Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This set is really easy to use and is worth the price, and I highly recommend it. The 18/10 stainless steel pots are heavy, durable, they perform well when searing, and cleaning them is a breeze (see manual for cleaning instructions). In addition to the pressure lid, the set includes a glass lid that fits both pots, a steamer basket with trivet, and a pasta basket. So the pots can be used for purposes other than pressure cooking. The set also includes a really nice recipe book and detailed instructions on use and care.
The pressure cooker lid is easy to lock, just line up the marks on the lid and handle, rotate the lid and lock it in place. I wasn't really clear on how to determine when the cooker is under pressure. The directions say when you see a steady stream of steam for the first time, reduce the heat to maintain it. However, when doing a trial run with just water in the pot, the cooker clearly wasn't under pressure when the first steady steam appeared, however, I followed the directions and lowered the heat but could still remove the lid after a few minutes.
I checked to make sure the gasket was seated properly and that the lid was on correctly and tried it again with the same result. I let the water boil for a few minutes and removed it from the heat and turned the dial for quick release of pressure. No steam was released, and I could remove the lid so no pressure. For the next trial run, I waited until the indicator popped up over high heat, then lowered the heat. This time after removing the pot from the heat, steam was released when I set the dial to quick release.
I have used the pressure cooker a few times now and wait until the indicator pops up before lowering the heat. The first thing I actually cooked was converted rice. I started timing when the indicator popped up and 10 minutes later (7 with pressure, 3 without) perfect fluffy rice! My next venture was chicken wings (10). I deep fried them in the 6 quart pot (no lid) until brown, poured off the oil, added 1/2 cup of water, placed the wings in the steamer basket, put the pressure lid on, and cooked them 5 minutes under pressure. I let the pressure release naturally before removing the wings from the pot which was about another 2-3 minutes. Seems like a lot for chicken wings but they were delicious!
Let me add, DO NOT attempt to pressure fry chicken in hot oil in the pressure cooker! There are a lot of recipes on the internet that try to mimic the Kernel's fried chicken which is cooked under pressure but that's done using a commerical grade pressure FRYER. Pressure cookers like this one are not designed for pressure frying, and the results of boiling hot oil under pressure can be disastrous.
If you decide to purchase this set or another, make sure you read all of the instructions and tips before using it. If you are new to pressure cooking and are a little apprehensive about the process like I was, you may want to either buy a book on the topic or check one out from the library. I started with the book by Lorna Sass, Pressure Perfect. The Jiffy Meatballs with Tomato Sauce is delicious!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Fagor U Cook 7-Piece Deluxe Pressure Cooker Set
New from Fagor, the 7 piece U Cook deluxe pressure cooker set is fast, easy and healthy cooking. Made of 18/10 stainless steel the set includes a 4 and 6 quart nesting pots, a pressure cooker lid that fits both pots, a glass lid that fits both pots, a steamer basket / food grater, a pasta basket, a Tastefully Under Pressure Full Color Cookbookand easy to follow instruction manual.Perfect for all types of cook tops it can be used on gas, electric, ceramic or induction stoves. As with all Fagor pressure cookers, it has a triple safety mechanism, a pressure control valve, a safety lock on the handle that prevents accidental opening under pressure, two independent over-pressure release valves and a visual pressure indicator and automatic pressure release valve. The 6 quart pot supports thesteamer basket/pasta insert which on the bottom also doubles as a food grater The lid is made of tempered glass for easy viewing and it all comes with a " Tastefully Under Pressure" full color cookbook.
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