I have one,I use it all the time.The newer ones have a safety valve on them.Mine has a safety valve,another safety feature is the side window"as they call it". It is a place in the lid that will blow the gasket,before blowing the cooker.Mine also has a screw on bobber,so it can't blow off if it gets too much pressure,it will let steam out then begin to bobble again.You just can't put any thing in them that swells as it cooks,like pasta or pinto beans.Green beans out of the garden can be done in 15 min.I really love mine.