Duromatic Stockpot 8.75-Inch 8.4-qt

The only thing I am upset about which has nothing to do with the quality of this product itself. the original box that it came in. It was not in a condition in which I thought this item was new the original box was dented from the inside and out, even the cookbook and instruction book was dented up.This was not due to shipping because I ordered this with a set of other pots which was both package in a bigger size box and that box itself was in perfect condition. I was second guessing myself on returning this item but I thoroughly checked over the pressure cooker to ensure it wasn't used previously and I could find no sign of use so I decided not to return it.This is my first pressure cooker ever so I made sure to do my homework to find the best one out there and guess what my research brought me to this one. Research showed that bad ones, easily burn at the bottom, hard to keep track of the correct cooking pressure, and don't last that long due to the fact of getting burned and other reasons.Since this was my first pressure cooker I made sure to read the instruction manual thoroughly and even watch some YouTube videos on how to use this Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker before preparing my first ever pressure cooker meal.My first pressure cooker meal was simply easy and came out great. This pressure cooker easily identifies to you with 2 red markings the correct cooking pressure temperature you need for the meal you are preparing inside the pressure cooker. Simply adjust the heat to keep it leveled to the red markings on the top of the cover. The cover itself locks on easily without much strength needed and the pot itself has a good weight to it that lets you know its not cheaply built. The looks are a plus for this pressure cooker as well but looks don't mean nothing to me if it cant do the job and this pressure cooker obviously does.This pressure cooker is quiet as well almost to quiet theirs none of that hissing sound for this pressure cooker. You might say to yourself "I want the hissing sound" so it could let you know the food is cooking. I like change and this is a good change, no need to worry about noise when im watching my tv show or talking on the phone. Dont worry this pressure cooker will hiss at you when it needs to, basically when you have too much pressure developing inside this pressure cooker it will let you know with the hissing noise you have been used to which tells you to turn down the heat you have too much pressure building up. So when you hear no hissing noise you are ok and if you hear hissing noise it means you have to much pressure so turn down the heat. The hissing noise is there only when its needed so dont be scared of the quietness with this Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker. The quietness of this thing actually works in your favor.I learned in life you get what you pay for so $200+ for this Kuhn Rikon is worth it. I can see myself getting a cheaper pressure cooker but next thing you know I will find myself having to throw it out for some reason and keep buying a new one. Research for Kuhn Rikon pressure cookers shows people having there same Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker for 10+ years with the same cooking results as the first day they used it so its worth it in the long run.Highly recommend this to first time pressure cookers such as myself as this pressure cooker really makes it easy for you to use.

Summary of reasons to like this pot:1. Regardless of its being a pressure cooker, the pot itself is high quality;2. It is easy to clean;3. It is easy to use;4. It can make cooking go faster; and5. It forces flavor into meats and beans better.1. I was surprised by the quality of the actual pot itself. I cook real food almost every day and have a nice pot set. The aluminum sandwich bottom for this pot is better than any I've tried before. When you're browning meats to enhance flavor and taking them off to brown onions and garlic, it is not uncommon to have scorched spots in the bottom of your pan because of where the flame hits it. The heating on this pan is so even, that the browning effect (where so much flavor is!) is even as well.2. Because the browning is even, it's easier to clean, plus there are not too many parts to remove and clean.3. Although it works a little differently than some pressure cookers, bringing items up to temperature first and then putting the lid on is easy. Wait for the first or second red line to appear (as directed in the accompanying cook book), and turn down the flame to very low. You'll get the hang of it quickly.4. Cooking real food takes time. Chopping onions, vegetables, meat, etc. is a chore and there's way around this fact. Browning in the pan adds flavor, but also prep. time. Where a good pressure cooker can help you is to reduce the time needed to simmer and enhance flavors. Because so little steam escapes from this unit, all the flavors are forced together and intensified. Example: I have a bean recipe I got from a friend I've made regularly since 1998. It's simple, flavorful, has few ingredients, and everyone loves it. I make extra so that I can render the fat out of chorizo to make refried beans, which my kids love even more. If you did not soak the beans the night before, you have to boil them hard for 1 hour, pour the water out, rinse the beans, put them back in, add the other ingredients, and wait 1-1/2 to 2 hours. If you want beans tonight, you need to know in advance and start early. BUT, with this pan you can "pre-soak" in 10 minutes time and have the beans ready, from start to finish, in under 1/2 an hour. Stews, soups, broths all go ridiculously quickly and easily. Even when preparing ingredients to add to a casserole, using this pot makes the entire process shorter.5. I'll admit, I really don't understand why, but somehow using this pot intensifies flavors. The first time I made the bean recipe I referenced above, both of my kids (14 & 16) like them better--and so did I. Same ingredients, same amount of water (I could have used a lot less), better result. That's been the case for just about every trusted recipe I've cooked in this thing. But in less time.Yep. This item's a little spendy. It's worth it.

Purchased in 2019…got about 1 year’s worth of usage out of this pressure cooker, and for the last few months the metal panel on the bottom of the pressure cooker is coming loose. I don’t think it’s even safe to use as a pressure cooker, so only been using it as an unpressurized cooking pot. I wonder how much Kuhn Rikon stands behind this product, and if they will replace?

Loving my new pressure cooker. My mom used them but like so many other reviewers I was afraid to try it myself because of all the cautions I was given in childhood. The new technology, however, makes pressure cooking a snap. Was anxious the first time but it turned out to truly not be a big deal at all. Just don't open it under pressure and it's easy to know when it's not. I like being able to make quality, healthy meals in less time and they taste great. I happen to prefer this over slow cookers just due to my personality and lifestyle. I simply don't tend to plan meals ahead very often so my slow cooker gets very little use. In just a couple months I've already used my pressure cooker more (weekly) than the slow cooker I've had for more than 10 years (not even 5 times total). No looking back for me. I compared products way more than intended to and opted to pay a little more for this one because of the overall positive comments about quality and customer service. Another plus is the construction makes them really nice pots for regular cooking. They hold heat well making for more efficient cooking and keeps food piping hot for second servings. So, I purchased the glass lid. and got rid of my other pot that was the same size Very satisfied with this purchase. Will invest in the family size sometime in the future.