Customer Reviews

Vasconia 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I bought this pressure cooker, my goals were: (a) learn how to quickly prepare healthy meals, thereby avoiding fast food; and (b) not blow up my kitchen. Price was a major consideration, as my salad shooter, electric cheese grater, ice cream maker, and electric frying pan don't need another expensive companion in the "haven't used it in years" cabinet above the refrigerator.

Since I only paid $19.95 for the pressure cooker, I figured my first meal should be frugal as well. I bought some fresh broccoli, peas, mild chilies, and carrots on manager's sale at the local grocery. I sautéed a small onion and a diced tomato in the bottom of the cooker , then added the vegetables, three cups of rice, pepper, and a 26 oz. container of chicken broth. I clamped the lid on, cranked up the burner until steam started coming out, then put on the steam valve, lowered the heat, and cooked the whole thing for about 5 minutes. The result was a very tasty vegetable paella.

Here are a few hints for anyone buying one of these cookers. First, the master steam valve cap comes in a very small unmarked brown box in the bottom of the big box with the pressure cooker. It's very easy to miss, and I actually had to go fishing through my recycle bin to find it.

Also, there is a safety lock on the handle that engages when the cooker is under pressure. It is a small metal rod that protrudes down into the cooker and rises when pressure builds. You have to be careful not to over fill the cooker, or the valve can get stuck. If this happens, all the steam will escape through handle and you'll end up with a steamer instead of a pressure cooker.

I tested my pressure cooker by filling it with a few cups of water, letting the steam build, and checking the valves.

I couldn't find an answer in the directions, but I think you are supposed to hand wash these cookers; not put them in the dishwasher.

Overall, a pretty handy gadget for well less than the cost of a family dinner. For now, I'm keeping mine on the kitchen counter, close the the drawer with all the fast food menus. I'm hoping it stays there, in use, for a good while.

This is a great little cooker, that really cuts down on cooking time and makes the most tender meat so much faster than a crock pot. Thank god because I hate planning 8 hrs ahead to cook with the crock pot. The only real downside is the safety latch needs a trigger on top to keep it in position while you place the lid on it. Otherwise pretty well built for the price.

I have owned pressure cookers before. each has its own safety and pressure buiilding mechanisms. This pressure cooker has a lid-lock pin assembly in the upper handle. The manual says that after putting the lid and allowing the pressure to build, the pin is pushed up. But in my case, the pin is not pushed up and that is why steam continues to escape through the pin hole and there is no pressure being built at all. NO PRESSURE. I am sure i received a defective piece since i really want this to work. i like the size and the price. If anyone had faced similar issues and has been able to find a solution, pls share. thanks.

The cooker is well made, with 4 safety devices ie 2 secondary lift off valves, gasket release system and the handle lock. Cuts cooking time to 1/3 for red beans, chick peas etc. At 16 $ free shipping, a good offer and a good product.

I bought this item in December of 2009. It got broken in 15 days. It started leaking from all the valves. I contacted the costomer service for the replacement in January. I sent the item in the first week of January. I needed to pay the shipping charges more than the price of the cooker. It has been about five months and I have not recieved the item yet. The warranty services is worst. I called them about 10 times but still no success. I recommend everyone not to buy this item.The quality is very poor. Customer service is very bad.
I hope this will prevent other people from burden by buying this item.

I've used my Vasconia Pressure Cooker about four times now and I like it. I find it's easier to use if you bring the contents to a boil, then put on the lid--otherwise, it tends to just steam until your liquid is gone. Easy enough to clean, though it is definitely not non-stick. It is small and deep and fits nicely on a regular burner. I have a much larger Mirro pressure cooker back from when I had a larger household to cook for and overall, I think I prefer this little one better. I also like the handle on the back of the pan so you don't have to support the entire weight of the food and liquid in one hand. Pressure cookers are much safer than they used to be. I grew up on the story of my grandmother's pressure cooker blowing up and embedding the lid in the kitchen ceiling, but this one has nice pressure release features so you don't have to worry about that sort of thing.

It was a vewry good price. Quality ok. Very good size for 4 peple family. I put just 3 stars, because it is hard to close it. It took time to figure it out and is still hard.

I was used to using a SEB pressure cooker made in France and it took some getting used to the Vasconia pressure cooker because it takes a little longer to get to cooking temperature. Other than that, it works great and really tenderizes some usually tough cuts of meat. The size is great when cooking for 2 people.

Worth every penny of it! It is a great buy! Built quality is good, the coating on the outside is legit. There is no pressure leaks! A very good product, and worth the money

Sure, I'd love to own one of the Kuhn-Rikon stainless steel pressure cookers but at one-tenth the cost this one is a great value. Looks very similar to the one mom used forty years ago. I'm a bit concerned that the aluminum will be reactive with acidic ingredients but that is a minor quibble. I'm not sure why some folks have a hard time closing the lid, it seem simple enough to me.