Kuhn Rikon 3344 7.4-Quart Stainless-Steel Pressure Cooker

This product is by far the best purchase I have made for my kitchen. I know plenty of people who own PCs (jiggle tops) but now is when I finally discovered why they loved theirs so much. I can make so many dishes in a fraction of the time! Some weekend-type meals are now weeknight meals. A stew on Tuesday night, Pot Roast on Wednesday, not a problem. Even making mashed potatoes is quick and easy. Chicken broth in 30 minutes not 2 hours.

Another important point is safety. You cannot open the cooker until it is completely de-pressurized (i.e. idiot (me) proof) and it has 2 additional escaped valves (asided from the main one) in case you accidently overpressurize it. The main reason I had not purchased a pressure cooker sooner was safety concerns (read: fear). But now, I could just kick myself for not getting one sooner.

However, I would just like to clarify 2 points:

To the reviewer that rated the pot 4 stars because of the shape: I do agree that the shape is a little ackward. It is taller than it is wide. However, I haven't had any problems with it so far. I checked the manufacturers website and the 8 liter model has the same diameter. It is just slightly taller. But this one does have 2 handles (a regular handle and a helper handle). I appreciate the long handle as it makes it easier for me to open the lid without burning myself (better leverage).

As for the reviewer who compared this cooker to a 1912 model: I really don't understand what he expects of a Pressure Cooker. The principle hasn't changed since his grandmother's era but the execution certainly has. But yes, you are still going to have to regulate the heat under the pot. Kuhn Rikon introduced this spring valve technology in 1949 so I doubt it is the same cooker his grandmother owned. The whole idea of a spring valve is that is isn't supposed to vent (as much if at all).

This is an excellent product and I have recommended it to everyone I know. Although the cost is a bit high, this is definitly one of those times when you get what you pay for!