Kitchen

[JudyL]

I also am having problems with mine.  I made the hamberger macaroni dish and it came out almost like soup.  Then I made the chicken and salsa dish and that came out like soup.  Both recipes came from Meredith's cookbook and I followed the directions exactly.  Don't know what I did wrong.  I may try something else this weekend and see if I can get the recipe to come out better.  Not sure whether I want to keep or not.

[Gokat]

How frustrating, @JudyL !   What altitude are you at?  That can make a difference in the timing of the recipe.  Here's a link that's pretty self-explanatory. 

 http://www.hippressurecooking.com/pressure-cooker-psi-faq-the-stuff-you-didnt-think-to-ask/#high

If it's not altitude, I read some reviews and the recipes do seem to be coming out well for some so it may be a defective cooker.   I hope not.  Hope the info is useful and takes care of the problem before you attempt a new recipe.  Please let us know.  HTH's 

[giddy up]

I boxed mine back up today to return it.  On Friday I attempted to make the baby back ribs using the recipe in the BJC cookbook.  It was constant frustration and babysitting trying to get it up to pressure and stay there long enough to cook through.  What should have been a 30 minute set it and forget it type dinner was more like an hour or more of my constant attention getting it done.  My old Techniques pressure cooker never has this kind of pressurizing problem.   Maybe I should just use that one even though it is much bigger and heavier....and oval....I must say I like the oval becasue the inner pot doesn't try to rotate every time you stir something inside....anyhow, I am returning and just put in an order for a 4 quart Fa-gor from Amazon.   Hoping that one works better around the control knob like my Techniques.....it is built differently from what I can see so I am hopeful it will work flawlessly like Techniques does.   It costs more though, around $100.

[Gokat]

The nice thing about having a larger pc (Mine is 7 qt.) is that you can make any size recipe you wish...small to large, @giddy up...so they're more flexible for someone who only has room for one.   Most of the time I don't need nearly 7 qts., but for pot lucks, holidays, etc., it's perfect...as it will stay warm once cooked.

There are quite a few poor reviews for defective cookers for that recent 4 qt. TSV.  I'm sorry to hear yours needed to go back but inclined inclined to agree that the quality overall wasn't there.  ******or is a top brand for pc's so you should have no problem with that one.   

[JudyL]

Well my 4 qt TSV pressure cooker is defective for sure.  Tried to use it today and it wouldn't even go on.  So boxed it back up and will send it back this week and will not order another one.  Will call QVC tomorrow because I do not want to pay for shipping to return it.  I'm beginning to think that the reason it didn't work for the two recipes I did try is a pressure problem and not operator error.  Since I"d never had a pressure cooker before I was thinking it was me, but now that it wouldn't even work today, I know its a defective machine.  Even tried plugging it into different outlets.  It was dead. 

[Cardamom]

So far I like it. I've only made three things. Pot roast, perfect. Chili, so easy! Will never do another way. I'm sure soup will be the same way with the soup button. I made the Mexican rice that was in the book that came with it. It was perfect and so good! I only have 2 complaints - the stickers are ridiculously hard to remove and I still have a sticky residue on the side of my lid. It just seemed to travel there through my many times of goo gone application. The inner gasket stinks of whatever I cooked no matter how much I wash it. 

Its my first electric PC. I'm used a  stove top model. This is by far easier. 

[Gokat]

What a bummer, @JudyL .  What a way to start your venture into pressure cooking.  I hope you won't let it deter you from moving on with a working pc of another brand as the results truly can't be beat!   I agree whole heartedly that you weren't dealing with the correct amount of pressure from the outset.   I made Beef Stroganoff in mine last night, and it was so delicious, with the tenderest stew beef and the flavor...soooo good!    

[Gokat]

Glad to see you're off to a great start on your electric version of the pc, @Cardamom .  So nice to be able to set it and let it do its thing.   I agree about the gasket picking up odors from the food...especially onions!  I always remove mine to wash it in that case.  It doesn't get rid of the odor completely but is much improved drying it separately.   HTH's

[Lacey1]

I'm sorry that some folks aren't enjoying their pressure cookers. I have several and I love them, ( in case of fire-grab; dog, Vitamix, pressure cooker!). My next PC will be the Instant Pot with a stainless steel liner.

[traveler]

Tried agin.  This time I made Salsa chicken thighs with rice.  Fully prepped efore starting.  Family liked it and was 10 minutes in PC.  Still on learning curve.