2.1.2015

I bought this to replace an ageing aluminium Prestige pressure cooker which I’d been given by my mother 15 years ago and a Fagor dual set, so I’m not new to pressure cooking. Added to this that my wife is from Spain where her mum uses a pressure cooker on almost a daily basis, between us we have a fair bit of experience in pressure cooking. In fact my mother-in-law has had the 6.0 litre version of this model for more than 30 years and it’s still going strong. In all this time she’s only had to replace one handle and the rubber gasket every few years (which is normal for pressure cookers).You’d think this this would have been enough of an endorsement for me to buy this straight away,but like everything else I buy had to do the research :) There are loads of videos on YouTube that were helpful and the ones from Kellene Bishop (PreparednessPro) were particularly good. I compared this to various models from other premium manufacturers such as Prestige, Fagor, Magefesa and Fissler.When considering a new pressure cooker I considered the manufacturer, materials, size, features and of course cost.Materials wise I decided I wanted stainless steel as that way I wouldn’t have to worry about cooking acidic foods such as tomato sauces. Aluminium is cheaper, a better thermal conductor and good for general use, but there’s concern that it can leach into acidic foods.In terms of size I wanted something that would allow us to cook family size meals and large batches for freezing. It also had to fit a whole chicken or ham. I was initially drawn to the 6 Litre size but decided on the 8 litre as this seemed to be more versatile; I can always under fill it. This comes in three diameters, 22cm, 24cm and the ‘hotel’ version at 28cm. I read that the 22cm is tall and narrow and therefore takes longer to cook. The 28cm is significantly more expensive and also would be too big for the largest ring on my oven so this left me looking at the 24cm version. As noted elsewhere the diameter refers to the lid rather than the body and also the copper base at 20cm seems to be from the 22cm version so it doesn’t completely cover the base, although this doesn’t seem to adversely affect its operation. The whole unit is solidly made of stainless steel including the steam shield on top with useful 1/2 and 2/3 full markings etched on the inside which are useful. The only accessory this comes with is a shallow stainless steel trivet. It’s also worth noting that most accessories available to buy are designed for the 22cm version so might not be an optimal fit. The design is quite simple with the pressure valve on top being spring loaded rather than having a a weight and spare parts are readily available should they be needed. The included manual provides instructions on how to clean the valve if required, although it's not something I've had to do to date.There are several cookers in the range which offer different features. This has all the essential safety features, although it lacks the automated steam release of the "Top" model. I’m not sure how much of a benefit that would be as in use the normal steam release methods works perfectly well: Use a wooden spoon to push the valve down, allow it to cool naturally or lift the valve to release steam safely (your hand is protected by the shield on top) which I find is the fastest method. It’s said that you can also run the cooker under cold water, but I’d be concerned about delaminating the copper base by cooling the metal too rapidly. The unit incorporates several safety features to allay any concerns over cooking at pressure. These are the primary pressure valve (which indicates the pressure level), a secondary safety release valve, a lock that prevents the lid being removed when the unit is pressurised and gasket vents. This model only comes with the side handles rather than the long handle. I prefer these side handles as it means the unit is balanced and takes up less storage space.In use this is a vast improvement over my previous Prestige model. You only need a cup of water to build up the required pressure which is indicated by the rising valve which has 2 red rings to indicate 0.4 (e.g. veg) and 0.8 (e.g. meat) bar pressure. To get to the required pressure quickly I set the heat to maximum and then reduce it to number 1 or 2 where it maintains the required pressure. Even when at full pressure this cooker is almost silent in use and loses almost no liquid. To work out cooking times there is a useful app for iPhone and Android that also incorporates a cooking timer.Overall we’re very happy with this pressure cooker and have no regrets about buying it. Hopefully it will last as long as my mother-in-laws.

6.2.2019

I had a different pressure cooker that had a quick release with a spinning handle and there are many with buttons.The are pressure cookers with adjustment functions so you can set it on level 1 pressure or level 2 pressure… etc.There are pressure cookers with an in-built pressure releasing button.This pressure cooker has none of that which is ironically why it’s more professional!Having said that - a more professional tool isn’t for everyone! For people who aren’t serious cooks I’d actually recommend electric ones that take the guesswork out of the usage despite producing far inferior results.That you have to actually press the pressure knob to release the pressure is a rather insignificantinconvenience.That it goes through the levels of pressure in one motion is why you have greater control over it but it will mean a longer learning time (that is – how to use it proficiently).The mechanism is very simple but it works extremely well.The construction is very good and durable though I don’t like the plasticy clicky thingies at the handles.People have complained about the rubber – I don’t know why. Just don’t ever wash it with soap and keep it lightly oiled and it will last for a long time. Also, when storing it, make sure the lid is upside down so the weight of it doesn’t sit and depress the silicone seal.I got the 8L 24cm (wider, more expensive - but I do recommend it) and I’m glad that I did because the thick disc bottom (covers almost the entire bottom - which is very rare) is so good and durable you can use it for frying (saves using another dish) which also allows you to incorporate the fond better.It’s very easy to clean.All I can say is that for whatever reason all of my other pressure cookers had issues and didn’t last long or well yet somehow I never had issues with this one.You need to learn how to use it wisely though… I find that taking it to the second ring is best for high pressure but not beyond because that’s where you start to lose too much steam (which is what you usually want though not always. There are recipes where you want some steam to escape) and potentially “ruin” the rubber ring.The first pressure ring is for veggies and lighter meats.Making a stock is great with the second ring because it’s so efficient at keeping the pressure locked in that within two hours you get a level of stock you’d otherwise have to cook for 12-48 hours at 60C (or else too much of the flavour escapes and develops bitter tones). Because KR is so efficient at locking in the pressure (which as explained does require some learning) you can get acceptable results at a much higher pressure and at a fraction of the time.Note - some people complain that the higher pressure doesn’t actually get to 15PSI. That is true. However, what they fail to realise is that KR is far far superior at locking in the pressure (stability comes down to your individual hob just as much as it does the pressure cooker itself) so although it doesn’t actually mean it will get to 120C+ (but rather “only” ~117C) the results will actually be better because the fluctuation wasn’t as severe.This again is due to the mechanism, metal construction and primarily the very thick bottom layer that distributes the heat evenly.Another often missed factor people need to think about is what is the minimum amount of liquid the pressure cooker requires. Note here - the wider the pressure cooker the bigger the amount of liquid it will need!In inefficient pressure cookers you will see the amount is always over half a litre and that makes a difference when you want to make a concentrated stock or otherwise use little flavoured liquid in order to intensify and condense the flavours onto the meat (as an example).Here too that KR is so efficient at locking in the pressure works to our advantage whether you're choosing a narrower or wider one.Yes, this is a pricy piece of cookware and I’d probably wait for a black friday or some other deal (I got mine for £140 on Amazon - that it's £210 now is pretty crazy)… but it is worth it and I do recommend it over any other pressure cooker.KR has only two real competitors (Fissler & Fagor) but both have much more you can easily break and far more moving parts that can get ruined. There is a reason why all professional kitchens use KR and that is perhaps all that needs to be said.

22.4.2017

This pressure cooker has proved that it can be worth paying a premium for quality. Its well built and feels sturdy and strong.Its design is so simple that there is very little to go wrong. According to the Manual it goes up to 17PSI if you let it go past the red marks, which frequently we do and explains why it seems to cook beans in super fast time.This literally changed the way we eat, going from never cooking a dried bean in my life to doing batches at least 3 times a week.The best tip i ever had was to start with boiling water, this takes the time to get up to pressure from 10mins down to 2-3, so I can cooked soaked beans in 15mins tops from start to finish.There are very few things to criticize as its so easy to clean and maintain and quick releasing the pressure is safe and easy.

17.12.2012

Great product, but I bought this for pearl barley, beans and pulses, and for those who may wish to know, there are some things that actually cannot be cooked in the duromatic - barley included :-(the manual (2012) p56, states that you cannot cook:-'apple compote, cranberries, porridge (oat flakes), barley or other cereals (other than those listed on p73), peas, pasta, macaroni or rhubarb' as they all foam too much and could block the valve.the cereals that you can cook in this are:- (p73 of manual 2012)rice (parboiled), rice (risotto), rice pudding, brown rice soaked, brown rice unsoaked,brown rice (parboiled), wild rice (soaked), wild rice (unsoaked), semolina, corn meal fine (polenta),

30.3.2013

I bought this to replace an aluminium pressure cooker of the same size.Now, it's not a wide 8 litre, but a tall 8 litre.It also doesn't come with basket/seperators so you will have to purchase those seperately. Considering the price of the item I found this a bit disappointing.There are several differences between my old pressure cooker and this one. Firstly, it's so quiet. I mean, really quiet.Knowing which pressure level you are at is easy, thanks to markings on the valve - no more 'is this spinning at the right rate' etc.When I read the instruction booklet, I thought it was wrong honestly. I thought, how can I possibly cook food with so little water. So, I used the amounts my old pressure cooker called for.

19.8.2018

Me and my hubs have 2 kids.That's our fist pressure cooker. It's well built, but the pot is REALLY tall, so I have problems reaching into it, as the space between my stove and the range hood is quite scarce. Good for the stock, though, which is mostly what I use it for - I usually cook a whole medium-sized chicken and have stock for a couple days' worth of soup, plus some extra to freeze for sauces.I've also bought a much cheaper & smaller 6L Tefal Secure 5 Neo Pressure Cooker for everyday use in our family of four (Duromatic is HUGE), not hoping much from it, but it turns out I use it LOTS more often, both as an ordinary pot with a lid from another pot, and as a pressure cooker, as it's more convenient,

7.6.2012

I decided to buy this because I cook a lot of stews with cheaper cuts of meat (beef feet, oxtail, goat etc). The cooking time is greatly reduced. What used to take 3 hours can now be ready in 20-40 minutes. Incredible. As other reviewers have mentioned there is no scary hissing noise. The handles are ideal because you don't need to worry about long handles taking up room. The design is sleek with no extra grooves and fiddly bits to clean. I find it a good weight. It would be described as a heavy bottomed pan. With a slick of oil it is almost non-stick. My only quibble is the aluminium base doesn't extend to the edge of the pan. This means you do have to be careful that your flame isn't licking beyond it otherwise the stainless steel will discolour.

22.10.2013

When is a 24cm pressure cooker not a 24 cm pressure cooker? The answer is, "when you measure the useable width as opposed to the lid".I already had a 20cm Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker. This make of pressure cooker is nothing like some old designs, which are still on the market. You need very little water, which makes them quick and efficient. They are almost silent unless you get them too hot, and even then, although it lets off steam, there is no alarming hissing to make you expect an explosion. They work really well on many foods. Dried beans and brown rice all cook quickly and reliably without filling the kitchen with steam, but they also work well with broccoli,

13.6.2014

I love this pressure cooker. I've had it for a few months now and although it was frighteningly expensive I now consider it totally essential and it is in almost daily use. Its much much quicker and easier to cook almost anything in this pressure cooker. Its totally easy to use and very good looking. I was a bit concerned I'd only be using it now and then for cooking chickpeas etc. but actually its good for anything you might ordinarily cook in a saucepan - but super speedy. I especially like the fact that it is very quiet and that it doesn't have a long handle so I can store it on a pan rack easily. I cook daily for a family of 6 and a 6 litre model is good for us - however if I wanted to cook larger quantities to freeze I could really do with an 8 litre pan.

22.9.2016

I am very happy with this pressure cooker, it is very safe, quiet, cooks the food very quickly keeping the nutrients in the food (as very little water and quick cooking). However, I want to share my experience with other potential clients.I read a review of a client who was disappointed and complained that the valve cap on the lid needs to be lifted with hand otherwise all the steam generated starts escaping.I had exactly the same problem. I called the company (in the UK) and they spotted the problem straight away. Actually NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE COOKER, I just had to lift the black valve cap to the level of the 2 red lines with one hand, with the other hand, I had to screw the valve properly (it was only unscrewed).

8.4.2018

This is a serious piece of kit.The pot heats up super quickly and it's very easy to clean; the heavy bottom and thick walls keep temperature very well, and as a result, I've used the pot for pretty much anything — from sautéing to deep frying. Obviously I bought it because I wanted a pressure cooker — and that's where it really shines.The valve at the top has 2 indicators for the pressure level. As the pressure increases, the valve slowly starts coming out. From what I can see, this pressure cooker achieves higher pressure than other brands (e.g. Tower) so it cooks food much quicker. The cone metal part diffuses any steam that might come out. The material is quality stainless steel,

5.3.2012

I haven't had a pressure cooker since the days of the super-heavy long handled ones with gaskets that quickly didn't fit and lots of scary hissing. But watching Heston got me interested in having one again. This pressure cooker is great!!! It's light and astonishingly easy to use. At first I was worried that the instructions were too brief (they are, scarily so, and no recipes) but in fact that's because it really is very simple to use with a very effective valve which registers pressure clearly and responds quickly when you lower the heat.Whilst it is a big investment I am really pleased with the quality of the materials and with the design - from small things like sensible handle design which

18.4.2018

I bought this after being introduced to the Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker at a cooking class. It was a little tricky to get the hang of using at first but there is a great help line for Kuhn Rikon and they talked me through how to use it. At first I was using a heat diffuser, as advised by the cooking school but this meant it took longer to build pressure and as long as you use it on an appropriate sized ring on the gas hob, there should be no discolouration of the sides. It has been easy to clean. The pot itself is very solid and substantial and I can also use it for other things - I bought a clear glass lid for that purpose.

3.12.2017

Perfect pot for Christmas pudding.I bought this 6ltr 24cm pressure cooker specifically for steaming Christmas pudding which i did the day after taking delivery. it's brilliant and sat quietly on the hop clinking away with the metal pud vessel inside sitting on top of the stainless steel trivet which comes with it and is essential for keeping it of the pot bottom. minimum heat required but i think i will buy a defuser only to spread the heat even more and to protect the pot. It lost about half a litre of water over the 2.5 hours it was steaming away as i couldn't reduce the heat any more on the smallest gas ring. so not only do you not get a greasy steamed kitchen but it takes a 1/3 of the time and minimal gas.

11.10.2019

This is a good family sized pot. I can easily batch cook for the week - and also make supper quickly!! I really like that cooking times are much reduced - beef stewing cuts takes 10-15 minutes to become tender as apposed to 2 hours! We use it a lot for currys and stews and with the nights drawing in thats happening more and more. It seems to take a bit longer to get to pressure than my old tefal but no complaints so far. It came with a small tray - not quite a trivet - that rests on the bottom not used yet. Kuron have an app that gives recipe suggestions and timings. It hs uickly become a staple tool in the kitchen - as trustworthy as the 20 yr old le creuset pots its sits next too.

Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Inox Model with side grips 24 cm 8l - Reviews

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