechanisms, forcing them to work overtime to achieve equilibrium. Many residents resorted to spraying cold water on cookers to expedite cooling, a risky method that often led to food eruptions, scalds, and waste.

Since 2022, a new type of high-altitude-specific cookware has entered residents' homes in Xizang. "Seeing neighbors use these cookware, we wanted to test them ourselves," said a resident buying it. "They're convenient, safe, and energy-efficient, many customers have been asking about them for months," a store attendant noted.

The breakthroughs stemmed from a joint effort by the China Hardware Association and the China National Household Hardware Technology Development Center, which formed a specialized team. Initially stumped by the challenges, engineers tackled each problem one by one, refining technical details to enhance user experience.

Electric kettles in plateau areas can now offer an experience that is "indistinguishable" from that in plain areas, and this is the result of lid innovation. "We consolidated all control components into a compact lid, demanding top-tier materials," explained Xiang Ziyi, quality control director at Xizang Shangchu Kitchenware Technology Co., Ltd. "Shortening pressure-release time was critical. Balancing durability with effective pressure relief required iterative testing." The solution is replaced plastic parts with aluminum, cutting the pressure-release time under 40 seconds—a breakthrough that elevated efficiency and user satisfaction.

After three months and over 20 technical brainstorming sessions, more than 30 kinds of products in 7 major categories emerged, for instance, multifunctional pots, steamers, kettles, and more. Innovations like "rapid pressure release," "anti-overflow venting," and "transparent lids" addressed practical needs, securing 18 patents.

Nowadays, an increasing number of high-altitude cookware items with Tibetan characteristics are undergoing upgraded. "Developing high-altitude cookware is a key livelihood project promoted by the government of Xizang," said Guo Xiang, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group at the Department of Economy and Information Technology of Xizang Autonomous Region, "focusing on enhancing the sense of gain and happiness of the people on the plateau, we'll nurture Xizang's light-industry sector, launching more distinctive products rooted in high-altitude needs."

Reporter: Xu Yuyao, Qungda Drolkar

Translator: Peng Qing, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Hu Rongguo, Drakpa Wangchen