We inherited our pressure cooker from Craig's brother when he passed as no one wanted it because they were afraid if it. Have to admit it sat unused for a few years because I was afraid of it due to seeing the results of an overloaded/blocked valve pressure cooker accident in my youth. My mother used to use one for lots of things until she saw the results of the aforementioned accident, then she tossed hers. I started using it because Craig complained of tough beans cooked from dried, and about how long it took to cook collard greens, as he likes them cooked to nearly mush. I'm still very careful about using it, but it does come in handy.