Affordable Pressure Cooker

[IKilledSanta]

Hey,
I have been failed to grow mushrooms many times in the past 2 years.
My only success was with oysters.
Any other type (including cubes) failed because of contaminations.

I think that my weak link is my Ninja electronic pressure cooker.

I want to get a new one, but I am on a low budget.

Can you help me find an affordable pressure cooker?

I live i. Europe, so i'll have to order one online.
My budget is ~100$, and I need one that can handle at least 2 jars.

I have been looking into Presto.

https://a.co/d/7Yd4SHE

Is it okay to have one without a dial?
How will I know I have reached 15psi?

 

[Varallo]

I used one from IKEA for years and apart from being a bit to small it was cheap and very functional.

 

[Sakkadelic]

Have you tried the PF Tek? It's the most beginner friendly tek that requires no pressure cooking. Check out the freely available videos by Marc Keith on the PF Tek.

 

[Jamie01]

Mine does not have a dial and was the cheapest at a local department store. It’s worked fine for years.

 

[Jamie01]

I also do not pay any attention to what psi it is at because I have done it enough I know what I do works but info is out there somewhere on exact numbers. In your case search for the info on shroomery and mycotopia for pressure cooking without a dial etc.

 

[dreamer042]

That's tiny! I'd recommend 16 qt minimum, 23+ even better. Search pressure canner instead pressure cooker. You might consider checking Aliexpress or Temu and cut out the Amazon middleman.

 

[Nydex]

Just for reference, here's a temp-psi table for sterilization:

 

[IKilledSanta]

Thank you all.
I want to get a good PC, to have better success rate.
Because as for now, I am about to quit.
5 failed attemps, and a lot of money I lost on agar and equipment.

I want a reliable PC, so I am hoping that if I get a small one, it will be ~100$

 

[blig-blug]

I want to get a good PC, to have better success rate.

I can recommend (qualty-wise) the WMF brand pressure cookers. They tend to be on the pricey side, but sometimes can be found for a bit less than 100 euros. A second-hand one may be a good option too, because they are basically indestructible and at most you'll have to change the rubber seal around the lid.

 

[Nydex]

If you can get one with a pressure gauge that goes to higher psi values that would be optimal, since regular kitchenware-grade pressure cookers aren't usually built to sustain very high pressures for long periods of time. The one I had bough was 18L but reached a max safe pressure of only about 7psi and the manufacturer advised that running it for 5+ hours is not recommended and can damage it, so I got afraid that it's gonna blow up on me and sold it so now I'm planning on getting the 23L Presto, but it's like $270 with shipping for me...

All that is to say, look for a pressure canner and not cooker. Canning vessels are tougher, as far as I understand it, and can withstand longer periods of high-pressure work, similarly to autoclaves, which are basically pressure canners on steroids.

 

[IKilledSanta]

If you can get one with a pressure gauge that goes to higher psi values that would be optimal, since regular kitchenware-grade pressure cookers aren't usually built to sustain very high pressures for long periods of time. The one I had bough was 18L but reached a max safe pressure of only about 7psi and the manufacturer advised that running it for 5+ hours is not recommended and can damage it, so I got afraid that it's gonna blow up on me and sold it so now I'm planning on getting the 23L Presto, but it's like $270 with shipping for me...

All that is to say, look for a pressure canner and not cooker. Canning vessels are tougher, as far as I understand it, and can withstand longer periods of high-pressure work, similarly to autoclaves, which are basically pressure canners on steroids.

What do you think about the small Presto PC I linked?

Any Presto can get to 15psi?
And how would i know without a gauge?

 

[Nydex]

What do you think about the small Presto PC I linked?

4 quarts is microscopic. Unless you intend on sterilizing your stuff in very small batches, which I don't see why you would, then go for something bigger.

Any Presto can get to 15psi?

I don't know, this is a question best aimed at Presto themselves. On the Amazon listing you shared they describe it as an electric PC that works at 1000W, which makes no sense considering the photos.

And how would i know without a gauge?

You can't know for sure, but you could trust the manufacturer if they confirm that's the operational pressure (the pressure at which the pressure valve opens automatically and starts releasing pressure, keeping the internal state consistent.

If you really want a bigger, nicer pressure canner, $100 doesn't seem reasonable. And really, you will only purchase this once and use it for decades if you maintain it properly, so my advice would be to wait out a bit, save up more money, and get the Presto 23 quart PC with pressure gauge, as that seems to be what has worked best for Gordo, who is someone that I'm inclined to trust when it comes to growing mushrooms.

 

[doubledog]

Imo you do not need to go so big and buy some behemoth.
If your mushroom consumption is not very high and want only enjoy your hobby, simple 7 litre pressure cooker is enough for your purposes. Even smaller is fine, if you know what you are doing.
Common cheap one without any gauge could serve you well when used together with proper sterilization procedure.
I would advice to do 2-step sterilization: firstly, pre-sterilize your jars with grain inside for 40 minutes, then let it cool 20-24 hours (let jars inside, do not open pressure cooker unless it is cooled), then sterilize it again properly for 60-70 minutes. You need to watch water level, so add water before second cycle.