Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker Review
Get an honest review of the popular pressure cooker
We’re back with another in our series of non-Instant Pot pressure cooker reviews — we started with the Power Pressure Cooker XL, a real stand-up pressure cooker with most of the versatility a home chef needs and some incredibly spacious sizes.
This time, we review the Helix Ezlock Multi-Setting Pressure Cooker from Fagor, a professional and commercial kitchen equipment manufacturing company. You should know that while you can still find Fagor kitchen appliances online — mainly on Amazon and through big retailers like WalMart and Bed, Bath, and Beyond — the North American branch of the company apparently closed its doors in mid-2018.
Based on publication dates, it looks like the Helix pressure cooker might’ve been the last product released under Fagor America.
Fagor America’s parent company, Fagor Electrodomésticos, still operates out of Spain. According to blogger Mike Vrobel of DadCooksDinner, Fagor America re-emerged as Zavor with a fully rebranded line of products.
Anyway, enough about the trials and tribulations of Fagor-turned-Zavor: Onto that review!
Updated: 10/16/21
Quick Highlights
Overview
The Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker is pretty basic: It features two pressure settings (high and low) and doesn’t have any pre-set smart cook settings, unlike all of the Instant Pot models and the Power Pressure Cooker XL.
The Fagor does, however, offer unique versatility in that the stainless steel pot doubles as stovetop-appropriate cookware. The product comes with both a pressured, locking lid and a tempered glass lid. When you swap the pressured lid for the glass lid, you can use the Fagor as a regular stovetop pot.
Additionally, the Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker comprises all of the safety features any home chef would need, as well as an ergonomic design for super easy handling.
Features & Specs
EZLock Lid
According to Amazon buyers, the EZLock lid and ergonomic handle are a number-one reason for purchasing the Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker. The lid is equipped with a universal locking system that allows you to easily lock the lid into place at any position, no alignment needed.
Dual Pressure Setting
The Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker pales in comparison to even the most basic Instant Pot model with just two pressure settings and no smart pre-set, one-touch cook modes. With the Fagor Helix, you can only choose from high (15 psi) and low (8 psi). This may be enough versatility if you’re pretty well-versed in pressure cooking and feel confident choosing between low and high, but may present some confusion if you are used to one-touch cooking.
Stovetop Versatility
Despite its lacking in the pressure setting department, the Fagor Helix does offer unique versatility in that it’s stovetop-appropriate with the right lid. When you purchase a Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker, it comes with both a pressured lid and a tempered glass lid. To cook on any stovetop, including an induction stovetop, simply use the tempered glass lid in place of the pressured lid.Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator in the Fagor Helix features two settings: release and clean. These are basic functions, but really all you need for an effective pressure cooker.
18/10 Stainless Steel
The Fagor Helix features beautiful food-grade stainless steel that’s non-stick and easy to clean. If you buy the Zavor EZLock Pressure Cooker version, it also comes with an 18/10 stainless steel steaming basket and trivet.
Triple Safety Valve System
If anything, the Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker is safe. It features a triple safety valve system, plus a safety lock on the lid handle that won’t unlock until pressure has been released. Also, the pressure release is automatic, so no need to worry about your Fagor exploding.
Quick Cooking Times
This is usually a given (and an expected feature) for pressure cookers, but it’s worth calling out for the Fagor Helix because it goes to show that you don’t need a million fancy features if all you want to do is cook dinner quickly. According to a Sears product description, the Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker features the following cook times:
- Risotto in 7 minutes
- Meatballs in 4 minutes
- Chicken soup in 15 minutes
- Cheesecake in 30 minutes
That’s pretty in line with the cooking times Instant Pot offers!
Available Sizes
The Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker is available in the following sizes: 6qt, 7.4qt, 8qt, 10qt, 12.7qt.
6qt
Great for small families of 3-5 people.
7.4qt
Ideal for medium-sized families of 5-6.
8qt
Also a good choice for groups of 5-6 people.
10qt
Perfect for large families of 8 or more.
Pros vs Cons
Easy to use and simple
If you love simplicity, you’ll love the Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker. Its simple settings and ergonomic design make this appliance ideal for basic cooking.
Stovetop versatility
My favorite thing about the Fagor Helix is its ability to turn into a regular stovetop stainless steel pot.
Available in multiple sizes
The wealth of size options means there is a Fagor Helix (or Zavor EZLock) for every family.
Safety features
You can cook confidently in your Fagor Helix knowing that the safety valve and locking systems will keep your food, kitchen, and family safe.
Only two pressure settings
High and low pressure may be enough for some home chefs, but for many, this small offering will be a turn-off to the Fagor Helix.
No smart pre-set cook settings
If you want to make more advanced meals without the hassle of researching the appropriate pressure settings and cook times for particular foods, you won’t enjoy the fact that the Fagor Helix doesn’t offer any smart one-touch cook settings.
Only available through third-party sellers
Because of the aforementioned closure of Fagor and its re-emergence as Zavor, you can only purchase the Fagor Helix through retailers like Amazon and WalMart. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but some consumers prefer to buy directly from a company. In this case, you’d have to buy from Zavor.
Fagor Helix Pressure Cooker
