Montel Williams Living Well 6 Quart Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this pressure cooker as a Thanksgiving present from a friend who bought this from QVC. He loves to make me a tester of infomercial products. You always take a risk of buying appliances through a infomercial, this product is no exception.
I waited for awhile before writing this review, because I wanted to really use this thing before doing so.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The lid is somewhat difficult to lock down, and pressure will not properly build up. When it did seal, it actually did a pretty good job. It took about 2 to 3 times to get it to seal before it would work. Chicken came out tender. However, it doesn't really brown foods all that well. Then, the digital display flashed a F4 error message. Looking through the instruction manual, it gives absolutely no indication what this is for. So, I placed a call to customer service of Montel (same number as healthmaster) and it was a absolute nightmare. After holding on the phone for over 30 minutes, I got a service rep that had no idea what I was talking about (she admitted she was new) and when I asked for a supervisor, I was hung up upon. I immediately called back, and held for another 20 minutes, this time getting a representative that knew what was wrong. I was told that message means the unit is defective and to send it back, to pay for postage and handling and they would send me a new one. NOT. QVC was fantastic, they accepted the return and refunded my friends account.
I personally would not buy this product, due to cheap construction and difficulty of using the lid to get it to seal. I also did not like the idea of the non stick coating used inside the unit, they should have used stainless steel. The instruction book does not fully explain the display properly, and the recipe book is not clear in some of the recipes. There are plenty of well established name brand pressure cookers that are excellent, and even cheaper than this one. Use your discretion.


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Flavor boost. This 6-quart pressure cooker features fast, flavor-infusing technology which combines high heat and pressure to shorten cooking times. And, the automatic keep-warm function and nonstick removable, dishwasher-safe cooking pot offer convenient use and easy cleanup. From Montel Williams.

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Wolfgang Puck WPPCR005 5-Quart Electronic Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought one. Worked great for about a year. Then started flashing an error message "F2". No troubleshooting in the manual, no support available. Just broke and no help to be found.

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Cut cooking times up to 70-percent compared to conventional cooking methods with this 5-quart electric pressure cooker. It combines steam, heat, and pressure--while retaining all the nutrients and flavor of food--for delicious home-cooked meals like pot roast, chili, vegetable stew, chicken and rice, and more. The pressure cooker provides a removable, nonstick, aluminum inner cooking pot for even heat distribution, and its push-button control panel with a digital display makes it easy to select from a variety of preset cooking programs including rice, meat, vegetables, and soup and stew. The appliance functions as not only a pressure cooker, but also as a stock pot, rice cooker, and steamer. Choose the keep-warm mode to maintain an ideal serving temperature of previously cooked food, or set the programmable timer for having dinner ready and waiting after a long day at the office. Other highlights include a precision thermostat that regulates the temperature and pressure, a safety lid interlock, and stay-cool side handles for easy transport. The multi-function pressure cooker measures approximately 14 by 14 by 16 inches.

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Nesco American Harvest PC-6-25-30TPR 6-Quart Multifunction Digital Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE AT BOTTOM: Wow, is this a neat appliance. As a pressure cooker, it cooks food as nicely, and as quickly as my old, stainless stove-top model, but with several bonuses. Cleanup is much easier with the Nesco. It browns your meat without any sticking, so you can just toss your other ingredients right in after browning, and switch it to cook. No extra pan to wash. The nonstick pot, also, is much lighter, and washes out instantly vs the heavy ol'stove model that required soaking. Best of all, though, is how quiet it is! No babysitting the constant CH!CH!CH!CH! on the stove anymore. Set it, and it cooks in complete silence without another moment's thought, and no adjustments necessary. You could leave the house (it also has a timer to start cooking later if you wish). The Nesco is a slow cooker, as well. I have been so annoyed with how hot all the new slow cookers are. I've bought several brands trying to fnd a true "slow cooker". They all cook at nuclear heat, and every review of every new slow cooker says the same thing. The Nesco cooks nice and slow just like the old fashioned crock pots did. I love this cooker. The manual blows, though. How strange that the cooker is so well thought, but the quality control for the manual fell flat. It is contradictory, incomplete, and explains the buttons and timer wrong. The recipes are not appealing. Who cares. You'll love the Nesco cooker. It will replace your crock-pot and your stove-top pressure cooker. I've not tried it yet on steaming, but it might just replace the rice cooker and veg. steamer, too. Think of all the room in your cupboards, now.
Jan 2001: OK, my original cooker still works and I still like it, but I'm ticked!!! off!!! at Metal Ware customer service. We got one of these for my brother for Christmas, and it would not even power on. Customer service at Metal Ware Corp requires us to pay to get it shipped for repairs. 15 lbs and a BRAND NEW ITEM and I have to pay this ridiculous shipping fee on top of the very expensive purchase price. I no longer have warm fuzzies for the cooker since customer service is BAD.

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A useful addition to any busy kitchen, this multifunctional electric cooker provides three handy functions in one. Use it to pressure cook, slow cook, or steam cook anything from long-grain rice, pot roast, and vegetable soup to curried chicken, chocolate cheesecake, and more. The versatile appliance provides a removable nonstick cooking chamber with a generous 6-quart capacity--perfect for making healthy homemade meals for the family or to take to a potluck or picnic. Its user-friendly digital control panel offers simple push-button operation and a variety of options. Choose from warm mode, steam mode, browning mode, and slow-cook mode (up to 9-1/2 hours), as well as two pressure settings when pressure cooking. Even more, the programmable digital timer can be set to delay cooking up to eight hours, which makes it possible to come home to dinner ready and waiting after a long day at the office. Other highlights include a stay-cool lid and handles; a locking cover; and safety steam release, which prevents the cover from being opened until pressure has reduced to a safe level. Accessories include a steaming rack for steam mode, a glass cover for browning mode, and an instruction manual/recipe book. Attractively housed in brushed stainless steel, the three-in-one combination cooker measures 12 by 12 by 18 inches.

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Fagor Splendid 6-Quart Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)1. Cooking with a pressure cooker
Think of a pressure cooker as a crock pot on steroids. The increased pressure inside the sealed vessel results in an elevated boiling point, producing a higher cooking temperature for faster cooking. The standard pressure for these cookers is 15 psi, raising the boiling point from 212f to 250f. Current design features considerably improve the safety of these pots over WWII vintage kitchen bombs.
Pressure cookers are perfect for pot roasts, stews, soups, stocks and long-simmering sauces, reducing cooking times by as much as seventy percent. Beans cook faster in a pressure cooker, although their soaking time is unaffected. Rice will cook faster, too, although the convenience of a dedicated rice cooker is beyond dispute.
Some pressure cookers let users select a second, lower pressure setting (8 psi, bp @ 215f), which yields considerably less accelerated cooking. Why slow down a high-speed cooker? Because some foods, like veggies and fish, cook quickly, and when cooked at 15 psi it is difficult to control doneness. (Recipes for these foods call for running cold water over the pot lid to quickly reduce the pressure and lower the temperature to stop the cooking. For more usual dishes, one would merely turn off the heat and let the cooking coast to a stop.) Pot-count or hubris may move some chefs to use their pressure cookers to prepare delicate foods regardless of the risk of under/over-cooking. The low pressure setting is intended to help these people. For most cooks, foods that cook quickly are better prepared using conventional methods. Arguably, a clever chef could use a pressure cooker as their only pot for all purposes, a desirable feature when living out of a knapsack on a desert isle where time is money or fuel is precious.
For most cooks, a pressure cooker will not be an essential kitchen utensil, but it is desirable for its ability to shorten long simmer times. An eight-quart pot is probably the most versatile size for most users, because the pot can only be filled to half or at most two-thirds capacity. If veggies are to be steamed rather than boiled, you will need a steamer insert. Expect a learning curve as you discover how to operate the pot and adjust cooking times. A pressure cooker should be stored unassembled, and the gasket (about $10) may need to be replaced occasionally. All parts should be hand washed. The the pot and lid are ruined if dinged where the gasket seats.
2. The Fagor Pressure Cooker
Fagor in Spain is like General Dynamics in the US - a huge industrial conglomerate. Their "Commercial" (and similar "Splendid") model pressure cooker has a substantial heft to it and seems ready to withstand the rigors of the kitchen. An aluminum heat dispersion disc, completely encapsulated in stainless steel, is bonded to the bottom of the thick-walled stainless steel pot. The stainless steel lid is similarly substantial, and is polished to a mirror finish. The handles seen sturdy enough, although they are plastic and subject to damage. An order form for replacement parts is provided in the box and parts are available over the Internet (www.fagoramerica.com). An instruction booklet is incluye, imperfectly translated from the Spanish. An 80-page recipe book is also included, with full color photographs of fabulous dishes, several of which cannot be prepared in the cooker(!).
The regulator control dial on this unit has three positions: Pressurized (15 psi), open, and remove valve. The lid has a safety interlock that prevents it from being opened while the pot is pressurized, and a small plastic rod pops up to indicate the interlock is active. (One reviewer suggested this rod indicates the pot has reached 15 psi, but this is not so; you know the pot has reached 15 psi when steam starts to escape from the regulator valve.) Another safety feature is a slot in the lid that allows part of the gasket to blow out if the pot has been over-filled.
I was attracted to this model pressure cooker because it seemed to represent an attractive price-performance point. My experience has confirmed that. The value of a second, low pressure setting is arguable for all but the most dedicated pressure cooker users, and fancy features like a pressure gauge seem minimally useful. If I were to buy another pressure cooker, I would likely select this model again, albeit in an 8-qt version to compliment the 4-qt size that seemed the best size for this bachelor cook.

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918060607Now through 2/28 ONLY, receive a FREE Induction-Ready 23.5Griddle when you spend $100 or more on Fagor Cookware! Click here for details and mail-in rebate form Preparing healthy and flavorful meals could not be made easier with this premium stainless steel pressure cooker from Fagor. All you have to do is load the 6-quart cooker with all of your ingredients, lock the lid in place and begin cooking. The bonded aluminum diffuser base ensures even heat distribution and fuel efficiency. A triple safety system is also featured which includes a safety locking handle to prevent accidental opening under pressure, a dual pressure control valve, and two independent over pressure release valves to avoid pressure build up. The pot is even dishwasher safe making clean-up a breeze. In today's time-starved world, any item that allows for quicker food preparation while retaining essential nutrients and vitamins is something everyone can appreciate. Features: - Impact bonded aluminum diffuser base for even heat distribution and fuel efficiency - Visual pressure indicator which lets user know when all pressure has been released - One pressure setting in a spring-valve mechanism operated by a dial format: High (15psi) - Instruction manual and recipe book included - Dual pressure control valve - Two independent over pressure release valves - Safety locking handle prevents accidental opening under pressure - Can be used on all types of heat sources including gas, electric, ceramic top and induction Specifications: - Material: 18/10 stainless steel - Capacity: 6-Quart - Diameter: 9- Cleaning and Care: Pot is dishwasher safe - Warranty: 10-year - UL Approved Fagor Pressure Cooker Video Clip

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Presto 02160 6-Quart Electric Stainless-Steel Pressure Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a first time user of any type of pressure cooker so was a little afraid of the old stories of pressure cookers. However, that fear is all gone. I had no trouble what so ever following the manual that came with the Presto stainless steel electric Pressure cooker. It is so easy. Just follow the directions. Have cooked several times with it already. Food was great. I have even cooked one of the recipes. The only thing I would suggest is brown your meats in an alternate pan as it does have a tendency to stick to the bottom of the cooker. Bottom line is I would recommend this product. Presto 02160 6-Quart Electric Stainless-Steel Pressure Cooker.

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Easily prepare a healthy dinner for the family, even after a long day at the office, with this 6-quart electric pressure cooker. By combining steam, heat, and pressure, the unit can cook up to three or four times faster than conventional cooking methods, which means serving up delicious home-cooked meals like tender pot roast, hearty chili, vegetable stew, and more in no time. The durable stainless-steel appliance features an aluminum-clad base for fast, even heating, while its Control Master heat control automatically regulates the temperature to maintain the proper cooking pressure. Furthermore, the included stainless-steel basket allows for steaming and cooking different foods simultaneously with no intermingling of flavors. For safety, the unit's side handles stay cool to the touch and its cover-locking system prevents the lid from being opened while under pressure. With the heat control and sealing ring removed, the pressure cooker cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. A 64-page manual comes included with easy-to-follow instructions and a variety of flavorful recipes. The 1300-watt pressure cooker measures 15-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 10-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Fagor 670040230 Stainless-Steel 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using my Fagor 3-in-1 multi-cooker for a few months now and have really enjoyed it. I've tried all 3 functions. For the rice cooker function, I like it but the rice comes out a little stickier than we're used to. I've tried cutting back on the amount of water and that seems to help. But I typically just use my old rice cooker because the multi-cooker is already in use making the main dish. For the slow cooker function, it seems to cook at a slightly lower temperature than even the low setting on regular slow cookers. The food gets done, but meats aren't as "falling apart" as they are in my old slow cooker. But maybe that's a good thing since they're not overcooked. Depending on what I'm making, sometimes I use the multi-cooker and sometimes I use my old one. The multi-cooker is 6 qts, but is taller and has a smaller diameter than most slow cookers. So it wouldn't work well for a big flat piece of meat like a brisket. Also, the multi-cooker is teflon coated, so if I'm making something that I will need to use my immersion blender on, I use my old slow cooker with the corning-ware insert. Another small problem with the multi-cooker is that even though the insert is removable, it's not very good for putting the ingredients in the night before and putting in the fridge until you're ready to cook. There's no handles to grab it by and there's no lid just for the insert. Because there are no handles, it's also very difficult, and dangerous, to lift it out after cooking to pour the food into a serving dish. The function I was most nervous about was the pressure cooker. I had never had a pressure cooker before and had visions of horror remembering my mother's and grandmother's disasters. But honestly, once I learned to trust the multi-cooker, it's been great. I didn't know how long it would take to reach pressure, so I would get nervous that it wasn't closed right. But it was fine. You just need to add about 20 minutes to your estimated prep time for it to get up to pressure and start cooking. I was concerned about the 9 psi pressure after reading the other reviews here. I sent an e-mail to Fagor customer service and they actually sent me a page from Miss Vickie's web site that said you need to increase the cooking time by 40% and that you shouldn't use anything less than a 15 psi cooker. I couldn't believe they would send me something that says not to use their product! But it was all the customer service people could offer. Well, it turns out Miss Vickie's web site is wrong. You don't need to increase the cooking time at all, or just a minute or two if it's a long-cooking recipe. The problem is that Miss Vickie based her calculation on the ratio of the pressures (9 being 40% less than 15). But pressure isn't doing the cooking, temperature is. And the ratio of the temperatures is less than 10%. And if you use absolute temperature (according to my engineer husband) the ratio is even less, about 1%. So for a recipe that cooks 10 minutes you would increase it by a few seconds. So now I just use the recommended times in recipes and everything has come out perfectly cooked. I should add that this multi-cooker does not come with a steamer insert, and many pressure cooker recipes, especially for vegetables, require one. It doesn't even seem that Fagor offers one separately. I really like the browning function. It gets very hot and is useful not only for browning ingredients at the beginning but also for getting things boiling at the end of slow cooking so that you can add thickeners like cornstarch or roux. The warming function is nice, too. I've used the cook delay once or twice, but only for an hour or two. Longer would be risky for bacterial growth. So I really like this appliance. I don't think I'll be getting rid of my rice cooker or slow cookers, but they've moved to the basement and the Fagor 3-in-1 multi-cooker has the prize spot on the kitchen counter.
Note: Since writing this comment over a year ago, I have found this silicone vegetable steamer and it works perfectly as a trivet for this pressure cooker. It has firm legs which hold it above the liquid. They were strong enough to hold 4 pounds of brisket. It worked beautifully and cleaned up very nicely.
Chef'n Sleekstor VeggiSteam 8-1/2-Inch Silicone Steamer, Arugula
And I should add that I still love my Fagor 3-in-1 and use it several times a week. I still mainly use it for the pressure cooker function, though. I've found that I really don't need a slow cooker anymore.

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An exceptionally versatile addition to any busy kitchen, this 6-quart multi-cooker offers a variety of functions all in one handy appliance--use it as a rice cooker, a pressure cooker, or a slow cooker. In rice-cooker mode, the unit automatically cooks any type of rice to light, fluffy, restaurant-quality perfection. In pressure-cooker mode, the appliance offers high (9 psi) and low (5 psi) pressure settings for cooking healthy meals in no time. The higher the pressure the faster the results. For peace of mind, the unit's self-locking lid comes with an automatic pressure-release setting, which means the lid won't open until all the pressure inside gets safely released. In slow-cooker mode, the appliance can be used to make delicious pot roasts, soups, and stews. Simply add the ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and dinner will be ready and waiting after a long day at the office. Best of all, the multi-cooker automatically shifts to "keep warm" at the end of any cooking program, keeping food hot and ready to serve without overcooking. Other highlights include a "brown" function for true one-pot cooking, an LED screen with soft-touch control buttons, a programmable eight-hour delay timer, stay-cool handles, overheat protection, and two independent pressure-control valves for added security. When finished, the nonstick cooking pot can be removed for quick cleanup by hand or in the dishwasher. A user manual with 40 delicious recipes comes included. Attractively housed in brushed stainless steel, the ETL-approved multi-cooker measures approximately 12 by 12 by 13 inches.

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Cuisinart CPC-600 1000-Watt 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker, Brushed Stainless and Matte Black Review

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(More customer reviews)First, I was a pressure cooker nut from before. I used my mother's 1930/40's Presto's until I couldn't get seals for them. When I saw this digital pressure cooker I bought it instantly. I loved it so much that I gave one to my daughter, my sis and my sis-in-law, (we're all foodies). I was cooking stuff I hadn't made in years. We ate like kings! All of a sudden, caput. I get online and search and right there on Amazon, Bobby Mac "Micronaut101" describes my very own problem! So no more trying to make the bloody thing work! I call the Cuisinart 800 number prepared to go the distance according to the reviews I've read and I describe my problem, how much I love the machine, how I've seen the problem reported on Amazon and therefore it's a known quality issue and I want a new machine. OK, she says, what's your address? No "did you send in a warranty" or anything else. Bingo, 7 - 10 days I'll have a new pressure cooker. How cool is that? Oh, and "We're sorry for the inconvenience. Have a great day." Yehaa! Let's hear it for Amazon and reviews!
[[editing review as of 6/4/09: pressure sensor wouldn't set pressure and pressure cooking wouldn't start. Cooker would get to boiling but pressure wouldn't lock the cooker and begin cooking. Little red button wouldn't come up to close opening. I would wiggle the button with a skewer or knife point to get it to pop up to close pressure hole. Hope this helps.]]
And I'm writing this so that others who may get one of those recalcitrant pressure cookers that slipped through the quality assurance check can know that they will get a new pressure cooker with the press of the number buttons. Cuisinart has decided to stand behind this one product, at least.
BTW, all of us are previous users of pressure cookers so we really appreciated the ability to sear the meat in the cooker. My family has used the Cuisinart cookbook for the pasta e Fagioli, Cuban Black Bean Soup, Chicken with Herb Dumplings and the "outstanding" Creamy Rice Pudding" And, in fact, the Rice pudding cooked so quickly that my sis didn't think it was done when the timer went off and over cooked it! Her second batch was superb. We also like Lorna Sass's "Cooking Under Pressure" and "Pressure Perfect"

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Reduce time spent in the kitchen preparing meals with the help of this 6-quart electric pressure cooker--it cuts cooking times up to 70-percent when compared to traditional stovetop cooking methods. The unit traps steam inside, which builds up pressure to create hotter temperatures, and its tight seal locks in heat, moisture, and flavor, as well as vitamins and minerals for exceptionally healthy, great-tasting meals like soup, chili, and other one-dish entrees. It also works well for cheesecake and custard, because dessert should never be left off the menu. The unit's push-button controls and easy-to-read digital display eliminate guesswork, while its precision digital thermostat regulates temperatures. Choose from preprogrammed settings for high- or low-pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sauteing, and warming. For safety, the cooker must be fully locked for pressure to build, and it will remain locked until the pressure inside drops to zero. Other highlights include a 99-minute timer with an LED countdown display, cool-touch side handles, and a nonstick cooking pot that cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. A dishwasher-safe trivet also comes included. Housed in brushed stainless steel, the 1000-watt pressure cooker measures 12-1/5 by 12-1/5 by 13-1/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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