“Why do I need a pressure cooker?” is the line I always hear from newlyweds in every house warming party I go to. I’m tired of repeatedly saying “Yes. You need to get a pressure cooker for your kitchen” so I’m going to lay out all the reasons why a pressure cooker is essential and help you choose the best Fagor pressure cooker in the market in this quite long post.
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A pressure cooker is a sealed vessel where you can cook food with water and other liquids. The container traps steam thereby increasing internal pressure and subsequently allowing the rise of temperature inside the cooker. In effect, the liquid seeps into the meat and makes it tender in the shortest time possible.
Moreover, pressure cooking helps retain the nutritional value of food that is usually lost in the rising steam with other non-pressurized cooking methods.
Simply put, a pressure cooker is designed to cook food faster and retain nutrients than your typical pot cooking. Soups, braises, meats, rice and almost all kinds of slow-cooking foods are ideally cooked in a pressure cooker.
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A Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Right Pressure Cooker
Trusted cookware manufacturers like Fagor use high-quality and heavy-duty materials so worry not about their pressure cookwares’ durability and longevity.
But there are always specific features you should look for when buying a Fagor pressure cooker that will add to the cooker's overall functionality and security. Let’s discuss the specifics then!
1. Types Of Pressure Cooker
There are two types of pressure cooker – the electric and the stovetop. Electric cookers are automatic where you can set the specific time and pressure while stovetops are manual ones that you have to watch over.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of electric cookers is it's all automated – you can just leave it and return to a wonderfully cooked food. But of course, they won’t work without electricity, and that’s an edge for stovetops. You can cook with it anytime you want as long as you have gas.
With regards to construction and material, both types are typically the same, but the electric model is bulkier, making it difficult to store. I can say that the electric cooker is ideal for first-time cooks while the stovetop model is for seasoned cooks.
2. Material
Most pressure cookers by Fagor are made of high-grade stainless steel. Some are even mixed with chromium and nickel for added durability.
Chromium makes the material corrosion-resistant while nickel forms a protective layer around chromium while making the material shiny.
3. Accurate Pressure Indicator
Choose a pressure cooker with an accurate pressure indicator that gives a clear visual indication that an absolute pressure has been achieved.
Standard cookers can reach 15 psi (pounds per square inch) which is pretty high. Also, look for a cooker with a built-in quick release option in the indicator or regulator.
This feature permits a rapid release of pressure inside the cooker thus lowering the overall pressure inside the cooker and shifting back to the normal pressure level. No need to lift the heavy lid, just press a button and the cooker will do it for you.
4. Size
The cooker size you ought to buy depends on the amount of food you regularly prepare, your family size, and storage space.
Pressure cookers come in 4-quart, 6-quart, 7-quart, and 8-quart sizes. 4-quart is too small while 6 quart is the ideal size. 7 to 8 quarts are the ideal sizes for cooking food for big family gatherings and parties.
Remember, you can’t fill the pot to the brim – 2/3 food space is the maximum you can get. If you’re going for bigger sizes like 7-8 quarts, it’s important to note your storage space also.
5. Security Features
- Secondary pressure release – the pressure is released through the main valve but should it get blocked for whatever reason, there should be a secondary safety aperture to vent excess pressure out.
- Auto shut-off (for electric pressure cookers) – this feature allows electric cookers to shut themselves off if it senses something amiss.
- Locking lid – Locking lids ensure that the pressure inside goes down to an optimum level where it’s safe to take the cover off.
- Gasket-release vent – In the case that the primary and secondary release valves are absent or blocked, a gasket release vent just under the lid should be present to release and maintain pressure inside the cooker.
- Durable handles - Pressure cookers are heavy, making it difficult to carry. Handles made of durable plastic and rubber can withstand higher temperatures. If possible, look for cookers with long handles. Long handles warm up slower than short ones thus preventing accidental hand burns.
Successful Pressure Cooking Tips
- Pressure cookers cook pretty quickly so to avoid burning the food, always use at least 1 cup of water or cooking liquid.
- Never fill the cooker with food to the brim. The steam, though virtually weightless, needs space for build-up.
- Begin cooking at high heat until hot steam builds up then immediately switch to low heat. Steam is scientifically hotter than boiling water, speeding up the cooking process.
- Undercooking is better than overcooking. Always time each step.
- Always cut food uniformly especially huge meat chunks, for an even cooking. Huge and bony meats take longer to cook than sliced pieces.
- The high heat of a pressure cooker promotes browning or caramelization. Brown your meats before adding in liquids for a stronger taste.
- Master the “stop and go” cooking technique. When cooking foods that have various ingredients that cook at different times, cook the slow-cooking one first then do a quick release to let go of the pressure. Next, put in the fast-cooking pieces and bring the pressure up again until they’re all cooked at the same time.
- Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes so you may need to “increase the cooking time by 5 percent for every 1,000 feet you are above the first 2,000 feet above sea level”.
- Never soak or pour in cold water to the cooker after use! It’ll cut the cooker’s lifespan short.
The Best Fagor Pressure Cooker Models
Product Name |
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
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A+ |
$$$ |
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Fagor Duo 8-Quart Pressure Cooker With Steamer Basket |
A |
$$ |
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A |
$$ |
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A+ |
$ |
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A |
$$$ |
**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
1. Fagor 2-by-1 Splendid 5-Piece Pressure Cooker Set
The Splendid 5-Piece Pressure Cooker Set includes shiny 8- and 4-quart cooker pots, two interchangeable pressure cooker and tempered glass lids, and a steamer basket.
Both the 8- and 4-quart pressure cookers are made of 18/10 stainless steel (stainless steel mixed with chromium) with an encapsulated aluminum base for an efficient heat distribution. It also works with all cooking surfaces, may it be stove or induction.
Either of the pots can serve as pressure cookers – just transfer the pressure cooking lid to the one you plan to use. As with the lid, it features a visual pressure indicator, a spring-type pressure release mechanism with one pressure setting (15psi) for pressure release, a second automatic release valve, and one long locking handle.
Aside from the functionality of both pressure cookers, what most people like about them is their versatility. You can use them as regular saucepan or stockpot with the tempered glass lid that comes with the set. Talk about killing two birds with one stone with this splendid set!
Pros
- Versatile
- Ideal cooker sizes
- Sturdy material
- Two pressure release valves
- Durable, long locking handle
- Works with all cooking surfaces
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Reports of the cooker’s plastic handle melting and always emitting a burning smell
- It leaks – air is coming out a bit around the handle
2. Fagor Duo 8-Quart Pressure Cooker With Steamer Basket
The 8-quart Fagor Duo Pressure Cooker has to be your new kitchen bestie! It is constructed from 18/10 stainless steel with impact bonded diffuser base for long-lasting durability, and it also possesses very useful and advanced features.
Among its features are a visual pressure indicator, one stay-cool and safety-lock handle, and a triple safety dual pressure control valve plus two independent over pressure release valves.
Perhaps the most striking feature of this cooker is its three safety valves which readily permit excess pressure to be released, making the entire cooking process completely secure. If you may have noticed, the handle of this cooker has space in between the lid and pot which can fit a hand – its holed shape makes it easier to turn the lid handle to release pressure.
You’ll also see a marked line etched on one side of the cooker that serves as a limit the maximum contents you can put inside – remember, you need to leave a considerable amount of space for the buildup of steam.
Pros
- Ideal size
- Superior material
- Three pressure release valves
- Durable, long stay-cool and safety-lock handle
- Ergonomic handle
- Etched limit indicator for easy estimation
- Works with all cooking surfaces
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Handle is quite brittle
- It leaks – air is coming out a bit around the handle
3. Fagor 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
This 6-quart baby is a multi-cooker – it can be a rice cooker, pressure cooker, and a slow cooker. What more can you ask for with this amazing piece?
This cooker may look like your average rice cooker but wait, there’s more to it. It features the basic characteristics of a pressure cooker – an option for low/high-pressure cooking, a self-locking lid, an auto pressure release and two pressure-control valves.
Moreover, it has a “keep warm” setting for you know, keeping the contents warm until you arrive, and an 8-hour timer. Great! Now all you need to do is set your stew to cook at a specified duration and return to a fully-cooked meal.
It may lack the signature Fagor long handle, but its short and durable handles are made to stay cool all the time. It’s also non-stick and dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Ideal size
- Versatile – can be used as a rice cooker and slow cooker too
- Superior material
- Non-stick
- Has a timer
- Three pressure release valves
- Durable, stay-cool and safety-lock handle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It leaks – air is coming out a bit around the handle
- Some removable parts get clogged up
- The cooker is taller than most 6 quarts but has a smaller diameter – can’t fit huge meats like brisket
- You may need to increase cooking time because the cooker can only reach 9 psi pressure
4. Fagor Splendid 6-Quart Pressure Cooker
The Splendid 6-Quart Cooker is Fagor’s basic pressure cooker model. Like its newer versions, it’s made from 18/10 stainless steel with impact bonded diffuser base.
Moreover, its features include a spring-type mechanism that has a high-pressure setting of 15 psi, three pressure release valves, a stay-cool long, locking handle, and a visual pressure indicator. It works for all cooking surfaces and is also dishwasher-safe.
Upon inspection, you’ll notice that it bears a close resemblance to the Duo 8-Quart minus the loop-shaped handle and etched capacity marker.
Pros
- Ideal size
- Superior material
- Three pressure release valves
- Durable, long stay-cool and safety-lock handle
- Works with all cooking surfaces
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Reports of the cooker’s plastic handle melting and brittleness
- It leaks – air is coming out a bit around the handle
- Emits noise when cooking
5. Fagor LUX 8-Quart Multi-Cooker
Another multi-cooker in the list! Multi-cookers are exciting machines, don't you agree? They always seem to add various cooking gadgets now and then like this LUX 8-quart multi-cooker which can serve as a rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, and yogurt maker.
This cool cooker features an option for low/high pressure cooking up to 99 minutes and a low/high cooking option up to 10 hours.
Moreover, it has one auto pressure release, a timer, a self-locking lid, a non-stick ceramic surface, a stay-cool handle, and an etched measuring guide inside.
Apparently, this cooker is a very versatile device that can meet most of your cooking needs, but it’s not a super efficient pressure cooker.
It lacks additional pressure release apertures which are very crucial for pressure cooking security, and its handles are too small for a pressure cooker.
Pros
- Ideal size
- Versatile – can be used as a rice cooker, slow cooker, and yogurt maker
- Superior material
- Non-stick
- Has a timer
- Durable, stay-cool and safety-lock handle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It leaks – air is coming out a bit around the handle
- Lacks additional pressure release valves
- Small handles
- You may need to increase cooking time because the cooker can only reach 9 psi pressure
- The inner cover holding the silicone ring tends to snap
- Reports of broken cookers after a month’s use
The Verdict
The best Fagor pressure cooker award goes to.. *drum roll*.. Fagor 2-by-1 Splendid 5-Piece Pressure Cooker Set! The amazing set features two interchangeable pots that serve as pressure cookers - no contender in the list can ever surpass the versatility of this particular set.
Moreover, it has all the safety features and essential characteristics a pressure cooker needs to have.
The only problem with this one seems to be the flimsy handle which is also a problem for almost all Fagor pressure cookers. Fagor should definitely improve their handles!
Hey there! Did we answer your questions regarding the basics of pressure cooker? Is this helpful to you? Feel free to comment below for suggestions and (violent) reactions. Also, will you share this article too? C’mon let’s help others find the perfect pressure cooker. Cheers!