Many Americans love their Instant Pot or other pressure cooker appliances. Most of them are safe, prepare delicious meals, and never cause harm. If you are concerned about your pressure cooker, you can visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s page for the latest warnings and recalls.
If an exploding pressure cooker has injured you, you should consult an experienced products liability attorney in Chicago to protect your rights and help you recover compensation you may be entitled to.
Read on to learn more about why pressure cookers explode and how to avoid being injured.
Top Five Reasons Pressure Cookers Explode
Because pressure cookers are designed to contain pressurized steam and then slowly release the pressure once the cooking process is finished, the appliance must be appropriately manufactured to release the steam safely.
The top five reasons pressure cookers explode are:
- Defective locks on the pressure cooker lid. If the lock does not work correctly, a user may be injured when releasing the steam.
- Defective seals. The pressure cooker is designed to be airtight, keeping the steam inside until the cooking is complete. If a seal is not designed correctly or substandard materials are used, it may break and cause an explosion.
- Defective gaskets. A gasket helps seal the pressure cooker, allowing pressure to build up inside. If the gasket is faulty, it can lead to an explosion.
- Defective venting. Depressurization and venting allow the built-up steam to release slowly from the pressure cooker. If the venting malfunctions or is broken, the cooker can explode.
- Defective shutoff valve. Some electronic cookers have an automatic shut-off. If the automatic shutoff fails, the pressure cooker may explode.
Injuries Caused by Pressure Cooker Explosions
Pressure cookers can cause severe injuries. Some injuries that may be caused include burns, eye damage, hearing loss, lacerations, disfigurement, and traumatic brain injuries.
How to Avoid Pressure Cooker Explosion Injuries
Some tips to help avoid being injured by an exploding pressure cooker include:
- Never overfill the cooker. Keep your contents below the maximum fill lines so the food has room to expand.
- Always include liquid when cooking in your pressure cooker.
- Understand the type of food you are cooking and how it responds to pressure. Some foods produce a froth that can clog the steam ports and vents, causing a safety hazard.
- Check the seals and rubber parts of the pressure cooker before each use to ensure they are in good condition. If the seals are missing or look damaged, do not use the cooker.
- Carefully release the pressure after cooking. You may remove the cooker from its power source and let it cool down. Alternatively, you can pour cold water over the lid of the cooker or use the steam release valve.
- Properly disassemble, clean, and store your pressure cooker after each use.
Sometimes, there is nothing the user can do to prevent a malfunctioning or exploding pressure cooker. However, using caution may help avoid some catastrophes.
Contact an Experienced Products Liability Lawyer Today
If an exploding pressure cooker has injured you, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. At Meyers & Flowers, our personal injury lawyers in Chicago have the experience, skills, and resources to help you recover maximum compensation.
Call (630) 394-5189 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.