A pressure cooker is a sealed container using high pressure and less time, energy, and water than traditional cooking methods to cook food more rapidly. However, pressure cooker injuries are on the rise due to all the defective devices available on the market today.
Most pressure cookers have:
- an inner pot
- a heating unit
- a locking lid
- a pressure release valve
When any of these components malfunction, there is the possibility of spreading the container's scalding contents, releasing shrapnel, or even exploding. Explosions are a direct consequence of design and manufacturing defects.
Common Pressure Cooker Safety Concerns
The steam generated by pressure cookers can be extremely dangerous, as the inside temperature runs approximately 40 degrees higher than the water's boiling point. The following factors increase the risk of explosions:
- Faulty lids and seals - the locked lid should stay in place under pressure and be safely removed once the food is done. When the design is incorrect, the container's contents may spill before exploding all over.
- Deficient gaskets or valves - the user should not be able to open the pot during high pressure; the premature opening of the vessel during high pressure can inflict serious burns.
- Improper venting - the vent should safely relieve pressure before removing the lid.
- Defective or non-existent automatic shut-off function - such malfunctions can cause the container to overheat before exploding.
- Incomplete instructions - when manufacturers fail to display their products' safety features and warnings, consumers can suffer severe injuries.
The problem with newer electric pressure cooker models is that some have been manufactured with faulty designs; since they function at such high temperatures, it is enough to have just one defective part and be in the presence of an accident waiting to happen.
Types and Models of Pressure Cookers
Anyone owning a pressure cooker should check if a recall has been issued for that particular model. Some well-known brands, many of which have reported defects that caused significant dangers to users, include:
- ALDI
- Bella Cucina
- Bistro
- Blusmart
- Breville
- Cook's Essentials
- Crock-Pot
- Crofton
- Cuisinart
- Double Insight (Instant Pot)
- Elite Bistro
- Elite Platinum
- Fagor
- Farberware
- Ginny's
- Gourmia Express Pot
- Instant Pot
- Manttra
- Maxi-Matic
- Ninja Foodi
- NuWave
- Nutrex
- Philippe Richard
- Prestige
- QVC
- Sunbeam Crock Pot
- Tabletops Unlimited
- Tristar
- Ultrex-Brand
- Vasconia
- Wolfgang Puck
Other dangerous kitchen appliances that can explode or cause fires to break out include:
- dishwashers
- microwave ovens
- stoves
- toasters
- refrigerators
- clothes dryers
Reported Injuries Caused by Pressure Cooker Explosions
Burns from the hot contents of the container represent the most prevalent consequence of pressure cooker explosions; however, sometimes the situation can escalate, affecting the consumer, as well as those located in their proximity, in numerous other ways:
- blindness
- concussions
- traumatic brain injuries
- cuts
- fractures
- infections
- blood-loss
- amputations
- scars
- disfigurement
These injuries can require extensive medical care, hospitalization, and even plastic surgery, leaving the victim with permanent marks from the accident.
Compensation for defective pressure cookers may be provided under the following circumstances:
- Improperly manufactured products - concerning production or distribution mistakes
- Inadequately designed products - involving design defects, despite correct manufacturing
- Deficient instructions or warnings - including inappropriate usage directions or warnings of injuries arising from improper use
How Can an Attorney Help With Your Pressure Cooker Explosion Claim?
If you suffered any injuries as a result of an exploding pressure cooker, you have the right to file a lawsuit against any and all parties involved in the distribution chain of the product:
- manufacturer
- retailer
- seller
- distributor
Other liable parties may include designers, contractors, engineers, and consultants. Contact our Miami product liability attorney for legal help. The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary works on a contingency fee basis and does not charge legal costs until obtaining a favorable result on your behalf.