Adopting the "quick and healthy" motto in terms of daily meal preparation? This pressure cooker set prepares food up to 70 percent faster than conventional methods while retaining up to 50 percent more of food's vitamins and minerals. The set includes two 18/10 stainless-steel pots in 4- and 6-quart sizes along with a universal lid that covers both. An encapsulated aluminum base in the bottom of the pots spreads heat throughout to cook dishes, such as Mediterranean risotto, a whole citrus-glazed chicken, or a warm flan, evenly while using less fuel. Steam breaks down food's fibers quickly, leaving a delectable tender consistency and boosting flavors. And, because these pots don't have any magnetic elements, they can be used on any type of stovetop, including induction ranges.
After ingredients are loaded into either pot, the lid rotates and locks tightly as its handle meets the pot's handle. A knob on top of the handle sets the cooker at either low or high heat and also sets the pressure release valve, which may be used in lieu of natural release methods (letting pressure drop at room temperature or under cold running water). When the valve is no longer emitting steam, the yellow thumb lever becomes operable and unlocks the lid from its base. The U Cook has two safety mechanisms in place to ensure that the explosions of pressure cooking lore can never happen. A cutout in the lid's rim vents steam in the event of high-pressure build-up and a back-up valve under the lid handle kicks in if the pressure is excessive.
This pressure cooker kit also includes a tempered glass lid that fits both pots and turns them into conventional stockpots. A stainless-steel pasta basket fits within the 6-quart pot and is ideal for boiling pasta or steaming asparagus. The set also includes a smaller stainless-steel basket that steams more compact veggies, such as carrots or broccoli, in the 4-quart pot or hangs along the top of the 6-quart pot for steaming vegetables while pasta boils below. As an added bonus, the bottom of the steamer basket is also a food grater containing large holes for coarse grating, smaller holes for finer shaving, and slotted holes for slicing. This comprehensive 7-piece pressure cooking set comes with a detailed instruction manual and the full-color cookbook,Tastefully Under Pressure, which contains over 90 pressure cooker recipes tested in the Fagor kitchens. Fagor offers a 10-year warranty on this set. --Cristina Vaamonde
What's in the Box:
4-quart nesting pot, 6-quart nesting pot, pressure cooker lid (fits both pots), tempered glass lid (fits both pots), stainless-steel steamer basket/grater, stainless-steel pasta basket, Tastefully Under Pressure full-color cookbook, instruction manual.
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. |
Customer Review: Fagor U Cook
This set is really easy to use and is worth the price, and I highly recommend it. The 18/10 stainless steel pots are heavy, durable, they perform well when searing, and cleaning them is a breeze (see manual for cleaning instructions). In addition to the pressure lid, the set includes a glass lid that fits both pots, a steamer basket with trivet, and a pasta basket. So the pots can be used for purposes other than pressure cooking. The set also includes a really nice recipe book and detailed instructions on use and care. The pressure cooker lid is easy to lock, just line up the marks on the lid and handle, rotate the lid and lock it in place. I wasn't really clear on how to determine when the cooker is under pressure. The directions say when you see a steady stream of steam for the first time, reduce the heat to maintain it. However, when doing a trial run with just water in the pot, the cooker clearly wasn't under pressure when the first steady steam appeared, however, I followed the directions and lowered the heat but could still remove the lid after a few minutes. I checked to make sure the gasket was seated properly and that the lid was on correctly and tried it again with the same result. I let the water boil for a few minutes and removed it from the heat and turned the dial for quick release of pressure. No steam was released, and I could remove the lid so no pressure. For the next trial run, I waited until the indicator popped up over high heat, then lowered the heat. This time after removing the pot from the heat, steam was released when I set the dial to quick release. I have used the pressure cooker a few times now and wait until the indicator pops up before lowering the heat. The first thing I actually cooked was converted rice. I started timing when the indicator popped up and 10 minutes later (7 with pressure, 3 without) perfect fluffy rice! My next venture was chicken wings (10). I deep fried them in the 6 quart pot (no lid) until brown, poured off the oil, added 1/2 cup of water, placed the wings in the steamer basket, put the pressure lid on, and cooked them 5 minutes under pressure. I let the pressure release naturally before removing the wings from the pot which was about another 2-3 minutes. Seems like a lot for chicken wings but they were delicious! Let me add, DO NOT attempt to pressure fry chicken in hot oil in the pressure cooker! There are a lot of recipes on the internet that try to mimic the Kernel's fried chicken which is cooked under pressure but that's done using a commerical grade pressure FRYER. Pressure cookers like this one are not designed for pressure frying, and the results of boiling hot oil under pressure can be disastrous. If you decide to purchase this set or another, make sure you read all of the instructions and tips before using it. If you are new to pressure cooking and are a little apprehensive about the process like I was, you may want to either buy a book on the topic or check one out from the library. I started with the book by Lorna Sass, Pressure Perfect. The Jiffy Meatballs with Tomato Sauce is delicious!
Fagor "Elite" Pressure Cookers Saturday, September 26, 2009
Pressure cookers go contemporary with European design and easy one-touch cooking. All Elite models made of 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum-clad base sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel for even heat distribution. Triple safety system that includes a dual-pressure control valve, two independent over-pressure release valves plus safety locking handle that prevents opening while cooker is under pressure. All models come with a 10-year consumer warranty. All models are UL approved.
Fagor "Elite" Pressure Cooker, 4 Qt.
Easy one-touch pressure cooking. Contemporary design with European flair in 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum-clad sandwiched base layer for even heat distribution. Includes recipe book. Exclusive safety system features a dual-pressure control valve, two independent over-pressure release valves plus safety locking handle that prevents opening while cooker is under pressure. UL approved. 10-year warranty. Model #918012544.
Customer Review: Does not hold up.
When I got my Fagor pressure cooker I was very pleased with how it worked and assumed my pressure cooking days were just beginning. I used it daily for about six months with no trouble other than cleaning. Then, without overheating or other accident, it developed a crack in the safety valve under the lid. It is made of some sort of weak pot metal. This is the valve which seals in the steam and raises the safety button. Unfortunately it cannot be purchased alone. You must buy the handle and other parts as a kit--all of which costs nearly as much as a new pressure cooker. I had expected nothing would need replacement but the gasket. Between the weakness of the part and the lack of economical access to a replacement, I would say Fagor is selling a throw-away product, unfortunately, because it really does work well--at first.
Customer Review: Faulty design - consider another brand
I've owned this pressure cooker for 6 months and I've already changed the gasket twice. Even with that, it doesn't hold pressure and often just lets out a burst of hot pressurized steam halfway through cooking. I wouldn't recommend this item to my worst enemy.
Fagor "Elite" Pressure Cooker, 6 Qt. Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A contemporary 6-Qt. pressure cooker with European design and easy one-touch cooking. Made of 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum-clad base sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel for even heat distribution. Triple safety system that includes a dual-pressure control valve, two independent over-pressure release valves plus safety locking handle that prevents opening while cooker is under pressure. 10-year consumer warranty. UL approved. Model # 918012660
Customer Review: Back to the future of speed cooking
With a Christmas gift card from Cathy's uncle Bob in hand, I headed straight for the cookware department at Macy's. My inner food geek wanted something for the kitchen. We didn't know what it would be, only that we would know it when we found it. And there they were, in all their gleaming stainless steel splendor. Twenty out-of-pocket bucks later, I'm strolling the streets of Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga with my new Fagor Elite 6-quart pressure cooker. Things sure have changed since I gave my mother a Presto Harvest Gold pressure cooker back in the last century. Fagor replaces the wobbling weight with a captive spring-loaded pressure regulator. Instead of a rubber plug that blasts out of the lid in the event of excess pressure, the Fagor's emergency release is a cutout portion of the lid that exposes part of the gasket. The gasket stretches but if it should snap, it would stay in place and the steam would escape out the side, not into the cook's face. To earn the Underwriters' Laboratories seal, Fagor pressure cookers feature a pressure-activated safety lock in addition to the manual latch. You'd have to be built like Mister Universe to force open a pressurized cooker. In operation, the Fagor behaves a little differently than a weight-regulated pressure cooker. On the latter, you have to determine if the weight is wobbling at just the right rhythm. The weight should waggle but not bang against the vent stem. With the Fagor, all you have to see or hear is a gentle constant flow of steam. The regulator knob is also the release valve, should you wish to depressurize the cooker immediately instead of allowing the pressure to drop naturally. The steam is routed through a fan-shaped outlet, allowing it to disperse and cool quickly. At six inches from the outlet, the steam is warm but not burning hot. So far, the cooker has performed as promised. Lentil soup with diced smoked sausage cooked up thick and flavorful in just 10 minutes under pressure. Ditto for spaghetti sauce and whole links of Italian sausage. The sauce had intense flavors of garlic and herbs, and the sausage came out juicy with a hint of snap in the casing. Three pounds of diced red potatoes and the peeled cloves from a whole bulb of garlic were ready to mash in 6 minutes. The amazingly short cooking times omit the time required for the cooker to come up to pressure which can take about 10 minutes. Still, you save a lot of time overall. Keeping the all-important gasket clean is a cinch because it's so easy to remove and replace. The lid and pot are made of gleaming 18/10 stainless steel with an encapsulated aluminum base that cooks over any gas or electric heat source as well as the latest induction cooktops. When it's time to clean up, you can use cleaners like Bar Keeper's Friend on the inside and out, but if the discoloration is from cooking lentils, split peas, potatoes or beans, it's iron and other minerals that are good for you. Just wash and dry the pot and put it away until you're ready to prepare spaghetti sauce or some other high acidity recipe. You'll get back a little nutrition and you won't have to scour your pressure cooker. If you've never heard of Fagor or you're wondering if it's a brand a pro would use, Lola Bistro owner and head chef Michael Symon used a Fagor pressure cooker while competing to become Food Network's newest Iron Chef. He then went on to win his first Iron Chef America challenge, preparing one of his winning dishes in his Fagor. Although he's not officially connected to Fagor in any way, I can't think of a better endorsement.
Fagor Duo Combi 5-Piece Pressure Cooker Set Sunday, May 10, 2009
Pressure cookers are gaining momentum as the new healthy, time-saving, and energy-saving way to prepare food. While not a new method, the technology has certainly been transformed over the years to be easier and safer than ever. This two-cooker set allows you to save up to 70 percent of the time and energy traditionally used in cooking rice, meat, and vegetables. One pressure lid fits both cookers in the set. The 4-quart pressure cooker doubles as a saucepan, when used with the included glass lid, while the 8-quart cooker holds the handy basket insert, with its legs and handle, great for draining pasta or steaming vegetables. Fagor constructs the cookers of 18/10 stainless steel, the handles of black heat-resistant plastic, and the lid of tempered glass. A safety-lock handle, visual pressure indicator, and automatic pressure release setting ensure the lid won't come off unintentionally. The dial format of the spring-type mechanism means you can change the setting without changing valves. A recipe book is included, and all parts except the pressure lid are dishwasher-safe.
Founded in Spain, Fagor manufactures home appliances and cookware with a "green" focus on environmentally-sound working conditions for employees and energy efficiency for consumers. In Europe, Fagor holds environmental stewardship awards, and in the U.S. is a participant in the Energy Star program, a government-backed program to help protect the environment. Join the green revolution and try a pressure cooker today. --Ann Bieri
What's in the Box
Pressure cooker set. The set consists of: 4- and 8-quart pressure cookers; pressure lid; tempered glass lid; pasta/steamer basket insert. 5 pieces total.
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. |
Customer Review: The bottom of the inside of the pan turn to color
I am a first time user of pressure cooker. After the first use( made some lentil soup the inside of the pan, on the bottom it turn to colorful, red and purple marks. I have 5 stainless steel pan and none of them turn to be colorful after 5 and 6 years use. I am quite concerned that what caused stainless steel to become colorful. Stainless steel are not supposed to react with the food. By the way the lentil's color is yellow. Give it 2 star because it is very easy to use and works fine except this annoying colorful bottom.
Customer Review: excellent
Product was exactly as described. It is so easy to use and to clean. Was worth every penny. I would recomend this product to everyone and I would definitely purchase it again. I purchased to duo set because of the price savings. The steamer basket and trivet work perfectly and I will use them alot.
Fagor Splendid 10-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner Saturday, May 9, 2009
Pressure cooking uses pressurized steam to cook healthy meals with beans, grains, meat, poultry, and seafood in much less time than many other cooking methods require. Made in Spain, this Splendid pressure cooker holds a maximum capacity of 10 quarts of Italian chicken soup or beans with sausage and works on all heat sources. 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. This pressure cooker is dishwasher-safe and comes with an instruction manual and a recipe book. It carries a 10-year warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde
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. |
Customer Review: Do not buy
This pressure cooker is the poorest quality I have ever seen. The lid fits so loose that it can not build up any pressure. I had the stove on high fo 40 minutes and it never built up any pressure at all. The steams leaked out from all around the edges of the lid. I would not recommend this at all.
Customer Review: Excellent Pressure Cooker
I am very pleased with this pressure cooker by Fagor. It is made of high quality stainless steel. It cooks amazingly fast! Meats are moist and tender, roasted potatoes are ready in 3 minutes. A whole chicken was cooked in only 17 minutes. It reaches high pressure quickly. I highly recommend this cooker.
Fagor Splendid 10-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner Thursday, May 7, 2009
Pressure cooking uses pressurized steam to cook healthy meals with beans, grains, meat, poultry, and seafood in much less time than many other cooking methods require. Made in Spain, this Splendid pressure cooker holds a maximum capacity of 10 quarts of Italian chicken soup or beans with sausage and works on all heat sources. 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. This pressure cooker is dishwasher-safe and comes with an instruction manual and a recipe book. It carries a 10-year warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde
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. |
Customer Review: Do not buy
This pressure cooker is the poorest quality I have ever seen. The lid fits so loose that it can not build up any pressure. I had the stove on high fo 40 minutes and it never built up any pressure at all. The steams leaked out from all around the edges of the lid. I would not recommend this at all.
Customer Review: Excellent Pressure Cooker
I am very pleased with this pressure cooker by Fagor. It is made of high quality stainless steel. It cooks amazingly fast! Meats are moist and tender, roasted potatoes are ready in 3 minutes. A whole chicken was cooked in only 17 minutes. It reaches high pressure quickly. I highly recommend this cooker.
