I grew up in England and used a rather primitive aluminum Prestige pressure cooker for years without incident. Therefore I was surprised at the common American conviction that pressure cookers blow up. I imagine that American pressure cookers have become so fancy in order to address these fears. So I was relieved to find this simple stainless steel Presto one. Since pressure cookers aren't supposed to be more than 2/3 full I bought the 6qt one, which has plenty of room for making stock or containing a bowl in which to cook rice, etc. The Presto works just as it should and is a delight. Quieter than my English one, and it has a valve that enables you to see when there is pressure in the pot. The stay-cool handles do. Don't be afraid to try it!