GSI Outdoors Halulite 2.8-Liter Pressure Cooker

Years ago I had a 2 quart British made aluminum camping pressure cooker. I put that thing through the mill, over campfires, over Svea stoves. I'd pack it with frozen stew meat and veggies for "first night out meals" that knocked 'em.

Worth the weight, by far, on those extended over 10,000 ft. trips. You can cook "real" rice and beans, very lightweight food, by the way, and feel the difference in energy provided. Plus, other stuff cooks real quick in these days of no fires and weighty fuel. The thing pays for the extra weight in those conditions. I also use it Kayak/canoe/car camping. Going mostly solo or with one other, I got the 2.7 liter, which is small for home but perfect for trail.

It does take some care to lock the lid, and it has as almost fragile feel. The pressure weight is attached, so it cannot be lost. That's the good news. The bad news is the "weight" part. The old aluminum cooker had a light, screw on spring loaded pressure limiter, which, by the way, also sealed the inside from slosh. No biggie, use a sealed bag inside the GSI - cleaner anyway. But, for packing, "weight" is a bad word and a weight it is. The older cooker also had an off round lid which sealed with a twist from the inside, minimizing handle footprint. Which brings us back to the packing.

It is a wee bit ungainly for the individual packer, again, due to the seal design and handles, partially, but the pressure weight, which can't be removed, flops around too. So far, I just put stuff around it, and pack the thing sealed up full of food. The designers have provided a grill to protect from overpressure jamming, but be careful carrying loose stuff so you don't jam it up. These things use pressure, ya know. I'd add that there are several emergency pressure relief valves on the cooker, and GSI provides a spare with the unit.

It is very light titanium. It seems, to add strength, that the bottom of the cooker has a round indentation in the center. This provides a challenge for foods needing browning/frying before cooking. It also negates use with one of my favorite high altitude treats -- popcorn! Nonetheless, the quick readiness, texture, even with the new "instant" trail foods, is magnificent. I've carried a p-cookers on distance hikes for years.

All in all, though, I wouldn't be without it. Yes, I use it in the home kitchen, too. The money is right, the size is right for my needs and pressure cooking is the best! Get one.

This is my second GSI cooker. We had the small one to start with and it preformed very well, esp. for camping. Just needed a bigger unit for dinner guests.

I found this as the last store model around, and wasn't sure I shoudl buy it. In fact, I'm still pretty sure that the latch on one side of the lid is broken. It still works fine though, because they've provided triple safety locks for the thing, so the two others work.

As far as a pot goes, the bottom part is really good. I love how lightweight it is. It's really durable, and it cooks absolutely even. (I know this for certain, because even when I burned my lentil soup to a crisp, it was burnt perfectly evenly all across the bottom of the pan)

As far as a pressure cooker goes, it is very well designed. The weight is permanently attached, and can't get lost. The handles are sturdy, and don't get too hot, even if I burn things to a crisp. The seals are all silicone, so they won't be damaged by heat, and are sure to last a good long time. It's all rather good. Nothing like the 1950's pressure cooker my mom still uses, but I'm sure it is still a very good device. Also, it comes with a spare emergency release valve.

I have two complaints though:

Firstly, the size. This is a great size if you're cooking for one, or even two people... but since it is so small, and pressure cookers cook so fast, it is a little too easy to burn things. You'd better be sure to set your timer, otherwise dinner is toast.

Secondly, the handles: Those handles are huge, and bulky. I'd have been happier with one long handle.

I don't really know how I could ever pack this thing on a camping trip, but for a single guy, it is pretty handy around the house.