Exploding Pressure Cookers and What You Need to Know

Now that everyone is stuck at home for the foreseeable future due to the widespread stay-at-home order issued by the Governor of Illinois, more and more people are cooking instead of going out to eat. Many families went from cooking one meal per day at home to cooking multiple meals per day.

For people who are new “home chefs,” this can be a recipe for disaster. Fire departments across the state and the country are reminding residents about home cooking safety tips and warning that there could be an uptick in residential fires. And, pressure cookers received as Christmas or birthday gifts are being opened and used for the first time.

Pressure cookers have been known to explode and it’s been happening for years. How do you know if yours is safe? What should you do if your pressure cooker explodes? First and foremost, it’s important that you seek medical care and then consult with an experienced Chicago product liability attorney.

Can pressure cookers explode?

Pressure cookers can explode for many reasons, including being overfilled, using oil improperly, and vents being clogged. These are all preventable reasons by the user. A pressure cooker can also explode due to a malfunctioning or defective part. There could be cracks in any area of the pressure cooker that, if not found before using, could lead to an explosion.

Injuries caused by exploding pressure cookers

As you might imagine, the injuries caused by exploding pressure cookers can be devastating. Some common injuries include the following:

• Burns
• Electrocution
• Amputation due to infection
• Bleeding
• Cuts
• Scalds
• Scarring
• Blindness
• Disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Which pressure cookers are exploding?

There have been multiple reports of pressure cookers exploding all across the country in recent years and it’s not limited to just one specific brand. Some of the pressure cookers that have been involved in exploding incidents include the following:

• Tristar Power Pressure Cooker XL
• Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker
• InstaPot
• Crofton Chef’s Collection 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker

How to protect yourself when using a pressure cooker

If you have a pressure cooker that has not been recalled or known to be dangerous, or you simply still want to use yours, it’s important to be as cautious as possible. You must take the following precautions when using your pressure cooker:

• Check the cooker for damage before each use
• Clean the cooker after each use
• Follow the recipe to a ‘t’
• Prepare for certain foods to block vents and valves (pasta, oatmeal, cranberries, etc.)
• Follow the directions from the manufacturer to release pressure properly

Steps to take if injured in an explosion

Should you suffer injuries in a pressure cooker explosion, be sure to take the following steps to protect yourself:

• Turn off the pressure cooker
• Unplug the pressure cooker
• Seek medical care immediately (hospital for burns)

If you suffer an injury, you are likely within your rights to file a lawsuit against the product manufacturer for product liability. You can claim damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages (if you wind up missing work due to your injuries), and future medical costs.

Injured by a pressure cooker that exploded in your home? These injuries can be devastating, especially if you suffered burns to your face. A Chicago personal injury attorney from the Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers will be able to answer your questions. To speak to one of our attorneys, please call 312-600-9585 or complete our contact form.