Handy Gourmet Microwave Pressure Cookersuperus

This is a classic case of false advertising. Although the phrase "pressure cooker" is used in the name, the product itself has no facility for holding pressure greater than atmospheric. There are no valves, no seals, no pressure regulation mechanism.

It is light weight plastic with a minimal attachment device for the lid. There is a simple sliding mechanism for closing the lid, and the cooking instructions tell you to leave it *open* during cooking. You are cooling in a tupperware like container vented to *prevent* pressure build up.

I've had this product for about a month now and own two microwave ovens, a 1400 watt Sharp and a 750 watt GE.

As one reviewer put it, there's a small leaflet enclosed containing two recipes and suggested times for various foods but that's it. Since there's almost no information provided by the manufacturer, as far as figuring out how to really use this device, you're on your own.

First, I tried cooking chicken thighs according to the recipe in the product leaflet. I used the 1440 watt Sharp and carefully adjusted the power level for the higher wattage. To be honest, the recommended time was way, way too short and the outcome wasn't satisfactory.

Next, I experimented with a beef stew in the small GE 750 watt microwave.

First, I coated the pieces of beef with flour and seasoning and browned them in a skillet. Then I popped them into the pot with a couple of cut up potatoes, carrots and pearl onions, added the recommended measure of water, a... Read more

It is not a pressure cooker at all as explained by the first reviewer, but it is still a useful cooker for nearly anything. I've made plain rice, rice-a-roni, scalloped potatoes, any kind of soup, just to name a few I've made with excellent results, and all within 10-15 minutes cooking time.