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-   -   need advice on pressure cookers! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/need-advice-pressure-cookers-t73807.html)

sherriequilts 11-02-2010 08:49 PM


Originally Posted by cjtinkle
That depends, are you wanting a pressure cooker for canning or for cooking?

For canning, there is nothing better than an All American.

For cooking, you can't beat Kuhn Rikon. They are FABULOUS!

at this point, just for cooking. Maybe I will have to learn to can with one too. I have always used the water bath canning system. Guess that won't work here! Thanks for your response.

sherriequilts 11-02-2010 08:51 PM


Originally Posted by Kooklabell

Originally Posted by CoyoteQuilts
I have had the older ones (thicker metal, don't know what kind of metal...) and the newer thinner metal one. Mine are Mirro's. I like the thicker ones. The first time I cooked beans in the thinner one they burned and I can still see the outline in the bottom. I was using a glass top electric stove and that may be what caused this. Both work just fine as far as the 'pressure' cooking part goes. My thinner one came from Wal-mart.

Good luck on your search.

I love my Mirro! It was my mom's!!!! 1954! I still use it and its still perfect. I wonder if you can still find this brand.

wOW! 50 plus years. Can't beat that! Search is going great thanks to all here on QB!

sherriequilts 11-02-2010 08:53 PM


Originally Posted by Auntie M
Have both a Mirror and Presto, like them both for different purposes. I lived on the mesas outside of Abq. and pintos did fine in the heavier weighted one. Like 'em cooked with a little onion and green chile, and some more green chile at the table of course!

Will remember the onion and green chile! Thanks!

sherriequilts 11-02-2010 08:56 PM

Sure appreciate the many responses! Think I will be shopping for one very soon. Seems as if it is important to have a heavier steel one for beans. AND follow the directions! Wonder if they have pictures!

quiltbuddy 11-03-2010 01:56 AM

The newer style pressure cookers are excellent. I have a FAGOR that I bought at Penny's about 5 years ago. They might sell them at Target. It's so much easier then the ones with the pressure gauge you set on top. I use mine at least three times a week and no problems.

winter012 11-03-2010 04:50 AM

Steel is nice but you'll find that cast aluminum is thicker, heavier, & holds the heat longer & more evenly! My ancient cast aluminum Mirro pressure cooker doubles as a candy cooking pot come Christmas!! For candy you need a really heavy thick pot to prevent scorching or outright burning the candy. Pressure cookers are sooooo versatile!!!

P.S. If you do accidentally burn the beans or something else, scrub the pot out as best you can, then boil the pot with either baking soda/water or dishwasher soap/water for an hour or so till the stains are gone. Keep an eye on the water level, & test the stain with a scrub brush periodically. This really works!!!! That's dishwasher soap, NOT dishwashing liquid! I prefer the baking soda, however!!

rannyof3 11-03-2010 05:13 AM

QVC carries a great one. I can't remember the brand name now, but they have had it on several times on Sundays in demos.......

quiltbuddy 11-03-2010 05:13 AM


Originally Posted by quiltbuddy
The newer style pressure cookers are excellent. I have a FAGOR that I bought at Penny's about 5 years ago. They might sell them at Target. It's so much easier then the ones with the pressure gauge you set on top. I use mine at least three times a week and no problems.

The Fagor used to be made in Spain but I noticed it is now China, maybe buy a used one from Craiglist, etc.

Butterflyblue 11-03-2010 05:25 AM

I use a Mirro, and it works for me, but honestly I've never tired any other brand, so I wouldn't say there aren't better.

I will say I have never had a pressure cooker explode on me, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I'm always careful to check the valve before I cook to make sure it is clear of obstructions, and to follow recommendations for how full to fill it and such.

I cook beans in mine all the time, and very rarely do I remember to presoak. THey take longer, and perhaps don't end up as evenly tender, but they're certainly edible if you don't presoak. I never get any complaints. ;)

steelecg 11-03-2010 06:12 AM

I love my pressure cooker - Presto is a terrific brand and they have built in safety features.


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