Pressure is mounting on the makers of Instant Pot as users report a dangerous flaw in their kitchen companion. The Duo Nova model once praised for its convenience, now stands accused of turning dinner prep into a hazardous ordeal. With burn victims seeking justice, this lawsuit threatens to boil over. 

Let us look at the simmering controversy bringing heat to America’s favorite multi-cooker.

How Does Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Work?

Instant Pot pressure cookers are a popular multi-function cooking appliance used in homes and commercial kitchens. 

According to Fortune Business Insights, pressure cookers were estimated to be worth USD 5.48 billion globally in 2023. With a forecasted growth rate of 9.90%, they are expected to increase from USD 5.94 billion in 2024 to USD 12.65 billion by 2032. Compared to traditional cooking methods, pressure cookers enable users to prepare dishes faster.

The inner pot holds ingredients and a small amount of liquid, generating steam pressure during the cooking process. People use pressure cookers and other appliances to meet their daily cooking requirements.

The demand for these products is mostly influenced by pot capacity, design material, and cooking time. Modern housekeepers and hotel chefs are turning to multipurpose kitchen appliances to create various meals quickly. As a result, major manufacturers are focusing on offering multifunctional appliances that meet these diverse customer demands.

When using an Instant Pot, the first step is to add ingredients and at least one cup of liquid to the inner pot. Water, broths, sauces, juices, and liquids extracted from food are examples of common liquids. Then, securely attaching the lid creates a sealed cooking chamber. The pressure inside this product increases as it heats up and often reaches 10 to 12 pounds per square inch (PSI).

One important aspect of high-pressure cooking is that it raises the boiling point of the liquid from 212 degrees Fahrenheit to about 239 degrees.  This increased temperature and pressure from trapped steam enable foods to cook much faster than standard boiling or simmering. 

Once the set cooking time elapses, the Instant Pot releases excess pressure through a valve before it is safe to open the lid. The result is tender, flavorful dishes prepared in significantly less time versus conventional cooking methods.

Why Are Instant Pressure Cooker Lawsuits Being Filed

Despite their popularity and so many security measures in place, you might be wondering how it is possible for a pressure cooker to explode. Unfortunately, it can.

Several factors can cause a pressure cooker malfunction and potential explosion. Faulty seals, locks, valves, or ducts meant to regulate steam may fail to function as intended. Improper cleaning allowing obstructions is a risk. 

Defective wiring or inaccurate digital displays in electronic models could also lead to unregulated pressure builds. Due to reported issues, some models have been recalled.

Should an explosion occur due to a defect, serious injuries are possible. According to TorHoerman Law, high-pressure steam and ejected food contents can cause severe burns, lacerations, blindness, and other traumatic injuries. 

People who are nearby are also at risk of burn injuries. In some cases, explosions have resulted in disfigurement or permanent disability. Faulty circuitry may additionally present electric shock or electrocution dangers in appliance models with electrical components.

Those injured by a defective pressure cooker explosion are pursuing legal action for compensation of medical costs and other damages. Lost wages from time away from work due to injuries are being claimed.

Disability, disfigurement, or long-term repercussions could potentially merit financial remedies through a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer. This is possible if negligence regarding defects is found to be a factor.

A Major Lawsuit Against Instant Duo Nova Further Raises Concerns

A recent legal action claims that Instant Brands failed to warn consumers about potential design flaws in their pressure cookers. According to the lawsuit, the company put profits ahead of customer safety. 

A resident of Indiana filed a product liability lawsuit in federal court on January 3, 2023. He asserted that he suffered significant burn injuries when his Instant Pot Duo Nova pressure cooker unexpectedly exploded. The complainant claimed that despite the appliance’s advertised safety features, it was nevertheless easy to remove the lid while the contents were still under pressure. 

This case joins many similar claims against the company, with users reporting explosions and severe scalding incidents.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff’s pressure cooker malfunction occurred in January 2021, resulting in extensive burns and lasting injuries. 

The legal action alleges that the incident stemmed from the failure of the product’s purported “built-in safety features.” The company’s decision not to redesign the cooker despite awareness of safer alternatives was also an issue.

The lawsuit further claims that Instant Brands either knew or should have known about the safety risks associated with their product. However, they allegedly chose to conceal this information from consumers to preserve high-profit margins. 

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of modern pressure cookers and raises questions about manufacturer responsibility in product design and consumer protection.

FAQs

1. Is the Instant Pot being discontinued?

Instant Brands, the manufacturer of Instant Pot, Pyrex, Corelle, and other products, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2023. However, this does not mean the company is shutting down, and the availability of the Instant Pot remains unaffected for now.

2. How much is a pressure cooker settlement?

The amount awarded in pressure cooker settlements can vary widely, typically ranging from $25,000 to over $2,000,000. Usually, these settlements pay for lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and other associated losses. It’s important to keep in mind that every case is different and that the specific facts will determine the settlement amount.

3. Is cooking in a pressure cooker unhealthy?

Cooking in a pressure cooker is actually healthy. The device uses steam to cook food, and its insulated, sealed design prevents nutrient loss by retaining moisture. Additionally, pressure cookers do not require oil, making the cooking process even healthier.

All in all, the mounting legal actions against Instant Pot raise troubling issues about kitchen appliance safety and corporate accountability. As innovative cooking appliances gain widespread adoption, consumers rightly expect reliable protection from harm. 

The product’s failure to live up to promised safeguards threatens public well-being and industry trust. Manufacturers can continue providing conveniences by maintaining open communication on safety standards and responsible oversight. They can also establish procedures to promptly address legitimate quality issues.