What are Examples of Common Pressure Cooker Defects?

As consumers, we expect the products we buy to be thoroughly inspected and tested prior to reaching retail shelves. Even though agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) do a good job of monitoring these processes, harmful and defective products still routinely get lost in the shuffle–one big example of this is household appliances such as pressure cookers. 

Anytime you combine metal, pressure, and electricity, you increase the chances of explosions, burns, and scalds. Pressure cooker accidents account for a large number of injury claims each year, and these are typically attributed to a defect with the product themselves. Let’s take a look at some of the most common pressure cooker defects: 

What Defects Have Commonly Been Cited in Pressure Cooker Injury Claims? 

There are numerous models of pressure cookers that are manufactured by a number of different companies, but certain defects are more common than others, such as: 

Defective Gaskets 

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A gasket is a type of seal that helps prevent leakage by filling the space between two surfaces, and they are usually made of rubber. They are commonly seen in car engines and other machinery, but most pressure cookers feature them as well. If they are frayed, cracked, or compromised in some way, they may not seal correctly, which can cause the pot to open while cooking and either explode or release scalding hot steam. 

Faulty Lid Lock Mechanisms 

Nearly all pressure cookers feature some type of mechanism that locks the lid in place while the device is in use. If this mechanism is defective, it may cause a number of potentially serious accidents, one of which is the spillage of hot food or liquid. 

Poorly Designed or Faulty Ventilation Systems 

Every pressure cooker needs to have a good ventilation system in place, in order to properly regulate the pressure and release it when it is not in use. Whenever the ventilation system is defective, it significantly increases the chance of an accident.

Loose or Defective Pot Seals  

Cookers typically have some kind of seal that keeps the pot in place, but occasionally they are loose or not installed properly, which can cause boiling-hot contents to either spill outwards towards the consumer or inwards into the pot itself, leading to further complications. 

Examples of Pressure Cooker Brands and Models That are Facing Claims 

There are certainly more options for pressure cookers than ever before, but unfortunately some models have experienced more problems than others–here are some of the most common products and brands that have been cited in pressure cooker claims: 

• Instant Pot Gem and Instant Pot Smart 60 cookers 
• Tristar cookers, specifically their Power Pressure Cooker XL 
• Cuisinart brand cookers 
• The NuWave pressure cooker
• The Fagor pressure cooker

Questions? Contact Pressure Cooker Attorneys at Van Law Firm 

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There are an infinite number of accident risks all around us, but the products we buy should not be one of them. If you have questions regarding a potential pressure cooker claim, simply contact the Van Law Firm office nearest you as soon as possible. Our award-winning team of pressure cooker injury attorneys can review your claim and formulate the best plan of action to help you recover the most compensation possible. Call today for more information.