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G: Hello, pcjocky, and welcome. I will try to answer your questions.

Presto 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker

G: First generation (weighted pressure regulator), but a fine appliance. Economically priced.

Fagor Duo 8-Quart Pressure Cooker

G: Second generation (spring loaded operating valve). Also a good pressure cooker, with 2 pressure settings. Some Duos have non-stick interior, I recommend agains non-stick. Also priced economically.

Kuhn Rikon Duromatic Top Pressure Cooker 7.4-Quart

G: A very good pressure cooker, although much more costly than the others.

These three pressure cookers are all fine appliances with good safety features, but are quite different, both in construction and in operation. The Presto is considered a "first generation" pressure cooker, meaning that the pressure regulator is weighted. Both the Fagor and the Kuhn-Rikon rely on a spring-loaded operating valve, and are considered easier to use. I have 3 Presto cookers and a Fagor Splendid, and enjoy using them all. I have no experience with the K-R, but I know it is highly regarded, although pricier than the others.

If I buy new on amazon I can buy 5 Presto 8 quart PC's for what one Kuhn Rikon 7.4 quart costs and looking at amazon there
are some problems with where the Fagor is made Spain or China since it appears that the China PC does not come up
to 15 PSI and on amazon, there seems to be some problems with the pressure adjustment and handle breakage.....in the
entire line of the Fagor PC's.

G: My Fagor was produced in China. It does come up to 15psi, and so far there have been no problems with any of the safety features, pressure or parts breaking. Bear in mind that with many reviews we have no idea how the pressure cooker is being used by the consumer. The appliance may be subjected to a variety of abuses, including overheating, careless handling, even improper uses..but the review still blames the pressure cooker instead of himself for the disappointing results. I have seen some reviews claim the handles were broken in transit. If true, this is unacceptable. Mine arrived in fine shape and was adequately protected, so I don't know what may have happened to the others.

I just want to make an intelligent decision. I could be purchasing new or used. I seen a Fagor on ebay with a broken handle that
ended up by the time you paid ebay and ordered a new handle, it cost more than a new one at amazon... go figure?

G: Purchasing a used pressure cooker is generally not recommended, especially when there is no opportunity to inspect it first. Even then you need to know exactly what to look for, and be well-informed as to how available replacement parts are for that model.

I guess my main questions are, if I replace the seals and vent parts in my 6 quart Presto, how much better is the new 8 quart Presto?

G: With new replacement parts, your 6qt Presto should operate like a new 6qt Presto. I would not say the 8qt would be "better" per se. But there is a considerable size difference. This means larger capacity, and also longer time for pressure to build and also drop. You mentioned the desire to cook in larger batches, so the larger cooker may be more suitable to that need. Remembering the 2/3 full rule, and the 1/2 full rule (for foods that foam), the 8qt would allow larger batches. It will also accomodate a wider variety of inserts too.

And if I go for a Kuhn Ricon 7.4 quart are you if you have one 5 times happier than with a standard PC.

G: As I said, I have no hands on experience with the K-R. However, when deciding on which cooker to buy about 2 years ago, I opted for the 8qt Presto even though I could afford the K-R. Then I could justify purchasing the 10qt Fagor Splendid later on as well. As a pressure cooker enthusiast, I am very curious about the K-R, and would love the opportunity to "test drive" someone else's to see what (if anything) I may be missing. But I've never regretted the purchases I've made.

Any suggestions of any brand of pressure cooker for me to look at.

G: The three brands in discussion at this time are the only ones I feel comfortable recommending. They are stainless steel, with very thick multi-layer base for good heat distribution, and they all have integrated safety features. In addition, parts are readily available for all three. They have been around a long time, and their customer service departments are very dependable. We see other brands come and go, and when the product is no longer available, their replacement parts cannot be obtained either.

I'm looking for some "What would you do" things to help me make my decision. Fortunately my PC seals up in about 2 min, in other words I have some water leakage around the seal as I am approaching "steam", then it seals off and does fine... then again, I'm new at this...

G: The water leakage prior to full pressure is not an indication of a bad seal. 2 min to come to pressure is about right for that size cooker. So it does not sound to me that you would need to replace gasket or safety button at this time. If these features were not functioning properly, there would be difficulty reaching and/or holding pressure.

and am just overjoyed at the Black Bean soup I have made....

G: Your successes are evidence that the cooker is working as it should.

Oh, I bought two heat diffusers, one is star shaped out of a thick wire and the other is round with a bunch of holes and a wood handle, when do I use them?

G: You do not say what type stove you have. Standard electric? Gas? Ceramic cooktop? Induction? Unless you have trouble regulating your burner to low settings, there should be no need for a diffuser. If one of your burners is what they call a "super burner", it is not recommended for the PC. Use a different burner. I'm not sure if diffusers can even be used with burners other than regular electric.

Thanks,
And thanks for posting (if you do),. it will help me make up my mind, oh and I am reading the other posts and topics also.
Z

G: I hope I've been of some help to you. Please posts any more questions you may have, and let us know how you make out. Grace