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June 2022 – Michelle Havens and Elsie Wilkerson filed a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois claiming Instant Pot electric pressure cookers contain defective lid-locking assemblies. The suit alleges the defect allows lids to open during normal use while contents are under pressure, causing eruptions that have scalded consumers with second and third-degree burns since at least 2016.
Multiple Models Affected
The class action identifies numerous Instant Pot models as defective: IP Duo Series, Lux Series, Viva Series, Duo Plus Series, Duo Evo Plus, Duo Crisp, Duo Nova, Nova Plus, Smart WiFi, DUO SV, Ultra Series, and Max Series. These represent the majority of Instant Pot products sold since September 2013.
The Lid-Locking Defect
According to the lawsuit, the safety mechanisms that should prevent the lid from opening while under pressure fail during normal use. Users who assume pressure has been released find they can easily rotate and remove the lid, only to have scalding contents violently erupt.
The 100-Pound Standard
Industry safety standard UL 136 requires that pressure cookers be manufactured so the lid cannot be opened by gradually applying force of 100 pounds or less when pressure remains inside. The lawsuit alleges Instant Pot products fail to meet this standard despite marketing claims about safety compliance.
Consumer Complaints Since 2016
The class action cites years of consumer complaints posted on Amazon describing explosions and burn injuries. One March 2016 complaint stated: “Your pot malfunctioned. I opened the lid and hot soup splashed out of the pot all over me. I was seen in the ER and have 2nd degree burns all over my chest.”
The August 2016 Incident
Another user reported in August 2016: “I had the machine in soup mode, and it was cooking for several hours. The machine let me know when it was fine, and I opened the lid. And when I did, a forceful blast occurred. Food and steam shot out of the machine. I suffered severe second- and third-degree burns.”
At Least 80 Individual Lawsuits
Beyond the class action, at least 80 individual lawsuits have been filed by people seriously injured by Instant Pot explosions. Lawyers report awareness of at least 177 people who suffered burn injuries when their Instant Pot pressure cookers exploded.
The April 2022 Alabama Case
In April 2022, Richard Riggs Jr. filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama after being burned when his Instant Pot Duo 60/80 opened while still under pressure. The lawsuit alleged the lid was removable with built-up pressure, heat, and steam still inside, causing scalding contents to be projected onto him.
New York Lawsuit Filed September 2022
A New York man filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in September 2022 after purchasing an Instant Pot Duo from Amazon in April 2018. On October 25, 2019, he was able to easily open the lid when dangerous pressure remained inside, suffering serious burns.
Children Burned by Explosions
Multiple lawsuits involve parents whose young children suffered massive burn injuries after pressure cookers exploded. In one September 2017 complaint, a user reported: “The pressure was released, and my husband opened the lid. The pressure apparently was not released, and the lid exploded off and hot sauce severely burned my husband’s face and arms, my grandson’s face, and my shoulder and neck.”
Instant Brands Bankruptcy
Instant Brands filed for bankruptcy in June 2023 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. An automatic stay order was issued, complicating ongoing litigation for burn victims.
Lawsuits Against Retailers
Because of the bankruptcy, plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Costco who sold the defective pressure cookers. A July 2024 Minnesota lawsuit against Target alleged the store sold an Instant Pot Duo Crisp with a defective float switch that allowed the lid to open while pressurized.
The 2017 Design Change
Around October 2017, Instant Brands designed a new locking pin assembly construction to remedy the issue. However, the lawsuit alleges the company never recalled earlier defective models or offered customers exchanges for safer versions.
Knowledge of Competitor Lawsuit
The class action notes that Instant Brands “knew, or should have known” about a lawsuit against competitor Tristar Products involving a substantially similar pressure cooker with the same defect. That case resulted in a settlement in August 2018.
Widespread Burns From Sticky Contents
Burn injuries from pressure cooker explosions are often widespread and severe because scalding steam, liquids, and sticky food fly everywhere. Victims report burns covering large portions of their bodies, requiring extensive emergency treatment and often leaving permanent scarring.
Second and Third Degree Burns
Second degree burns damage outer skin and underlying tissue, causing blisters and severe pain. Third degree burns destroy all skin layers, often requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent disfigurement.
The Marketing Deception
Instant Pot was marketed as having numerous safety features—especially a locking lid—that would prevent the explosions that plagued traditional stove-top pressure cookers. The lawsuit alleges these safety claims were misleading and put consumers directly in harm’s way.
Failure to Warn
According to the class action, none of the information available to consumers—including advertisements, websites, or external packaging—disclosed that the pressure cookers were defective and unsafe. Instant Brands allegedly concealed the defect while continuing to sell millions of units.
Breach of Safety Promises
Selling pressure cookers with defective lid-locking mechanisms that allow super-heated contents to explode onto unsuspecting users violates fundamental product safety expectations. Consumers relied on advertised safety features that failed catastrophically.
Contact an Attorney
If you or a family member suffered burn injuries from an exploding Instant Pot pressure cooker, contact a product liability attorney immediately. Preserve the device exactly as it is after the incident, photograph all burn injuries and the pressure cooker thoroughly, save all medical records documenting treatment, and keep purchase receipts and all communication with the manufacturer or retailers.
References
1. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/household/instant-pot-class-action-claims-dangerously-defective-lid-poses-burn-risk/
2. https://www.classaction.org/blog/instant-pot-pressure-cookers-can-erupt-when-opened-class-action-claims