An alleged defect in pressure cooker devices may cause them to explode when the lid is opened, causing severe burn and scald injuries to consumers. This article provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pressure cookers.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one suffered a severe burn or other injury 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 compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
What is a Pressure Cooker, and How Does it Work?
Electric pressure cookers are designed to prepare slow-cooked meals faster than traditional cooking methods. The appliances work on a simple principle: steam pressure. A sealed pot, with a lot of steam inside, builds up high pressure, which helps food cook faster. Pressure cookers come in a variety of sizes including 8 quart, 10 quart and 12 quart.
What Can You Cook?
Almost anything can be prepared in a pressure cooker: eggs, rice, chicken, roast, eggplant, enchiladas, beans, chickpeas, braised beef, lentils…the list goes on. You can find hundreds of pressure cooker recipes on Pinterest.
Are Pressure Cooker Safe?
Lawsuits have alleged that pressure cookers can explode without warning, leading to severe burns, scald injuries and property damage. The suits further claim that pressure cookers have inherent design flaws, and accuse manufacturers of selling a defective appliance.
What’s the Problem with the Tristar Power Pressure Cooker XL?
Although there have been problems reported with many different types of pressure cookers, the Power Pressure Cooker XL made by the “As Seen on TV” company Tristar Products, Inc. has been to dozens of injury reports and is the subject of at least two recent lawsuits (see below).
Which Pressure Cookers Been Recalled?
- About 900 QVC Electric Pressure Cookers were recalled in 2006 over reports the appliances could explode. At least 37 people were seriously injured, including four people who had third-degree burns.
- Nearly 40,000 Manttra Pressure Cookers were recalled in 2007 because the lid didn’t seal completely while being operated. Two people were burned, according to the CPSC.
- Also in 2007, the Home Shopping Network recalled about 8,300 Bella Cucina “Zip Cooker” Low Pressure Cookers after eight consumers reported burn injuries from exploding food.
- About 1,140 Instant Pot Pressure Cookers were recalled in July 2015 due to the risk of electrical shock. Three consumers reported being electrocuted.
- About 35,000 Breville Slow Cookers were recalled in December 2015 because hot steam and food could escape from the appliances. At least 5 people experienced second-degree burns as a result of the problem.
- Aldi in August 2017 issued a worldwide recall for its “CROFTON” Chef’s Collection saucepan 6L Pressure Cooker over concerns that a potentially defective lid may cause severe burn and scald 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.
Are Lawsuits Being Filed?
Yes. In June 2015, a woman from Texas who was allegedly burned by exploding pinto beans from a defective Tristar Pressure Cooker XL filed a products liability lawsuit against Tristar. Another lawsuit filed the same month in the Southern District of Florida alleges that a Tristar Pressure Cooker XL exploded, causing third-degree burns to a couple nearby.
Do I Have a Pressure Cooker Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in pressure cooker lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new pressure cooker explosion cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one suffered a severe burn or other injury 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 suit and we can help.