The only thing I ever used a pressure cooker for was to cook dry beans, they make me a bit nervous after seeing the damage done when my Ex's mom had the lid blow off her pressure cooker. I think maybe she needed a new..sorry don't know correct name....but the round rubber piece that fit in the lid to make sure it is a tight snug fit when closed. I like crook pot cooking but only use the crook pot when I am home. I know many people set it up and have it cooking while they are away at work and their meal is done when they return home but I am afraid to do this because if anything went wrong and there was a fire, as unlikely as that occurring may be, as a animal rescuer and foster, there would be animals lives at stake besides losing our home.
Anyone who's never tried using a pressure cooker before, or even thinks that they're dangerous without even trying to learn a little bit more about them, they'll quickly assume the wrong things about them. And so, one automatically assumes that the worst is about to happen. Their #1 fear of them, above all else, believe it or not, is that it might blow up during use.
But when used properly, and according to the manufacturer's instructions, they are just as safe as an ordinary pot. I still have YET to hear about one having blown up. Because there are built-in safety features that help preclude that mishap from ever happening.
They're met with very strict manufacturing safety standards and comply with Underwriters' Labratories (their 2-letter logo is stamped on these and most other consumer products for home use), meaning that they are very safe to use and meet or exceed all safety requirements set forth by the U.S. Gov't. The only time that they would ever become dangerous to use is if the owner or consumer messes up in some way and puts himself or herself in harm's way. This is why very strict instructions are given and should be followed with each one.
Respect the unit and the use of one, and it'll give you many, many, many years of safe, trouble-free reliable and enjoyable operation. Replace the gaskets, handles and other parts when they begin to crack or wear out (I've done that with one of mine, I've replaced the gasket and handles, and it still works like new), and you'll be helping the unit maintain its reliable trouble-free & safe qualities.
In other words, treat it right, and it'll be your friend for life. Just make sure that you "dot the i's and cross the t's". That's a true guarrantee!
And if nature calls during the time that the unit is in use, then just turn the burner down a little until you came back to the stove. I can't even BEGIN to tell you how many times nature has called while I was cooking something in any of my 3 pressure cookers!!! You['l be fine. But if you still feel that the cute li'l Deni unit might work for you, then by all means, go for it!!
You CAN improvise however, by browning the meat in a skillet before putting it in the pressure cooker. I'll help you if you decide to get the Deni unit. I'll be new at using an electric one. My manual ones are safe to use, and I keep them that way.
