Presto 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker

by Presto

Product Features

• Cooks three to ten times faster than ordinary cooking methods, saving time, energy, and money.
• Pressure regulator maintains the proper cooking pressure automatically.
• Strong, heavy-gauge aluminum for quick, even heating.
• Includes cooking rack and complete 64-page instruction/recipe book.
• 9 by 14-1/2 by 7-1/4 inches; 12 year limited warranty.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.9 x 9.3 x 7.7 inches ; 4.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002N601
• Item model number: 01241
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,298 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #16 in Kitchen & Dining > Cookware > Pressure Cookers

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Pressure cookers have experienced renewed popularity over the last several years because cooks have rediscovered what some cooks (particularly grandmas) have known for a long time--they're really fast. And it's easy to cook healthfully with pressure cookers, since the food retains so much more of its nutrients and flavor. Presto's 4-quart aluminum pressure cooker is a multi-purpose pot that can stand in as a conventional soup pot as well as perform the kitchen magic that pressure cookers are famous for. Chicken Cacciatore cooks in 8 minutes! This durable, polished-aluminum pressure cooker is an economical addition to any well-rounded set of kitchen tools.

The heavy-duty lid locks down during cooking; an inner sealing ring keeps the steam in. In addition to a pop-up pressure indicator and a simple steam release mechanism, there is an overpressure plug that will let off steam if it builds up excessively. This pressure cooker is useful for weeknight dinners or for any meal that needs to come together quickly. An accompanying booklet contains more than 65 recipes, ranging from basic soup stocks to stews and pot roast--even desserts like Oatmeal-Apple Crisp! Tenderize lean cuts of beef or pork; or cook chicken, fish, or vegetables faster than you can in a microwave, and without losing moisture.

Nonabrasive cleansers are best for cleaning this polished aluminum pressure cooker, though occasional use of a fine metal polish will help the exterior keep its shine. The Presto 4-quart aluminum pressure cooker is fully immersible; in addition, the sealing ring should be removed after each use to allow cleaning of the inside rim of the lid. The vent pipe is simple to keep clean with a small brush or pipe cleaner, and both the air vent/cover lock and the overpressure plug are removable. The pressure cooker measures 9 inches in diameter (14 inches including handle) and 7 inches tall (including lid). Presto guarantees this pressure cooker with an extended 12-year warranty. A detailed instruction and recipe booklet is included; special safety issues that pertain to pressure cookers are clearly explained. --Garland Withers

Product Description

The smart choice for healthy, favorful meals, fast and easy. Cooks 3 to 10 times faster than ordinary cooking methods - even faster than a microwave for many foods. Chicken, fish, meat and vegetables cook to perfection fast. Helps tenderize economical cuts of meat. Works on regular and smooth-top ranges. Cover lock indicator shows when there is pressure inside the cooker and prevents the cover from being removed until pressure is safely reduced. Includes a special rack for cooking several foods at once with no intermingling of flavors. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Liquid capacity: 4 quarts (3.8 liters).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Presto Pressure Cooker***** The Best!, February 12, 2006

By 

Carol Pogroszewski (Big Bear City, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Presto 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker (Kitchen)

I have owned and used 3 Presto Pressure Cookers in the past 35 years, they are the best! I owned another brand for a short time, it did not perform the way my Presto does, so I gave it away! I have never had any problem with my pressure cooker's, Presto is very easy to use, just be sure to use the right amount of liquid with whatever you make, after time you will be a pro and will be able to make up your own recipes, it is fast, and makes the most toughest cut of meat super tender! I usually cook my 7-bone roast for 45 minutes, and the meat just falls apart! Great for cooking Artichokes too, add 1 1/2 cups of water, your Artichokes, place the lid on and when the cooker comes up to pressure, reduce heat to a slow rocking (the pressure regulator you put on the top of the lid) and cook for 15-17 minutes depending on the size of the Artichoke, they will be perfect! Do your own experimenting and enjoy the cooker, you will be hooked just like me!

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cooks great. . . as long as you read the instructions!, May 29, 2005

By 

P. Lindberg (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Presto 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker (Kitchen)

As some others aparently couldn't figure out, this pressure cooker has a cleverly designed safty interlock in the cover that will prevent you from opening it if there's still pressure in the pot. This is so that you won't burn all the skin off your face with high pressure steam. If you want to open it right after cooking, you have to run cold water over it to cool it, which reduces the pressure.

As for it's cooking ability, it's amazingly fast. Things that normally take several hours to cook (e.g. dry beans) take only 1/4 the usual time, or less. My only complaint is that it's not big enough for large meals -- you can't fill it more than 2/3 full.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Cooker-Presto Aluminum, August 25, 2005

By 

B. D. Pertuset "Brian D P" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Presto 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker (Kitchen)

I bought this to replace a 3 year old Mirro 4qt cooker that I allways had trouble with the gasket to seat right.Have not had problem with this one.Works as it should.I have used it to cook Dry beans,ribs,chicken,beef,freesh vegtables.Great tasting food and fast.