by The Magefesa Star R 6.3-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is a top of the line pressure cooker retailing for about $160. With a sturdy stainless steel build, this pressure cooker is made to last and withstand all the toughest jobs in the kitchen.
But with all the pressure cookers on the market, does the Magefesa Star R measure up to more economical choices? Does its features and quality justify its price? Let’s take a closer look.
Strengths
- Reduce cooking time by up to 70%
- Retain vitamins and minerals lost in more conventional cooking methods
- Sturdy, durable build
- Made with nonreactive stainless steel
- Good size for a small family
Weaknesses
- Premium price for a premium product
- At a weight of seven pounds, it is a bit on the heavy side
Features that Make the Magefesa Star R Stand Out
Here are some features that distinguish the Magefesa from the rest of the pack.
Made in Spain
While most pressure cookers are made in China, this one is designed and manufactured in Spain. This generally means that the quality is better and more consistent than its Chinese counterparts. With a good record in human rights as well, you can rest easy buying this pressure cooker knowing the people who manufactured it were paid a decent wage under safe conditions.
Efficiency
The Magefesa Star R boasts upwards of a 70% reduction in cooking times as compared to stovetop cooking with a covered pot. This will not only save you 70% of your time, but 70% of your gas or power bill, as well as reduce your carbon footprint.
Versatility
This pressure cooker is safe to use on any cooking surface. It also allows for variable pressure and time controls, allowing for both quick and slow cooking methods. This means you can slow cook a stew for hours or quick cook a batch of beans with the same device.
Style and Design
This pressure cooker features a “star belly” shape, which is not only stylish, but gives the pressure cooker more room to cook without expanding its bottom. The sleek shape of the pot gives it an elegant European look, and the polished stainless steel will also gleam and stand out in any kitchen.
Ergonomically designed, this pressure cooker is meant to be picked up and used. The handles have been constructed specifically to remain cool, even under high pressure and high temperature cooking conditions.
Construction
The 18/10 stainless steel body makes this the optimal pressure cooker for those who do not want to baby their cookware. The sturdy, reinforced build of optimized stainless steel is built to last for at least a decade.
The pressure cooker also offers an encapsulated five-layer bottom, which provides quick and even heat distribution. This allows for browning and sautéing, which is a feature notably absent from most electric pressure cookers.
Material
The high quality stainless steel allows for cooking to be done at high temperatures without reacting with foods or altering taste. This allows for long-term stewing of acidic foods like tomatoes without leaching minerals or unsavory flavors into the food. Heat distribution is also very even with stainless steel.
Ease of Use
The Magefesa Star R is a simple device, with most of the variable controls in pressure cooking streamlined for the average home cook. While you can still control the length of cooking time and amount of pressure, you will not need to worry about the minutia.
This also means the pressure cooker comes apart into only two parts–a lid and the pot itself, making for easy cleaning. This pressure cooker is not dishwasher safe and the manufacturer recommends hand washing only.
Safety
Safety is a great concern for all pressure cooker users. The great amount of heat and pressure built up within a pressure cooker can be dangerous, but most pressure cookers sold in the United States or Europe offer safety features that comply with federal laws.
The Magefesa Star R offers three redundant safety features: a weight valve, safety valve and clamp bar to control the level of pressure within the pressure cooker, especially when it exceeds levels deemed to be safe. It also offers a tightening lock knob system that prevents the lid from accidentally opening, saving your food and your kitchen.
Weaknesses
At $160, the Magefesa Star R is in the same price range as other high-end pressure cookers, which feature some of the same features. The primary exceptions are the manufacturing origin and shape of the pot, which are very unique to the Magefesa Star R.
At seven pounds, it is also a little on the heavy side. This can either be a weakness or a strength depending on your priorities. The pressure cooker’s weight lends it quite a bit of sturdiness, but also means it will be less mobile.
Final Thoughts
The Magefesa Star R is one of the few pressure cookers manufactured in a country with strict compliance laws when it comes to quality and human rights. Spain, a part of the European Union, is subject to minimum wage laws and safety regulations in its factories. It is also subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive, which guarantees maximum safety in its pressure cookers.
In addition, the “star belly” shape of the pressure cooker gives it a unique look as well as extra room in the middle without making it awkwardly tall. The Magefesa Star R is larger than most pressure cookers that can fit into a cabinet.
Overall, the quality is excellent and well worth the value. The material and construction is top of the line, and its European design gives it both form and function. This is an investment for sure, but a fantastic option for most home kitchens.
