A popular brand of pressure cookers is manufactured by Fagor America. Fagor America opened their doors in 1992, but they are wholly owned by Fagor, which is headquartered in Spain. As a matter of fact, Fagor is the fifth largest appliance manufacturer in Europe, and they have been in operation since 1954. Fagor America credits themselves with helping launch the resurgence of pressure cooker sales in the US. While popular during the WWII era, pressure cooker sales fell off with the invention of the microwave. Now, people are once again discovering the benefits of cooking under pressure.
Six Pressure Cookers to Choose from
Fagor offers six different pressure cooker lines to choose from. We aim to help you decide which one will be best for you. To be honest, while there are six lines to choose from, I don’t think you will find much difference between a few of them. The Rapid Express and Splendid lines make up the entry level. Duo and Elite step up the warranty, but it isn’t until you get to the Futuro and the Chef lines that you will see a major change.
Rapid Express
The Rapid Express is their most basic and affordable pressure cooker. It has a European belly-shape design. It is very easy to use, but it only has one pressure setting. It has a visual pressure indicator and automatic release valve. It is constructed of durable 18/10 stainless steel. It comes with a ten-year limited warranty. You can use the pressure cooker on any type of heating source: gas, electric, ceramic, and induction are all suitable. It comes in six-quart and eight-quart models.
Fagor Splendid Pressure Cooker
The Splendid line comes with all of the same features as the Rapid Express. It has one pressure setting (15 psi), visual pressure indicator, automatic release valve, and an automatic release system. It uses the same 18/10 stainless steel and also has a ten year warranty. The only real difference is that it is available in four, six, and ten quart versions. There is also an option to buy a five piece set, which will contain either eight and four quart pots, or four and six quart pots. When you buy the set, the lids are interchangeable, so you can use either as a pressure cooker or a regular saucepan. In addition, you can use the ten quart as a canner.
Duo Line
The Duo line of cookers comes with all of the above features but adds two pressure settings, allowing you to set it at either 8 psi or 15 psi. Also, it comes with a stainless steel steamer basket with a trivet. It has the same warranty and is compatible with all heat sources just like the others. It is available in 4, 6, 8, and 10-quart sizes.
The Duo also offers a combo package, allowing you to purchase a five piece set that contains an eight quart and a four-quart pot. It comes with a pressure cooker lid and a glass lid that is interchangeable. It also comes with a steamer/pasta basket. An optional feature available to purchase is a nine piece canning set.
Read: Fagor Duo Combi 5-Piece Review
Elite Pressure Cooker Line
The Elite line comes with most of the same features. It also has two pressure settings 8 and 15 psi. The cooker is available in four, six, and ten quarts. There isn’t much variance from the Duo line, though the handle is a little different. Both come with a steamer basket. You can also purchase a set which comes with eight quart and four-quart pots with interchangeable lids, so either can be used under pressure.
Futuro Line
The Futuro line is where we see some changes. It is still made from durable 18/10 stainless steel construction, and it can be used with any heat type. It comes with a steamer basket that also doubles as a grater. Sizes available are four, six, and ten quart. The design of the handles is different. It incorporates short side handles to help save space.
It also incorporates a triple safety system which features a dual pressure control valve and two independent over pressure release valves. The auto pressure release valve helps reduce food particle buildup, for easy cleaning.
The Futuro line also comes in a five piece set with four and six-quart nesting pots. As with the other models, the lids are interchangeable so you can use either as a pressure cooker or regular stock pots.
Chef Line
Finally, we get to the Chef Line. This is the high end of Fagor’s pressure cookers. It is made in Spain, where they are headquartered. The handle/clamp is completely different from the rest of the models and runs across the entire top. It has a pressure indicator with two distinct positions for high and low. It has an easy auto release mechanism and contains a removable timer.
It is available in six, eight, and ten-quart models. They contain a max line indicator to keep you from overfilling the pot. For safety, the chef cooker employs three security valves that automatically lock the lid while pressure is present. If the lid is not closed properly, the unit will not create any additional pressure.
There you have it! The Fagor Pressure Cooker lineup. Overall, I would recommend the Futuro or the Chef line because I think the safety features are better, you get multiple pressure settings that can be set with a dial, and they are designed for easy cleanup.
GERALDINE GOODIN says
I recently purchased an Elite Pressure Cooker. The basket was not included.
I would like to purchase the steamer basket.
Admin says
Hello,
Please check this item to see if it will work for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Fagor-stainless-steel-steamer-basket/dp/B0007T41GS
Cheryl Falin says
I have the Spendid pressure cooker,and have misplaced the owners manual.
How can I get a new one?
Admin says
You may be able to find your manual here.
Thanks
Urszula J says
Last week I purchased EZlock Pressure Cooker. Why isn’t it included in the above article? Is this model discontinued?
How about Twirlock model?
Admin says
No specific reason. You are correct… those are both current models in their lineup.
Enjoy your new pressure cooker!
Latoya says
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Bryndis Curtin says
I’m looking at the Fagor Innova Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker Set at Kohl’s for $199. How does it compare to the others?
KATIE says
HI,
I have purchased 4 FAGOR Elite Pressure Cookers over the years. I gave the 6 quart to my daughter and it is trouble – free. I kept and used the other 3. The lid mechanism i broke after about 6 years. I then purchased FAGOR Elite 4 qt pressure cooker from Macy,s in August of 2017. This one lasted until late September 2017. The steam vent covering totally shattered. I returned this product and repurchased the 4 quart on 10/02/2017. The steam vent cap part disintegrated last evening 10/31/2017, this time it was just part of the vent. I am taking it back to Macy’s today 11/02/2017
KATIE says
Has FAGOR changed companies who make the lid part?
Linda says
My Fagor Versa 8-in-1 Multi-Cooker, purchased in Sept. 2018 makes horrible yogurt. It does not heat the milk up enough to mix in the starter. And when I do that part separately, after it cooks the 8 or so hours, the yogurt comes out only slightly thicker. Also I have contacted their NJ number and left messages 3 times and have sent several emails requested advice and/or help. NOTHING.
Alex says
Hi, I got a 6l rapid express on Facebook marketplace but the gasket looks to be and the lid got stocked at closing so finally we could open it.
What size gasket does the pot needs? Thank you!
Jill Schneider says
I have a splendid and I want to can salsa in it. Can I do that for salsa or just a water bath.
Tom Abbott says
I have a Fagor pressure cooker. The purple sliding lock has gotten jammed and the locking part has been broken off. How do I obtain a replacement part?i
Deon says
I am in south africa and looking for parts for the rapid express. Can you assist me please
Sandra Tercero-Gio says
I bay a spandid and the válvula for the Handel broke what I can do to get fix
Sabie says
I bought a duo 10 years now
The handle is no good now
Where can I get the cover