I will admit I was extremely nervous about using a pressure canner, but I wanted to try canning items you can't using the water bath method. I made salsa verde just to test it out and it was SO easy to use. I did not have a single issue using it, instructions were easy to follow and I'm looking forward to being able to make sauces and can other vegetables from my garden this fall. It is well made and, as expected, it is is heavy and large. It can be used as a pressure cooker, but I have not and more than likely will not use it for that purpose as I wanted it solely for canning.