What size of pressure cooker? I am cooking for 3 people and debating between an 6 qt & 8 qt. I've never used one before and space is an issue. Looking for opinions. Thanks.
1466665
It's true that some pans might crowd the neighboring burner. However, in my own experience with meal prep, all four burners are seldom used at the same time. In addition, pressure cookers for home use are designed to fit the standard size stove hobs so that crowding is seldom an issue. I have the 10qt Fagor Splendid, which is larger in diameter than their 8qt models. While it does fully cover my larger front burner, I have no problem using the back burner.Fagor Splendid 10-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner
1466666
I'm glad you are having success with the foods you've prepared. I know what you mean about the cooking odors. I used to avoid cooking anything with cabbage, because the house would stink for days. But with the pressure cooker, if there's any odor at all, it's very slight. Vickie Smith's website is packed with wonderful information, including time charts for vegetables, meats, dried beans, fruits and grains. It is a valuable resource, especially for anyone just getting started. So even if you don't get your hands on her cookbook right away, much of the same information is available there. I'm glad you are having success with the foods you've prepared. I know what you mean about the cooking odors. I used to avoid cooking anything with cabbage, because the house would stink for days. But with the pressure cooker, if there's any odor at all, it's very slight. Vickie Smith's website is packed with wonderful information, including time charts for vegetables, meats, dried beans, fruits and grains. It is a valuable resource, especially for anyone just getting started. So even if you don't get your hands on her cookbook right away, much of the same information is... » Read More I'm glad you are having success with the foods you've prepared. I know what you mean about the cooking odors. I used to avoid cooking anything with cabbage, because the house would stink for days. But with the pressure cooker, if there's any odor at all, it's very slight. Vickie Smith's website is packed with wonderful information, including time charts for vegetables, meats, dried beans, fruits and grains. It is a valuable resource, especially for anyone just getting started. So even if you don't get your hands on her cookbook right away, much of the same information is available there. « Show Less
1466667
B.Hetland, Congratulations! I think you made a very wise decision. You'll probably get really good use from both those size cookers. As you become more comfortable with pressure cooking, you'll find more and more ways to use the cookers. You mentioned regular cooking corn on the cob. I now do corn in the PC. In fact, we're having that today. I put the corn into the steamer basket over a cup of water, bring up to pressure, time for 4 minutes & quick or cold water release...perfect! So quick and easy. Many people believe that vegetables turn to mush in the PC, but not if you know how!
1466668
Thanks, so much for all of your tips and valuable information. I am now a fan of the Pressure Cooker!
1466669
Look at the space you typically have between burners on your stove. The 8 quart might overly crowd the back burner, making it useless, where as the 6 won't.
1466670
Yes, I was afraid to do corn on the cob, that's great. We have a small house, so love the PC because it's not making my house smell like food. I made bone-in chicken breasts in 12 minutes, they were tender and juicy - not dried out like they often are. I'm going to look for Miss Vickie's book at the library. It wasn't there last time, so I picked up Sass' book, and am learning every day. Appreciate the tips very much!!
112018
Two of us here, too:) We've owned both a four quart and a six quart pressure cooker and I can't honestly say there's a noticeable difference. Usually we buy the food we want to prepare and then cook it appropriately. For the most part we're not buying two person roasts at the store. If that's more than we want to eat we cut it down and freeze the remainder for later. Alternatively, (and most commonly) we cook the whole thing up and save what's left as a quick meal for later...
1634784
To be absolutely safe we never use more than 8 quarts (produce/meats + liquid) when used as a pressure cooker. As a pressure fryer, it'll take 3.5 quarts of oil/shortning/lard and a large cut-up frying chicken.
899083
Funny you should ask me at this moment as I have the pot on the stove as we we speak. I have three Fagor pressure cookers( am not connected to the company if you are feeling cynical). I use the 6ltr one the most. I cook for mostly for myself and my wife. My favourite feature is the lower psi setting which allows me to cook 'soft' vegetables for curries without them being pulverised. I will bring these vegs like cauliflower, zucchini & egg plant up to pressure for three minutes, max!! They are still firm. That is my favourite feature of this pressure cooker. I have no safety issues to report.
941009
Ron, as many of the people responding to your question have done, I purchased the 6 Qt. as well. I often downsize my recipes to a serving for 2 or 3 and a great cook book for these recipes is America's Test Kitchen, "Cooking for Two, 2012". There are slow cooker recipes that work great in the larger slow cooker and come out just fine. I purchased this specific Cuisinart because of its oblong shape - makes it easy to cook meat or chicken on skewers. And, with the larger size you are prepared for the eventual times you want to cook a roast or larger meal. Hope this was helpful.
51632
1 piece. 9" Diameter. Please Note: Single Unit Pressure Cookers sized 4, 6 or 7 quarts require a 9" gasket. Pressure Cooker Sets consisting of 4 & 6 quart pots or 4 & 7 quart pots also require a 9" gasket. Karen/Eurostoves
456588
the 23 quart pressure cooker is BIG. unless she is going to do canning of quart sized jars I would think its too big. you need to find out what she plans to use it for. as for cooking she would have to be cooking for large groups or as I said canning on large scale. to give you an idea of the size of the 23 quart cooker you can cook 1 bushel of turnip greens after they are wilted, at one time. pressure can 7 quart jars or 20 pint jars at each canning.
289634
Dear Stevek, I have the 3.5 quart size. The booklet says for meats use 2oz. For vegetables use 4 oz. For other foods you can add more water. Mostly what I did was experiment. I noticed that foods cooked in the pressure cooker tend to cook out a lot of liquid, similar to a slow cooker. So, over time you get accustomed to adding just a small amount of water, probably less than one cup. However, when cooking dried beans that have been soaked you do need water to cover and I like to cook them for about 1 hour on the first red marker. Enjoy your Rikon! Nancy
467754
Get the 6 quart if you cook for a family. I got the 4 quart and it's just enough for my husband and I with a little left over for lunch the next day.
927495
This 8 qt is the perfect size!!! We cook for 4 most the time but it has room to go bigger!
1864453
I did not use a pressure cooker, but I think it would be OK for a small to medium pressure cooker, let's say 3-5 quarts. It is quite powerful.
2007909
Unless storage space is an issue, I would go with the 8 quart. The extra space is always handy when cooking for larger crowds - and the large basket can be used to steam crab legs, etc.
909912
Thanks for asking and yes it is a very large pressure cooker which make it so nice for cutting down time and is a slow cooker (there again time is sometimes essential). Also is a pressure cooker for small jobs such as canning small amounts of leftovers. Would probably do a small turkey. Very nice indeed! Is good for large amounts and easy to clean. If you get one I hope you enjoy using it for lots of things.
1215762
I had a 7qt slow cooker. Just two of us, so I ordered the 4 Qt and think it will be much better for us. The bigger size was just too big.
2101266
When i started no-knead bread, I used the 7 qt dutch oven and it was fine, but now i use a 5qt. I prefer the 5qt, but may try a smaller one someday. Once the 7 qt was tied up on braise duty and made it happily in a Cuisinart 735-24 Chef's Classic Stainless 3-Quart Chef's Pan with Cover
1117865
Yes. Get the 10 qt. because you are not supposed to fill a pressure cooker to the top. If you ever want to cook beans, they foam, so you fill the pot halfway for beans. Better to err on the side of bigger. It's also a great (regular) pot. I feed a family of six with mine. Look at Miss Vickie's website for lots more pressure cooker info. I bought cookbooks from her and from Lorna Sas (?). I had been searching for a good quality large crockpot, but they don't get good reviews. Then I read someone's comment, "Why go slow when you can go fast?". I've been very happy with my 10 qt. Fagor. I also bought an 8 qt. some time after, but the 10 qt. is my go to pot. I use it much more frequently. Yes. Get the 10 qt. because you are not supposed to fill a pressure cooker to the top. If you ever want to cook beans, they foam, so you fill the pot halfway for beans. Better to err on the side of bigger. It's also a great (regular) pot. I feed a family of six with mine. Look at Miss Vickie's website for lots more pressure cooker info. I bought cookbooks from her and from Lorna Sas (?). I had been searching for a good quality large crockpot, but they don't get good reviews. Then I read someone's comment, "Why go slow when you can go fast?". I've been very happy with my 10 qt.... » Read More Yes. Get the 10 qt. because you are not supposed to fill a pressure cooker to the top. If you ever want to cook beans, they foam, so you fill the pot halfway for beans. Better to err on the side of bigger. It's also a great (regular) pot. I feed a family of six with mine. Look at Miss Vickie's website for lots more pressure cooker info. I bought cookbooks from her and from Lorna Sas (?). I had been searching for a good quality large crockpot, but they don't get good reviews. Then I read someone's comment, "Why go slow when you can go fast?". I've been very happy with my 10 qt. Fagor. I also bought an 8 qt. some time after, but the 10 qt. is my go to pot. I use it much more frequently. « Show Less
956395
I have the same type and size burners on my stove and I use my presto pressure cooker all summer long&gt; No problems! good luck..Diane H.