The cooker is constructed of high-quality 18/10 stainless steel with an encapsulated aluminum base for even and efficient heat distribution. For safety, the pressure cooker has dual pressure settings on its handle--one in a dial control and another on a valve. Other safety measures include two pressure release valves and a locking handle to prevent the unit from opening while under pressure. A visual indicator lets you know when all the pressure has been released and the cooker is ready to open.

For versatility, this pressure cooker set comes with a glass lid that turns the two pressure cooker bases into a regular saucepan and stockpot. The set also includes a stainless-steel steamer basket and a trivet to rest it on as well as an instruction manual and a recipe book. All components of this pressure cooker set are dishwasher-safe and carry a 10-year warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde

What's in the Box:
8-quart Splendid pressure cooker, 4-quart Splendid pot, stainless-steel pasta/steamer basket with trivet, glass lid, instruction manual, full-color recipe book.

From the Manufacturer

Fagor is Green: Fagor's mission is to use resources efficiently to preserve the environment and save energy, developing highly efficient products that consume less and save money; contributing to a healthy planet for us and our future generations. From a social perspective, Fagor's environmental policy strategy offers advantages to both workers and consumers. It provides workers with environmentally-appropriate working conditions, which, among other benefits, minimizes and eliminates the handling of hazardous materials, while for consumers, the end-users of Fagor's products and services, it allows for efficient use of the appliances, which reduces energy and water consumption. Fagor has manufacturing systems established to minimize environmental impact on soil, water, energy, and air during the production process. There is also proper waste management and recycling procedures in place after the manufacturing process is completed. In addition to numerous European product certifications and environmental stewardship awards, Fagor is also notably a participant in the Energy Star program in the USA, a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department Of Energy. Products that bear the energy star label allow consumers to recognize such products that have been manufactured to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

Using a pressure cooker saves time and 70 percent of the energy normally consumed while cooking. Pressure-cooking requires little water so nutrients, flavor, and color are not boiled away. Vegetables emerge vibrantly colored. Stews, soups, beans, even meat loaf and pork chops and desserts like bread pudding come out tasty and nutritious. (A detailed instruction booklet containing dozens of recipes is included.) Meats can be browned before the pressure lid is locked on. The pressure lid's valve stem shows high and low pressure so heat can be adjusted for different foods. After cooking, pressure can be reduced slowly (by just letting the cooker sit a while), normally (by pressing the pressure indicator), or quickly (by running tepid water on the lid's rim).

Safety measures abound for the pressure lid. A silicone gasket ensures a tight seal. A vent releases steam if pressure builds too high, as does a valve that also locks the lid when any pressure whatsoever is inside the cooker. Cleanup is a bit involved. The pans, gasket, and lid require hand washing, and the gasket needs a light oiling. Normally, the valve is self-cleaning, but if food passes through it disassembly is required.

The Duromatic is constructed of 18/10 stainless steel that encapsulates a solid aluminum core in the base for quick, even heating. Put in your ingredients (recipes are included), and the integrated lid automatically locks and won't open under pressure. A new generation spring-loaded valve uses red lines to show you at a glance whether the right pressure has been reached, and when cooking is done, you simply turn the knob for quick or slow release. Unlike old models, the Duromatic cooks quietly, without hissing, and five safety releases let you rest assured the pressure won't get too great. Kuhn Rikon covers the dishwasher-safe Duromatic with a 10-year warranty on materials and workmanship, and guarantees parts will be available for 15 years. --Ann Bieri

From the Manufacturer

Fagor is Green: Fagor's mission is to use resources efficiently to preserve the environment and save energy, developing highly efficient products that consume less and save money; contributing to a healthy planet for us and our future generations. From a social perspective, Fagor's environmental policy strategy offers advantages to both workers and consumers. It provides workers with environmentally-appropriate working conditions, which, among other benefits, minimizes and eliminates the handling of hazardous materials, while for consumers, the end-users of Fagor's products and services, it allows for efficient use of the appliances, which reduces energy and water consumption. Fagor has manufacturing systems established to minimize environmental impact on soil, water, energy, and air during the production process. There is also proper waste management and recycling procedures in place after the manufacturing process is completed. In addition to numerous European product certifications and environmental stewardship awards, Fagor is also notably a participant in the Energy Star program in the USA, a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department Of Energy. Products that bear the energy star label allow consumers to recognize such products that have been manufactured to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.