Vasconia 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker
by Vasconia
Product Summary
Manufacturer: VasconiaBrand: Vasconia
Model: 5031559
Product features:
- Pressure cookers are fast, easy and a healthy way to cook.
- Foods retain vitamins, minerals and flavor when cooked in a pressure cooker.
- Easy to open ergonomic handles
- UL Approved
- Hand wash recommended
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Vasconia 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker
Customer Review: Great for Beginners; But Has a Few Nuances
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Description of Vasconia 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker
Vasconia 4-quart aluminum pressure cookerPressure Cookers
Kitchen and Housewares
Most talked about in Vasconia
Cast Aluminum Cauldron 9.5 Inches - Caldero De Aluminio FundidoVasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen
Can Opener - Abrelata Con Mango RecubiertoVasconia; Vasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen; Home
Peeler - Pelador Con Mango RecubiertoVasconia; Vasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen; Home
Vasconia 3.75 Quart Aluminum CalderoVasconia; Vasconia; Release date: 2008-06-01; Kitchen
Best price: $15.99
Vasconia 20-Quart Aluminum Stock Pot with LidVasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen
Best price: $32.99
Vasconia Bamboo StrainerVasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen
Best price: $8.99
Vasconia Double Burner Aluminum 10-Inch X 18-Inch Non-Stick Griddle, BlackVasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
Vasconia 4-Quart Aluminum Pressure CookerVasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen
Best price: $24.99
Vasconia Cast Iron 10-Inch Round Griddle/ Comal PanVasconia; Vasconia; Kitchen
Best price: $12.99
Similar Kitchen and Housewares Products
Panasonic NI-S300TR 1200-Watt Steam Iron with Curved Titanium-Coated Soleplate, White/ GreenPanasonic; Panasonic; Panasonic; Kitchen; Home
Best price: $19.99
Price in other shops:
Norpro Meat Grinder, Mincer, and Pasta MakerNorpro; Norpro; Kitchen
Best price: $19.99
Price in other shops:
Nordic Ware Microwave Rice Cooker 8 CupNordicware; Nordic Ware; Release date: 2005-03-04; Kitchen
Best price: $10.99
Price in other shops:
Jarden Home Brands 12Pk 1/ 2Pt wide Mouth Jar Canning JarsJARDEN HOME BRANDS; Ball; Kitchen
Best price: $9.34
Price in other shops:
8QT Hortic VermiculiteHOFFMAN A H INC; HOFFMAN A H INC; HOFFMAN A H INC; Kitchen; Home
Best price: $5.99
Price in other shops: