Fissler Pressure Cooker??

Question

I'm intrigued by the idea of a pressure cooker for beans and chicken stock. Never used one. Reviews of the stovetop versions seem to lean heavily towards the Fissler.
We are a 2 person household so I think 6 or 8 quart size.

Questions: For those of you who have this item, do you love it? I do not need to cook in a hurry, as no longer have a job, but I read that for beans and stock results are great. What else can I hope to make with this shelf-clogging pot?

Second: Will be in Spain this winter. Can I expect to buy it for a lot less $$ than if I order from Amazon.com? If the answer is "no," where would I get the best price?

Third: Redundant: Will buying this make a great contribution to my cookware collection?

Answer

Hi erica,

If you're considering Fissler, you should also consider Kuhn Ricon. Both are terrific--last forever. I bought an 8 qt. one made in France, but sold under the All Clad brand name in the USA:

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-stainless-steel-pressure-cooker/?catalogId=84&sku=6911072&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Cookware%20%3E%20Pressure%20Cookers

They're all pretty expensive--but worth it! You're cooking will never be the same.

You won't (shouldn't) find bargains here, but you can get some decent discounts if you look around. I've always been able to significantly beat Amazon prices for an item in this price range.

Ray

Answer

Hi erica,

Following up, addressing your third question (and the "shelf-clogging" thing; if real estate is a big concern, a stovetop PC can make the most sense. Breaking it down to the basics, stovetop models can also be used as a standard pot (Dad used Mom's Presto to make popcorn and loved it so much he got custody when they divorced), while electric ones offer true walk-away convenience. Additionally, stovetop PCs come in stainless and aluminum constructions, each has it's merits. Electrics come with either a nonstick or stainless cooking pot, and each has it's merits. 

Elaborating, a stovetop PC requires more tending during cooking. You've got to be present to turn down the heat when the pot reaches pressure and (until you get to know your pressure cooker) adjust heat as needed to maintain the correct pressure. You could use the pot from an electric model on the stove, but it lacks handles, and the base isn't thick enough to make it a very good stovetop pot. So don't plan on it. 

Stovetop pressure cookers reach higher pressure than electric ones and can cook a little faster, but that's minor. Most recipes today are written for electric models, and even using older recipes the cooking time only needs to be adjusted for longer-cooking recipes. If your recipe needs 30 minutes or less, cooking time is about the same. You might add 1 extra minute to recipes that run 15-30 minutes. 

So each type has one big thing going for it, and the determining factor for most people comes down to space v. convenience.

Answer

I have to agree that the "walk away" feature of the Instant Pot is something I love. I use it for stock a good bit and enjoy being able to set it and forget it for hours. I've seen plenty of stock bubbling away overnight in restaurants I've worked in, but I've never been comfortable with leaving it unattended. My new (old) range is European and has gas shut off safety features, but force of habit is strong. The 6 quart size is adequate, although sometimes I wish I had an 8 qt for stock specifically. The larger size will take longer to reach the correct pressurization, all other things being equal, so that might be something you want to factor in if you end up using it more frequently. I use mine quite a bit because I am given to last minute meal decisions and it can speed things up nicely. On the other hand, having a freezer full of stock is like money in the bank, right?

Answer

I'm a big fan of pressure cookers and own an old 6 oz mirromatic and a newish 8 oz Presto. The smaller one is perfect for a 16 oz. bag of beans, artichokes, and smaller quantity dishes. I use the bigger one for stews, stock, soups, curries, pot roast, etc. 

As for needing to constantly monitor, I don't typically leave the house when the PC is on but since cooking time is almost always less than an hour, hasn't been a problem to date.

Answer

Timely. I searched high/low for a bargain Fagor Duo. I even ventured onto Craigslist. 

Anyhow, I now have an 8.5qt Fissler on the way. The time-save is what intrigues me. Fast soups, fast beans...

I apparently will have a lot to learn. I can’t wait!

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Fissler Pressure Cooker??

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