this was my first pressure cooker, and i used it for several months before upgrading to a bigger, stainless one. it is aluminum and will scratch a bit and discolor with use, but it works like a charm and is a great introduction to the miracle that is pressure cooking. brown rice in 11 minutes vs. 50. dried beans cooked in 30 minutes. it really is magic. i even like the sound of the jiggle top when it's put under pressure. highly recommended cooker.