Pressure Cooker Lawsuit in 2024 (Latest Updates)

Quick Summary

• Electric pressure cookers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances of the past few years. With the ability to cook hot food quickly and easily, they have been flying off the shelves of major retailers and advertised heavily on TV.
• Unfortunately for many consumers, many of these instant pot pressure cookers have turned into exploding nightmares.
• When a defective pressure cooker explodes past its boiling point, it can harm anyone within the vicinity. This includes not only the adult user but also children and pets.
• Defective pressure cooker detonations are serious and we have found that almost all of our clients needed to visit the Emergency Room at their local hospital to be treated for burn injuries.

Pressure Cooker Injury Lawsuit Filed Against Instant Brands for Instant Pot Explosion

June 5, 2023 - According to a PRNewswire publication from 2023, a nationwide product liability law firm has filed a pressure cooker lawsuit against Instant Brands alleging that the Instant Pot Programmable Smartcooker is defective and causes burn injuries, despite its numerous safety features [1]. The lawsuit was filed on Mar. 29, 2023, on behalf of Plaintiff Suzette Wilder.

According to the lawsuit, the electric pressure cooker lid is removable even if there is still pressure and steam inside. The Complaint states, "When the lid is removed under such circumstances, the pressure trapped within the unit causes the scalding hot contents to be projected from the unit," which can burn users and anyone nearby.

Wilder claims she suffered burn injuries due to the Instant Pot pressure cooker explosion.

As stated by the CPSC in their 2023 notice, the lawsuit noted that there have been design flaws with the Instant Pot Smart-60 brands of pressure cookers. The CPSC posted a recall of more than 1,000 Smart-60 brands of pressure cookers due to consumers being shocked by the defective pressure cookers [2].

The recalled products were sold online and at JCPenney, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and Target stores nationwide from September 2015 through September 2020 for between $30 and $70 for the electric pressure cookers and for between $8 and $18 for the stovetop brand pressure cookers.

If you purchased a pressure cooker that is affected by this recall, you should stop using it immediately and contact Sensio for a refund.

This recall began on August 10, 2023.

The CPSC Recall Number for these items is 23-256.

Pressure Cooker Injuries & Loss

The National Center for Biotechnology and Information studies from 2023 specified numerous different injuries to pressure cooker explosions [3]. Below are a few:

• Serious burns
• Hot steam burns
• Second-degree burns
• Third-degree burns
• Eye injuries and blindness
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Scalds
• Permanent scarring
• Disfigurement
• Kitchen and/or property damage

List of Pressure Cooker Manufacturers

Our lawyers are currently accepting new pressure cooker lawsuits from any manufacturer. The list below is just a partial list of some of the most popular pressure cookers.

There are hundreds of different pressure cooker brands sold online and through Amazon.

Again, if you have been the victim of exploding pressure cookers, we would like to speak with you.

• ALDI Chef’s Crofton Collection
• Bella Pressure Cooker
• Bella Cucina “Zip Cooker”
• Bene Casa Pressure Cooker
• Breville Fast Slow Cooker
• Chef di Cucina
• Cook’s Essentials
• CopperTech PressurePro
• Crock-Pot Pressure Cookers
• Crux Pressure Cooker
• Cuisinart Pressure Cooker
• Elite Bistro Pressure Cooker
• Ginny’s Pressure Cooker
• Geek Chef
• Healthy Cuisine
• Instant Pot
• Maxi-Matic
• Manttra Pressure Cooker
• Maxam Pressure Cooker
• Mirro Pressure Cooker
• Multi-Cookers
• Nuwave & Nutri-Pot Pressure Cookers
• Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker
• Philippe Richards Pressure Cooker
• Power Pressure Cooker XL
• Precise Heat Pressure Cooker
• Prestige Pressure Cooker
• Power Quick Pot
• QVC Electric
• Tabletops Unlimited (Philippe Richard)
• Tower Pressure Cooker
• Tristar
• Ultrex sold by HSN Television Network
• Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker
• Instant Brands Inc.

Pressure Cooker Recalls

As stated in the USA Today 2023 article, there have been several recalls for defective pressure cooker models [4].

One of the largest was the Power Pressure Cooker XL.

The cooker lids lock into place, trapping all the steam inside. Tristar claims these safety mechanisms force liquid and moisture into solid foods, allowing meals to be cooked “70% faster than conventional ovens.”

According to CBS News, a defect in the steam valve or safety valve safety features allows pressure to build up inside the device without a way of being vented [5].

Although the company maintains the defective pressure cookers have several built-in safety features -- including a lid that won’t open unless all the pressure is released -- consumers have reported that contents of the defective pressure cooker explode, in some cases even when the appliance was unplugged, vented and opened without force.

One consumer even claimed that pressure release valves in the pressure cookers were blocked, making it impossible for the pressure to be released.

Again, there have been a large number of recalls in the United States on exploding pressure cookers. Regardless of whether your pressure cooker has been recalled; if you have been severely burned, scalded, or seriously injured by a pressure cooker explosion, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses by filing a lawsuit.

Best Buy Recalls 930,000 Insignia Pressure Cookers

In Oct. 2023, CPSC stated that Best Buy issued a nationwide recall for approximately 930,000 Insignia pressure cookers over concerns that the appliances can expel burning-hot food and liquid [6].

The problem is that the pressure cooker's inner pot has incorrect volume markings, which could cause users to over-fill the pot, resulting in severe burn injuries.

As of the recall notice, at least 17 people suffered burn injuries. There were also 31 reports of hot food or liquid being expelled from the pressure cookers.

Overfilling the pot could cause “hot food and liquids to be ejected when the pressure cooker is vented using the quick release method or opened while its contents are pressurized,” according to the recall.

This recall affects Insignia Multi-Function Pressure Cookers in 6-qt. And 8-qt. capacities with model numbers NS-MC60SS8, NS-MC60SS9, or NS-MC80SS9.

Also recalled were inner cooker pots with model numbers NS-MCRP6NS9 and NS-MCRP6SS9, sold separately as replacements.

These pressure cookers were sold online and at Best Buy stores nationwide from October 2017 through June 2023 for between $50 and $120.

If you purchased a pressure cooker that is affected by this recall, you should stop using it immediately and register for a free replacement kit online at https://www.recallrtr.com/pc. The kit will include a new inner pot and a floating locking valve for signaling pressure.

What are Pressure Cooker Lawsuits Alleging?

In addition to the above complaints, several other individual pressure cooker lawsuits have been filed alleging that:

• Tristar was negligent in design defects of the pressure cooker lids;
• The appliance fails to prevent the explosion of its contents, even when used as directed;
• The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions with its pressure cooker;
• The materials used in the device’s construction were not suitable for this type of product and use;
• Tristar knew or should have known that their pressure cookers were not fit for use, and
• The company is responsible for consumers’ severe burns, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages experienced as a result of the explosions from pressure cookers.

Pressure Cooker Settlement

A class action settlement is now providing owners of allegedly defective pressure cooker products with express warranty breach and credits toward purchases of new products.

However, if you or someone you know has been injured by one of these appliances, you need to opt out of this class action settlement now and contact our law firm immediately.

Sensio Recalls Pressure Cookers Over Burn Hazard

According to a CPSC notice from 2023, Sensio Inc. has issued a recall for about 860,000 electric and stovetop pressure cookers [7] after the company received at least 63 reports of incidents, including 61 burn injuries, some of which involved second and third-degree burns to the face, torso, arms, and hands.

Pressure cookers affected by this recall include:

Pressure Cooker Lawsuits Filed Over Burns Alleged From Tristar Power Pressure Cooker

October 30, 2017 - Six plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit against Tristar Products, Inc., alleging they were severely injured when the “Built-In Safety Features” of the company’s pressure cooker failed during use.

According to the lawsuit (PDF), all 6 plaintiffs sustained severe third-degree burns as a result of the pressure cooker's lid being rotated and opened while still pressurized, causing its “scalding hot contents to be forcefully ejected from the Pressure Cooker and onto [plaintiff].”

The owner’s manual for the pressure cooker (Model No. PPC-790) describes a lid safety device that “[p]revents pressure build-up if the lid is not closed properly and prevents the lid from opening until all pressure is released,” according to the lawsuit.

A YouTube marketing video featuring culinary expert Eric Theiss assures consumers that, “when your Pressure Cooker is up to pressure, the lid locks on. I couldn't get this lid open if I wanted to.”

Well, maybe you couldn’t get the lid off, Eric, but all 6 plaintiffs in the class action could and were left with catastrophic, potentially life-ending injuries when the pressure cooker exploded.

Damages named in the complaint include:

• Strict liability
• Negligence
• Promotion
• Marketing of the pressure cookers
• Breach of express and implied warranties
• Violation of state consumer protection law.

The lawsuit was filed on September 19, 2017, in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas as In Re: Kenneth Christian, et al. v. Tristar Products Inc. Case Number 170902183.

Texas Woman Files Class Action Lawsuit Over Wolfgang Puck Pressure Cooker Explosions

August 23, 2017 - A Texas woman, who was allegedly injured by hot beans when her pressure cooker exploded, has filed a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.

According to the lawsuit (PDF), Plaintiff Ninfa Vasquez purchased the Power Pressure Cooker XL from an advertisement on TV.

Ninfa used the Power Pressure Cooker XL for the first time on Aug. 2, 2014, and followed all instructions, according to the complaint. She intended to prepare pinto beans for dinner that evening.

Approximately two hours after unplugging the cooker, suddenly and without warning, the cooker exploded, and the pinto beans burst out of the cooker onto Mrs. Vasquez, resulting in extensive and severe burns to her body, the lawsuit states.

Vasquez’s husband rushed her to a local hospital where she was treated for burn injuries for 20 days. She continues to endure severe pain and permanent scarring from the burns, according to the complaint.

Plaintiffs allege that the cooker was not altered in any way before being used to cook food, had been leveled on the countertop, nothing was obstructing or surrounding the device, and nothing had been placed on top of the lid when the pressure cooker exploded.

The lawsuit was filed against Tristar Products, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in June 2015. The plaintiffs are seeking more than $75,000 in damages.

Related Article: AmazonBasics Case

Aldi Recalls Pressure Cookers Over Risk of Burn / Scald Injuries

August 7, 2017 - Aldi has issued a worldwide recall for its “CROFTON” Chef’s Collection saucepan 6L Pressure Cooker over concerns that a potentially defective pressure cooker lid may cause serious injuries to users.

Affected cookers were supplied by H&H Asia Ltd, and sold in Aldi stores across the U.S. and overseas between June 28 and July 21, 2017.

Defective Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawsuit Settlement Information and Statistics

The potential settlement value of a pressure cooker lawsuit depends on the severity of the injuries suffered by the plaintiff. Injuries most commonly sustained in pressure cooker explosions are thermal burns, the settlement value of which is dependent on the severity and location of the burn.

In a typical auto accident case, a first-degree burn has an average settlement range of $25,000 to $75,000. More severe injuries come with bigger potential settlement payouts. For example, the average compensation for a third-degree burn injury in an auto accident case is about $100,000 to $1,000,000.

The average settlement for a defective pressure cooker lawsuit will probably be around $125,000 to $200,000 for 2nd-degree burns and $600,000 to $2,000,000 for third-degree burns. Pressure cooker lawsuits involving facial burns with permanent disfigurement will be at the higher end of the scale.

The study by the National Center for Biotechnology and Information utilized the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to analyze pressure cooker-related injuries treated in US emergency departments from January 2003 to December 2019.

It identified 759 actual injuries, estimating a national incidence of 28,337 injuries during this period.

The analysis of case narratives highlighted four main factors contributing to injuries: burning agent, struck by product, injured while opening, and other causes.

What is the Average Payout in a Pressure Cooker Lawsuit?

The average payout in a pressure cooker lawsuit depends on the extent of the damages suffered by the plaintiff.

While pressure cooker settlement amounts vary on a case-by-case basis, they can average from $25,000 on the low end to over $2,000,000 for the highest settlements.

Most pressure cooker settlements include compensation for medical fees (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other damages.

Pressure cooker lawsuits involving severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and material losses from an exploding pressure cooker could result in higher settlement amounts than those simply involving physical pain and suffering.

Thermal burns are typically the most common injuries resulting from pressure cooker explosions, with the settlement value depending on the location and seriousness of damage.

In most cases, 1st-degree burns range from between $25,000 and $75,000 in auto accident cases, while 3rd-degree burns can range from $100,000 and $1,000,000.

For Instant Pot lawsuits, the average settlement is typically from $125,000 to $200,000 for 2nd-degree burns, and $600,000 and $2,000,000 for 3rd-degree burns.

Lawsuits with more serious injuries, such as permanent disfigurement, can result in greater settlements.

The settlement amounts above are merely estimations based on prior results in other Pressure Cooker Lawsuits and are by no means a guarantee of financial compensation for your Pressure Cooker Lawsuit.

Contact an experienced Pressure Cooker Lawyer at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.

Related Articles:

• Texas Pressure Cooker Lawsuit
• South Dakota Pressure Cooker Attorney
• Tennessee Pressure Cooker Lawsuit

See all related personal injury lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

What Brands of Pressure Cookers Have Been Involved in Lawsuits?

Various brands, including Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, and Tristar, have faced lawsuits due to defective pressure cookers causing injuries. Specific models and recalls can be checked for detailed information.

Are There Any Recalls for Defective Pressure Cookers?

Yes, several pressure cooker models have been recalled due to safety issues. Recalls are typically issued by manufacturers or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Can I Join a Class-Action Lawsuit for Pressure Cooker Injuries?

Yes, if multiple individuals have been injured by the same defective pressure cooker, they may join a class-action lawsuit to collectively seek compensation. An attorney can advise on this option.

Get a Free Pressure Cooker Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of jury trial lawyers focusing on plaintiffs' representation in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new pressure cooker injury cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one suffered severe burns or other serious injuries caused by an exploding pressure cooker, whether or not the pressure cooker has been recalled, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a pressure cooker lawsuit and we can help.

References:

1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnsonbecker-files-lawsuit-against-instant-brands-for-instant-pot-explosion-301886761.html
2. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Sensio-Recalls-Bella-Bella-Pro-Series-Cooks-and-Crux-Electric-and-Stovetop-Pressure-Cookers-Due-to-Burn-Hazard
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37666516/
4. https://reviewed.usatoday.com/cooking/news/pressure-cooker-recall-2023-options-to-shop-after-best-buys-insignia-recall
5. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/woman-warns-of-exploding-pressure-cooker-after-suffering-severe-burns/
6. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Best-Buy-Recalls-Insignia-Pressure-Cookers-Due-to-Burn-Hazard
7. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Sensio-Recalls-Bella-Bella-Pro-Series-Cooks-and-Crux-Electric-and-Stovetop-Pressure-Cookers-Due-to-Burn-Hazard