I have a 10qt Fagor. Used a Presto for years and always wanted more head space. I picked the 10qt. because I cook whole chickens to make soup. The Fagor does not have a jiggler, the steam valve is all one piece with the lock . Much easier to use. Have had it for 5 years and would buy the same one again. It is life time piece of kitchen equipment, heavy well made cooker. Watch for a super sale at Macy's. The 10 qt. is about $100.

I also have a Fagor, and when I bought it, it was a special sale with two pans - a 10 qt and a smaller one, and I use both, but mostly the smaller one. The 10 qt came with a steamer basket and a trivet. I bought it because it is induction compatible, and I use it exclusively with my portable induction burner. In fact, I do not use the induction burner with any other pan, but it works perfectly with the PC, since timing is critical.

Ditto on the Fagor set. Might check your local Costco if you're a member; they recently had a Fagor 'Rapida' set with an 8 qt stockpot shaped pot and a 4 qt sauté pan with a pressure lid that fit both and a glass lid that fit both--all for just under $80, a tremendous bargain.

I have the ten qt fagor that Marcopolo has, and I agree that it's a great item, especially when you're making soup, stock or chili.

Now if you want to go high end, Kuhn Rikon is the way to go. I have their 6 qt stockpot and it's a joy to cook in; while it cost two or three times as much as the Fagor, it certainly isn't two or three times better. I really couldn't tell much difference in performance, but the fit & finish is better. Think Lexus (K-R) versus Camry (Fagor). I've been lusting after this item for years, but I really can't justify the purchase. But Lars brings up a good point: you'll find that you may well use the small flat pan more than the stockpot shaped one.

As far as the size of the PC, I use an 8qt pot quite a bit even though I only cook for two or three. I could get by with just the 6 qt but if you have the storage space I recommend an 8 qt pot.

Whatever brand you choose, as Lars implied, make sure it's induction compatible. Why? You can buy a good dedicated induction 'hot plate' --like this one-- for less than $100. They all have dedicated shutoff timers and several power levels. Once you figure out what power level keeps the pressure cooker just at high pressure, it becomes second nature to bring the PC up to high pressure then cut it back to the desired power level and set the timer for whatever the recipe calls for, and you can then basically ignore it knowing that the timer will shut off the cooking at the prescribed time.

Lots of good info. My current (for two people) is a six qt and I often think I need bigger because of the 2/3 fill capacity.

Marcopolo5: Glad to hear above the valve system. I have actually looked at these at BBB and was concerned that they looked "plasticy" and wondered about the durability. You've put that concern to rest.

Lars:Good to get a second recommendation for same brand. Also good to know about using the induction with the PC. Now I will need to start another thread on induction burners!

Arley-gw: Three thumbs up for Fagor is even better!! And thanks for all the info on induction burners and the link. I'm not very knowledgeable about the different induction burners. Is there a lot of difference in IB brands/features? I've read about the Kuhn Rikon, but have always wondered if parts are hard to find (if needed). Not sure I want to spend the big bucks on KR; I'll probably be quite happy with the Fagor when I size up and DD has never used a PC, so I certainly won't gamble on her sticking with it long enough to justify the price.

Thanks again to all of you!

I'll go +4 on Fagor -- my Duo is one of my most favorite appliances. However, it's kind of big for the two of us. So I actually went out and bought a little Hawkins 2-qt pressure cooker for quick side dishes and the like. I like it fine.

You can get KR parts just fine online.

As far as the induction hobs, the highest wattage that a regular 120v circuit can handle is around 1800 watts, and to go higher you need a 220v circuit. So you'll see a ton of countertop units at 1800 watts or less. I'd choose by number of power levels available. The Duxtop unit I linked to is fine; the first one I bought died on its first use, but the customer service sent me another within a week. Max Burton also has a good reputation.

This link has a lot of good info on some of the countertop units available, and if you explore that website you'll learn a lot about induction.

Addendum: I was given an electric PC and that got me hooked on pressure cooking. However, once I got a stovetop unit I never used the electric PC again. The induction-capable stovetop PC plus an induction plate has pretty much all the uses of an electric unit, but with more versatility and they're easier to clean. Oh, and don't think you HAVE to have an induction hot plate--these units work fine on gas or electric stoves as well--but ever since I got that hot plate it has simplified using the PC, and it doesn't heat up the kitchen in the summer like a stove does.

Steve O:Thanks for the additional vote; I can't imagine cooking a small enough amount to use a two quarter though!

Arley: Good to know about the KR parts should one ever be dropped in my lap. Also thanks for the info about the electric PC; doesn't sound like I'm missing anything and thanks also for all the info on the induction.

Blubird: That combo set sounds like a great deal-things do go fast at Costco. My mother bought me my first PC and I remember being afraid it would explode and I did end up with something all over the ceiling a long time ago. I can't remember what it was, but I didn't read the instructions well. I think it was a bean dish that I didn't allow room for expansion. Once that happened and I realized I wasn't going to die, just have a mess to clean up, my fear of the PC was gone. That said, I do have a healthy respect for the dos and don'ts of PC cooking.

I'll third (fourth?) the Fagor stovetop PC. I have an 8 qt. Rapida and have been using it for at least 8 years and love it. I've had to replace the rubber, lid ring once due to wear, but those are easy to order online.

I regularly post pressure cooking recipes and instructions on my blog if you feel like taking a look at what I use. My PC recipes are under Recipes < Misc.

My blog: Just the Right Size

Actually, Gardengriz, you are number six and 8 years ought to be telling. Thanks for the blog link; I love new T&T PC recipes.