I have 3 and use them all the time .I grew up with my Mom and Granny using them and the secret is to not have the heat up too high.

I use one. Never had a problem, just need to control the steam. If the valve starts giggling too much, turn the heat down. My Momma had her's blow up once and we had black eyed peas falling off the ceiling for days. We still laugh about that one.

I had one and loved it. before the fire killed it and I used it all the time to make soups a stews. the easiest way to relieve the presure is to put it onder the cold water tap and gently run cold water over it when it stops steaming it is safe to remove the lid. when we get another house built it will be one of the first things I but for my kitchen.
any of the pre mixed bases for casseroles will add flavour to your cooking but I like to use herbs and spices. when it is cooked so quickly you don't need as much salt as all the flavour is retained. hope this helps you to decide whether to buy one or not, when my children were at home it was in use every day.

I have a roast, carrots, onion pressure cooking as I type. My oven went out and use mine alot. I have also made rice & meatloaf in mine. Yes, they will blow and you can have a mess...however, if used as in directions they make a great meal in less then 30 minutes. The tough meat will be (usually) tender & that is a plus with the cost be pay. Alot of recipes out on the web. No, U don't have to change recipe or at least I don't.

Have used one for years. Mostly use it for roasts. Just brown in butter, onions and any spices you want, add water, seal and cook. The magic of the pressure cooker is STEAM....... you need WATER to produce STEAM.... SO DON'T FORGET THE WATER!

That is the magic of the pressure cooker. If you forget the water they will blow and yes, you will have food every where!

I have to admit, that was always a fear of mine, that it would just blow our dinner all over the kitchen! :D But seriously, that really is one other thing I didn't care for with the pressure cooker, having to 'babysit' it. I can walk away from my slow cooker and not worry. But I love that there are options out there to suit each of us. :-D

My DH uses ours frequently. I don't, just never got in the habit. Guess I'm scared of the steam, too. Good advicve here; I think you should get one.

I used to use one all the time...now I use crock pot..did have one shoot stuff all over the kitchen ceiling but really my fault cuz I left it too long :<(

I remember growing eating dinner quite often at a friend's house, whose mother used a pressure cooker all the time. The meals were always delicious.

The older pressure cookers did need to be watched closely. If I were to purchase one today I would make sure it is an electric digital cooker. They have safety built into their use. It is very easy to release the pressure.

With the state of the economy and budget money issues it is possible to save at the grocery store. You can buy the cheapest cuts of meat thus saving on the grocery bill.

If you are pressed for time at dinner time I would have it at the top of my "Wish" list. They have specials for prices and easy payment plans making the purchase very manageable.

Since your DD is already using one, she could help you get started and share recipes between each other. I wouldn't hesitate with getting and using a pressure cooker.

Pam M

OK this is a dumb question but when you say "water" do you actually mean water or just liquid of any kind?
I didn't see my DD put water in it but maybe she did while I wan't paying attention. I know she put some chicken broth in.