The Instant Pot has become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in homes today, with its ability to quickly pressure cook meals in a fraction of the time. But like any pressurized device, Instant Pots do carry risks that have resulted in explosions in rare cases.
So, what recourse do you have if your Instant Pot were to explode and cause injuries or property damage? That is a question many have faced, and it brings up important issues around product liability and corporate responsibility.
Overview of Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker available in various sizes and models. It functions differently than the stovetop pressure cookers of previous generations, which had a reputation for being loud and potentially dangerous.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, it’s helpful to understand the basic principles.
Pressure cookers work by heating liquid such as water, broth, or juice inside a sealed pot. The steam this creates builds up pressure, allowing food to cook much faster than usual while retaining nutrients and flavor.
In general, you’ll want to use about one cup of liquid no matter what recipe you’re following. Sometimes, more or less liquid is needed depending on variables like recipe instructions and amount of food. But one cup provides a good guideline.
The Instant Pot is a modern take on the pressure cooker concept. As an electric device, it aims to be safer and more straightforward to operate than stovetop models. Additionally, many Instant Pot models can slow cook, sauté, and make yogurt. This versatility allows it to replace multiple kitchen appliances.
However, pressure cooking may seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the process. With some basic knowledge and a bit of practice, you’ll soon feel comfortable cooking quickly and easily with your Instant Pot. Don’t let any initial intimidation prevent you from enjoying the benefits of this time-saving appliance.
Challenging Safety Claims: Lawsuits Allege Explosions Despite Assurances
While modern pressure cookers integrate extensive safety features, reports still show that some models can pose risks.
According to TorHoerman Law, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled several popular brands in recent years due to explosion hazards.
Some notable recalls include pressure cookers from ALDI, Bella Cucina Zip, Breville Fast Slow, certain Instant Pot models, Crock-Pot Express, Power Pressure Cooker XL, Tower, and QVC. However, this list is not exhaustive, as some recalls only apply to specific models within larger brands.
Instant Pot explosions, while uncommon, can cause serious burns and injuries when they do occur. According to legal experts, victims may pursue compensation through lawsuits. Injuries reported from such incidents include severe burns ranging from first to third-degree. Factors like spilled food or direct steam contact can contribute to burns.
Incidents can also lead to bacterial infections, which often develop from damaged skin exposed to contaminants. In very rare cases, close explosions can cause blast injuries like damage to the eardrum or internal organs. There is also a risk of cuts and lacerations from any parts or shards ejected. Other potential traumas include broken bones or disfiguration from the pressure shockwave.
Treating injuries from pressure cooker explosions often requires prolonged and costly medical procedures. Common treatments reportedly include skin grafts to replace severely burned dermal layers.
Victims may also require intensive physical therapy for injuries affecting long-term mobility. More severe cases sometimes necessitate invasive surgery for repairs following trauma to organs or tissues.
Victims can seek monetary compensation from manufacturers for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering with proper legal representation. However, preventative research remains key to minimizing such risks in the first place.
Safety Tips for Using an Instant Pot
There are some important things to keep in mind when using an Instant Pot to ensure safe operation.
Secure the inner pot firmly in the appliance base. Add a thin liquid, such as water, broth, juice, or beer. The amount should correspond to the Instant Pot size: 1/2 cup for 3-quart, 1 cup for 6-quart, 1 1/2 cups for 8-quart, and 2 cups for 10-quart. Avoid overfilling beyond 2/3 capacity for pressure cooking or 1/2 for foods like rice and beans.
After browning food using the saute function, be sure to scrape the inner pot to prevent burning. Check that the rubber sealing ring is securely attached to the lid before locking it in place. Ensure the vent knob is sealed properly.
Use the manual or pressure cook button to control the cooking time directly. Don’t rely solely on preset functions, as some may not work as intended. Factor in pressurizing and natural release times in addition to the recipe’s cooking duration.
The countdown time will include pressurizing, cooking, and releasing pressure. It will then switch to a count-up time for food to remain warm in the heated apparatus.
Follow the recipe’s directions for releasing pressure naturally or using a quick release after cooking completes. Taking these precautions can help maximize safety when operating your Instant Pot. Always monitor the appliance during use as well.
FAQs
1. What could lead to an Instant Pot exploding?
A: An Instant Pot or any pressure cooker can potentially explode if it overheats or if the pressure builds up excessively due to a malfunction or misuse. Overheating can occur if the cooker is left unattended for too long or if the heating element is set too high. While safety mechanisms are designed to prevent such incidents, they can sometimes fail, leading to a dangerous situation.
2. Have there been instances of Instant Pots exploding?
A: Yes, there have been reported cases of Instant Pots and other pressure cookers exploding, causing injuries to users. In recent years, the number of such incidents has reportedly increased, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with these appliances. Users are advised to follow all safety instructions and properly maintain their pressure cookers to minimize the chances of an explosion.
3. What is the lawsuit against Tristar pressure cookers about?
A: The lawsuit filed by Johnson//Becker on March 6, 2023, alleges that Tristar Products, Inc. sold a defective pressure cooker model called the Power Pressure Cooker XL. According to the suit, the defective cooker caused severe burn injuries to the plaintiff, Karen Chesney of Morganville, when it malfunctioned. The lawsuit claims that the company failed to ensure the safety of its product, leading to the plaintiff’s injuries.
While the Instant Pot aims to make pressure cooking safer and more approachable, no kitchen appliance is completely risk-free. Following manufacturers’ guidelines and common-sense safety practices can help minimize risks, but the potential for accidents will always exist when dealing with pressurized devices.
For those impacted by Instant Pot explosions, seeking legal recourse may help recover costs from serious injuries. However, prevention is ideally the best approach.
