Pressure cookers have long been popular in kitchens and known for their convenience and efficiency. However, the popularity of electric pressure cookers, like that of Instant Pots, has increased safety concerns and lawsuits. This blog post investigates the technical and design flaws that have given rise to these concerns.
The Instant Pot Explosion Phenomenon
Instant Pot explosions are now widely associated with the malfunctioning of these popular kitchen appliances. They cause the lid to blow off, ejecting hot food and liquids. Besides Instant Brands (the manufacturer of Instant Pot), several other brands have been implicated in lawsuits due to these malfunctions.
Other brands named include Crock-Pot, Bella, Breville, and many others. Lawsuits allege that these products have defective designs, such as faulty silicone rings, safe-lock lids, sensors, and pressure valves. These fail to prevent the device from opening under pressure.
Design Flaws Causing Explosions in Instant Pots
The flaws in Instant Pots undermine the safety mechanisms intended to regulate pressure and temperature. When any of these components fail, pressure builds up uncontrollably, potentially leading to dangerous explosions.
Faulty Seals and Gaskets
Gaskets are similar to the rubber rings that seal the lid of an Instant Pot. Consider them the barrier between the inside and outside of the pot. Steam may leak if this seal is damaged, worn, or improperly seated. This leakage reduces pressure inside the pot, resulting in sudden and unexpected bursts of steam, similar to popping a balloon. This sudden release of pressure can be dangerous because it causes hot liquid and food to splatter.
Inadequate Automatic Temperature Control
The Instant Pot contains a complex system of sensors and controllers designed to regulate temperature and pressure. This system is intended to provide a safe cooking environment by adjusting the heat and pressure as needed.
However, any component of this system may malfunction. For example, a sensor may misread the temperature, or a controller may fail to adjust the heat properly. In such cases, the pot overheats. Overheating causes a sudden increase in pressure, causing the pot to explode, like a pressure cooker without a relief valve.
Lid Locking Mechanism Defects
Consider being unable to open a jar until you hear a click. This is similar to how the Instant Pot’s lid-locking mechanism works. It is a safety feature that keeps the lid tightly shut while pressure builds inside. Typically, this mechanism includes a locking pin or latch that prevents the lid from opening until the pressure is released.
Yet, if the latch breaks or it has a weak locking pin, the lid may fail to close securely. This can cause the lid to unexpectedly pop open while there is still pressure inside. In such a scenario, users experience a sudden release of steam and content.
Pressure Release Valve Failure
The pressure release valve is a critical safety feature in an Instant Pot that allows excess steam to escape. The valve restricts pressure from reaching extreme levels. It consists of a spring-loaded mechanism that opens when the pressure inside the pot exceeds a predetermined threshold.
If this valve gets blocked, steam cannot escape, causing pressure inside the pot to rise uncontrollably. Eventually, the increased pressure can overcome the pot’s structural integrity, leading to an explosion.
Moreover, repeated use can cause the lid’s components, especially the sealing ring, to deteriorate over time. This wear and tear can affect their ability to form a secure fit between the lid and the pot. Hence, it compromises the device’s safety.
Read more about 6 Warning Signs That You Need Appliance Repair.
The Consequences of Defective Electric Pressure Cookers
The explosions from Instant Pots can have serious implications, including:
- Burn injuries: Exploding pressure cookers cause second and third-degree burns that require intensive medical care. Victims experience significant pain and scarring, and recovery often necessitates lengthy treatment.
- Electric shocks: Inadequate insulation materials can result in electric shocks upon touching the pressure cooker
Legal actions have sought compensation for victims’ medical expenses and lost income due to time off work. It also covers claims for other damages resulting from pressure cooker accidents. These lawsuits seek to alleviate financial burdens resulting from injuries.
In response to the escalating incidents, manufacturers have issued pressure cooker recalls to address safety concerns. These recalls are intended to prevent future accidents and protect consumers from harm.
To conclude, while electric cookers have many advantages, certain design flaws can result in dangerous situations. According to TorHoerman Law, if you have been injured by such explosions, you should seek medical attention and legal advice. A law firm with extensive experience handling defective product injuries can provide a free case evaluation. They can guide you in getting the financial compensation you deserve.
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