topic Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback in Kitchen

considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

bumsrus — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 00:42:57 GMT

I'm contemplating if I should purchase a pressure cooker. I would like something that would help me prepare meals faster once I'm back at work. Who has one that can tell me how it works and what brands are good.

I've never used one before so I'm clueless as to how to use it and what recipes would work well with it. Appreciate any feedback.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Campion — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 00:58:19 GMT

I love mine and it really saves me time. I cook on the weekend for the week and I prefer the electric automatic ones because I can set it and it reaches pressure automatically.

I have the Fagor-recommended by America's Test Kitchen

There are some great recipe books that tell you how to use it for soup, roasts, desserts, mac and cheese, etc.

It's actually pretty easy cooking.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

phoenixbrd — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 01:22:25 GMT

instant pot....on sale now on amazon because they are coming out with a new model.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

tkins — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 01:46:58 GMT

I have the Cooks Essential 6 Quart Oval Pressure cooker. I had never been around anyone that used one and I was hesitant, but once I used it the first time, I absolutely loved it. I like the oval shape, because it gives you a little more flexibility with regards to shape and size of various foods and with the larger size you can make small amounts of food with the option for larger amounts when you want. Electric Pressure cookers have lots of safety features and are very user friendly. What I found most helpful, was Bob Wardens Cookbooks: Slow Food Fast and Great Food Fast. Great books for people like us with no experience at all. I have made some of the recipes and used the information in the books to create our own recipes. Unlike a crock pot you don’t have to leave it all day, it is really fast and everything (so far) has turned out tender and juicy, requires minimal preparation/work and it does not heat up the house. They have lots of different options (like browning and such) you just have to decide what functions are best for you. Good Luck.

tkins

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Another new name Sue — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 01:55:26 GMT

I just bought a basic stovetop because I wasn't sure how much I'd use it. I got a Presto, think it's a 6-quart stainless steel. Don't get aluminum. It's fun to try something new. I don't use it a lot, but mostly use it to cook up chicken bones and carcass for soup stock. Very fast for that. I think I need to get it out and use more.

I'll second tkins' suggestion about the Bob Warden cookbook. It's very helpful.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Nightowlz — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:00:19 GMT

I have the Cook's Essential 8 qt oval which they don't make anymore. I also have the 6 qt Cuisinart pressure cooker. Both are electric digital. Stovetop pressure cookers will cook food faster then these electric digital pressure cookers. Make sure you buy one with 15 PSI on high 10 PSI on low. A lot of them are not 15 PSI on high & will take longer to cook your food. I guess it's a big secret to the PSI as none ever list it on the description. The Cuisinart has a 3 yr warranty which you won't find out in the market. I think most have 90 days & at most 1 yr warranty. When I first bought mine it stayed in the cabinet for a while before I finally tried it. I just did some trial in error when cooking & made notes. LOL!!! They sure are nice. I'm making some pulled pork tomorrow in mine.

The Cuisinart is about $100. You can use a 20% off coupon that Bed, Bath & Beyond always have to get one for $80. Sign up for their emails to get the coupons.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Abrowneyegirl — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:23:26 GMT

I have the CuisineArt electric PC. LOVE it, I have not used my crock pot ONCE since I got my PC 2 years ago. In 1 hour on a Sunday I can make 3 recipes, one prep time, one clean up time and days worth of meals ready in an hour.

PS- I have never used a PC prior to 2 years ago, no one in my family would use one in fear

So am a self taught, never had a problem, never had a recipe not turn out.

Good luck you will love pressure cooking!

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

sidsmom — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:24:42 GMT

On 8/19/2014 phoenixbrd said:
instant pot....on sale now on amazon because they are coming out with a new model.

Instant Pot Discount: $45 discount & free shipping!

I agree w/ the Instant Pot! To get a $45 discount & free shipping, go to their website (Google Instant Pot) & enter vegqueen at checkout.

If you Facebook, there's a closed group called "InstaPot Users Group"...LOTS of support & ideas. Even if you don't purchase the Instant Pot, join the group! Just the pictures alone will inspire!!

Phoenixbrd: hey, sister...you tickle me...we are so on the same page!

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

SouthernBee — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:27:15 GMT

The electric pc are wonderful. Please research and make sure replacement parts are easy to order. I love my cooks essentials oval pressure cooker for the shape and size but it lasted for18 months before the regulator knob broke. The company that made the model has gone out of business. I have searched the internet and all over but no one to order parts from or make repairs. I need to just throw it out. I have the 4 guart and now having problems with the regulator knob. I love the electric pc but will never purchase another cooks essentials. When I do purchase another pc will also purchase extra regulator knobs and gaskets to have for emergencies. I would use the oval pc at least three times per week .

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

rudy — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:31:01 GMT

Great for pot roast! I recommend Fagor or Kuhn Rikon brand.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Nightowlz — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:34:03 GMT

On 8/19/2014 Southern Bee said: The electric pc are wonderful. Please research and make sure replacement parts are easy to order. I love my cooks essentials oval pressure cooker for the shape and size but it lasted for18 months before the regulator knob broke. The company that made the model has gone out of business. I have searched the internet and all over but no one to order parts from or make repairs. I need to just throw it out. I have the 4 guart and now having problems with the regulator knob. I love the electric pc but will never purchase another cooks essentials. When I do purchase another pc will also purchase extra regulator knobs and gaskets to have for emergencies. I would use the oval pc at least three times per week .

Look on EBay. Keep checking you may find one. My 8 qt quit working & I found one being sold for parts on EBay & DH fixed it. Not sure what it's called some type of electrical board inside burned up & DH was able to take it apart & put the one I bought on EBay in mine. This was also sold under the name of Russell Hobbs, Faberware & who knows what other names. Miss Vickie's site shows these were made by Salton & has this info. You could call to see if they can help.

Salton Customer serv.: 1-800-233-9054

QVC supplies this number to order gaskets:1-800-925-8634

http://missvickie.com/resources/parts.html

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

SouthernBee — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:55:44 GMT

Nightowlz: I appreciate the info but cannot find anything for my model and I do not have anyone to make the repairs for me. I have checked both places you suggested and several other sites. I really prefer the oval shape for different type of meats.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

bumsrus — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 03:40:28 GMT

Thanks for the feedback so far

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Kay SD — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 04:36:39 GMT

I'd hate to be without it, but as with anything, it depends on what you like to cook. I have a Fagor digital one I laid about a hundred bucks for. Anything that cooks with liquid can be done in a pressure cooker. Meredith Laurence has an excellent basic book for sale on Q that will tell you everything you need to know to get started. I toss in the bones and some of the meat whenever I get a roasted chicken, and it makes broth I can then use for any kind of soup. I use mine for rice and risotto--easy, fast and perfect every time. And you can cook straight from the freezer as well. Mine gets used every week.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Andreatoo — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 04:39:38 GMT

I'm with you bumsrus. I've been contemplating a pressure cooker for a while now! Everytime I watch a demo I want to get it. hsn had a great deal on the 10 quart but it's just too much for two people but when I did a comparison search I found that the price was really fabulous. the stove top ones are substantially cheaper but I can't forget the horror stories when I was a child

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Mz iMac — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 04:58:47 GMT

On 8/19/2014 sidsmom said:On 8/19/2014 phoenixbrd said:

instant pot....on sale now on amazon because they are coming out with a new model.

Instant Pot Discount: $45 discount & free shipping!

Ok, I had to read this post twice plus put my glasses on to realize you were not talking about weed.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

Cardamom — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 12:49:45 GMT

I have a stovetop model from mantrra. I've had it 15 years and it was only $30. I love it. It won't quit working as long as your stove works and you can put the entire thing in the dishwasher. You will make meals fast. They will be moist and taste just like you've done them in a crockpot.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

SharkE — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 17:40:29 GMT

wolfgang puck has one now on sale for less then a 100 on HSN. I've been using pressure cooker for 40 yrs. can't imagine never having one.

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

stilltamn8r — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 17:55:07 GMT

I have a Technique 8 qt..8 qt is a very good size, since they should never be filled higher than 2/3 full.... Have had mine for about 4 years, couldnt live without it!!!!! So fast and easy to use and clean...

Re: considering a pressure cooker, need feedback

mima — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 17:56:32 GMT

I love my pressure cooker! I would only want electric! My 4 quart CE one from QVC quit after a year. I used it a LOT, but it still should have lasted longer than that.

I replaced it with a 4 qt. one that looks identical to the CE, only a different brand. I'm not home, so I don't know what brand it is. Maybe Nesco? Love it!

I also have a 6 qt. oval one that talks that was a TSV from QVC. I don't like that one near as well. It works ok, but the talking is irritating. The lid is hard to get on correctly also.

For the 2 of us, the 4 qt. is big enough usually. I use it several times a week.