The best part about having the electric one is being able to set the timer and walk away. It turns off when it is done. If the recipe calls for a quick release you will need to know when to release it. My pressure cooker has an alarm on it, but it isn't very loud. But you don't have to wait for it to reach pressure before setting the timer, the electric does it all for you. Depending on what one you buy determines the bells and whistles. Now many have the various settings so you put in your recipe, push that button on the machine and walk away. Mine is not that fancy, and I have not worried about it exploding - guess it could malfunction but then so could anything that you plug in. (Even out sewing machines....)