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4.5
This Vinod 3.5 liter P.C. is a good sturdy P.C. and it meets all my requirements while two others did not. Glass lid doubles it's usefulness. Searching through not-made-in-the-USA small Pressure Cookers is a little like an Easter Egg Hunt. Based on what you're able to glean from the site you try to make a smart choice until you unpackage it. Too small, too short, low pressure only, bent handle, etc. Basically, With Pressure Cookers they either work or they don't. First and foremost is Operating Pressure. 50KPA =7 lbs - 80KPA =11 lbs - 100KPA = 1 Atmosphere; 14.3 lbs. Some Pressure Cookers are 80KPA - 11 lbs/sq inch. My Instant Pot is Duo Pressure at 50 and 80 KPA. Cooking time increases with lower pressure. Next, is capacity, as rating is not always what you think, Same size can be low and fat, taller and smaller diameter. This Vinod is just about the right size and shape for my intended use; Base is 5 inches deep, 7 inches (18cm) rim diameter. I lead with how good a conductor this base is; it's extra thick. Works great on my Induction Top. Heats up fast; not long before it's whistling away. Whistle is really a not-to-be-ignored—PHSSSSSSSSST! Odd, but easy to get accustomed to. This method of steam release works very well in keeping pressure up. Number of "whistles" acts as a natural timer that can be counted in nearby rooms. Blaster is no big deal, although dog will probably hide under the bed when it first goes off. This type of release is standard issue for multi-millions of Indian Cookpersons. Embossed on top of this 3.5 litre Vinod is that release pressure is one atmosphere - 14.3 lbs/sq inch. Exactly what I want. Though rated at 3.5 liters, I would say practically, for use, it's really 3.0 liters compared to my Presto 4 qt P.C. that actually holds 4 qts. of water. 3 liters of water will fill 1/2 inch from brim. That's because they rate as Gross Volume Area - GVA - that includes extra space in the lid. 2.3 liters is 3/4 full that is max water volume you can use. Less for food items that expand like pasta, oatmeal. The number one Pilot Error with Pressure Cooking is too much heat, too little water, usually both; especially with foods that absorb a lot of water. If you cook rice, water amount and cooking time must be spot-on or rice will burn. Better to use a Rice Cooker or saucepan with a lid. I wanted a smaller pressure cooker and this fills the bill. It's real pretty, shiny. I guess they're all doing it now. You have to use silicone spatulas, spoons. Get a can of Bar Keepers Friend, wash with soft cloth. It's rated as Dishwasher safe. My old presto is dull, smooth finish, It's really tough stainless; metal utensils will not scratch it. Decades of use, burnt on food. Looks just like the day I bought it. I prefer it to super shiny. Maintenance is no-fuss. A word of advice when closing lid on this P.C. Gasket is long-lasting, kind of "bouncy" when you are pressing down to close the lid. Cooker must be on a sturdy surface. with handle facing you, you have to exert an adequate amount of downward pressure with fingers over the top. Make sure that top is level with base as it's easy to cock cover with rear, one o'clock section of gasket not latched under the rim, otherwise when fired up steam is misting around rear of cooker and will not build up pressure. Once you do it a few times, it's easy. Not at all dangerous if you don't get it latched. If it sounds like this is some kind of big deal, it's not. It's not a Con or reason to remove a star for rating. It's just peculiar to this particular Cooker. Check seal at rear of cooker, easy to spot if it's not right. What can I say: it works; it looks nice; quality is good. SAS Base is a big plus. Blaster; ahem-[whistling], steam release is standard issue for Cookers from India where every household has a Pressure Cooker. It came well packaged and was definitely brand new. That it comes with a glass lid was an extra inducement for me to buy. I would recommend to a family member or friend.
