Pressure cookers...
Thought I would get the groups opinion on this, since this is an all new area for me... which means I don't know diddley about this 
I am looking at pressure cookers.... and there is such a wide array available that i am now more confused than I was before....
I want to cook veggies quickly without losing the vitamins and color...
I want to make soups and stews quickly....
I want to cook new potatos quickly and thoroughly (evenly)
How many quarts do I need?
Aluminum or stainless steel?
What is up with all these pots?... I mean, the prices go from $19.95 up to $300.00 for the same size pot!
I appreciate any help you can give.... thanks...
I am looking at pressure cookers.... and there is such a wide array available that i am now more confused than I was before....
I want to cook veggies quickly without losing the vitamins and color...
I want to make soups and stews quickly....
I want to cook new potatos quickly and thoroughly (evenly)
How many quarts do I need?
Aluminum or stainless steel?
What is up with all these pots?... I mean, the prices go from $19.95 up to $300.00 for the same size pot!
I appreciate any help you can give.... thanks...
Annette 
Ahemmmm, 
Well now, I'm no expert but in culinary school I did my "special class report" on pressure cooking through the ages. And the modern cookers.
I have an 8 Qt. Ultrex made by Innova Inc. It has a separate steamer basket to cook veggies without them sitting in water or absorbing other veggie flavors. It also has a second lid to use as a pot without the pressure gauge.
What to look for.....
a good solid bottom. Make sure it won't buckle under heat (duh) I prefer Stainless Steel. Also, the pressure regulator is key. What kind of safety lock does it have? It only takes once cleaning split peas off the ceiling to realize how important the regulator is. 
Mine has a pop up valve to let you know when it is safe to open the lid. Mine also has a "thingy" that prevents the lid from being opened until the temp is cool enough and the pressure is down.
Many gourmet kitchen stores sell a variety and have name brands, but you can buy decent ones at some of the chain stores like Wal Mart, Fred Meyers, etc. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Stay away from the cheap wanna be.
I love mine and use it often. Good luck Millie
Well now, I'm no expert but in culinary school I did my "special class report" on pressure cooking through the ages. And the modern cookers. I have an 8 Qt. Ultrex made by Innova Inc. It has a separate steamer basket to cook veggies without them sitting in water or absorbing other veggie flavors. It also has a second lid to use as a pot without the pressure gauge.
What to look for.....
a good solid bottom. Make sure it won't buckle under heat (duh) I prefer Stainless Steel. Also, the pressure regulator is key. What kind of safety lock does it have? It only takes once cleaning split peas off the ceiling to realize how important the regulator is. Mine has a pop up valve to let you know when it is safe to open the lid. Mine also has a "thingy" that prevents the lid from being opened until the temp is cool enough and the pressure is down.Many gourmet kitchen stores sell a variety and have name brands, but you can buy decent ones at some of the chain stores like Wal Mart, Fred Meyers, etc. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Stay away from the cheap wanna be.I love mine and use it often. Good luck Millie
I'm looking for someone to guide me through using the old pressure cooker given to me by my father.
This pressure cooker, which is very heavy, belonged to my dad, who died 31 years ago; I think that his mother used it before him. It is an oldie but goodie and has the "thingy" on top that let's the cook know when the food is ready.
Because I never paid attention when my father used it, i have no idea how to use it and must confess that I am a little scared
that I may blow up me, my house and my dogs! 
Any advice in using the pressure cooker safely??
This pressure cooker, which is very heavy, belonged to my dad, who died 31 years ago; I think that his mother used it before him. It is an oldie but goodie and has the "thingy" on top that let's the cook know when the food is ready.
Because I never paid attention when my father used it, i have no idea how to use it and must confess that I am a little scared
that I may blow up me, my house and my dogs! Any advice in using the pressure cooker safely?? HW: 250
SW: 240
CW: 173.8
GW: 150
The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
Mohandas Gandhi
SW: 240
CW: 173.8
GW: 150
The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
Mohandas Gandhi
Here are two links that will help get you started. I agree with the statement above that Miss Vicki's will be your new best friend as you learn to use your pressure cooker. I think her site has a forum where you can post the type of PC you have, and someone will probably have the exact instructions they will scan and send your way.
http://www.veg4health.com/Articles/thejoyofpressurecookers.h tml
http://missvickie.com/workshop/stepbystep.html
I have retired my old PC with a regulator (jiggly thing) quite some time ago for a more modern stovetop variety. I'm going to upgrade again to an electronic one in a couple of years and give these to a niece or a perhaps a daughter in law.
They are so useful. You may wonder why you haven't used one before!
http://www.veg4health.com/Articles/thejoyofpressurecookers.h tml
http://missvickie.com/workshop/stepbystep.html
I have retired my old PC with a regulator (jiggly thing) quite some time ago for a more modern stovetop variety. I'm going to upgrade again to an electronic one in a couple of years and give these to a niece or a perhaps a daughter in law.
They are so useful. You may wonder why you haven't used one before!
Most Active
Recent Topics
