[hectic]

I've always fancied one and after seeing the One Show the other day and a fab looking curry was cooked in it in about 20 mins I've really got my mind wandering. My mum didnt have one so havnt grown up around them so still a wee bit nervous about all the hissing but think it would be a great time saver

So does anyone out there have one and are they as good as they seem?

[Christine]

They are darned handy for some things if you are in a hurry and your recipe fits into one.  Was grand when the family went camping as it made meals all in one go over the camping stove.

Are you sure you want a pressure cooker or would you do better with a slow cooker?

[HLS]

I use mine for cooking dried beans but that's about it - I cook whole packets every now and again and then freeze the cooked beans as it's quicker than cooking dried beans by any other method (1 hr soaking + 15-20 mins cooking, as opposed to 12 hrs soaking and 45 mins - 1hr cooking) and cheaper than buying tins.  My mother in law uses hers a lot, especially for soups and steamed puddings but I haven't tried that yet as I find it's too easy to overcook things.

[celjaci]

Great for Potatoes or Soups when you are in a hurry

Also very useful and economical for things that need a long cooking time, Beetroot, Bacon Joints, Beans

[joyfull]

Many years ago I had one, but left it on for too long (got waylaid doing other stuff) and it blew out the solder plug and distorted the base  .
Quite fancy another one now though as the new ones do seem to be more user friendly, I do remember mine used to cook steak and kidney really well, giving a lovely gravy, so that I could make steak and kidney pudding mmmmmmmmm not had one of those for years, must look out for a new pressure cooker before winter 

[JulieP]

I use mine on a daily basis, for my veg.

Potatoes take about 8 mins on full pressure, into the oven and roasting while you cook the veg. Doesn't boil the goodness out.

Stews, soup, even a whole chicken.

Would be lost without it.

Well worth the money. you'll get a booklet with timings and recipes in.

[barney rubble]

I use mine on a daily basis, for my veg.

Potatoes take about 8 mins on full pressure, into the oven and roasting while you cook the veg. Doesn't boil the goodness out.

/quote]

Don't potatoes take on a whole new taste experience with them?

[Highfield]

Brilliant for beetroot!  Just did a whole pile of the thinnings - golf ball size - 15 mins medium pressure.  Skins came off lovely  ... yummmmmmm