North County San Diego Injury Lawyers
Instant Pot multicookers have become extremely popular over the last year, but do they pose a risk of burn injury? Articles have emphasized that the pressure cookers can make almost anything, from stews to wines. However, according to a recent report from WebMD, certain Instant Pot models may have a safety defect that could result in the unit overheating and, ultimately, starting a fire. If you own an Instant Pot and regularly use it to make dinner in Rancho Bernardo, do you need to stop using the pressure cooker altogether? We will discuss the recall associated with defective pressure cookers and how the defect could cause burn injuries.
Getting the Facts About the Recalled Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker
According to the report, the problem exists in some models of the Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicooker. Many were sold at Walmart and by other popular retail outlets, and they are now being recalled. Double Insight, the company that currently imports these Instant Pot models from China, has received to date more than 100 separate reports of the Instant Pot “overheating and melting on the bottom.” In at least five cases, consumers have sustained property damage. An overheating kitchen device can pose a serious risk of burn injuries and fire damage to your home.
It is important to learn whether you have an Instant Pot model that is subject to the recall. How can you know for certain? There is a code located in the lower right corner of a label on the bottom of the device. Look in the area where the label says “Date,” and if it has any of the following codes, you should immediately stop using it and return it to receive a free replacement device:
- 1728;
- 1730;
- 1731;
- 1734; and/or
- 1736.
As we mentioned, if one of these codes appears on the bottom of your Instant Pot, you should unplug it and take it into the store for a free replacement.
Is This Recall a Reason to Worry About Suffering Injuries as a Result of Using Your Instant Pot?
Given the popularity of these kitchen devices, a recent article in The New York Times urged consumers not to jump to conclusions about the risks associated with Instant Pot use. As that article says, “If headlines about an ‘Instant Pot recall’ or an ‘Instant Pot meltdown’ have been making you anxious, there’s reason for relief.” The article goes on to contend that “your beloved pressure cooker is probably fine.” But is that really true?
We do not know exactly how many devices are subject to the recall. What we do know, however, is that more than 100 reports have already been received about the safety defect, and even more people own Instant Pots. Over the 2017 Black Friday and holiday sales season, the Instant Pot “was among the top five items sold by Amazon and Target. At Kohls, the Instant Pot was in the top three sellers, and the company Instant Pot reports that its “sales have more than doubled every year since 2011.” In other words, a lot of Instant Pots have been sold, and they could pose burn dangers.
Contact a Rancho Bernardo Burn Injury Lawyer
If you sustained burn injuries caused by a defective product or by another party’s negligence, a Rancho Bernardo burn injury attorney can help. Contact the Walton Law Firm today to discuss your case with a dedicated attorney.
See Related Blog Posts:
Preventing Injuries from Defective Electronics in San Diego
Preventing Holiday Home Fires in Riverside County
(image courtesy of Paolo Bendandi)
