Pressure cookers promise speed and convenience in the kitchen, but for many unsuspecting consumers, they’ve become the source of serious and painful injuries. Over the last several years, dozens of lawsuits have been filed across the country against major pressure cooker brands due to unexpected explosions, defective safety valves, and faulty locking mechanisms.
These explosions can release boiling liquids and steam, causing severe burns, permanent scarring, and in some cases, life-altering trauma. At McLaughlin Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how dangerous these products can be and we’re here to help victims in Denver, Colorado, understand their legal options when a pressure cooker fails.
Common Injuries Linked to Pressure Cooker Explosions
Most lawsuits center around sudden explosions or malfunctions during normal use. Victims often suffer:
- Second- or third-degree burns to the face, chest, arms, and hands
- Scarring and disfigurement from hot food and liquid
- Eye injuries from steam or flying debris
- Psychological trauma due to the violence of the incident
In almost every case, these injuries occur because the product failed to release pressure safely or opened while still pressurized—violating fundamental safety expectations.
Top Pressure Cooker Brands Named in Lawsuits
While many manufacturers claim their products are safe and equipped with adequate safety features, a growing number of devices have been linked to serious accidents. Here are some of the most frequently sued brands:
- Instant Pot: Perhaps the most well-known electric pressure cooker brand, Instant Pot has faced lawsuits over lid detachment and pressure release failures. Some models are alleged to open while still pressurized, despite safety claims.
- Tristar Power Pressure Cooker XL: One of the most heavily litigated models, the Power Pressure Cooker XL has been the subject of multiple lawsuits claiming design flaws that allow the lid to open under pressure, resulting in violent explosions.
- Crock-Pot Express Pressure Cooker: This brand issued a recall in 2020 after discovering that some lids could detach while the unit was still pressurized. Lawsuits allege that the defect resulted in extensive burn injuries and inadequate warnings to users.
- NutriBullet Magic Bullet Express: NutriBullet has been named in suits involving lid malfunctions and explosions, particularly in cases where pressure release valves failed during cooking.
- Breville Fast Slow Cooker: Though marketed as a high-end pressure cooker, some Breville models have faced complaints about sudden lid detachment and boiling liquid discharge, leading to personal injury claims.
- Other Lesser-Known Brands: Import and off-brand pressure cookers sold through online retailers have also faced legal scrutiny, often due to poor manufacturing quality and lack of proper safety testing. These models may not be certified or tested to the same standards as U.S.-regulated devices.
Why These Lawsuits Are Being Filed
Product liability laws require manufacturers to produce and sell items that are reasonably safe for consumer use. When a pressure cooker malfunctions due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or lack of warning, the injured consumer may have the right to sue for damages.
Lawsuits often allege:
- Defective pressure release mechanisms
- Lids opening while the contents are still under pressure
- Failure to warn users about potential risks
- Inadequate testing before the product was brought to market
In many cases, multiple consumers have suffered injuries from the same model—supporting claims that the problem is systemic and not just a one-time defect.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Pressure Cooker in Denver
If you or someone in your household was injured by a pressure cooker explosion, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Seek medical attention for any burns or injuries
- Preserve the pressure cooker—do not throw it away or attempt repairs
- Take photos of your injuries, the cooker, and the surrounding area
- Keep all receipts and packaging, including the user manual
- Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal rights
The strength of your case depends heavily on evidence—so the more you can document, the better your chances of a successful claim.
How McLaughlin Law Firm Can Help
At McLaughlin Law Firm, we represent victims of defective products throughout Colorado—including right here in Denver. We understand the emotional and physical toll these injuries take, and we’re committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable for the harm they cause.
Our team will help you:
- Investigate whether the pressure cooker was part of a known defect or recall
- Work with product safety experts to build a strong case
- Seek full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent injuries
- Pursue justice through a product liability claim, even if the cooker is no longer on the market
Learn more about our pressure cooker injury services and how we protect the rights of consumers injured by dangerous kitchen appliances.
Contact McLaughlin Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. If your pressure cooker exploded and left you injured, we’re here to help you fight back and recover what you deserve.
