Would this 7 quart be good as my 'go-to' pasta pot? We serve lots of pasta when the kids come over, but I really don't want a strainer insert.
114769
This is an excellent pot for pasta. Lots if room for large amounts and not too awkward to tip into a strainer
114751
I would suggest the 5.5 quart. I think I'm going to order one of those today. Good luck.
816885
The 3 qt. meets most of my needs. I like it because it also fits inside my 5 qt pan in a pinch and can serve as a steamer. I also have a larger colander that gets used primarily for large quantities of pasta for draining, but that's about the only time it gets used.
715916
Either use less pasta or use more water, and stir it mid-way. This gadget is great for getting the pasta done quickly, and it's wonderful to not have to wash the huge pot I was using before. I use it a couple of times a week, and am happy with it.
522982
Yes but I wouldn't really recommend this product. I think the pasta comes out mushy or all stuck together. It's easier to wash a pot...
783722
I wouldn't use it for pasta , I don't think it's tall enough and the pasts would fall through the basket. Get a pasta pot.
1347702
Hello, B. Hetland. The size pressure cooker you choose should depend on how you intend using it. When I purchased my first pressure cooker I also was looking at the 6 & 8 qt. After researching, I decided on the 8qt, and was very pleased with the decision. You see, the qt capacity is to the brim of the pressure pan. However, it should not be filled past 2/3 full--and with some foods, not past 1/2 full, this means that in an 8qt cooker, the most you can put into it will be less than 6 quarts for the 2/3 full and, and for the 1/2 full rule, only 4 qts. I like to cook in large batches, so about 6 months ago I decided to also get a 10qt [Fagor]. Pressure cookers are extremely versatile appliances. In addition to cooking under pressure, they can also be used as regular saucepans, replacing other cookware. If you really get into using it frequently, and for its many applications, the larger 8qt size will give you more options, because it will accomodate a greater variety of inserts. Here is one that I have found extremely useful: Wolfgang Puck Stainless Steel Dessert Maker Insert. This is also available brand new at eBay for a very reasonable price. I understand your concern for space limitations, and while the 8qt does have a larger footprint, I think you will be happy with that choice in the long run. I too have limited space in my kitchen, I managed to make room for 3 pressure cookers [6, 8 & 10 qt]. Because these are the pans I use most often, one is always "on display" on the cooktop. I also have a 4qt Presto, which I recently put with our camping gear. Because you are new to pressure cooking, you will probably be looking for useful information on how to get the most from your new pressure cooker. I recommend this cookbook: Miss Vickie's Big Book of Pressure Cooker Recipes The author also has a website with discussion forums www.missvickie.com
1853417
It would depend on how much pasta you want to cook. If 1-2 servings, yes, I've actually done that with mine. But once the water level gets too high in the bottom, you end up sort of boiling/steaming what's in the top. I suppose it wouldn't make that much of a difference, but when I like my veggies lightly steamed, I use very little water. A larger version of this would do more servings nicely I'm sure!
865854
Alice, The strainer basket is large enough to cook a pound of pasta. I used mine to blanch corn on the cob and it held a lot. I love, love my pot.
697687
This pot works great, although it does take up two burners on our stove. Very easy to drain water - there is a little spout on one side of the rim. You cannot screw the lid on. I just take the lid off when I'm draining water, and pour the pasta into a colander. Would be difficult to try and hold the lid on while draining, as the pot is large and a little heavy. Hope this helps!
751929
I really like this pot. I have only had it for 3 months. I have used it for chicken meals, soups, and cooking pasta. Use medium heat so as not to scorch the food or pot.
2131177
The pot that I own doesn't have the basket. But yes, that basket is not designed for pasta. I believe that the basket is intended for veggies, hard boiled eggs and such. This is probably not a large enough pot for pasta, except perhaps one or two servings. I use mine primarily for cooking rice. I did use it last evening to thicken some gravy from my slow cooker. I find that this is a very useful little pot. Now that I own it, I could not be without.
614874
I use this pot to cook smaller amounts (3-4 people) of pasta all the time. I really like the pot.
860354
I love the sizes, the frying/sauce type pan is pretty big, bigger than the ones I had. The big pot is really a good sized spaghetti pot, deep medium one really is sized appropriate and small pot is perfect for little things- soup, chili...etc. The only problem I've ever had was with the frying/sauce type pan, the handle broke off while cooking.Other pots are perfect! I'd suggest to buy, for the price- we've had them for 2 years now & the rest are holding up just fine :) Hope that helps.
1525813
Too big for spaghetti. Try a Pasta Pot. I have one of those. They work great.
816884
The 3 qt. is fine for up to 12 oz of pasta (and that is pushing it). Anything more you would need the larger size.
267372
There is only my husband and myself. I have cooked smaller portions of stew in this. The cast iron maintains the temperature so you can have less product inside, and is holds a temperature without fear of burning. A five quart would probably suit you well but this is great if you ever want to make a big pot roast, entertain, or make extra to put aside. I guess the question is - why too large? A shortage of storage space would be my only reason to scale down.