I bought this pressure cooker because a friend of mine owned one and was always using it to cut down the cooking time of some tougher cuts of meat.I have used it 4 times since my July purchase and I am very happy. I have made a batch of split pea soup with ham hocks and it was done in 45 mins. The meat was falling off the bone, just the way I like it. I am still learning to get the correct timing with other cuts of meat but altogether I am satisfied.